Parks & Tourism
| BIG OAK STATE PARK Mississippi County holds one of the last remaining virgin timber bottomland forests in the nation. Big Oak State Park is located in the southern end of the county and covers 1,029 acres of preserved original landscape. With several of the park's trees being unsurpassable in size it is not surprising that five qualify as state champions and two are registered as national champions. A boardwalk that winds through the park provides access to the unique landscape. Along the way visitors can take advantage of the educational stations explaining the park’s history. This park is also an attraction for bird watchers. It is home to over 150 different species of birds some considered rare in the state of Missouri. Each September park visitors are invited to take a step back in time during our "Living History Day" where modern-day artisans demonstrate such historic skills as basketry, spinning, and weaving. Event and parking are free, for more information call (573)-649-3149. |
 Photo courtesy Missouri Department of Natural Resources. |
| TOWOSAHGY STATE HISTORIC SITE The Towosahgy State Historic Site is a 64-acre tract that preserves the remains of what was once a flourishing Indian community. An Osage Indian word meaning “Old Town”, Towosahgy was part of a well-organized political and cultural system with extensive trade to other Mississippian towns. This community began over 1,500 years ago and was occupied for approximately 1,000 years. Tourists are invited to visit six of the seven surrounding burial mounds and also utilize the kiosk that is provided to help with a brief background on their self-guided tour. Visiting hours to the Towosahgy State Historical Site are daily from 10a.m to 4 p.m. For more information call (573)-649-3149. |
 c/o Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site |
| BATTLE OF BELMONT Mississippi County’s location was a key factor in the War Between the States. There were several battles fought in the county, with the most notable being the Battle of Belmont. It was the site of Brig. General Ulyssess S. Grant’s first battle. Persons visiting this commemorative site are welcome to read a historic marker containing detailed narrative and pictorial interpretation. |
 Battle of Belmont |
| LEWIS AND CLARK EXPEDITION Two interpretive sites mark the historic event of Lewis and Clark’s first steps into the Louisiana Territory that took place in Mississippi County on November 16, 1803. Tourists are welcome to visit an interpretive exhibit at the Henry S. Whipple Park in Charleston is located on I-57 at Exit 10. A wayside, located on Highway 62 following the L & C signs, gives visitors a brilliant view from the Missouri side of the meeting of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. |
 Lewis & Clark Expedition |
| DOGWOOD-AZALEA FESTIVAL The annual Dogwood-Azalea Festival is Charleston's celebration of spring which is held the third weekend in April. Charleston in bloom is a photo opportunity for any local resident or visitor to the area. As the lush lawns and gardens, looking as though the bright colors were hand painted, begin to blossom, you can’t help but feel the excitement of the festival in the air. During the 4-day festival tour buses coming from miles around carrying eager visitors take the grand tour and share in the special planned events such as park activities, a carnival, delicious food, a 5-K race, various musical entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a candlelight walk sure to be a maker of memories with family and friends. For more information please call the Charleston Chamber of Commerce Office at (573)-683-6509 or visit them at www.charlestonmo.org |
 Charleston in Bloom |
| SUMMER FUN IN EAST PRAIRIE SWEET CORN FESTIVAL Held the last full weekend in June, the two-day festival provides a weeend of family-friendly activities including a Main Street Party, 5-K Run/Walk, Tour de Corn Charity Bicycle Ride, live music entertainment, food and craft vendors, outhouse races and an antique car show. Tour deCorn offers four routes - 15, 30, 60 and 100-miles. For more information please visit www.epmochamber.org, www.tourdecorn.com or call the East Prairie Chamber of Commerce at 573-649-5243. FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION On our nation's birthday, East Prairie celebrates the event with a street dance, parade and a community firework display. Additional information can be found at www.epmochamber.org or call 573-649-5243. |
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| MISSISSIPPI COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY (THE MOORE HOME) The Moore House is located at 403 N. Main Street and opened to the public for a variety of events during the year and may be toured at other times with advance arrangements. The home may be rented for club meetings, private social events and receptions upon approval of application. For further information regarding tours, schedules of planned events, rentals or memberships, please send inquiries to: The Mississippi County Historical Society, P.O. Box 312, Charleston, MO 63834 or The Chamber of Commerce. |
 Pic & info courtesy of Charleston, MO website |
| DORENA-HICKMAN FERRY With 95 miles of Mississippi River frontage, you can sit on the bank of " OLD MAN RIVER" and watch as the world goes by; hop aboard the few remaining river boat ferries in the country for a leisurely ride across the Mighty Mississippi; or take advantage of the many fishing and boating opportunities offered by the legendary muddy waters. For hours of operation and more information contact the ferry office at (731) 285-0390 or visit them at www.dorena-hickmanferryboat.com |
 Dorena-Hickman Ferry |