Worthington MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Worthington, Missouri.
1. Thousand Hills State Park
NATURAL OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Thousand Hills State Park is a popular recreational destination near Worthington offering outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing, and boating on the park's lake. The park also features campsites and picnic areas for day visitors and overnight guests.
2. Gateway Arch National Park
ICONIC ST. LOUIS MONUMENT
Gateway Arch National Park commemorates President Jefferson's vision of a continental nation and St. Louis' role in westward expansion. The 630-foot stainless steel arch serves as the defining monument of St. Louis and offers tram rides to the top for panoramic views. The park also includes the Old Courthouse where the Dred Scott case was heard.
3. Downtown Cinema 8
LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Downtown Cinema 8 provides entertainment options for residents and visitors in the Worthington area. This movie theater shows current films in a comfortable setting. It serves as a cultural hub for the community offering a place to enjoy Hollywood releases.
4. Rebel's Cove Conservation Area
WILDLIFE AND NATURE PRESERVE
Rebel's Cove Conservation Area is a natural preserve offering outdoor recreational opportunities near Worthington. The conservation area features hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities in a serene natural setting. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hunting, fishing, and bird watching in this protected wilderness area.
5. Honey Creek Resort
LAKESIDE VACATION DESTINATION
Honey Creek Resort is a recreational destination located approximately 54.8 km from Worthington. The resort offers lodging, dining, and outdoor activities centered around Rathbun Lake. Guests can enjoy water sports, golfing, and nature trails during their stay.
6. George Washington Carver National Historic Site
HISTORIC SCIENTIFIC LANDMARK
George Washington Carver National Historic Site preserves the birthplace and childhood home of the renowned agricultural scientist and educator. Visitors can explore the 240-acre park which includes a museum, interactive exhibits, and a nature trail. The site honors Carver's legacy as a pioneering scientist who revolutionized agricultural practices in the South.
7. Harry S Truman National Historic Site
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORICAL SITE
Harry S Truman National Historic Site preserves the former home and surroundings of the 33rd President of the United States. The site includes the Truman Home in Independence and the Truman Farm Home in Grandview. Visitors can experience the modest lifestyle of President Truman and learn about his journey from humble beginnings to the presidency.
8. California National Historic Trail
HISTORIC WESTWARD EXPANSION ROUTE
The California National Historic Trail passes through Missouri as part of its 5,000-mile route commemorating the greatest mass migration in American history. Visitors can explore more than 1,000 miles of ruts and traces left by travelers and their overland wagons during the 1840s and 1850s. The trail represents the journey of over 250,000 emigrants who traveled to the gold fields and farmlands of California.
9. Ozark National Scenic Riverways
NATURAL RIVER PRESERVATION
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is home to hundreds of freshwater springs, caves, and historic sites such as Alley Mill. The park protects 134 miles of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, offering opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. Visitors can explore the unique karst landscape featuring some of the largest springs in the United States.
10. Putnam County Museum
LOCAL HISTORICAL COLLECTION
Putnam County Museum showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of Putnam County, where Worthington is located. The museum houses artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the area's development. Visitors can learn about local pioneer life, agricultural history, and significant events that shaped the county.
11. Thousand Hills State Historic Site
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SETTLEMENT
Thousand Hills State Historic Site preserves the remnants of an ancient Native American settlement within Thousand Hills State Park. Archaeological evidence at this site dates back thousands of years and provides insight into prehistoric cultures. Visitors can view artifacts and learn about the indigenous peoples who once inhabited this region.
12. Mark Twain National Forest
VAST WOODLAND RECREATION AREA
Mark Twain National Forest encompasses 1.5 million acres of public land throughout Missouri's Ozark Highlands. The forest offers extensive recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting in a beautiful natural setting. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems featuring hardwood forests, pine stands, glades, and clear-flowing streams.
13. Pershing State Park
WETLAND ECOSYSTEM PRESERVE
Pershing State Park preserves a unique wetland ecosystem along the Grand River, not far from Worthington. The park features boardwalks through marshlands, allowing visitors to observe diverse plant and animal species in their natural habitat. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, and bird watching within this scenic natural area.
14. Long Branch State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Long Branch State Park offers recreational activities centered around the 2,430-acre Long Branch Lake. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and camping in this scenic setting near Worthington. The park also features hiking trails, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout its diverse landscape.
15. Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site
HISTORIC WOODEN BRIDGE
Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site preserves one of Missouri's few remaining covered bridges, built in 1868. The 151-foot bridge is the longest of the four covered bridges remaining in the state and represents an important piece of transportation history. Visitors can view this remarkable structure which once carried traffic across Locust Creek on the Hannibal-to-St. Joseph road.