The Bootheel of Missouri and Surrounding Areas: What to See?

[SomewhereSoutheast]

I have nothing to add other than what has already, and you have also probably visited already; however, I can't help but wonder what started your interest in the Missouri Bootheel? I am a native who has traveled throughout the country and most people I have encountered have never even heard of it...haha.

[Dayton Sux]

I was in the Bootheel over Memorial Day weekend...just a brief visit.

Came to Missouri via the Dorena-Hickman Ferry (or is ithe Hickman-Dorena Ferry?). First stop:

Big Oak Trees State Park.
Wasn't going to do this but heck it was on the way. Glad I did! Coming from the Midwest these southern forests are fascinating. I walked that boardwalk trail

Then county roads and levee driving to

New Madrid

Nifty little historical museum with a good display on the famous earthquake. Musuem host or guide was actually pretty cool, helpful, knowlegeable. Then a walk down the street to get some ice cream, and looking at the westernmost tip of Kentuck from that viewing platform on the Levee.

Missed that historic house, though...a 'Bootheel Mansion' dating to the civil war days.

[SomewhereSoutheast]

It is too bad you weren't able to see Dorena/Wolf Island/Pinhook areas prior to the 2011 flood. My mom grew up down there and there sadly isn't really too much left anymore.

I always loved going to the Hunter-Dawson home growing up! I would go at least once a year with my dad or on a class field trip...it is definitely worth seeing, so the next time you find yourself down here, take a tour. I am pretty certain this is one of the homes that has the signature of one of the women who lived there in the corner of a windowpane. I guess it was a tradition to use one's engagement ring to scribble on the glass.

My family has been bouncing back and forth between Mississippi and New Madrid Counties since 1840, so it is interesting to hear a fresh perspective from someone who just happened upon Swampeast MO!

[94buickcentury]

Even though it isn't in the bootheel, but close to it, I would visit the Johnson State Shut-In. The view of the Ozark area is really gorgeous and there is some great hiking trails. Here are pics of it I took a year ago. Click on one to make the pic bigger.