Saline County: Nature, Rivers and History

Water and landscape shape many of the natural attractions in Saline County: lakes, riverbanks, wetlands and wooded areas sit alongside places that tell the story of the region’s past. Highlights range from a fish hatchery and hiking trails to historic sites and a gallery.

Lakes, Rivers and Habitats

The Blind Pony Lake Conservation Area is a versatile recreation area surrounding the 195-acre Blind Pony Lake. Free tours of the fish hatchery at the lake are offered every Tuesday at 10 a.m. from June through August. As tours are seasonal, check the schedule before your trip. From Sweet Springs off I-70, reach the area via Highway 127 and then Route ZZ.

The Marshall Junction Conservation Area includes gently rolling uplands, former fields, cropland, wooded areas, rougher terrain and deep drainage gullies. The Blackwater River runs for about 1.25 miles along its northwestern boundary. The area’s local history also includes an old stone dam on the Blackwater River, which created a swimming and fishing spot.

The Grand Pass Conservation Area borders the Missouri River for six miles. Its wetlands are managed for migratory birds as well as resident and nesting wetland wildlife. Water and vegetation are also central to the Blue Lick Conservation Area, which has several salt springs and a small wetland. The responsible agency allows native shoreline and wetland plants to grow to restore the vegetation.

Unit 1 of the Ralph and Martha Perry Memorial Conservation Area lies in southwestern Saline County and extends into northwestern Pettis County. The conservation area has a two-loop hiking trail that passes through different habitats and provides access to several fishing lakes. Seasonal access to the Blackwater River is available in Unit 1. Take this seasonal restriction into account when planning and check current conditions before your trip.

The 300-acre Oumessourit Natural Area in Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park includes a freshwater wetland, marshes, and bottomland and upland forests. This combination of habitats complements the lake and river landscapes of the other conservation areas.

Explore History and Culture

Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park preserves the remains of a Missouria village at the Great Bend of the Missouri River. The park also contains Old Fort, a hand-built earthwork, and several burial mounds. Lake Wooldridge is also part of the park: the 18-acre lake is used for fishing.

Pennytown was a free African American settlement of about forty families on 64 acres. On the site once known as Pennytown, Pennytown Freewill Baptist Church is now the last surviving building. The church was first built in 1926. Markers at Sappington African American Cemetery State Historic Site tell of the self-sacrifice and resilience of the people who shaped the history of the site and Missouri.

Art and music are also part of the region’s cultural offerings. The Morris Gallery of Contemporary Art on the Valley campus exhibits current works in art and design. Its educational programs serve students, educators and the general public. The Marshall Municipal Band was officially founded in 1921 and has performed continuously ever since.

The visitor center at Arrow Rock State Historic Site presents the history of Arrow Rock and central Missouri, historically known as Boone's Lick Country. The Missouri River Bird Observatory visitor center is located at 406 Main St. in Arrow Rock. Each site offers a different focus, from regional history and art to wetlands, river landscapes and trails.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Sweet Springs, Wright County, Buchanan County, Miller County, Livingston, Cooper, Cole County, Clay.

For the broader travel overview: Missouri.