Nodaway County: Lakes, Trails and History

At Bilby Ranch Lake Conservation Area, bodies of water meet ranch history: The area was once part of J. S. Bilby’s 26,000-acre ranch. Today, the management focus there is on pheasants. The conservation area contains 150 acres of surface water, including the 110-acre Bilby Ranch Lake and several smaller ponds.

Lakes, Park Trails and Trees

At 73 acres, Nodaway County Lake is smaller than Bilby Ranch Lake and lies a few miles north of Maryville. Bluegill, channel catfish and largemouth bass are stocked in the lake for food and sport fishing. The two lakes thus offer different scales for enjoying the water: 73 acres at Nodaway County Lake and 110 acres at Bilby Ranch Lake.

Mozingo Lake Recreation Park covers 3,000 acres. It includes a 1,000-acre lake and 26 miles of shoreline. These figures describe the park area, water surface and shoreline length as different measures. The park also offers paved and natural-surface hiking trails. The 320-acre Mozingo Outdoor Education Recreation Area (MOERA) is also located at Mozingo Lake.

The Missouri Arboretum focuses on trees and biodiversity: It contains more than 1,700 trees and more than 160 species. The arboretum offers a walking tour; three trails extend across the Northwest Missouri State University campus. This clearly distinguishes the focus of this destination from the lakes and shorelines: here, the focus is on trees, species and trails across campus.

Historic Sites and Collections

The Caleb Burns House is one of the oldest surviving houses in the Platte Purchase area and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Nodaway County Historical Society owns and maintains the house. If you are considering a visit, ask in advance about visiting options and seasonal hours.

The Hickory Grove Schoolhouse was built in the spring of 1883. While the Caleb Burns House stands out as one of the oldest surviving houses, the Schoolhouse has a specific construction date. A three-story museum displays artifacts and historical materials from the Nodaway County Heritage Collection, offering another way to explore the county’s history.

Market and Summer Tradition

In host city Maryville, the Downtown Maryville Market takes place every Saturday from May through October 2026 in the downtown area. Offerings include fresh produce, baked goods, handmade items and unique local products. If you’re planning a visit to the market, check the specific Saturday in advance.

The Nodaway County Fair is a summer tradition in the county. Check the specific event dates if you’re planning a visit. The market and the fair offer different seasonal reasons for your trip: the market runs from May through October in 2026, while the fair is described as a summer tradition.

Discover more destinations: Maryville, Cedar, Barry, Johnson County, Butler County, Oregon County, Newton County, Jasper.

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