Discover Dunklin County

Bald cypress and tupelo trees grow in Cash Swamp; six fishing piers are located on Jerry Paul Combs Lake. Dunklin County therefore offers a range of ways to plan a trip: wetlands, other conservation areas, and museums with ties to regional history. When planning, it is worth keeping the specific access conditions for each natural area in mind. They vary considerably: water levels matter in one area, while public use is heavily restricted in another.

Lakes, Swamps, and Natural Areas

Little River Conservation Area lies in Dunklin and Pemiscot Counties, five miles east of Kennett on Highway 412. The area includes the 150-acre Jerry Paul Combs Lake, which has six fishing piers. The lake and piers give the area a specific point of interest for travelers who want to include waterways and fishing in their plans.

Cash Swamp is a swamp with bald cypress and tupelo trees. More than 25 tree species grow there, including many that are restricted to the southeastern lowlands. Access also depends on conditions on the ground: a boat is often required when water levels are high. In late summer and fall, the area is often dry enough to explore on foot; a canoe may still be needed to cross the ditch. Visitors to Cash Swamp should therefore avoid planning on just one way of getting around.

Wilhelmina Conservation Area lies in Butler and Dunklin Counties; part of the area is along the St. Francis River. To reach Wilhelmina Conservation Area, drive north from Campbell for 1.5 miles on Highway 53, then west for 4.50 miles on Highway DD. Ben Cash Memorial Conservation Area is on Route A, six miles west of Highway 412. Rare plant species can be found in Morris State Park.

Hornersville Swamp Conservation Area lies in the southernmost part of Dunklin County, two miles southeast of Hornersville. Particularly strict use conditions apply here: public access is prohibited. Exceptions are fishing and waterfowl hunting, permitted only from a boat and only when the water level at the gauge on Little River Floodway Ditch No. 1 in Hornersville is above 38 feet. The area is also a remnant of the 2.4 million acres of bottomland hardwood forests that once covered Dunklin, Pemiscot, Stoddard, New Madrid, and Mississippi Counties.

Museums and History

The Crowley's Ridge Parkway runs through Dunklin County along Missouri State Route 25 and is rich in American Civil War history. This offers a historical focus distinct from the wetlands and other natural features.

The Malden Historical Museum was founded by Mary Kochtitzky in 1955 and opened at a new location in 1983. Private tours are offered for individuals and groups; arrange one in advance. The Bootheel Youth Museum's exhibits cover natural sciences and Missouri history.

The Dunklin County Museum is housed in Kennett's original city hall. Jones Memorial Park in Kennett has a walking trail.

Discover more destinations: Kennett, Linn County, Benton County, Pettis County, New Madrid County, Clay, Oregon County, Wright County.

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