Discover Callaway

At Little Dixie Lake Conservation Area, the difference between the lake and the total area is striking: the lake covers 205 acres, while the area spans 733 acres in Callaway County. This natural destination is more than just the water; the two figures give a distinct sense of the lake and the conservation area.

Natural areas and their different focuses

Prairie Fork Conservation Area covers 911 acres and was donated in 1997 for education about natural resources, restoration of natural communities, and environmental research. The area is open to visitors for hiking, nature and bird watching, photography, and wildlife observation. Activities range from hiking to various forms of observation.

Reform Conservation Area adds hunting and fishing to hiking and nature observation. The landscape includes open grasslands, forest and woodlands, as well as a very small portion of the Missouri River floodplain. Both areas offer hiking and nature observation; Reform also offers hunting and fishing. The northern section contains most of historic Coats' Prairie.

At Whetstone Creek Natural Area, the focus is on the creek corridor and the reason the area was designated: it includes the section of the corridor that runs through it; the high-quality stream and the state-threatened Black-nosed Shiner that lives there were key factors. A different look at the past describes the landscape before settlement in the area of today's Whetstone Creek Conservation Area: tallgrass prairie, savanna, woodland, and forest.

Plan visits and activities

Prairie Garden Trust welcomes visitors from April through October and asks first-time visitors to give notice one day in advance. When planning, consider both the visiting period and the requested advance notice. If you would like to include a guided horseback ride in your trip, you can arrange your own ride through the rolling landscapes of Callaway County with Iron Wing Ranch.

History, museums, and exploring Fulton on foot

Different historical connections come together in Fulton. The Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury, was moved by the City of London to Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. Outside America's National Churchill Museum stands Breakthrough, a monumental sculpture made from eight sections of the Berlin Wall.

The Kingdom of Callaway Historical Society Museum organizes most of its exhibits by theme. These include agriculture, business and industry, communities and institutions, as well as famous and notorious figures. The Auto World Museum, by contrast, focuses on automobiles: it displays classic and modern classic vehicles in historical context in an 18,000-square-foot facility. The collection includes more than 80 vehicles and spans from a 1903 Humbrette to a 1997 UMC solar race car. Since exhibits may change, check which vehicles are currently on display before your visit.

Four historic walking tours explore Fulton from different perspectives: three focus on residential areas, while one covers the Brick District. Choose between these parts of the city based on your interests. The Brick District also hosts the Morels & Microbrews festival every May. Regional food, craft beer, Missouri morels, food stands, drinks, and live entertainment define the festival. Since dates and programs may change, check the latest festival information before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Holts Summit, Kingdom City, Fulton, Butler County, Polk County, Wright County, Cape Girardeau County, Scott County.

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