Destinations


Parks and Conservation Areas in Dent County


Cedar Grove C.A. Download (PDF)  
Gerhild and Graham Brown C.A. Download (PDF)  
Hyer Woods Natural Area Download (PDF)  
Indian Trail C.A. Download (PDF) Download (PDF)
Lenox Tower Site Download (PDF)  
Montauk Tower Site Download (PDF)  
Richard Clement Memorial Forest and Wildlife Area Download (PDF)  
Shawnee Mac Lakes C.A. Download (PDF)  
Short Bend Access (Upper Meremec River) Download (PDF)  
White River Trace Conservation Area Download (PDF) Download (PDF)

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Lakes, Ponds, Rivers and Streams

lakes_and_streams
  1. Shawnee Mac Lakes
  2. Current River
  3. Brown C.A. (4 ponds)
  4. Cedar Grove C.A. (1 pond)
  5. Cedar Grove Access on Current River
  6. Loggers Lake
  7. Montauk Lake (above hatchery)
  8. Current River at Montauk
  9. Short Bend Access, Upper Meramec River
  10. White River Trace C.A. (50+ ponds)
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Museums

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."

dentcomuseumDent 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 

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)

montaukmillMontauk 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.



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Public Picnic/Reunion Facilities

1. Cedar Grove
About 12-15 established primitive campsites for camping along the river (first come, first served). Privies are available. DOWNLOAD MAP

shelterhouse2. Salem City Parks
The Parks and Recreation Department will reserve the picnic shelter houses located in the Salem Park for your special outing or reunion. Reservations must be made in person and fees are to be paid when the reservation is made. To find out about the availability of any shelter at the park, contact the Salem Pool at 729-6290 or if the pool is closed, contact the City Hall at 729-4811.Salem City Park (Rolla Road): Pavilion # 1 (east) and the Pavilion #2 Pavilion (west) can be reserved.

Roadside Park (Hwy 19 N) - Pavilion and tables for picnics.
Park at Hickory and Center St. - Open space and picnic table

GO TO SALEM CITY PARKS

3. Montauk State Park
Rt. 5, Box 279
Salem, MO
(573) 548-2201
(573) 548-2434 Lodging

The park has two open picnic shelters perfect for large family gatherings or special outings. Both shelters have picnic tables, outdoor grills, a children's playground and restroom facilities nearby. There is also a playground facility located in the campground. GO TO WEBSITE

4. Shawnee Mac Recreational Area
This area contains forest and grassland. Facilities/features: 2 boat ramps, primitive camping, picnic area, pavilion, a fishing jetty, and 2 fishable lakes (Ziske Lake, 30 acres; Turner Lake, 17 acres). DOWNLOAD MAP

5. Gerhild and Graham Brown Conservation Area
(573) 368-2225
Directions: From Highway 72 in Salem Go west on H Highway 3.5 miles to DD Highway. Area is 3 miles north on DD Highway. DOWNLOAD MAP

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 Trails

hiking1. Blackwell Lake Trail
Blackwell Lake Trail is 0.70 miles long and is classified as a Non-Interpretive Linear Trail. Located inside Indian Trail Conservation Area, northeast of Salem on Highway 19.

2. Salem Frisco RR Trail
The old Salem Railroad Trail opened in the summer of 2001. A brand new trail for hiking and biking is available for public use. Starting at 3rd and Grand Avenue in Salem, the trail is an 8 foot wide asphalt path traveling north for 4,000 feet along the Old Burlington Northern Railroad bed. It ends at the old timber trestle over Spring Creek near the MFA Bulk Plant just off Hwy 19 on the north edge of Salem. Motorized vehicles are prohibited.

3. Shawnee-Mac Lakes Trail
Located just east of Salem. The trail follows the edge of Turner Lake and Zizke Lake and provides beautiful views of the water and park grounds. Maintained by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

4. Trail of Tears
People traveling east-west through Salem might be interested to know that they follow a route of one of the major "journey stories" in American history. President Andrew Jackson's forced removal of Cherokee families from their legal farmsteads in the east resulted in the "Trail of Tears." Wagon trains of people under military escort to Indian Territory (Oklahoma) passed directly through Dent County. The Trail of Tears can be accessed from the Indian Trails Conservation Area parking lot off of Hwy. 19. DOWNLOAD MAP

5. Montauk Hiking Trail - Pine Ridge
If you’re interested in a relatively challenging walk, Pine Ridge Trail is perfect for you. Be sure to wear good hiking shoes with rugged “grippy” soles. There are two trail heads for this trail: one starts directly behind the old stone picnic shelter and the other is located just beyond the naturalist’s office.

6. Montauk Hiking Trail - Montauk Lake Walk
Although not yet an officially designated trail, this is one of the most popular places to walk in the park. This hike is great for visitors wanting an easier stroll. You don’t need hiking shoes, but we do recommend something more than sandals, since the road surface is gravel. It’s excellent for small children and strollers. The hike starts at the naturalist’s office, near the hatchery office. Just follow the gravel road that begins at the north end of the public parking area. Feel free to walk or ride your bicycles in this area, but no motorized vehicles.

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