Page 8 | West End Word April 20 – May 3, 2018

day trips
SPRING 2018

Ellington
The “Real Outdoors” In Reynolds County
Experience “the real
outdoors” in Ellington,
nestled in the Ozark
Highlands of Reynolds
County. While the
town is small – with
only about 1,000
residents – natural attractions and rec-
reation abound. Ellington is located at
Missouri Scenic Highway 21 and Scenic
Highway 106 approximately 125 miles
south, southwest of St. Louis.
The area is a haven for outdoor en-
thusiasts for floating, boating, fishing,
hunting, camping – or just enjoying the
beauty of the area’s natural wonders.
A favorite family spot is the Current
River, the first river to be designated as a
National Scenic River. Located just west
of Ellington, it is known for its crystal
clear water, large gravel bars and hun-
dreds of springs.
Three rivers – the East Fork, Middle
Fork and West Fork – come together to
form the Black River as they enter Clear-
water Lake to the north. Webb Creek Rec-
reation Area is located on the west side of
the lake. It has a secluded camping area
Steelville
& overnights
with pavilions, modern restrooms, a play-
ground, beach, showers and a full-service
marina.
The Current River Conservation Area,
encompassing approximately 28,000
acres of state land, is home to a multi-
tude of wildlife such as deer, turkey, ea-
gles and elk.
Also in the area is Blue Spring. Known
for its blue color, it is the sixth largest,
and the deepest, spring in Missouri.
To see the spring, called “Spring of the
Summer Sky” by early Native Americans,
requires a quarter-mile forest hike. The
Augusta
Artists Paint
Canoeists take
a relaxing ride
down the Black
The Town At
River.
Art Festival
| photo
courtesy The quaint town of
Ellington Augusta, known as the
Chamber of “First United States
Commerce Wine District,” is
also the home
of the 16th an-
nual Augusta Plein
Air Art Festival which is hosted by the
parking area has picnic tables and bath- Greater Augusta Chamber of Com-
rooms. A 1.5-mile trail connects the Blue merce.
Spring parking lot with the Powder Mill The event runs through April 29.
campground. During that time, the area will be filled
Due to a recent elk restoration pro- with over 130 artists. They will be scat-
gram by the Missouri Department of Con- tered throughout the small towns of
servation, elk now roam the Ozark High- Defiance, New Melle, Washington and
lands. Since 2011, the herd has grown to Augusta capturing the rolling hills of
over 140 cows, calves and bulls. wine country. They’ll be propped along
The Missouri Department of Conser- the Missouri River bluffs, fixed upon
vation offers elk self-guided driving tours prosperous farmland, tucked along
at Peck Ranch and Current River conser- the Katy Trail while recreating historic
vation areas. structures on their canvas.
Art completed during the festival will
be on display and available for sale each
day of the festival at the Augusta Visi-
tor Center in the heart of Augusta, as

Take I-44 To “Floating Capital Of Missouri”

Outdoor recreation is a
short drive down Interstate
44 from St. Louis. Steel-
ville, which some call
the “Floating Capital
of Missouri,” is situat-
ed on three rivers: the
Meramec, the Huzzah and the Courtois.
During warm weather, canoers and kay-
akers are among the outdoor enthusiasts
who come to enjoy the rivers and streams.
For a side excursion, visit the Dillard
Mill State Historic Park in Davisville set on
the blue waters of Huzzah Creek.
At the Huzzah Conservation Area, the
Ozark Hiking Trail transects most of the
area and allows hikers access to many of
its unique features.
Numerous lodging options are avail-
able along the rivers. The Huzzah Val-
ley Resort has been outfitting trips since
1979. It also offers camping, lodging in
cabins, canoeing and many other activi-
ties for guests of all ages.
well as on location at each special event.
Judging and awards and the final sale
will take place at Mount Pleasant Estates
on April 29.
The public is invited to observe the
art unfold at events hosted by wineries
and neighboring communities. Unique
events will be featured each day at a
variety of locations from local wineries
to historic sites, with special days in sur-
rounding towns.

The St. Louis Mercantile Library at the

Huzzah Valley Resort
Steelville, Missouri
University of Missouri– St. Louis presents:

THE 12TH ANNUAL ST. LOUIS

FINE PRINT, RARE BOOK Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Tubing, Horseback Riding, RV Hookups, Various Types of Lodging, 
2 1/2 Miles of Riverfront Camping, BBQ Dinners,

& PAPER ARTS FAIR

 Buffet Breakfast, & Pizza Delivery
1-800-367-4516
vacation@huzzahvalley.com
www.HuzzahValley.com
To benefit the Mercantile Collections and Conservation funds

2018 AUGUSTA
PLEIN AIR ART FESTIVAL
16 th
ANNUAL
• Over 130 professional artists
painting outdoors

MAY 4, 5 & 6, 2018 APRIL

• Over 25 amazing events
throughout the 12 day festival
• Events at 8 different wineries in Augusta

18 -29
TH TH
JC PENNEY CENTER UMSL NORTH CAMPUS and neighboring communities
• Art for sale daily from the easel and at
Rare Books, American and European Fine Prints, our “Pop-Up Art Gallery.”
Historical Maps and Photographs Youth Paint Out FINAL SALE Sunday, April 29
For Tickets : 314-516-7248 printfair.umsl.edu Sunday, April 29 at Mount Pleasant Estates
WWW.AUGUSTAPLEINAIR.COM • 636-228-4005
April 20 – May 3, 2018 Day Trips & Overnights West End Word | Page 9

Clearwater
~ Only 2 Hours South of St. Louis ~ Ozark Trail – Blair Creek & Current River
Lake and Webb Rocky Falls – NN Hwy – Cascading Rocky section; Hwy 106 – Whether you are looking for
Creek Recreation Creek drops 40 feet through shut-ins of scenic igneous rock a one day hike or want to make a few days of it; hiking
Area – Hwy H – Bring into a lazy pool just right for these sections of the Ozark Trail is rewarding and
the family to boat, ski, fish, swimming. The rocks are not adventurous. Such splendid locations as Blair Creek,
and unwind on crystal too steep to climb nor the water Bloom Creek, Current River, Rocky Falls, Klepzig Mill and
clear Clearwater Lake. This too swift to enjoy – and the Buzzard Mountain Shut-Ins are located right on the trail.
area of the lake is formed beauty of the area is breath- For the adventurous visitor this is a must!
where Webb Creek and taking. The falls are on national
Logan Creek empty into Clearwater Lake
park property and the site offers Blair Creek – Hwy
Clearwater Lake. It is known picnic tables with fire grills 106 – This area is a
for its crappie, bass and and bathrooms. There is also a favorite of the locals! For
catfish fishing in the spring and fun for the entire family hiking trail along Rocky Creek the person who is looking
Rocky Falls
all summer long. Camping is available at Webb Creek for the more adventurous. The for the unknown, adventure
Recreation Park; plus a full service marina with boat/ Ozark Trail also goes through into the wild Ozark hills for
wave runner rentals on site. Webb Creek Park features the park area for serious hikers. A must see if you are in the beautiful views, caves,
over 40 campsites, swim beach, playground, showers, the area and fun for all ages. Wear non-slip shoes and use swimming, picnicking. Here
picnic pavilions, boat launch, and caution when climbing on the falls. Camera is a must! riding the back roads in ATV’s,
more. Call Webb Creek Marina at Ride through remote trails
UTV’s and 4-wheel drives is
573-461-2344 for marina, boat Current River Conservation Area – Consists exciting and fun. Many horse
rental and campsite information. of 28,000 acres of state land. Deer, turkey, eagles, enthusiasts adore this area as well. Make sure and bring
For camping reservations visit elk and a multitude of wildlife can be seen. UTV’s, ATV’s, your camera you will want to capture this area in print.
www.reserveamerica.com horse and vehicle traffic are welcome on miles of gravel Entrance located North of Hwy 106 on County Road 106-
(Webb Creek) roads that wind through some 60+ food plots. Buford pond, B (across from Blue Spring entrance).
Missouri’s first fire tower, a 1926 log cabin and an earthen
Black River and K Fort Barnesville can all be found here. Buford Pond provides Scenic Highway 106 – This 26 mile drive
Bridge Recreation fishing and picnicking and is a favorite location of all. For between Ellington and Eminence is known state
Camp at Clearwater Lake, Area – K Hwy – Float, canoe,
Current or Black River hunting enthusiasts an unstaffed rifle and archery range are wide for its scenic views and beauty. This section of
fish and explore the beautiful provided. highway is also home to the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail
Black River. Enjoy swimming, Main park entrance located on South Road in Ellington, and sees many bicycle travelers from April-October.
camping and picnicking on the banks of the Black River. other entrances located off Hwy 106 and
K Bridge Recreation Area and Campground
offers playground, showers, electric and comfort
H highway. Maps are available at the main Peck Ranch – H Highway, Shannon County –
park entrance. Listen for the bugle this fall! Elk are now roaming
station. Floats (raft or canoe) can be arranged
on site by calling Jeff’s Canoe Rental at 573-598- the hills of the Ozarks and can be seen in Peck Ranch,
Local Flavor – Current River Conservation Area and the surrounding
4555. Cabin rental and a small general store is
Visit the Copeland-Shy Visitor region. Peck Ranch is open
also available. For camping reservations visit
Center to pick up brochures and from sunrise/sunset daily and
www.reserveamerica.com (Hwy K Park)
information about the area. This home is offers a driving tour. Bugling
Current River – HH Hwy – Swim, fish, believed to be the oldest home in Ellington, occurs in the fall, Sept-Nov.
float, camp on the beautiful Current River. dating back before 1900. Located at 155 W. Check the Missouri Dept of
ck Rivers
This section of the river is remote and secluded. Float Current or Bla Walnut Street (Hwy 106). Conservation website for
The Log Yard Gravel Bar or School Yard are both You won’t want to miss the park closing details. Maps are
great spots; camping here is considered ‘rough camping’ Reynolds County Museum while visiting Ellington. This available at park entrance.
but the locals consider it the best way to unwind. Log museum is filled with relics from days gone by and the rich
history of the Ozarks. Volunteers staff the establishment
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Stoney Larue, June 16 • Fireworks Display, July 4 • Reynolds County Fair, Sept. 27-29