Steele MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Steele, Missouri.
1. US Highway 61 Arch
HISTORIC STATE LINE LANDMARK
The US Highway 61 Arch is a concrete arch built in 1924 that marks the state line between Missouri and Arkansas in the MO Bootheel. This historical landmark stands as a gateway between the two states along Highway 61. Visitors often stop to take photos at this unique border monument that has stood for a century.
2. Steele Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Steele Historical Museum showcases the rich history of this Missouri Bootheel community that dates back to the late 1800s. Exhibits highlight Steele's development as a railway town and its importance as a crossing point over the Little River Swamp. Visitors can learn about Leonidas Lucilius Steele, the early settler who operated a hotel and mercantile business after whom the city was named.
3. Former Steele Auxiliary Airfield
WWII AVIATION HISTORY
The Former Steele Auxiliary Airfield was constructed by the US Army in 1942 northwest of the city as one of four auxiliary fields serving Blytheville Army Airfield. This historical aviation site was used for B-25 pilot training during World War II before being declared surplus property in August 1946. After the war, local resident James K. Burton obtained a five-year lease on the field to operate a flying school on the property.
4. Gateway Arch
ICONIC NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch is a 630-foot stainless steel monument in St. Louis that serves as Missouri's most recognizable landmark. Completed in 1965, this architectural marvel commemorates the westward expansion of the United States and offers visitors tram rides to an observation deck at its summit. The surrounding Jefferson National Expansion Memorial includes a museum detailing the history of St. Louis and the American West.
5. Missouri Botanical Garden
LUSH HISTORICAL GARDENS
The Missouri Botanical Garden spans 79 acres and is one of the oldest botanical institutions in the United States, founded in 1859. Its diverse horticultural displays include a 14-acre Japanese garden, a climate-controlled geodesic dome conservatory, and numerous themed gardens showcasing plants from around the world. The garden hosts seasonal events, educational programs, and serves as both a tourist attraction and a center for botanical research.
6. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
PREMIER ART COLLECTION
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art houses a comprehensive collection spanning nearly 5,000 years of human creativity from around the world. The museum is particularly known for its extensive Asian art collection, European paintings, and the outdoor sculpture garden featuring large-scale shuttlecocks designed by artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. Admission to the main collection is free, making world-class art accessible to all visitors.
7. Meramec Caverns
SPECTACULAR UNDERGROUND WONDER
Meramec Caverns is a 4.6-mile cave system known for its spectacular formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and flow stones formed over millions of years. The caverns gained notoriety as a hideout for the infamous outlaw Jesse James and his gang in the late 1800s. Today, guided tours take visitors through illuminated chambers including the massive 'Theater Room' with its seven-story 'Wine Table' formation and the multicolored 'Stage Curtain.'
8. Ozark National Scenic Riverways
PROTECTED NATURAL WATERWAYS
The Ozark National Scenic Riverways was established in 1964 as the first national park area to protect a river system. The park encompasses 134 miles of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, known for their crystal-clear springs, blue-green waters, and limestone bluffs. Visitors can enjoy floating, swimming, fishing, horseback riding, and hiking while exploring numerous caves, historic mills, and over 300 springs including Big Spring, one of the largest single-outlet springs in the world.
9. Pemiscot County Historical Museum
COUNTY HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Pemiscot County Historical Museum preserves and displays the rich cultural heritage of Missouri's Bootheel region. Located in nearby Caruthersville, the museum houses artifacts, photographs, and documents relating to the area's agricultural history, river trade, and community development. Exhibits highlight the transformation of the region from swampland to productive farmland and the impact of the Mississippi River on local life.
10. Mississippi River Observation Deck
MIGHTY RIVER VIEWS
The Mississippi River Observation Deck in Caruthersville offers spectacular views of America's most famous river just 11 miles northeast of Steele. Visitors can watch barges and riverboats navigate the mighty Mississippi while learning about the river's crucial role in transportation and commerce through educational displays. The observation area provides excellent photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the power and majesty of this iconic waterway.
11. Century Casino Caruthersville
RIVERBOAT GAMING ENTERTAINMENT
Century Casino Caruthersville offers gaming entertainment aboard a riverboat casino on the Mississippi River. The facility features slot machines, table games, and a restaurant serving regional specialties in a lively atmosphere. This entertainment destination provides a taste of riverboat gambling tradition in a modern setting just a short drive from Steele.
12. Big Lake State Park
WETLAND RECREATION AREA
Big Lake State Park encompasses Missouri's largest natural wetland environment and offers excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. The 635-acre park includes campgrounds, picnic areas, and trails where visitors can spot numerous bird species including herons, egrets, and bald eagles. The park's oxbow lake was formed by a changing course of the Missouri River, creating a unique ecosystem that serves as an important stopover for migratory waterfowl.
13. Dunklin County Museum
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER
The Dunklin County Museum showcases the agricultural heritage and cultural development of Missouri's Bootheel region. Exhibits highlight the evolution of farming techniques, cotton production, and rural life in this fertile Mississippi River Valley area. Visitors can view historical farm implements, photographs, and domestic artifacts that tell the story of generations who shaped this important agricultural region.
14. Reelfoot Lake State Park
EARTHQUAKE-FORMED NATURAL WONDER
Reelfoot Lake State Park preserves a natural lake created by the powerful New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812, located just across the state line from Missouri's Bootheel. This unique ecosystem features cypress trees growing from the water and is home to diverse wildlife including bald eagles, which are celebrated in winter during the park's Eagle Festival. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and interpretive programs that explain the geological and ecological significance of this earthquake-formed lake.
15. Arkansas Northeastern College Performing Arts Center
CULTURAL ARTS VENUE
The Arkansas Northeastern College Performing Arts Center hosts theatrical productions, musical performances, and cultural events just across the state line from Steele. This modern facility serves as a hub for arts education and entertainment for communities throughout the region. The center's season typically includes a mix of student productions, touring shows, and community performances that enrich the cultural landscape of the area.