Sumner MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Sumner, Missouri.
1. Maxie, World's Largest Goose
GIANT ICONIC BIRD STATUE
Maxie is a giant fiberglass statue of a Canadian goose standing 40 feet tall and weighing 5,500 pounds in Sumner, Missouri. The impressive statue was built to celebrate Sumner being designated the capital of wild geese by Governor Christopher 'Kit' Bond in 1974. Visitors can find Maxie at the Sumner Community Park near the corner of Elm Street and Park Drive.
2. Habitat Flats
PREMIER WATERFOWL HUNTING DESTINATION
Habitat Flats is a renowned waterfowl hunting lodge located in Sumner, Missouri. The establishment offers guided hunting experiences in some of North America's most productive waterfowl habitats. Hunters from across the country visit Habitat Flats for its world-class duck and goose hunting opportunities.
3. Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge
MIGRATORY BIRD SANCTUARY
Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a protected natural area near Sumner that serves as a crucial habitat for migratory birds. The refuge encompasses wetlands, grasslands, and forests that support diverse wildlife populations. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, photography, and seasonal hunting activities within the refuge boundaries.
4. Sumner Access
SCENIC RIVER ACCESS POINT
Sumner Access provides public access to the Grand River southwest of Sumner, Missouri. The access point is strategically located between a railroad trestle and the MO 139 bridge. Visitors can use this area for fishing, boating, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Grand River.
5. Goose Festival
ANNUAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
The Goose Festival is an annual celebration held in Sumner to honor the town's connection to wild geese and their famous mascot, Maxie. This community event features food, entertainment, and activities centered around Sumner's identity as the wild goose capital of Missouri. Visitors from surrounding areas gather to participate in this unique small-town tradition.
6. Missouri Great River Road
HISTORIC SCENIC BYWAY
The Missouri Great River Road is a historic byway that passes near Sumner, offering travelers a chance to explore cultural landmarks and natural wonders. This scenic route follows the Mississippi River and showcases the rich history and beauty of eastern Missouri. Travelers can enjoy numerous stops along the way featuring historical sites, river views, and local attractions.
7. Pershing State Park
WETLAND WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
Pershing State Park is located near Laclede, offering a pristine natural area with wetlands and bottomland forest habitats. Visitors can explore hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and camping facilities while observing diverse wildlife. The park preserves a unique ecosystem and is named after General John J. Pershing who was born in the nearby community.
8. Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home
HISTORIC MILITARY FIGURE HOME
The General John J. Pershing Boyhood Home is a historic site preserving the childhood residence of World War I commander General John J. Pershing. This state historic site includes the home, a school building, and exhibits detailing Pershing's life and military career. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about this important military figure who led American forces during World War I.
9. Locust Creek Covered Bridge
HISTORIC WOODEN BRIDGE
Locust Creek Covered Bridge is a historic structure near Linneus that once carried traffic over Locust Creek. Built in 1868, this 151-foot bridge is the longest of Missouri's four remaining covered bridges. The bridge is now preserved as a State Historic Site and provides visitors a glimpse into 19th-century transportation infrastructure.
10. Yellow Creek Conservation Area
NATURE AND WILDLIFE HAVEN
Yellow Creek Conservation Area encompasses over 8,000 acres of diverse habitats including wetlands, forests, and prairie near Rothville. The conservation area offers hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, and hiking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore miles of natural terrain while observing native Missouri wildlife in their natural habitats.
11. Walt Disney Hometown Museum
ANIMATION PIONEER'S ROOTS
The Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline celebrates the early life and influences of animation pioneer Walt Disney. The museum houses a collection of Disney family artifacts and memorabilia in the restored Santa Fe Railroad Depot. Visitors can discover how Disney's childhood experiences in this small Missouri town shaped his creative vision and career.
12. J.C. Penney Museum
RETAIL PIONEER'S BIRTHPLACE
The J.C. Penney Museum honors the life and legacy of retail pioneer James Cash Penney, who was born in Hamilton. The museum displays artifacts and exhibits chronicling Penney's journey from humble beginnings to creating a retail empire. Visitors can learn about Penney's business philosophy and the evolution of American retail through interactive displays and historical photographs.
13. Jamesport Amish Community
TRADITIONAL AMISH SETTLEMENT
The Jamesport Amish Community is Missouri's largest Old Order Amish settlement, offering visitors a glimpse into a traditional way of life. Visitors can shop for handcrafted furniture, quilts, baked goods, and other Amish-made products in local stores. The community provides a cultural experience through buggy rides, farm tours, and opportunities to learn about Amish customs and traditions.
14. Grand River Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Grand River Historical Society Museum in Chillicothe preserves and displays artifacts related to the history of Livingston County and surrounding areas. The museum's collections include Native American artifacts, pioneer items, military memorabilia, and exhibits about local industries. Visitors can explore the region's rich heritage through rotating exhibits, archival materials, and educational programs.
15. Sliced Bread Innovation Center
BREAD-MAKING REVOLUTION SHOWCASE
The Sliced Bread Innovation Center celebrates Chillicothe's claim to fame as the first place where commercially sliced bread was sold in 1928. This interactive museum features exhibits on the invention of bread-slicing machines and their impact on American food culture. Visitors can learn about inventor Otto Rohwedder and how his creation revolutionized the baking industry and gave rise to the phrase 'the greatest thing since sliced bread.'