Missouri:
Published: Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Owing to its close links to the Mississippi River dating back to the 17th century when French explorers descended upon the land, Missouri has naturally developed a riverboat culture. This distinct culture, aided with rich natural resources, has endeared Missouri to many outdoor lovers, RV-boarded travelers included, for which the "Show Me State" is eternally grateful and for which it consistently tries to further enrich by preserving its many rivers, wetlands, hills, and state parks."Show Me State" Regions
Its unique tag as the "Show Me State" has several origins, the most credible one being that of 1898 Missouri soldiers stopping state-bound travelers at Tennessee during the Spanish-American War. Those claiming to hold entry passes to the state had to show the tickets as proof, hence, the "show me" phrase that would eventually refer to Missouri.
Regardless of the actual reason behind the nickname, there is no doubt that Missouri is as distinctive as its regions. One simply has to glance at the Northwest Region, the Northeast Region, the Central Region, the Southwest Region, and the Southeast Region to find out that Missouri is a land like no other.
The Northwest Region
Rural farmlands characterize much of the landscape of Northwest Missouri. Alongside these are several Amish villages and the remains of the Pony Express mail system. State parks also abound here, ably preserving the natural attractions of Northwest Missouri.
The regional cities that are worth exploring include Eagleville, Fayette, St. Joseph, and Independence, each one carrying its own share of attractions with accompanying RV parks to take care of worries that RVers might have with regards to their vehicles. St. Joseph, in particular, hosts six RV parks while Fayette and Eagleville hosts two apiece. With the former, RV riders can check in at either DC Rogers Lake Campground or at Fayette City Lake Campground and then get hold of a fishing gear on the way to nearby Fayette City Lakes where one can meet other anglers. For the non-fishing enthusiast, a lake-based campsite offers relaxation, that is, if the lake archery range or the exciting hiking paths do not catch one's fancy.
The Northeast Region
The Northeast Region is sometimes referred to as Mark Twain Country for it was here that the Tom Sawyer creator was born with local residents paying homage to his achievements via the Mark Twain State Park. Visiting the park ought to be quite pleasurable for most RV-boarded tourists as it hosts nearby Mark Twain Lake where a wide array of outdoor activities can be engaged in, including swimming, fishing, hiking, and camping.
Housed inside the state park is the Mark Twain Birthplace Memorial Museum that RVers can likewise tour for a view of Mark Twain memorabilia, including early editions of his works.
Parking the RV should not be a big problem as there are many RV parks situated within the vicinity. Ideally, though, an RV park in great proximity to the Mark Twain Lake should be chosen, something that Cannon Country Campground in Monroe City proudly holds.
The Central Region
A major attraction of Central Missouri is Interstate 70, the principal link between two Missouri cities namely St. Louis and Kansas. This ought to be significant for RV-boarded travelers particularly if they are on their way to the key places of the "Show Me State". Additionally, if RV riders are on the lookout for water-based activities, it should be noted too that the famed Missouri River ends her journey here with her waters eventually joining that of the equally famous Mississippi River.
In terms of cities, RVers should look forward to seeing Columbia since its eastern end serves as the host of a segment of the Mark Twain National Forest where various outdoor activities await them. Alternatively, RVers can try exploring the wonders down Flatbranch Park, also in Columbia, considered by many as the starting point of the MDT hiking path. Park visitors should expect to be treated to exciting outdoor movies here during summer.
Concerns about RV parking are easily solved at Columbia since there is Cooper's Landing Campground to go to. Situated beside the Missouri River, the campground offers several RV sites apart from two primitive camping areas. Inside, serving RVers all year-round is Chim's Thai Restaurant with its many exotic menus.
The Southwest Region
Simply put, Southwest Missouri is pure paradise for the typical RV rider. Its numerous lakes feature generally developed camping areas, making it easy for RVers to explore a large portion of this particular region without having to worry on how and where to park their vehicles.
Springfield leads the list of regional cities that offers the most number of outdoor attractions, including the Ozarks Greenways-Galloway Creek where its six-mile long paved walking path has been named by the Missouri National Park Service as a National Recreation Trail. Access to the trail comes from various points that are by themselves suitable tourist spots. These include the Pershing Middle School, the Nature Center, the Old Iron Bridge, and the Sequiota Park.
With the numerous attractions that Springfield offers RVers, parking problems will inevitably crop up. Yet, the city has a solution for that and it is situated along Glenstone Avenue. Traversing the northern side of Route 60, RVers will come across Ozark Highlands RV Park about a quarter of a mile away which should ably answer all their RV concerns.
The Southeast Region
The greater portion of Southeast Missouri is designated as public land and this should augur well for many RVers traveling through this particular region as there are evidently more state parks here that await exploration. For example, more than a third of the Mark Twain National Forest area fall under the jurisdiction of Southeast Missouri, making it among the more prominent tourist spots here.
Other than that, the 80,000-acre wide Ozark National Scenic Riverways provides swimming, canoeing, and fishing ventures as it covers two regional rivers, namely the Jack Fork River and the Current River. Enveloped by the Mark Twain National Forest, the riverway stretches to about 134 miles of water poured in by at least 100 surrounding streams. All around, the long arms of the Ozarks Mountain embrace the riverway with its cave and sinkhole features. Additionally, horse trails stretching up to 14 miles and foot paths as long as 48 miles offer entrance points to the Ozarks backcountry region.
Providing the perfect RV campground is Arrowhead Campground situated along the Jacks Fork River banks. This ideal location should provide many RVers to conveniently explore the Ozarks region or simply enjoy the many outdoor activities available.
A Tour of Missouri Cities
While the regions that comprise Missouri state may appear relatively few to some, they do contain a host of cities that help make each region distinctively unique. A brief look into some of these cities should help make RVers arrive at a better decision as to which particular city they should go into and explore its many offerings including suitable RV parks.
Saint Joseph
A city filled with historic events and unforgettable characters, St. Joseph is nestled at the tip of Northwest Missouri in between Missouri Highway 36 and Interstate 29. Renowned for hosting the Pony Express mail system and the waterloo of the notorious Jesse James, St. Joseph is likewise renowned for its various restaurants, shopping centers, and a colorful nightlife. Definitely, Missouri-bound visitors will find all their basic needs answered in this one great city.
Of course, outdoor recreations are never wanting in St. Joseph. RVers will find themselves totally overwhelmed by the sheer number of outdoor opportunities that the city offers. The city state parks alone number to about seven, of which Krug Park is the largest. Covering 162 acres, the park features a lagoon where paddle boating is an enjoyable endeavor along with a lovely rose garden where rare fragrant roses blossom in pure beauty. Additionally, scenic driving is possible across the park with RVers possibly catching a view of some exotic animals residing in the nearby wildlife preserve center.
In St. Joseph, RVers can choose from three different RV parks when trying to look for a good campground. Of the three, Riverview Retreat and RV Park should be preferred for its proximity to the Missouri River where various outdoor pursuits can be explored.
Kansas City
A Midwest city sharing a name with another one in Kansas state, Kansas City, Missouri evolved from an original 19th century French settlement, eventually transforming into a major Missouri economic district. Compared to its sister city, Kansas City, Missouri holds generally more significance as it boasts of a rather upbeat and modern setting complemented by several natural and man-made attractions. RV-boarded tourists will find themselves enchanted with what this so-called double city can offer them.
While majority of the attractions here come in the form of historic museums, several other Kansas City places should prove to be quite interesting for the typical RVer. One good example is the Ozarks State Park found on the southeastern edge of the city where Osage Beach makes her home. The beach is quite popular among water enthusiasts and for RVers, getting to see it ought to be one great experience.
Another prominent feature in Kansas City are the theme parks, with Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun being two of the highly-preferred ones where RV-boarded families can get to enjoy various colorful rides and cool water activities respectively. Comparatively speaking, Worlds of Fun is generally bigger, covering 175 acres as against Oceans of Fun which sits only on a 60-acre wide lot.
The latter attractions should prove to be more enticing for many RVers since access to them will be quite easy since an RV park, the Worlds of Fun Village, is situated nearby. The park offers 82 luxurious RV sites apart from 22 cottages and 20 cabins and regularly gives out park discounts.
Noel
Perched at the very end of Southwest Missouri, Noel holds the distinction of lying near enchanting Elk River while the timber-covered Ozark mountains serves as the perfect guard. Its water location has made Noel a popular destination among canoe enthusiasts with the waters of Elk River, along with Indian Creek and Big Sugar Creek, eyed as exploration grounds.
There are no amazing waterslides, no extravagant malls, and no attractive theme parks in Noel. Yet, it has continued to astound tourists for almost a century now, many of them finding the canoeing venture across Elk River totally engrossing. Perhaps, the river, dotted on its side with lovely camping sites, can provide the needed answer. Whatever it is, there can be no doubt that RVers visiting Noel will pleasantly find themselves charmed by the wonders of Noel. For even more enjoyment, RVers should try checking in at Eagles Nest Campground, a fully hooked-up RV park offering two beaches set along Elk River.
Crowley's Ridge Parkway
Crowley's Ridge was formerly a scenic area in Southeast Missouri that was transformed into a picturesque byway where motorists can go on a relaxing cruise while discovering the many regional wonders. The byway includes Little Dixie Highway, linked to the expanse of the Great River Road, where RVers get to cut across Southeast Missouri and have a good and exhilarating look at the majestic Mississippi River lying from afar.
While much of the land in Southeast Missouri is rather swampy, making Crowley's Ridge Parkway look like a remote island, the byway does allow most RV riders to study more extensively the culture and history that helped shape Missouri, especially since activities like camping, fishing, picnicking, and scenic viewing are quite common at various points of the scenic drive.
Katy Trail State Park
The Katy Trail State Park stands upon a former railroad system that covers three American states namely Missouri, Kansas, and Texas. Its most prominent feature is the Katy Trail, a pathway that covers approximately 225 miles of land, beginning at St. Charles City and extending down to Clinton City.
For RV riders who are absolute outdoor lovers, the Katy Trail offers a great way to see the outdoor wonders of Missouri. From towering headlands to crystal-clear lakes, the trail will leave RVers positively breathless.
Worth mentioning as well are the history lessons that one can learn as the trek advances in certain areas like Boonville and St. Charles, two cities associated with the ground-breaking Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. This Columbia-based landmark is among the most prominent in Missouri and RVers would do well getting to explore it once they get to this American state.
Missouri Visiting Time
While Missouri typically experiences all four North American seasons, some do produce rather extreme temperatures. Summer, for instance can shoot up to as high as 90 degrees with evening temperatures marked by slight dips, typically set at 70 degrees. Obviously, visiting Missouri during this particular time may not be suitable although this can be rather subjective owing to the many special events that take place here during summer.
A good visit should be in September when the autumn weather produces cooler temperatures although October ought to be better because apart from the cooler weather, color changes in foliage begin to take place and one can see bright hues of yellow, red, and orange all around.
Winter season is most specially ideal for a Missouri visit since the average temperature is between 20-45 degrees. Additionally, two major state cities namely St. Charles and St. Louis, feature exciting winter festivals that should interest any given tourist, RVers included. Some stores and even towns also tend to project a more attractive ambiance as the approaching Yuletide season entices them to get all lit up.
Stage Stop RV Park
Straddled between the two major cities of Missouri, Branson and Springfield, Stage Stop RV Park has got to be the obvious choice for RVers traversing this portion of the "Show Me State". Branson is only 20 minutes away, renowned for its music shows, while Springfield can be reached in an approximately equal time length.
Other landmarks situated right beside the campground include Heather Hill Farm's Country Store, Osceola Cheese, and Lambert's Cafe. For RVers having diverse interests for their appetites, these places ought to be very interesting. However, one need not go far to find a restaurant or a store since right inside Stage Stop RV Park are two delis, a grocery store, a liquor shop, video stores, flea markets, and various specialty outlets designed to meet every particular need.
Of course, the RV should be a priority in choosing a good RV park. With Stage Stop RV Park though, travelers can choose from 34 level and fully hooked-up sites complete with electricity, water, and sanitary provisions. The RV camp site is open the whole year through so a visit is possible anytime.
Boiling Spring Campground
For RV riders who prefer Missouri camping spiced up with canoeing activities, the RV park to go to is Boiling Spring Campground. Situated about six miles from Southern Dixon, the campground claims to specialize in canoeing ventures and family-based camping fun. In a way, this is not surprising since many of the camp sites are situated near Gasconade River whose waters are perfect for water-based ventures like canoeing.
Of course, other water-based recreations can also be pursued here, and Boiling Spring actually encourages this so it is not uncommon to see swimmers, anglers, and even simple waders enjoying the magic of the Gasconade River. Apart from that, beach volleyball and horseshoe pits can also be engaged in here.
Picnic tables and camping grills are available all throughout the park, and for those who prefer sodas as refreshments, a softdrink vending machine should ably provide the answer. Shuttle services, meanwhile, are always ready to take visitors to several nearby destinations.
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