Miller County: Rivers, Bluffs and History

In Miller County, you can include river landscapes, designated trails and historic structures in your trip plans. The natural landscape is especially tangible at Saline Creek and Kings Bluff; cultural history is represented by sites including Boeckmann Bridge and the Miller County Museum.

River Corridors, Bluffs and Trails

Saline Valley Conservation Area offers public access to a nine-mile floodplain corridor along Saline Creek. The area also has six miles of accessible river and stream corridors along Jack Buster Creek, Jim Henry Creek and the Osage River. These named stretches of water give you specific points of reference when you want to spend time in the conservation area’s landscape.

One striking viewpoint in Saline Valley Conservation Area is Kings Bluff, where three 30-foot dolomite bluffs offer views of the Osage River. The rock type, height and river views give this place its distinctive character. Lake of the Ozarks State Park has designated trails for hiking, horseback riding and biking. The park also has three paved boat ramps.

Fishing and Access at Tavern Creek

Brays Access provides public access for wading and bank fishing at Tavern Creek. Reaching the creek from there requires a 0.25-mile descent down a steep, trail-less slope. Take this specific access condition into account when planning your visit.

Tavern Creek at Brays Access is considered a good fishing spot for spotted bass and smallmouth bass. At Lake of the Ozarks State Park, designated trails and boat ramps are other specific options for outdoor activities.

Local Bridges and History

Boeckmann Bridge is a wooden suspension bridge built by Joseph Dice in 1926. It is 240 feet long and 14 feet wide. Nearby is public access to a swimming area on Big Tavern Creek, off Highway 52 southeast of St. Elizabeth. The bridge and swimming area are two named points of interest in the vicinity.

The Miller County Museum is housed in a native-stone building on Highway 52 in Tuscumbia. The Miller County Historical Society acquired the building from the Wright family in 1988; it opened as the museum’s new home on June 2, 1991. Exhibits include a roller mill. A steamboat model and a wheel are also displayed in the basement.

Historic Sites and Local Wayfinding

Several places in the county are listed as historic sites on the National Register. Grand Auglaize Bridge is on Swinging Bridges Road at Grand Auglaize Creek near Brumley. Iberia Academy and Junior College is at the intersection of SR 17 and SR 42 in Iberia. Olean Railroad Depot is on Main Street in Olean, east of its intersection with California Street.

John A. Young Special-Use Area is another specifically named place in Miller County. It is designated for group camping and is located at the corner of Whispering Oaks and Benton Roads. These distinct names and location details can help you distinguish historic sites from designated uses when planning your trip.

Annual Event and Hotel Planning

The Miller County Fair begins with an annual parade on Tuesday evening. Dates and routes may vary, so check that year’s fair details before visiting.

When looking for a hotel in Miller County, you can first decide whether river access, trails in the state park, historic structures or museum history will be the focus of your trip. The locations mentioned range from Tuscumbia, Iberia and Olean to places near Brumley.

Discover more destinations: Lake Ozark, Eldon, Perry County, Washington County, Saline County, Stone, Bates County, Hickory County.

For the broader travel overview: Missouri.