Arrow Rock, Missouri

Part 1 of our Eastern Daytrips

Our first stop on our Eastern daytrip is Arrow Rock, Missouri . It is just a few miles north of I-70 on highway 41. I really enjoy this community. The entire town was named a National Historic Landmark in 1964.

The absolute first place to visit is the Museum and Visitor’s Center. It’s run by the Missouri State Parks and offers a free movie that gives you an overview of the town’s history. I know, I know, “Ugh, not a museum movie. How much of a snooze are you sending us into?”. Well, this movie happens to be really well done. It’s long enough to cover the subject, BUT not so long that you’re asking for a pillow and blankie. And, it won’t throw off your schedule for the day. Just do it; it really is the best way to get the most out of the history of Arrow Rock.

Bingham Home

Being from Jackson County, and having heard of George Caleb Bingham, having seen some of his art work and even having visited his home in Independence, I had no idea of his political and social impact on the history of Missouri. Maybe, I missed that day in Missouri history class. I didn’t even know that he had lived in the Arrow Rock area. After learning about him while we were there, it made a return visit to the Bingham-Waggoner Estate in Independence a whole lot more interesting.

Arrow Rock is also a place of great significance to African American history in Missouri. It's been said that after emancipation, the first public building for African Americans was Brown's Free Will Baptist Church and school. You can read more about this important part of history at BlackMissouri.com. Better still, is to check the town website for a schedule of related events and experience the history first hand.

If history isn’t your strong suit, how about shopping? As you follow along the wooden plank sidewalk, you’ll find antiques, collectibles and all sorts of gifts. You can get an ice cream cone or a specialty coffee. Or, you can dine in the oldest, continuously operating restaurant this side of the Mississippi River. This picture is from the Friends of A R site.

How about theater? The regional Lyceum Theatre has been producing Broadway quality plays since the early 60‘s. Check out their schedule and ticket info here: www.lyceumtheatre.org

Love the outdoors? There are walking trails, scenic outlooks, Big Spring (trust me, on an incredibly hot, humid August day there is no place better to wade and explore-just bring your cruddy tennis shoes.), and a fishing “lake“--my family voted that it’s really just a big pond, but they had a good time anyway. If you really want to expand your visit, there is also a beautiful and clean state campground. (Inside tip, make your reservation for the improved/electrical area, even if you’re tent camping. The bathhouse/restrooms are much nicer on this side.)

Enjoy the variety all wrapped up in one Historic Landmark.