Here are a few places you should visit in southern and central Missouri during the fall.
If you're anything like me, you love to take quick getaways during the autumn season to see the beautiful colors. Here in the Ozarks, when color is present, the rolling hills are beautiful. There are several places to go, but here are some of the different places I've visited during the fall and recommend. Descriptions are brief in order to keep this article short. To see more photos from each of the places, you can click on the images.
7. Dawt Mill in Tecumseh Missouri
Dawt Mill is a historic mill along the North Fork River. According to their website, themill was established at Dawt as early as 1866. They have a nice restaurant / beach bar with lodging, and water sports adventures. Of course, during the fall season, they may not have any water sports activities. We enjoyed a classic country lunch and walking around while there.
6. Springfield Missouri
Springfield offers lots of areas to view the beautiful colors of autumn. Some of my favorite spots include Lake Springfield, Fellows Lake, Rivercut area, and the various parks. One surprising place that always offers colors from the beautiful maple trees, is Maple Park Cemetery. If your not from the Springfield area, you'll want to plan for a full weekend because there lots of other places to visit including downtown and the popular Bass Pro. There are also a variety of fall festivals and pumpkin patches to see that's great for everyone of all ages.
5. Jefferson City Missouri
The Missouri state capital city is a beautiful place to see during the fall. Especially along the Missouri River. There are many places to go so you'll want to plan at least a full day or maybe even a weekend. Places we went to include the grounds of the capital, Missouri River, and Runge Conversation Center and Park. This is a government town, so when we were there, it seemed like a lot of the places closed around 5 so start your trip early.
4. Hodgson Mill in Dora Missouri
This popular and historic mill is worth checking out. Dora is located in Ozark County near Mark Twain National Forest. Quiet little Bryant Creek is also near the mill. This is where the Hodgson Mill brand flour got it's start. It has a cool history behind it. The waterfall comes from anabundantly flowing clear spring.
3. Warsaw Missouri /
Harry S. Truman Reservoir
There's usually lots of color in Warsaw Missouri around the Harry S Truman lake and dam. Kaysinger Bluff and Pioneer Village is my favorite area. They have a cool annual fall festival at the village each year that's always fun. In addition to beautiful color you will probably more than likely spot a Bald Eagle flying around. There's always lots of them there too! You can see the Truman Dam from the Kaysinger bluff area and nice visitors center they have. Also check out the cool, Joe Dice swinging bridge.
2. Alley Mill in Eminence Missouri
If you love history and you love nature, Alley Mill is one of my favorites. Even if the fall colors decide to not be as vibrant, you have the stunning blue water from the natural spring. WOW!! That's exactly how you'll feel. Eminence is a small town in Shannon County, Missouri. There are a variety of things you can see and enjoy while there including wild horses, but the 100 year old Alley Mill is my favorite stop there.
1. Dogwood Canyon in Lampe Missouri
This is another place that will have you saying wow every view you see. Lampe is located just south of the popular Branson Missouri. The park features10,000 acres of beautiful land featuring lots of beautiful waterfalls, and wildlife. Did I mention waterfalls?!! Yes, waterfalls everywhere you look. And what's better than a waterfall? A waterfall during the autumn season!! Your eyes will not get bored. There are a variety of ways to get around. The best way in my opinion is to rent one of their bikes or bring your own. It's the best way to see the park on your own terms. If a bike or hiking isn't the best option for you (trail is 6.5 miles), there are trams, Segways, or horse back riding options too. Johnny Morris, founder/CEO of Bass Pro Shops, owns the property and it's run by the Dogwood Canyon Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the canyon's natural plant and wildlife environment. Their purpose is to promote natural conservation. You'll want to plan on a full day for this amazing place if you decide to bike or hike. Maybe half a day if you take the tram (I'm not 100% sure on that because I've taken the bike route).
So these are a few places I've been too. I look forward to going to new places each autumn season. Do you have any recommendations? Feel free to comment below.
