Cash Swamp is a wetland area with bald cypress and tupelo trees. More than 25 tree species grow there, many of which are limited to the southeastern lowlands. This diversity and the regional range of many species give the area a distinctive botanical character. Water levels are also an important practical consideration: when water levels are high, a boat is often needed to access the area. In late summer and fall, the area is often dry enough to explore on foot; a canoe may still be needed to cross the ditch. Drier conditions therefore do not automatically rule out this possible obstacle.
Conservation Areas, Lake and River
The Little River Conservation Area is located in Dunklin and Pemiscot Counties, five miles east of Kennett on Highway 412. The area includes the 150-acre Jerry Paul Combs Lake. Six fishing piers on the lake add a specific fishing feature to the landscape. Thus, the exact location and the lake as part of the area are both central to this conservation area.
The Wilhelmina Conservation Area is located in Butler and Dunklin Counties; part of the area lies along the St. Francis River. Rare plant species can be found in Morris State Park. Together with Cash Swamp, these places showcase different aspects of nature: a swamp with many tree species, a conservation area connected to a river, and rare plants in a state park.
The Hornersville Swamp Conservation Area is in the southernmost part of Dunklin County, two miles southeast of Hornersville. It is a remnant of bottomland hardwood forests that once covered a total of 2.4 million acres across Dunklin, Pemiscot, Stoddard, New Madrid and Mississippi Counties. Public use is clearly restricted: it is prohibited except for fishing and waterfowl hunting, exclusively from a boat, when the water level at the gauge on Little River Floodway Ditch No. 1 in Hornersville is above 38 feet.
Getting Around and Historic Traces
To reach the Wilhelmina Conservation Area, travel 1.5 miles north from Campbell on Highway 53, then 4.50 miles west on Highway DD. The Ben Cash Memorial Conservation Area is on Route A, six miles west of Highway 412. The Crowley's Ridge Parkway also runs through Dunklin County along Missouri State Route 25. The route is rich in American Civil War history, offering a historical perspective on the region alongside its natural attractions.
Museums also offer visitors a range of different interests. Mary Kochtitzky founded the Malden Historical Museum in 1955; it opened at its present location in 1983. The museum offers private tours for individuals and groups by prior arrangement. The Dunklin County Museum is housed in Kennett's original city hall. While these two places are connected to their founding history or their buildings, the Bootheel Youth Museum's exhibits cover science and the history of Missouri.
In Kennett, Jones Memorial Park adds a walking trail to the list of attractions. Visitors exploring nature and culture in Dunklin County can discover a range of features: from swamp vegetation and rare plants to fishing piers and a park trail, as well as museums and the history of the Crowley's Ridge Parkway.
Discover more destinations: Kennett, Bates County, Oregon County, Boone, Newton County, Nodaway County, Moniteau County, Livingston.
For the main travel overview: Missouri.
