Big Cane Conservation Area is home to a significant remnant of the once extensive bottomland hardwood forest. This particular landscape remnant gives Butler County a strong natural character; other conservation areas offer different highlights, including wooded dunes, varied forest types and wildlife viewing.

Conservation Areas with Distinctive Character

Big Cane Conservation Area preserves a significant remnant of the once extensive bottomland hardwood forest. The area offers visitors opportunities for wildlife viewing. A boat ramp provides access to Little Cane Creek and Cane Creek Ditch. At Big Cane, forest and waterways come together, while wildlife viewing offers another reason to explore the conservation area.

Two unusual landscape features come together at Corkwood Conservation Area: the 434-acre area is a remnant of floodplain forest and also contains a dune field with numerous wooded dunes. River otters and swamp rabbits have been observed at Stephen J. Sun Conservation Area, which covers 485 acres. These details provide different highlights: Corkwood stands out for its wooded dunes, while the observed wildlife species are a key feature of Stephen J. Sun.

At Mud Creek Natural Area, cherty Ozark forests transition into floodplain forests. Visitors can park their vehicles at a pull-off and explore the area. Hunting is also permitted. The transition between forest types shapes the landscape here; exploring and hunting are two different reasons to take a closer look at Mud Creek.

Water and Outdoor Activities

Visitors to Butler County can enjoy recreational activities at Wappapello Lake. The St. Francis River also offers recreational opportunities. If you plan to use a particular facility at Wappapello Lake, check its availability before you go.

Part of Wilhelmina Conservation Area lies along the St. Francis River. The Butler County portion of the area can be reached via County Road 220 and an unpaved gravel road. The river location and road information are separate points of reference: the road describes access to the Butler County portion, while the river connection applies to part of the area.

For a different kind of activity, Bricks Off Road Park in Poplar Bluff is suitable for ATVs, dirt bikes and dune buggies. Event weekend schedules may change, so check the latest dates in advance.

Art, History and Events in Poplar Bluff

Cultural discoveries in Poplar Bluff range from museums to theaters and galleries. The Margaret Harwell Art Museum opened to the public in 1981. The Poplar Bluff History Museum is located in the former Mark Twain School building. This connects a museum visit with a historic school site.

The Flying “F” Gallery is located in a historic farmhouse, the Collins Family farmhouse, which was built around 1894. The gallery displays works by Missouri artist Ralph Wayne Freer; current exhibitions may change. Check the latest visitor guidelines before your visit.

Theater history at the Historic Rodgers Theatre dates back to 1949. Offerings there include concerts, plays, films and other events. Since the current program may change, it is worth checking the schedule. Bronze Owl Brewing offers locally brewed beer; operating details may also change, so check them in advance.

Discover more destinations: Osage County, Iron County, Dunklin County, Ozark County, Pettis County, Andrew County, Cooper.

Return to the main travel overview: Missouri.