In Polk County, things to discover range from a wetland on Stockton Lake to historic buildings and local events in Bolivar. When planning your trip, you can focus on nature, architecture or local history. The different places and their distinctive features offer specific clues about what interests you in the region.
Wetlands, woodland communities and trails
Aldrich Refuge is a 750-acre wetland and part of the Stockton Lake Management Lands in Polk County, on the Little Sac Arm of Stockton Lake. A viewing platform is provided for birdwatching. The refuge is at the intersection of Highway 123 and Route T. Seasonal regulations may change; check them before visiting.
The 160-acre Brush Creek Conservation Area in Polk County offers a different natural landscape. Its natural communities include forest and woodland areas, as well as a small glade. The two areas therefore differ in the landscape features described: Aldrich Refuge is a wetland with a birdwatching platform, while Brush Creek is characterized by forest and woodland communities and the glade.
Bolivar also has green spaces with distinct features. Kifer Park covers 10 acres and is located on East Buffalo Street, east of South Gary Avenue. The park includes a walking trail, a streambed and a bridge. These three features give it a different character from the larger conservation areas: here, the focus is on the park grounds and the combination of trail, streambed and bridge.
The Frisco Highline Trail is a 36-mile biking and hiking trail from Springfield to Bolivar. South of Bolivar, it passes through a tallgrass prairie at mile marker 32. The Frisco Highline Trailhead is at 800 W. Jackson Street in Bolivar. The trail’s length, endpoints and prairie section describe both its route and a specific marked point along the way.
Historic buildings and local history in Bolivar
The history of public institutions can be traced through the Bolivar Public Library. It was built in 1915 to house the community’s first public library. It is of local significance under Criterion A in the area of social history. The building is thus connected with the community’s early public library and its place in social history.
The First National Bank in Bolivar tells a different story of architecture. The two-story commercial building in the Classical Revival style was completed in 1907. It stands on a prominent corner on the north side of the Polk County courthouse square. Its construction date, architectural style and location make the bank a distinct landmark for anyone interested in historic architecture and Bolivar’s local history.
The Polk County “North Ward” Museum building was constructed in 1903 as a combined high school and elementary school. It opened as a museum on July 4, 1982. The two dates mark different chapters in the building’s history: its original function as a school and its later opening as a museum. The Polk County Genealogical Society offers another way to explore regional history. Its library opened to the public in July 2002; it holds old Polk County records dating back to 1835. Researchers also have access to Ancestry.com, Fold3.com and Newspapers.com. As these services may change, it is advisable to confirm access before doing research.
Historical connections are also preserved at Keeling Park. Early settlers used Keeling Spring in the park in Bolivar. The Butterfield Stage Company also stopped at Keeling Park in Polk County. The early settlers’ use of the spring and the Stage Company’s stop are two distinct points of connection to local history.
Local producers and an annual event
The Greater Polk County Farmers Market in Bolivar is reserved exclusively for local farmers and producers. This gives the market a clear identity as a place for regional producers. Missouri Beef Days is a nine-day celebration held every May in Bolivar. The exact dates vary from year to year; check the dates for the year of your trip if you want to plan your visit around the event.
Discover more destinations
Bolivar, Fair Play, Humansville, Mississippi County, Osage County, Clinton County, Jasper, Stone
For the broader travel overview: Missouri.
