Things to Do
Explore Southeast missouri
Small Towns. Big Attractions.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled vacation, Southeast Missouri’s small towns have something for you.
Council Bluff Lake
Council Bluff Lake is a lake in the Mark Twain National Forest in Iron County, Missouri. It covers 440 acres. Some areas of the lake are 87 feet deep.
Boat ramps are available for use. Chapel Hill Beach is a sandy, 54,000 square foot beach located in the campground’s eastern section. The lake is encircled by a 12-mile route named Council Bluff Trail (also known as Lake Shore Trail).
Elephant Rocks
Giant, billion-year-old granite boulders stand end-to-end in this park, like a train of red circus elephants. Spend some time reading the names and comments etched into the red granite by miners who worked in the area in the nineteenth century.
Picnic areas, a playground, and flush toilets are available.
The park is off of Route 21, 4 miles north of Pilot Knob.
Johnson's Shut-Ins
Looking for a one-of-a-kind destination for your vacation? Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is rich in history!
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park and the adjacent St. Francois Mountains are special places to visit because of their wilderness traits and geology. Its rugged character makes it ideal for hiking, picnicking, swimming in the shut-ins, discovering nature, or simply resting.
Fort Davidson Historic Site
Arcadia Valley in Iron County is now a tranquil setting in one of Missouri’s most scenic places. However, in September 1864, the valley was the site of one of the state’s largest and most bloody conflicts, the Battle of Pilot Knob. Confederate Maj. Gen. Sterling Price led an army of 8,000 troops against the Union garrison at Fort Davidson at Pilot Knob during the engagement.
A visitor center and museum interprets the conflict with exhibitions, audiovisual presentations, and a battle diorama made of fiber optics. The playground, picnic area, and hiking route on the property are all enjoyable ways to spend an afternoon.
Taum Sauk Mountain
If you climb to the top of Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, you will be at the top of Missouri. The park’s 7,500 acres feature the state’s highest peak. Hikers will enjoy the park’s wooded sections and rocky glades, which are located in the St. Francois Mountains. A network of paths, including a section of the Ozark Trail, weave through the park’s scenic location and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Old Village Mercantile
Fun for the whole family doesn’t have to be expensive or take up the whole day. An old-fashioned candy store in Missouri called Old Village Mercantile is a great place for the whole family to spend an hour or so. But 600 kinds of candy aren’t the end of the fun. You can also find a wide range of sodas, ice cream, and even antiques.
