Ripley County is in Missouri, in the Ozark Foothills region. It is located near the Arkansas border. Rolling hills, extensive forests and the clear waters of the Current River shape the landscape. You can focus your trip on different interests: rivers and canoeing, protected areas and wildlife, or local history. The specific places and activities can help guide your planning.
Rivers and Water Areas
Mudpuppy Conservation Area covers 1,404 acres in Ripley County. A 3.5-mile stretch of the Little Black River there is designated an “Outstanding State Water Resource.” The protected area includes 4.91 miles of the Little Black River for canoeing. The area also includes the 0.25-mile Trout Lily Trail; Mudpuppy is also part of the Great Missouri Birding Trail. This brings water, a named short trail and birdwatching together in a compact area, though these offerings do not all call for the same kind of outing.
Other protected areas reveal different sides of the landscape. Five units of Fourche Creek Conservation Area are located in Ripley County. Fern Nook Natural Area lies within Little Black Conservation Area. It contains one of the few remaining true old-growth forests of shortleaf pines and white oaks in the Ozarks. The North Prong of the Little Black River flows through Fern Nook for one mile. This combination of river and old-growth forest gives the area a different nature theme from the designated water resource at Mudpuppy.
Forests, Wetlands and Wildlife
Showy wet meadow flowers grow in Overcup Fen Natural Area, including cow parsnip, gold ragwort and orange coneflowers. The bottomland forests along the South Prong of the Little Black River offer opportunities to observe wildlife. For those interested in aquatic habitats, Spiderlily Natural Area offers another perspective: it is home to 60 native fish species and more than a dozen native mussel species. The area can be reached by canoe or kayak.
At Cupola Pond, century-old water tupelo trees form a canopy over a shallow wetland. Together with the old trees at Fern Nook and the flowers at Overcup Fen, details like these show how varied the natural areas of the county are. Irish Wilderness is designated for hiking. This makes it possible to compare different interests: river outings, designated hiking areas, and wildlife watching in wetlands and bottomland forests each offer a different focus.
Water and Outdoor Activities
Ripley Lake Recreation Area offers a basic fishing area and a picnic area for fishing and picnicking. Fourche Lake Recreation Area encompasses 49-acre Fourche Lake, where largemouth bass, sunfish and catfish can be caught. Fishing conditions can change; check the latest information before making plans. At the lower Current River in downtown Doniphan, T.L. Wright Memorial Access has two boat ramps.
Guided horseback rides offer a different way to explore the area: Fourche Creek Trailrides provides them in Mark Twain National Forest under a special-use permit. Service information can change, so it is a good idea to check it before your trip. When choosing an outing, the difference between water activities, hiking and guided horseback riding matters more than a broad notion of a single nature program.
Local History and Events
Current River Heritage Museum has two floors of exhibits, artifacts and photographs. Its exhibits cover local history and people from the area; it also hosts regularly changing traveling exhibits. The museum also provides maps, brochures and information about local events. Nearby, Pioneer Heritage Homestead features a pioneer cabin, a traditional rustic barn and a blacksmith shop. These buildings were collected from rural Ripley County and rebuilt there.
Tom Kennon Blacksmith Shop sells hand-forged items and accepts commissions for custom work; sales and commission offerings can change. Recurring county events include the annual FreedomFest. Check the dates and program before your trip. Ripley County Farmers Market runs every Saturday from May through October; here, too, it is a good idea to check the specific dates in advance.
Find a Hotel That Fits Your Plans
The attractions offer different points of interest rather than prescribing a single itinerary. You can tailor your hotel search to the experiences that matter to your plans.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Doniphan, Cass County, St. Charles, Livingston, Henry County, Crawford County, Ste. Genevieve County, Clinton County.
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