Outdoor Adventures Await in Callaway County
Outdoor adventure in Callaway County comes in many forms, from peaceful prairies to winding trails and quiet fishing spots.
Henry Domke Fine Art
Arrange for a visit to Prairie Garden Trust in New Bloomfield to wander 240 acres of Missouri habitats teeming with native plants, gorgeous butterflies, vivid resident and migrant songbirds, as well as mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Enhanced walking trails, attractive directional signs, benches and overlooks add a garden touch…along with areas that appear wilder. Wheelchair accessible trails and restrooms are also provided. Admission is free, but an appointment is required.
For a wilder, and somewhat rare, treat, head to Tucker Prairie, west of Kingdom City, just off I-70. What makes it rare is that this 146-acre tallgrass prairie has never been plowed by farmers. The area is not developed, but offers you the opportunity to view big bluestem, little bluestem, Indian grass, and prairie dropseed … native plants that sustain a variety of birds including dickcissel, Henslow's sparrow, field sparrow, northern bobwhite, blue grosbeak, eastern kingbird and eastern meadowlark. Birding is best early in the day when birds are most active.
Missouri Division of Tourism
Saddle your horse, break out your bike or lace up your hiking boots for a trip on the longest (237 miles) rails-to-trails system in the country – the Katy Trail. In addition to the breathtaking flora and fauna, the trail offers scenic views and passes through quaint trailside towns. Trailheads in North Jefferson City, Hartsburg, Tebbetts and Portland provide amenities and services. Just keep in mind that horseback riding in the stretch through Callaway County is only permitted between Portland and Tebbets.
If you’re looking to bring home something a bit more substantial than wonderful memories, central Missouri offers some great fishing spots. Little Dixie Lake Conservation Area is primarily forest and grassland but has been developed for a variety of outdoor activities. Facilities/features include a boat ramp, boat rentals, boat dock, picnic areas and a pavilion, nine fishing jetties, a fishing dock, and Little Dixie Lake. Wet a line and reel in largemouth bass, crappie and catfish.
Exploring the outdoors the Callaway isn’t complete without a visit to the Missouri River. The Mokane Access provides a chance to get up close to the Big Muddy. Camp, birdwatch or wet a line for walleye, paddlefish, suckers, catfish and crappie.
If your idea of an outdoor adventure includes camping out, Dry Fork Recreation Area near New Bloomfield offers a campground and picnic area located at the equestrian trailhead of the 36-mile Cedar Creek Trail. It serves recreationists with or without horses and is situated in a quiet section of the Mark Twain National Forest. It is comprised of eight single primitive campsites that can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length, each with table, fire ring and lantern post. Other amenities include drinking water, vault toilets and hitching rails.
No matter how you like to enjoy the outdoors, there’s something waiting for you in Callaway County.