Cole County: Rivers, Nature, and History

At the confluence of the Missouri and Osage rivers, the 1,041-acre Smoky Waters conservation area lies on a peninsula in Cole County. River landscapes, bird habitats, and historic sites offer different focal points for a stay. It is worth keeping the respective sizes, themes, and access conditions in mind.

River Landscapes and Birdwatching

The Scrivner Road conservation area covers 919 acres. It includes nine-acre Winegar Lake and more than two miles of shoreline along South Moreau Creek. An 8.5-mile trail system along Moreau Creek provides access to most areas; seasonal restrictions may apply. Those interested in birds will find further viewing opportunities at the Church Farm conservation area, whose 1,277 acres of floodplain lie along the Missouri River. Oxbow lakes and seasonal backwaters provide habitat for waterfowl, wading birds, and shorebirds. Bald eagles also nest in some of the larger groups of trees along the river. Sightings may vary by season.

Waterfowl and shorebirds can also be observed at Binder Community Lake. At Smoky Waters, by contrast, the landscape is shaped by its location on two rivers: bank fishing is possible on both the Missouri and Osage rivers. Be sure to follow the applicable fishing regulations. The various birdwatching and fishing opportunities cater to different interests, but conditions are not necessarily the same for every visit.

Trails and Outdoor Activities

In addition to its trail system, Scrivner Road has a shooting range with a shotgun facility and rifle and pistol ranges at 25, 50, and 100 yards. Posted restrictions may apply. This is a different focus from birdwatching and fishing along the rivers: specific offerings vary by area and activity.

The easternmost part of Smoky Waters can be reached only on foot along the diversion levee or by boat from the river. Flooding can affect road access. Another public access point is Stringtown Bridge Access on North Moreau Creek, on Route C west of Jefferson City, Missouri. Seasonal conditions may affect access there. For a different kind of trail outing, the Katy Spur connects the North Jefferson Trailhead with the Katy Trail. It runs one mile south and ends at a pavilion near the intersection of Highways 63/54 and Route W.

History Along the River and Trail

Clark’s Hill in Cole County is associated with an expedition camp: the expedition stayed at the foot of the hill from June 1 to 3, 1804. The trail passes two Native American burial mounds mentioned by Clark in his journal, as well as three additional mounds discovered at the site. The trail thus connects a specific historical event with archaeological traces in the landscape.

Jefferson Landing also tells the story of the Missouri River. In the mid-19th century, it was a bustling commercial center. The Jefferson Landing State Historic Site is closed from June 1, 2026, through October 16, 2026; the Capitol and the Missouri State Museum remain open during the closure. The museum features exhibits on Missouri’s natural and cultural history. Missouri State Museum staff also lead tours of the Capitol.

Museums and Exhibits in Jefferson City

The exhibits in Jefferson City highlight a range of subjects: the Elizabeth Rozier Gallery presents rotating exhibits on Missouri history, art, and culture. The History Hall focuses on the state’s cultural history. “Missouri Trailblazers” showcases people from Missouri and their contributions through artifacts, explanatory panels, and games; exhibit content may change. An exhibit on transportation is located in the Lohman Building. It also screens the 20-minute film “Welcome to Missouri State Capital.”

The Cole County Historical Society Museum is a historic site in Jefferson City. Governor B. Gratz Brown had the building constructed in 1871. The museum rotates displays of the formal inaugural gowns worn by Missouri’s First Ladies. The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Safety Education Center offers another stop with set hours: it is open to the public free of charge Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on state holidays.

Discover more destinations: Jefferson City, Bates County, Putnam County, Crawford County, Cooper, Linn County, Vernon County, St. Louis.

For the main travel overview: Missouri.