Spring Into Adventure – Spend a Weekend in Callaway County

Winter is finally over, and there’s no better time to get outside and explore all that Callaway County has to offer. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, family-friendly fun, or a relaxing retreat, Callaway County is the perfect destination for a spring or summer getaway. Just be sure to pack for Missouri’s ever-changing weather—you might need sunscreen, a rain jacket, and a light sweater all in the same day!

Take a hike on America’s longest rails-to-trails conversion – the Katy Trail. Pick your mode of transportation: two feet, two wheels or four hooves, hop onto the trail at the Mokane Access and enjoy a riot of spring wildflowers or vivid summer foliage. Or for a great walk, hike or bike on a mostly paved trail, check out Stinson Creek Trail in Fulton. It’s an easy 6.5 miles out and back and leashed dogs are welcome.

Wet a line at Little Dixie Lake Conservation Area west of Kingdom City. It’s a great spot for bass, catfish and crappie.

If just soaking in Missouri’s natural beauty is your favorite thing, stroll through the Prairie Garden Trust in New Bloomfield. It’s called a nature garden because it has the beauty of native plants without the messiness of untended nature. The “displays” vary by season: flowering dogwood, redbud, Virginia bluebells and phlox in the early spring, then purple coneflowers and butterfly weed as the prairie blooms in June with blazing star and lotus in July. Tucker Prairie Natural Area west of Kingdom City is another place to see a rare remnant prairie filled with summer beauty.

If your family leans more into fun stuff, visit Battle Creek Paintball, Missouri’s #1 paintball park with open play on Saturdays and Sundays. Laser tag, paintball, Airsoft – take your pick all year round.

After an active game or two, cool off at.  Oestreich Swimming Pool or spend a fascinating afternoon exploring America’s National Churchill Museum, both in Fulton.

For the athletes in your party, enjoy “a good walk spoiled” (Mark Twain’s description) at Tanglewood Golf Course in Fulton, known throughout the state for having the best greens in the area and Railwood Golf Club in Holts Summit, for a challenging yet affordable day on the links.

If shopping is your favorite sport, plan on a long stroll through the Brick District in Fulton or do some antiquing at Artichoke Annie’s Antique Mall at the Millersburg exit, with 30,000 square feet of vendors, and Rock Garden Antique Barn filled with high quality and unusual pieces that have a lot of history behind them.

Finally, finish off your getaway with some patio time with a frozen cocktail at the Station in Fulton. Settle in to the new split level patio at the Post Office Bar & Grill, also in Fulton, for a drink and a meal. Or pair a glass of expertly crafted wine with fine dining and a spectacular view at Canterbury Hill Winery & Restaurant in Holts Summit.

Whether you're traveling from afar or just a short drive away, a spring or summer weekend in Callaway County is the perfect way to explore, unwind, and enjoy the season.