Explore Pike: Mississippi Landscapes and History

Pike County lies along Missouri’s eastern border. Its landscape ranges from floodplains, swamps, and wetlands to woodlands and river bluffs. The area’s history is also tangible at various sites: historic homes and districts, museums, a former industrial site, and traces of a railroad line.

Floodplains, Riverbanks, and Woodlands

The 6,705-acre Ted Shanks Conservation Area combines floodplain hardwood forests with open swamps, wetlands, oxbow lakes, and sloughs. The area borders the Mississippi River for 8.75 miles. A concrete ramp provides access to the Salt River. The diverse wetland landscapes and a direct river access point are among the features of this conservation area.

At Ranacker Conservation Area, the main trail is technically a field road that runs the full length of the area. In the northern section, Peno Creek crosses the area and forms more than a mile of shoreline. The landscape also has a historical feature: remains of a short-line railroad built in 1872 can be seen on the grounds.

DuPont Forest Natural Area covers 80 acres of mixed hardwood upland forest and small limestone glades. DuPont Natural Area offers views of the rugged hills along the Mississippi River. The DuPont Reservation Conservation Area is a separate site, where a concrete ramp provides access to the Mississippi River. A dynamite factory operated on these grounds from 1892 to 1932.

Hiking, River Access, and Getting Around

The Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities for hiking. To reach it, take Highway 79 through Annada, then Pike County Road 206. Clarksville Riverfront Park provides access to the Mississippi River; boats can also be used at the park. It is designated as Mississippi River Trail site 25-1.

Bowling Green also combines outdoor trails with recreational opportunities: it has trails for walks and other activities, and its lakes are used for recreation as well. Another way to explore the area is the scenic byway along Highway 79. It runs from Annada through Ashburn toward Hannibal. These varied landscape and recreation options can help you decide what to prioritize on your trip without limiting it to a single riverbank or conservation area.

Historic Sites and Local Culture

Bowling Green brings together several aspects of local history. The Champ Clark House is designated a National Historic Landmark. Honey Shuck is the James Beauchamp Clark House, also in Bowling Green. The Champ Clark Heritage Festival is held in the city every year. Bowling Green’s Amish settlement has shops selling homemade crafts and baked goods.

More than 40 historic homes still stand along the streets of Louisiana, and downtown includes two separate historic districts. Twenty-four murals are spread throughout the city. Historic markers make it possible to take a self-guided tour through the tree-lined streets. Louisiana’s City Market is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Louisiana Area Historical Museum tells the story of the prisoner-of-war camp that operated in Louisiana during World War II.

The Pike County Genealogical Society and Museum is housed in the former Pike County Jail, built in 1883, and preserves historical materials about the history of Pike County, Missouri. Near Eolia, Old St. John’s Episcopal Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Discover more destinations: Frankford, Ripley County, Callaway, Benton County, Marion County, Boone, Phelps, Hickory County.

For the main travel overview: Missouri.