Civil War

A Few Good Times Pulaski County

Posted at August 02, 2006 15:06

Fort Leonard Wood’s surroundings provide a range of attractions for the day-tripper or overnighter. The following are just a handful of the many engaging activities nearby.

The Rivers

Canoes are not the only boats floating on the Big Piney and Gasconade rivers; rafts, johnboats, and tubes are also available for rent on both rivers. Big Piney is a spring-fed, cool and fast-paced river. It’s not too fast for a family, but Gasconade River offers a lazier flow with great swimming spots. Fishing in the rivers could yield trophy, smallmouth and largemouth bass.

Onyx Mountain Caverns

This attraction in Jerome was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places. During the 19th century, white marble onyx was heavily mined there, but tremendous dripstone formations of the onyx remain. An underground river and artifacts dating back to before A.D. 1,000 also lure visitors into the caverns’ depths. Call (573) 762-3341 for more information.

Rainbow trout fishing is popular in the Roubidoux Creek, and there is a wheelchair-accessible fishing deck on the banks. Experienced scuba divers will enjoy the twists and turns of the underwater caves in the Roubidoux Spring near downtown Waynesville.

Old Stagecoach Stop

The Old Stagecoach Stop is on the east side of Waynesville’s square. This two-story stagecoach shop is located on the Wire Road, named after the telegraph line strung by Union soldiers. The structure was built in 1860 as a log cabin but was later transformed into a Union hospital during the Civil War. At the turn of the century, it was the Black Hotel, operated by the Black family. Mrs. Black sold 10-cent spaces in the balcony to people who wanted to observe Waynesville’s last public hanging in 1905.

Later, while Fort Leonard Wood was under construction, builders and troops lodged there. The building fell into disrepair until the Old Stagecoach Stop Foundation rescued it from being condemned in 1983. It is now open as a museum through September. Call (573) 435-6766 to tour.

Dixon Festivals

The Dixon Bluegrass Festival, celebrating the local musical heritage, takes place both Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends at the Bluegrass Park on Highway 133. This festival has attracted visitors from 40 states and abroad to hear the strains of the dobro, the country fiddle, and the bluegrass banjo.

Held the third weekend in September, Cow Days is a festival rich with local history. In the late 1920s, the Dixon area was feeling the devastating effects of the Great Depression. For several months in 1929 and 1930, area merchants hosted a promotional program, called Cow Days, to attract customers to the city. The prospect of winning a live, healthy adult cow, along with dancing, cow-trading, dining, and parades, brought in thousands of visitors.

The original Cow Days celebration lasted only for a few months, but Dixon businesses in the ‘80s decided to bring back the festival. Cow Days was reborn as a three-day festival featuring arts and crafts booths, street dances, entertainment, parades, beauty pageants, and food. Like the old festival, the new one is highlighted by a drawing for a healthy adult cow donated by local businesses.

Devil’s Elbow

Devil’s Elbow was once recognized nationally as one of the most beautiful spots in the country with its majestic 300-foot bluffs. Devil’s Elbow, actually just a wide part of historic Route 66, is almost entirely surrounded by water. Lumberjacks coined the name after the bend in the river that surrounds the town, which they said was “a devil of an elbow.” The town is located off Route Z in eastern Pulaski County.

St. Robert Restaurants

Diners in St. Robert can choose from authentic German and Asian cuisine. Many internationally born spouses of Fort Leonard Wood’s military personnel have brought recipes and flavors from home and started restaurants in St. Robert.

Caveman Steak and BBQ Restaurant

Chandeliers, red carpet, waterfalls, and a German chef put them inside a cave and you get the Caveman Steak and BBQ Restaurant, which is east of Richland off Highway 7. Located 100 feet above the Gasconade River, the restaurant offers transportation from the parking lot below. Call (573) 765-4554.

Trail Ride

One of Missouri’s longest-running trail rides, The 4-J Big Piney National Scenic Trail Ride features some of the finest trails and food a rider will ever encounter. Call (573) 774-6879 for a free brochure.

U.S. Army Museums

Fort Leonard Wood boasts several free museums, such as the Engineer, Chemical, Military Police, Fort Leonard Wood, and World War II Area museums. Call (573) 596-0780.

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