Daviess: Adam-ondi-Ahman and the Grand River

At Adam-ondi-Ahman, visitors can walk along the trails. The site recalls a short-lived settlement of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Daviess County. History and outdoor activity go hand in hand here; other highlights range from distinctive landscapes to experiences around the Grand River.

History and Encounters

The Squirrel Cage Jail is one of three surviving rotary jails in the United States. The jail retains its original hand crank—a tangible historical detail that brings this distinctive type of jail to life. You can inquire about a tour by contacting Trudi Burton at 660-663-7342. Before your visit, confirm whether tours can currently be requested.

At Jamesport Amish Step Back in Time Tours, the focus is on meeting people and learning about their everyday lives. The 2.5-hour tour offers the opportunity to enter an Amish home and talk with the residents. It also visits Amish-run businesses outside the city limits of Jamesport. A stop at an Amish bakery gives visitors the chance to buy fresh baked goods. The tour thus combines a home visit and conversations with insights into local businesses and a culinary stop.

Landscapes and Outdoor Activities

Gallatin Conservation Area is located five miles south of Gallatin on Highway 13 and half a mile east on Route M. The area includes wooded tracts, brushy draws, and pasture fences, as well as a 10-acre wetland. It is open to the public for a variety of outdoor activities. Its varied landscape features give the area its character, rather than reducing it to a single type of natural environment.

Jamesport Community Lake also offers its own setting for outdoor recreation: The lake covers 30 acres and is surrounded by 115 acres of wooded areas and former fields. Fishing is available at the lake. A boat ramp and parking for vehicles with trailers are part of the visitor facilities. The lake, woodlands, and former fields are markedly different from the brushy draws and wetland at Gallatin Conservation Area.

On the Grand River: Fishing and Boat Access

Several access points are located on the Grand River in Daviess County. Green Access offers opportunities for fishing, frog hunting, and birdwatching. Boats can be launched there from the shore, without a ramp. Holmes Bend Access is also on the river, two miles south of Gallatin. The Grand River is not channelized along this stretch; steep, rocky banks and deep water define it. Fishing is also available at Holmes Bend Access.

At Newman Memorial Access, small boats such as canoes, kayaks, and johnboats can be launched on the Grand River without a ramp. The rock riprap there improves fish habitat. Wabash Crossing Access provides access to the river near Gallatin in Daviess County. Its concrete ramp also allows larger boats to be launched when water levels are higher. Fishing, frog hunting, floating on the water, and birdwatching are among the activities available there.

When planning a river trip, it helps to know the difference between the access points: At Green Access, boats can be launched from the shore without a ramp; at Newman Memorial Access, small boats can be launched on the Grand River without a ramp. At Wabash Crossing Access, larger boats can also be launched using a concrete ramp when water levels are higher. Check current conditions at the river access points before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Jamesport, Camden County, Christian County, Jackson, Barton County, New Madrid County, Washington County, Lafayette.

For the broader travel overview: Missouri.