Our Community Arts, Culture, and Museums

It's no secret that the Ozarks are known for a rich tradition of arts and crafts. Salem’s arts culture is steadily growing into an attraction all its own. Area studios and arts guilds showcase the works of local talents, featuring painters and illustrators, photographers, musicians, potters, weavers, quilters and a variety crafts.

Check our Events and Festivals for upcoming Art and Music shows

Historic Downtown Walking Tour Salem's Historical Walking Tour project includes a 40-block tour that starts at the Dent County Courthouse lawn and journeys through the main business section along Fourth Street, down MacArthur Avenue through the historic area where many homes still exist. Walking Tour pamphlet with a map is available at the beginning of the tour, at the local Chamber of Commerce office or can be printed out. A booklet containing a copy of all 63 historic marker signs is available for $15 at the Salem TCRC (729-8163) or at the ONCRC (729-0029).

Salem Area Arts CouncilThe Council hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year. They provide art presentations of various venues, visual, musical, etc. This organization hosts the annual “Roots Festival” in May of each year. For a schedule, check the community calendar on this website. Phone 573-729-6983 or email sacba@salemmo.com.

Ozark Natural & Cultural Resource CenterThis facility is located at 202 S. Main St. in Salem. Information on natural resources and local culture is provided. Many of these are provided by various government agencies. Two large rooms provide venues for hosting events and exhibits. Current happenings and schedules are shown at www.oncrc.org. For additional information call 573-729-0029 or email oncrc@salemmo.com.

The Bonebrake Center of Nature and HistoryLocated at the corner of Rolla Road and North Hickory Street, this 12 acre nature area is very near the center of Salem. It is a protected area operated by the Bonebrake-McMurtrey Foundation. The Center contains a large restored historic home used for teaching and community events. There are walking paths for an up close look at nature. Birds are especially plentiful along the trails which wind through areas of prairie grasses, wild flowers, native trees, many plant specimens, a spring and spring branch. A small log home on the property is one of the oldest in the community. Off street parking is available. Spring Creek Artisans hold several events each year at the center. Each summer, classes are scheduled on a variety of subjects relating to nature and culture. For event scheduling and hours visit www.bonebrake.org, phone 573-729-3400 or email bonebrakecenter@embarqmail.com

Spring Creek ArtisansThe only juried art group in Dent County. Membership includes a wide variety of artistic skills. Shows and sales are scheduled each year. Most are held at the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History. For current events check the community calendar on this website or phone 573-729-4063.

Dent County Arts & Crafts GuildAn organization of local artisans and crafters demonstrating skills and offering a wide variety of items for sale. At least two shows are held each year. Refer to the community calendar on this website for dates or phone Mary Grace at 573-729-3446.

The CommonsThe Commons is a 74 acre facility located approximately one mile North-West of the City of Salem on Highway 72.  The commons offers a Youth Building, a Livestock Barn, a Recreational Vehicle Park, an Arena and many other amenities. For information, call 573-247-2606 or 453-4157. Visit the Comons website at http://www.dentcountycommons.com/

Gateway Antiques CenterA private enterprise, providing a venue for local artisans and dealers to sell items at one central location. It is located in a restored historic church building on 4th Street in Downtown Salem. Open M-S 10 A.M. to 4 P. M., Sunday 1-5 P.M. For directions and hours, call 573-729-5544.

Salem High School Drama ClubThis organization provides plays and other drama presentations during the school year. For information, or schedule, check www.salem.k12.mo.us or phone 573-729-6641.

Salem High School Music DepartmentThis department is strong in both instrumental and choral presentations. Concerts are held each year at the school and in off site locations. For information and schedules phone 573-729-6322 or 573-729-6641, or check www.salem.k12.mo.us.

Ozark Country Music Show is held almost every Friday night in the Salem City Hall Auditorium. It features live bands, country music, and dancing. Starting at 7:00 pm each week, the night is filled with friendly conversation and fun. Bands are paid by donations. For more information, call the Salem City Administration Building - 573-729-4811 or Jim Boulware – 573-729-6685.

Visual MannaA private company offering art education materials and workshops. Programs are offered locally as well as nationally. For information visit their website at www.visualmanna.com, or call Sharon at 573-729-2100.

The Salem Public LibraryLocated at the corner of West Second & Jackson Streets in downtown Salem the Library offers publications, books & programs for all ages. Computers are available for research and information gathering. Programming schedule may be seen on their website at www.salempubliclibrary.lib.mo.us Contact them at 573-729-4331 or email at glendabrown1@gmail.com.

Memories & MoreA downtown merchant serves as an exclusive source for David Plank original paintings, and prints. David is a local, internationally known bird artist. Other interesting art items are included in the offerings. For information and paintings in stock, call 573-729-6490.

The Bank of Salem Sponsors art displays in their lobby and adjoining community room at various times during the year. This bank also sponsors the annual David Plank Calendar. Phone 573-729-3137 for schedules.

Auto Shows, Races and RalliesSalem is home to the “100 Acre Wood Rally” held each February. Classic auto shows are scheduled at various times. At least one demolition derby is scheduled each year at “The Commons. For contact information, email or phone the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce at chamber@salemmo.com or 573-729-6900. ”. An off road vehicle park for 4x4’s, ATV’s and motorcycles is located about 12 miles south of Salem. For information, call 573-729-6668.

Other items of interest include:

• Church bazaars
• Various organizations & churches holding sales and special meals
• Rotary Pancake Day

Check the check the community calendar on this website for annual calendar and current events.

Bo’s Hollow Auto Museum
(573) 548-2429

Located on the Dent - Texas County Line in South Central Missouri. Rolla is 45 miles to our North. 2 miles South of Montauk State Park.

Bo's Hollow was built with the Model A Ford enthusiast in mind…"Restoring the Past - Preserving the Future."

Dent County Museum
400 N. Pershing Avenue
Salem, MO
(573) 729-6331

Sundays
1 pm - 4 pm
(Open from the last Sunday in May through the last Sunday in October)

Other visits may be scheduled by calling Jo Ann Wells (573) 729-2643 or Ken Fiebelman (573)729-5707.

The Dent County Museum preserves Salem and Dent County history for future generations. Built in 1895 on the then northern edge of town, the museum has beautiful, original pine woodwork and is furnished with period furniture and accessories throughout the 13 rooms on three floors. Particularly interesting displays include a loom, vintage clothing, children’s toys and clothing, and a reproduction of the Liberty Bell. Also original to the property are several outbuildings, some housing antique equipment. Tall, native oak trees surround the house while flowers popular during the end of the 19th century bloom in beds maintained by the Spring Creek Garden Club.

A brochure is available for download (PDF)

Montauk Mill Museum
RR 5, Box 279
Salem, MO
(573) 548-2201

The mill at Montauk State Park is over 100 years old. This historic site was a vital part of the Montauk Community into the 1920s. Built in 1896, the “Old Mill” had elaborate milling machinery. Much of it is still located there. Free guided tours of the mill are given on weekends. Hours vary, depending on demand and scheduled group tours.

Ozark Heritage Museum
701 N. Main Street (Highway 19)
Salem, MO
(573) 729-5707

Hours:
8 am-5 pm or by chance, 7 days a week, year round

The Ozark Heritage Center offers a free museum, as well as an antique shop and genealogy information.

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