Wright County lies on the Salem Plateau of the Ozark Mountains, in a karst landscape with numerous caves and springs. One specific example is Smittle Cave in the John Alva Fuson, MD Conservation Area: its mapped passages extend for more than two miles. At the same time, cave access in the conservation area is currently closed to the public or restricted. Check the applicable area rules before visiting; access requirements may change.
The river landscapes also help orient visitors: the headwaters of the Gasconade River are in the northern watershed of Wright County. In the southeast, near Mountain Grove, the North Fork of the White River rises. Farther southwest, near Cedar Gap, is the source of Bryant Creek, the largest tributary of the North Fork.
Forests, Habitats, and Rivers
The John Alva Fuson, MD Conservation Area is about 85 percent forested. The natural areas described there include dry glades on chert, flatwoods forest habitats, and a dolomite glade. This brings several types of landscape together, from open glades to forest habitats. In areas open to the public, possible activities, subject to the applicable area rules, include hiking, sightseeing, nature observation, camping, and fishing.
The Wilbur Allen Memorial Conservation Area offers a different landscape: the 380-acre area is half forested. About one mile of the Gasconade River flows through the conservation area. This stretch of river is described as a fishing spot for smallmouth bass and goggle-eye. Near Hartville, Odin Access provides fishing access on the Woods Fork of the Gasconade River. These are two distinct water features: a stretch of river within the Wilbur Allen Memorial Conservation Area and a fishing access point on the Woods Fork.
Horticulture and Fruit Varieties
In Mountain Grove, the Horticulture Demonstration Area at the Fruit Experiment Station focuses on horticulture. It was established in spring 2000 for the industry and public education and covers three acres. A vineyard on the grounds demonstrates various training and pruning systems for grapevines. The site also includes a planting of fruit tree varieties adapted to Missouri, a naturalized area with larger fruit and nut trees, and the Ozark Home Landscape. Public groups can take part in hands-on learning experiences there.
The fruit-growing history of the Missouri State Fruit Experiment Station also includes commercially important varieties: the Ozark Gold apple, the Loring and Topaz peaches, and the Ozark Premier and Bluefre plums were developed at the station. These names show that horticulture in Wright County can be explored not only through the design of a demonstration area, but also through specific cultivars and different kinds of fruit.
Historic Homes and Community Sites
Several entries in the National Register of Historic Places reflect different chapters in the history of architecture and community life. The Missouri State Fruit Experiment Station’s administration building is listed there. The Kelton House, at the intersection of MO 38 and Church Street in Hartville, is also listed. It is considered an outstanding example of a decorated house in the Late Victorian style and is significant both architecturally and socially. It began as an older, two-story frame house that was completely remodeled in the mid-1890s and incorporated into the prominent High Victorian house.
The Mountain Grove Bandstand stands at the intersection of Main Street and Second Street and is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Vice President Thomas R. Marshall dedicated it in 1915 while it was being built. Historically, the bandstand served as a venue for economic, political, military, musical, and religious events in the local community. The house and the bandstand thus tell different stories of public life: from the transformation of a home to a place for community events.
Another cultural attraction is the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home & Museum. Visitors can tour the historic farmhouse and the Rock House. The museum’s collection includes Pa’s fiddle, first editions of some of the Little House books, and memorabilia from the Ingalls and Wilder families. The homes and objects connect literary history to the places and keepsakes preserved by the museum.
Discover more destinations: Mountain Grove, Jackson, Cooper, Benton County, Cedar, Ste. Genevieve County, Butler County, and Pulaski.
For the full travel guide: Missouri.
