RECREATION & ATTRACTIONS NEAR US
The Missouri/Mississippi River System is one of the longest in the world, originating in Southwest Montana and emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains a navigation channel for barges from Rulo, Nebraska to the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers just North of St. Louis. Camping, boating, fishing, water-skiing, hunting, or watching the local wildlife are favorite activities along the Missouri River.
Katy Trail State Park is the longest hiking and biking trail in the United States. It runs from St. Charles in the East to Clinton in the West, 225 miles in length. Cooper’s Landing is located at mile 163.5 between Easley and Providence (about half way between Rocheport and Jefferson City, the State Capitol). This section of the trail is noted for it’s beautiful rock bluffs. Click here to learn more about the Katy Trail.
“Boathenge” is a local landmark located a short distance to the north of Cooper’s Landing along the Katy Trail. This whimsical art installation showcases unique ways to recycle river boats that have outlived their original purpose. Be sure to take your camera to document your colorful trip to the original Missouri River Boathenge!
Rock Bridge State Park. Only 6 miles North of Cooper’s Landing. Located at the headwaters of the Little Bonne Femme watershed which empties into the Missouri River 100 yards NW of Cooper’s Landing. It contains beautiful karst* features including caves, sinkholes, and underground streams. It is also the site of an early Boone County Grist Mill and a Whiskey Distillery. Friends of Rockbridge Memorial State Park provides a complete guide to activities and famous features unique to the caves and habitat. Click here for more State Park information
Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area. Easily accessible by road or water, the Eagle Bluffs Conversation Area offers brilliant blue holes (if you’ve never experienced one in Missouri, don’t miss this!), wetlands, and woodlands with fishing and hunting opportunities
Plow Boy Bend Conservation Area. One of the newest state conservation area, Plow Boy Bend hunting and fishing opportunities. It is most easily accessible from Cooper’s Landing by boat.
Three Creeks Conservation Area. Located between Cooper’s Landing, Columbia and Ashland, it has beautiful trails through karst* and creek areas
*karst: an irregular limestone region with sinks, underground streams, and caverns.