Missouri Recreation
The Arcadia Valley Mountain Music Festivals
Experience the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Missouri. Come for a Missouri Spring Getaway near St. Louis, or join us for a Fall Getaway Vacation to see the Best Fall Color in Missouri!
Missouri Float Trips ~ Floating on the Cleanest River in Missouri
Your visit to our region of Missouri, would not be complete without floating the Black River, the cleanest stream in MO. Enjoy Missouri canoeing at its best, or choose to take a relaxing float trip in rafts, tubes or kayaks. Black River floating is a pleasure for veteran and novice floaters alike, offering an ever changing outdoor experience spring through fall. The river is clear and beautiful as it gently moves through dense wooded forests and green meadows, winding past tall cliff walls dotted with caves and fern greenery. Check out the links below for great Missouri Float Trip opportunities.
- Bearcat Getaway Resort – Canoeing and Rafting
- Black River Campground and Outfitters at Horsehoe Ranch – Canoeing, Rafting, Kayaking
- Franklin’s Floats – Canoes, Rafts, Kayaks
- Jeff’s Canoe Rental – Canoe Rentals
- Parks Bluff – Canoeing, Rafting, Kayaking, Tubing
- Riversedge – Canoeing, Rafting, Tubing
- Twin Rivers Landing – Canoeing, Rafting, Tubing
- Wilderness Lodge – Canoeing, Rafting, Tubing
Outstanding Outdoor Recreation
Visit the most beautiful Missouri State Parks
Johnson’s Shut-ins, Taum Sauk Mountain (Missouri’s highest point), Elephant Rocks State Park, Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site and the Ozark Trail are all right here for you to enjoy. Nestled in the St. Francois Mountains of the Ozark Plateau and the Mark Twain National Forest, the outdoor activities are endless. Whether you enjoy sightseeing, photography, camping, hiking, backpacking, hunting, fishing, picnicking, floating, bird watching, horseback riding or mountain biking, your Missouri Vacation in the Arcadia Valley Region and Black River Recreation Area will provide unlimited recreational opportunities. Play golf or visit Missouri Wineries nearby. If you long to see and experience a special place where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, containing ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic or historical value, make your plans to visit our unique area of the United States now.
Historic Sites
- Arcadia Academy & St. Joseph Chapel (1860) – Listed on the National Historic Registry. This beautiful compound has played many roles: Methodist College, Civil War Hospital, Ursuline Academy. 128 S. College, Arcadia. 573-546-4249 www.arcadiavalleyacademy.com
- Battle of Pilot Knob Museum and Battlefield – Site of 1864 Battle of Pilot Knob with an outstanding museum, extensive artifact exhibit and interpretive film. Hwy 221, Pilot Knob 573-546-3454 https://mostateparks/park/battle-pilot-knob-state-historic-site
- Immanuel Lutheran Church (1861) – The church was used as a Union Hospital & Telegraph Station during the Battle of Pilot Knob. The building still contains the original hand hewn pews and 3000 lb. sonorous bell. Originally, services were in German. Tours available. Pine & Ziegler Pilot Knob 573-546-2373 or 573-546-3454
- Iron County Courthouse (1858) – Fought over during the Battle of Pilot Knob. Building is an outstanding example of a pre-Civil War courthouse and still bears the scars of cannon fire. 250 S. Main, lronton
- Iron County Historical Society Museum – Extensive collection of artifacts including oil portraits and the original Union flag flown during the Battle of Pilot Knob. 13700 Hwy 21, Arcadia 573-546-3513
- St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (1870) – The first service was held on Christmas Eve, 1870. This church is considered the finest example of wooden Gothic architecture in the United States and contains the original leaded-stained glass windows. 106 N. Knob, Ironton 573-546-2397
- The Baptist Home – Established in 1913. This beautiful historic home welcomes visitors. 101 Riggs Scott Lane, Ironton 573-546-7429 www.thebaptisthome.org
- U.S. Grant Memorial Statue (1881) – Erected by Civil War veterans, this statue memorializes the lives lost in the Battle of Pilot Knob (1864), and marks the site where Grant received his commission as Brigadier General when he was stationed in the Arcadia Valley. Located on the grounds of Ste. Marie du Lac Church, duck pond and gazebo. 350 S. Main, lronton
Things To Do
- Arcadia Academy – Entertainment & events, tours, meeting rooms, banquet facilities and bus tours. 211 S. College, Arcadia 573-546-4249 www.arcadiavalleyacademy.com
- Arcadia Valley Country Club – Nine challenging holes located with beautiful views of the Arcadia Valley. Public is welcome. Hwy 72, Arcadia 573-546-9508
- Daylilies of the Valley – Beautiful daylily gardens with tours available by reservation. 573 Hwy D (Off of Hwy 72) Ironton 573-546-6754
- Elevate Fitness, LLC – State of the art Cybex equipment. Certified personal trainers. Elevate your fitness and health. 470 S. Main, Ironton 573-546-3481
- Ozark Regional Library – Library, computers, internet, story time, special events. 402 N. Main, Ironton 573-546-2615
- The Woods – Entertainment and events. 135 S. Main, Ironton 573-944-3626 www.arcadiavalleyroastingcompany.com