Lawrence County: Prairies, Wildflowers and History

An unchannelized stretch of the Spring River flows through the southern part of Robert E. Talbot Conservation Area. This section of river adds a distinctive natural feature; other areas highlight prairie landscapes and native plants.

River Landscapes and Prairies

Providence Prairie Conservation Area covers 197 acres in northern Lawrence County. There, original prairie, brushy draws and reconstructed prairie meet. Birdwatching is one possible activity, as is hunting rabbits and quail. Directions to the area lead from the intersection of Highways 96 and 97 via Route NN and County Road 1040. Check road conditions before setting out.

Linden's Prairie is a 174-acre, high-quality prairie remnant near Mount Vernon, Missouri. More than 190 native plant species have been recorded there; future surveys may change the number. Mount Vernon Prairie, by contrast, preserves a remnant of the once more extensive Ozark prairie landscape. One of its characteristic prairie flowers is fringed poppy mallow, whose blooming season varies. The two areas thus represent different aspects of nature: a high number of native plant species in one, and a connection to a formerly more extensive prairie in the other.

Trails and Outdoor Activities

Robert E. Talbot Conservation Area has several miles of multi-use trails open to hiking, biking and horseback riding. There is also the opportunity to fish at a lake of either four or seven acres. The trails and lake offer different ways to spend time outdoors: You can focus on one of the listed trail activities or plan a visit to the fishing spot. The Spring River adds to these offerings as an unchannelized stretch of river in the southern part of the conservation area.

Providence Prairie Conservation Area also combines nature observation with other recreational opportunities: birdwatching and hunting rabbits and quail are available there. Together with the prairie landscapes, these activities give a concrete picture of what makes the area distinctive, without equating the activities.

History and Regional Traditions

In the 1920s, Route 66 ran through the northern part of Lawrence County. Another point of historical interest is the Historic Lawrence County Courthouse in Mount Vernon, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. The county thus offers both a historic transportation route and a listed courthouse as different ways to explore regional history.

The Lawrence County Bank Building is located at 100 W. Commercial St. in Pierce City; it is among the county's properties listed on the National Register. The Peirce City Fire Station, Courthouse and Jail is also near downtown. Dating to 1886, the building is in the Italianate style and is locally significant for its architecture. Together, the two buildings offer different points of reference for exploring Pierce City's architectural history.

Adamson Cabin is one of the region's few remaining authentic pioneer homes. It offers a distinct focus alongside the courthouses and bank buildings: here, the focus is on a surviving pioneer home, while the buildings in Pierce City illustrate regional architectural history.

Apple Butter Makin' Days and Mount Vernon

Apple Butter Makin' Days has been held every October since 1967 on the Lawrence County Courthouse Square in Mount Vernon. At the event, apple butter is cooked over open fires in large copper kettles using centuries-old methods. The program includes games, contests, food and entertainment for all ages. If the festival is a reason for your trip, check the specific event dates in advance.

Mount Vernon is near I-44 at Exit 46. Two lakes and Branson are a short drive away. If these destinations are part of your plans, Mount Vernon can be a useful reference point for planning your trip and accommodations.

Discover more destinations: Monett, Webster County, Andrew County, Clinton County, Cedar, Taney, Phelps, Franklin County.

For the main travel overview: Missouri.