You can fish at Forest Lake in Thousand Hills State Park; the lake covers 573 acres. The petroglyph site under a protective shelter in the same park is open to the public. When choosing a hotel, you can first decide whether activities on the water, nature and trails, or culture should be the focus of your stay.

Water, Petroglyphs and Trails

At Forest Lake, you can fish for crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, and channel catfish. Paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes are available for rent at the Thousand Hills State Park marina. This gives you a choice between fishing and rented paddling equipment as different options for a water-focused outing.

The petroglyphs at Thousand Hills State Park are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site under a protective shelter is open to the public. So, in addition to the lake, the petroglyphs are a specific destination for a cultural and historical focus in the park.

A report published on July 1, 2021, describes a multi-use trail for hiking and biking that passes through the Big Creek Conservation Area and connects to Thousand Hills State Park. The report also mentions birdwatching and running as activities. Check current trail conditions before your trip.

A concrete boat ramp provides access to the Chariton River at Mullanix Ford Access. This differs from the rentals at the Thousand Hills State Park marina: here, the feature is a boat ramp on the river, while the marina offers paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes for rent.

Forest, Savanna and Prairie Streams

The Sugar Creek Conservation Area is mostly forested. Open fields lie on ridges and along Sugar Creek. About 75 percent of the 1,064-acre Big Creek Conservation Area consists of forest, woodland, or savanna. The Union Ridge Conservation Area is much larger, at 8,262 acres; it forms a mosaic of woodland, grassland, old fields, prairie, savanna, and forest. Spring Creek runs through the area.

Descriptions of the smaller landscapes also highlight different features. Spring Creek Ranch Natural Area has short, steep hills covered in native grasses and an intact prairie spring stream. Its savanna landscape is rare in Missouri. Shoemaker Conservation Area, by contrast, is characterized by wooded oak-hickory hills with narrow ridges. Visitors choosing natural areas based on their landscapes can therefore distinguish among forest, open areas, savanna, and spring streams.

Homestead, Archives and Museum Collections

The Novinger Log Homestead was built in 1848 by Isaac and Samuel Novinger as a family home. It is furnished with period items and local artifacts. The Adair County Historical Society & Museum preserves artifacts related to the history and genealogy of Adair County in its exhibits and archives.

In Kirksville, the Museum of Osteopathic Medicine holds more than 100,000 objects, photographs, documents, and books. Heritage Hall at the museum features the Still Family Cabin and the first school building of the American School of Osteopathy. Together with the homestead and the Historical Society's exhibits and archives, these institutions offer different ways to explore collections and local history.

Discover more destinations: Kirksville, Millard, New Madrid County, Texas County, Nodaway County, Platte, Andrew County, Phelps

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