A 1.25-mile boardwalk trail leads into the swamp at Big Oak Tree Natural Area. Seven Island Conservation Area offers a different combination of landscapes: its 1,375 acres include woodland, oxbow lakes and small open areas, as well as 3.5 miles of Mississippi River shoreline. Together, these areas offer two distinct natural settings to explore: a trail into the swamp and an area where woodland, oxbow lakes, open areas and riverbanks meet.
Wetlands, Riverbanks and Rare Species
Seven Island Conservation Area is home to the swamp rabbit and the Mississippi kite, two rare species. Numerous large native bald cypress trees shape the landscape at Robert G. Delaney Lake Conservation Area. The area offers the public opportunities for fishing, birdwatching and photography. Alongside the swamp and river scenery, visitors can enjoy these specific outdoor activities.
The history of individual landforms is also part of the discovery. Bird's Blue Hole was created during a flood in 1927, when engineers dynamited a levee to protect Bird's Point. This natural site can also be explored through the story of how it was formed.
Archaeological Traces and History
Between 1000 and 1400 AD, Towosahgy State Historic Site was a fortified village and a civic and ceremonial center of the Mississippi cultures in southern Missouri. Visitors can see archaeological mounds there. Belmont is a historic site on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail; visitors can also see an informational panel about the trail's geography in Belmont. The two places offer different historical perspectives: archaeological evidence and a stop connected with the trail.
In Charleston, local history meets architecture and exhibits. The Victorian Moore House dates to around 1889 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Charleston has more than 200 historic homes. The Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Visitors Center features a black granite map, flags and large murals based on journal entries by Meriwether Lewis. The range extends from a single house with a precise date to a larger collection of historic buildings and a site featuring displays inspired by Lewis's journals.
Festivals, a Bike Tour and a River Crossing
The recurring Dogwood-Azalea Festival includes an arts and crafts bazaar and a candlelight walk. For its 2027 edition, the festival invites visitors to explore the 6-mile Dogwood-Azalea Trail. The 2026 Tour de Corn included stops featuring sweet corn; event details may change. The East Prairies Tour de Corn is an annual bike tour, adding a cycling experience to the lineup.
The rivers offer two different perspectives, too. At the Lewis and Clark Confluence in Mississippi County, you can view the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers from the Missouri side. The Dorena-Hickman Toll Ferry crosses the Mississippi River between Missouri and Kentucky. As a historic river ferry, it offers visitors a unique experience. The confluence offers views of two rivers, while the ferry focuses on crossing the Mississippi. Check the schedule before traveling.
Discover more destinations: Pinhook, St Louis, Boone, Stone, Lafayette, Taney, Buchanan County, Jefferson.
For the regional travel overview: Missouri.
