The 6,705-acre Ted Shanks Conservation Area encompasses bottomland hardwood forests, open swamps, wetlands, oxbow lakes, and waterways. The area borders the Mississippi River for 8.75 miles. Here, the river landscape features diverse habitats that are easy to distinguish from the upland forests and limestone glades found in other natural areas in Pike.
Wetlands, Forests, and Trails
The DuPont Forest Natural Area includes 80 acres of mixed hardwood upland forest and small limestone glades. The DuPont Natural Area offers views of the rugged hills along the Mississippi River. Together with the swamps, oxbow lakes, and waterways at Ted Shanks, these descriptions present different natural themes: bottomlands and wetlands on the one hand, upland forest and limestone areas on the other.
In the Ranacker Conservation Area, the main trail runs as a field road along the entire length of the area. Trail conditions can vary. Peno Creek crosses the northern part of the area, forming more than a mile of shoreline there. Visitors interested in nature and history can also find remnants of a short-line railroad built in 1872 on the grounds.
Hiking is also a possible activity at the Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge. To get there, take Highway 79 through Annada, then Pike County Road 206.
River Access and a Designated Trail Site
Access varies by location and river: a concrete ramp at Ted Shanks Conservation Area provides access to the Salt River. At DuPont Reservation Conservation Area, a concrete ramp leads to the Mississippi River. Clarksville Riverfront Park also provides access to the Mississippi, where boats can be used. The park is also designated as site 25-1 of the Mississippi River Trail.
DuPont Reservation has an additional historical dimension: a dynamite factory operated on the site from 1892 to 1932. This is a different kind of discovery from the natural areas with their forests, wetlands, and river landscapes—and an indication of how varied the themes are within Pike County.
Bowling Green: Landmark, Festival, and Local Shops
The Champ Clark House, a National Historic Landmark, is located in Bowling Green. The town combines such historic connections with other attractions: the annual Champ Clark Heritage Festival is also held here. Bowling Green’s Amish settlement has shops selling homemade handcrafted goods and baked goods. Visitors looking for outdoor recreation alongside cultural heritage can find trails for walking and other activities in Bowling Green; the lakes there are also used for recreation.
Another building of historical significance is the former Pike County Jail, built in 1883, which houses the Pike County Genealogical Society and Museum. The museum preserves historical materials about the history of Pike County, Missouri. It complements visits to individual houses and sites with a broader look at the county’s history.
Louisiana and Eolia: Traces in the Townscape
Louisiana can be explored through several visible and historical features. More than 40 historic houses still line its streets, and downtown includes two separate historic districts. Historic markers offer a self-guided tour through the tree-lined streets. In addition, 24 murals are spread throughout Louisiana. These different forms—houses, districts, markers, and murals—offer various starting points for a walk focused on local history or art.
Listed historic sites include Louisiana’s City Market and Old St. John’s Episcopal Church near Eolia. The Louisiana Area Historical Museum provides information about the prisoner-of-war camp that operated in Louisiana during World War II. For a trip that combines interests in nature and culture, Pike offers specific, distinct themes: river access and wetlands, trails and forests, and historic sites in several towns.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Frankford, Cedar, Newton County, Greene, Monroe County, Barton County, Phelps, Pemiscot.
For the broader travel overview: Missouri.
