Discover Crawford County

In Crawford County, river landscapes, hiking trails and natural areas meet historic mills and remnants of iron production.

River Landscapes and Distinctive Natural Areas

Vilander Bluff Natural Area offers panoramic views of the Meramec River. In Meramec Conservation Area, steep rocky bluffs along the river form the area’s western boundary; from there, views open up across the river valley and surrounding hills. The area also includes six caves and a great egret colony. These landscapes offer a variety of natural features: open river views, wooded hills and caves.

Huzzah Conservation Area covers 6,225 acres in Crawford County. Crooked Creek Conservation Area lies on the edge of an impact crater formed by a meteorite thousands of years ago. Those interested in geological features will find a different focus here than along the riverbanks: the landscape combines a remarkable geological setting with hills covered in oak-hickory forests and shortleaf pines.

White River Trace Conservation Area is also defined by its natural features: it includes high-quality upland wildlife habitat, especially for northern bobwhite and other grassland bird species such as grasshopper sparrows and dickcissels. In Meramec Mosaic, a section of the Meramec River is recognized as an Outstanding State Resource Water.

Hiking Trails and Water Access

The Ozark Trail crosses most of Huzzah Conservation Area, giving hikers access to numerous distinctive landscape features. At Crooked Creek, a short, out-and-back hiking trail passes through the wooded hills. Meramec Conservation Area offers trails for hiking, horseback riding and biking.

The 1.3-mile Natural Wonders hiking loop provides access to the northern part of Meramec Mosaic Natural Area near the visitor center. For details about access, check with park staff. If you include trails in your travel plans, you can use this information as a starting point and plan your specific visit accordingly.

For access to the Bourbeuse River, Mint Spring Access in northwestern Crawford County provides public access. The region therefore offers several ways to experience its rivers: viewpoints along the Meramec, a river section recognized as an Outstanding State Resource Water, and public access to the Bourbeuse River.

Mills and the History of Iron Production

Dillard Mill State Historic Site tells the story of one of the state’s best-preserved grist mills. The mill was completed in 1908, and most of its original machinery remains. Tours are offered year-round, though weekdays and times vary by season. Check the current tour schedule before your visit.

Scotia Furnace and Iron Works tells a different industrial story: its remains are located in Huzzah Conservation Area, and Scotia Furnace produced pig iron from 1870 to 1880. Unlike Dillard’s grist mill, the focus here is iron production. These two historic themes offer a clear choice for your plans: mill technology and its preservation on the one hand, and the traces of an ironworks on the other.

Onondaga Cave is also designated a National Natural Landmark and offers guided tours led by trained guides. If you want to combine natural areas and history, caves, river landscapes and preserved industrial sites can each offer a different focus for your trip.

Getting There and Choosing a Hotel

Crawford County is accessible via Interstate 44 and Missouri Highways 19, 49 and 8. You can then compare hotel options in light of your travel plans, without assuming a particular outing or a fixed order.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Cuba, Bourbon, Perry County, Cooper, St Louis, Barry, Webster County, Audrain.

For the main travel overview: Missouri.