If you’re considering Purdy, Missouri, as a travel destination, there are three distinct points of interest: its development from its original name, Winslow, to its official incorporation as a city; the Purdy Festival, held every July; and Camp Barnabas at Teas Trail, with its retreat offerings and extensive grounds. This can help you narrow down the reason for your trip: local history, a specific festival date, or a group event.

Purdy’s Development in Several Stages

Purdy was originally founded under the name Winslow. In 1880, the town was surveyed and renamed that same year in honor of George A. Purdy. George A. Purdy promoted land sales and development along the railroad line. The first train passed through Purdy in March 1881. The survey and renaming therefore took place in the same year; the first train followed the next March.

The next milestones are also dated: expansions of the town were approved in 1882, 1883, and 1884. In 1904, Purdy was officially incorporated as a city; previously, it had been classified as a village. By 1904, Purdy had approximately 500 residents. That year is therefore associated with two distinct details: its formal incorporation as a city and its approximate population. Together with the survey and the three approved expansions, these milestones show Purdy’s development as a series of individual steps.

The Purdy Festival in July

The Purdy Festival takes place every year on the third Saturday in July in Purdy, Missouri. It originated in 2011 as an initiative by teachers at Purdy School and members of the local community. Thus, 2011 marks its origin, while the recurring event date is the third Saturday in July. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific date of that year’s event before making plans.

Camp Barnabas and Other Regional Offerings

Camp Barnabas at Teas Trail in Purdy offers a setting for youth or church events, family reunions, and corporate or team-building retreats. The grounds cover more than 100 acres and include pine trees, fields, trails, a lake, and a cliff overlooking the Ozarks in southwest Missouri.

Camp Barnabas announced that a fully accessible zipline for campers of all abilities would open in Purdy, Missouri, on June 25, 2025. A 2025 announcement described the three-story zipline as having conventional stairs as well as an electric winch that lifts people in a special adaptive chair.

Another regional activity is at Roaring River State Park in Cassville. Educational programs there include guided hikes, amphitheater presentations, and hands-on craft activities and games. This differs from the group events at Camp Barnabas in Purdy: educational programs are the focus at the state park.

Discover more destinations: Cassville, Seligman.

For the broader travel overview: Barry.