Discover West Plains: Ozarks History and Nature

Discover West Plains through its specific places and activities: the Courthouse Square Historic District defines the view of downtown, museums and memorial sites tell the story of the Ozarks’ history and cultural heritage, and several parks offer a range of recreational activities.

History and Cultural Heritage

The Courthouse Square Historic District is located in downtown West Plains, covers about 11.5 acres and consists of several blocks, mostly characterized by commercial properties. The district has been listed on the National Register since July 17, 2003. Its central location and predominantly commercial development give the historic district a clear connection to the city center.

The Ozarks Heritage Research Center collects and provides access to documents and visual sources about the history and cultural heritage of the Ozarks. The Harlin Museum focuses on something different: as a center for art and culture, it has presented the history of the Ozarks through art and history since 1972. The museum is the sole owner of the L. L. Broadfoot art collection. It includes original works of art and background notes by Lennis L. Broadfoot, who published the book “Pioneers of the Ozarks” in 1944. The museum’s basement houses historic artifacts, information panels and other mementos.

Lincoln School also connects a historic site with cultural life: it was fully restored and transformed into a vibrant cultural center as part of the Lincoln School Project. Reflection Plaza, a permanent memorial site, is located on the historic grounds. It honors the lives and legacies of the people who taught, learned and lived in the segregated community of “The Hill,” as well as African American education in the rural Ozarks. Together, these places offer different ways to explore regional history: from documents and art to commemorating a community and its educational history.

Parks, Trails and Sports

Galloway Creek Nature Park is a 40-acre, city-owned recreational area. Its trails are mostly paved and have gentle slopes; a covered bridge is located along the trail. Georgia White Walking Park has a 2.4-mile paved running and walking trail. These details highlight two different aspects of the trail offerings: the surface and route at Galloway Creek Nature Park, and a specific trail length at Georgia White Walking Park.

The Ozark Regional Office recreation area of the Missouri Department of Conservation is also located within the city limits of West Plains. It has hiking trails and an educational pond. Visitors considering different options will find both city parks and a recreation area with an educational feature at the pond.

JMB Park offers a choice of two disc golf courses. The 9-hole recreational course has one pin position and is approximately 2,200 feet long. There is also an 18-hole championship course with two pin positions and an approximate length of 7,650 to 9,150 feet. The number of holes, pin positions and length distinguish the two formats. North Terra offers a different sport: the public 18-hole golf course is owned and operated by the City of West Plains.

History Tours, Concerts and Excursions

West Plains has a self-guided history tour designed as a drive through the city. The West Plains Civic Center hosts concerts. For day trips, the Ozark Heritage Welcome Center offers routes to mills, springs and Ozarks scenery. These provide different ways to explore: a drive through the city, events at the Civic Center and routes to destinations throughout the region.

Admission to all events at the currently listed edition of the Ozark Heritage Festival is free; check the details again for future editions. The festival thus adds a specific occasion to the cultural sites described as available year-round, with admission information that applies to the particular edition.

Discover more destinations: Willow Springs, Mountain View.

See the broader travel overview: Howell County.