Andrew County: Cultural History and Nature

Andrew County combines historic sites with glacial plains, farmland, and river landscapes. In Savannah, the courthouse and museum offer different ways to explore regional history; near Rea, a listed barn tells a story of the area’s architectural history. Conservation areas and waterways offer more to explore, including seasonal waterfowl watching and fishing opportunities. You can shape your trip around the topics that interest you most.

Cultural History in Savannah and Near Rea

The Andrew County Courthouse was built in 1899 and has been listed on the National Register since September 11, 1980. It stands at the intersection of Fourth and Main streets in Savannah. Its construction date, listing date, and location give this historic building a specific place in the local landscape.

At the Andrew County Museum, the “A Rural Way of Life” exhibit presents Andrew County’s heritage from 1841 through the 21st century. Groups can explore the exhibits through self-guided activities and themed programs; reservations are required in advance. The exhibit offers a different perspective from the courthouse, presenting the region’s history over more than a century.

Near Rea, the J.F. Roberts, Octogonal Barn is located at the intersection of MO B and MO 48. It is also listed on the National Register. Visitors interested in buildings and their historical context can consider this site another point of historical interest alongside the courthouse, while keeping the two locations distinct.

Duncan Hills Golf Course has its own history. The municipal golf course is owned and operated by the City of Savannah. It was established in 1976 as a nine-hole course and expanded to 18 holes in 1993.

River Landscapes, Wetlands, and Seasons

Andrew County’s glacial plains support fertile livestock, grain, and fruit farms. Other landscapes feature in the conservation areas: Happy Holler Lake Conservation Area provides wildlife habitat in upland and floodplain areas. The 67-acre Happy Holler Lake in Andrew County offers fishing for bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie, and largemouth bass. Conditions and fishing forecasts can change, so it is a good idea to check the latest information before fishing.

A four-mile stretch of the Nodaway River flows through the center of Nodaway Valley Conservation Area. The best time for waterfowl watching is from mid-November to mid-March. This seasonal guidance helps with planning: visitors especially interested in seeing waterfowl can time their trip to coincide with this window.

Worthwine Island Conservation Area preserves wetlands and habitats along the Missouri River and provides public recreation opportunities in northwest Missouri. A side channel restored there in 2007 re-established the island portion and an aquatic habitat separated from the main channel. The landscape therefore also reflects a deliberate change to the river environment, not just its natural features.

Fishing and Finding Your Way to the Areas

Two ponds are open to public fishing in the Savannah area (Duncan Park South Pond). Fishing regulations are posted on site. Together with the fishing opportunities at Happy Holler Lake, they offer two distinct water-based destinations; at the Nodaway River, by contrast, winter waterfowl watching is the seasonal highlight.

Elrod Mill Access provides access to the Platte River and other outdoor activities in northwest Missouri. A mill stood at the site in the late 19th century. Owned by the Elrod family, it ground flour for the local population. The history connects the access point’s name with an earlier local industry, while the Platte River provides its present-day link to the water.

From Union Star, the route to the Elrod Mill Access entrance is 1.50 miles west on Highway 169, then 0.50 miles north on Route M, two miles west on County Road 221, and one mile north on County Road 216. To reach Nodaway Island Access, start in Amazonia: travel three miles west on Route T, then take County Road 4412 south to the area entrance. The two directions start in different places and each leads to a separate access point.

Discover more destinations: Cosby, Rea, Franklin County, Platte, Barry, Phelps, New Madrid County, Jackson.

For the main travel overview: Missouri.