Arrow Rock, Missouri
A designated National Historic Landmark, the town of Arrow Rock, Missouri is a time capsule into early American frontier life. From its role as a trading hub along the river, to economic hardship and social change, Arrow Rock’s history is a tale of prosperity, decline, and everything in between.
Arrow Rock’s history begins with the Missouria (Niutachi) and Osage (Wazhazhe) peoples, who used a prominent bluff in the area for flint. This bluff was marked on a French map as “Rock of Arrows,” which inspired the town’s eventual name in 1833.
Strategically located near the river, Arrow Rock quickly became a key stop on the Santa Fe Trail. The influx of settlers brought both progress, such as innovations in quinine treatment, and human right violations, including the institution of slavery.
Walking through the streets today, visitors can learn about westward expansion, explore the well preserved 19th-century buildings, and gain insight into social events and policies that shaped America. The history of Arrow Rock is documented today thanks to organizations like Friends of Arrow Rock and Missouri State Parks. A free, self-guided walking tour is available which helps visitors navigate the town from your mobile device.
Ms. Ada's House
Where to Stay in Arrow Rock
Stay in a 19th-century home that’s been thoughtfully restored. As the town is small and food options limited, having access to a kitchen will be ideal for this trip. We love Ms. Ada’s house for its history and design details.
• Ms. Ada’s House (Featured)
• The Latch House
• The Latch House Barn
Friday Itinerary
Friday Overview
• Check in
• Dinner at Catalpa (Seasonal)
• Play at Lyceum Theatre (Seasonal)
PRIOR TO ARRIVAL
Download Google maps and the “Friends of Arrow Rock” prior to arriving. Cell service is spotty in the town, though most places offer wifi. Note: groceries and gas are nearly 20 miles away, so we suggest bringing food and planning accordingly. Stores and eateries are open seasonally.
4 PM: CHECK IN
The Latch House, the oldest home in Arrow Rock
5 PM: DINNER AT CATALPA
Head down on Main Street for dinner at Catalpa, along the boardwalk. From cheesy pizza to boozy milkshakes, it’s the epitome of a Friday night dinner.
Boardwalk storefronts, rebuilt in 1973 for the "Tom Sawyer" musical
7 PM: PLAY at the LYCEUM THEATRE
Located right around the corner, head over to the Lyceum Theatre for a play. You’ll want to plan ahead and book tickets in advance.
Lyceum Theatre
Saturday Itinerary
Wear comfy shoes as today will be spent walking the town. For an accessible option, book a tram tour.
SATURDAY Overview
• Arrow Rock Historic Site Visitor Center
• Self-guided walking tour of the town
• Ice Cream at The Badger’s Hideaway (Seasonal)
• Homemade dinner
10 AM: Arrow Rock HISTORIC SITE Visitor Center
A few different organizations help make tours and education possible. Our guide starts the day at the Arrow Rock Historic Site Visitor Center and then follows the Friends of Arrow Rock walking tour via the free, self-guided app.
Below are a few of our favorite sites shown on the app. Many of the buildings are open during the day. You’ll want to bring cash for the craft store which features goods from local makers.
Masonic Lodge Hall & Arrow Rock Craft Shop (knits and quilts galore!)
Inside the Odd Fellows Lodge & Print Museum
Black History Museum (Brown Lodge No. 22 of A.F. & A.M.)
John P. Sites House & Gun Shop
12 PM: Lunch
Eat a packed lunch or make a pit stop back at home base.
Dr. John Sappington Museum
Painter George Caleb Bingham’s House
Afternoon: the badger’s hideaway
Take a pit stop at site #16 to shop and have a scoop of homemade ice cream at The Badger’s Hideaway. Afterwards, head to sites #17, #18, and #19—the last leg of the day.
The Badger’s Hideaway, an ice cream shop open seasonally
Walk the road or take trails behind the Arrow Rock Historic Site Visitor Center to the Big Spring
Tomorrows itinerary will take you to sites #20 and #21.
7 PM: Dinner
If you’re staying in a kitchen this divine, you’ll be inspired to cook. We recommend opening a bottle of wine and making spaghetti. It’s simple and filling and will set the mood for a cozy, summer night.
Layers of texture and warmth in the kitchen at Ms. Ada's House
Afterwards, enjoy the last of the light in the living room.
Sunday Itinerary
Sunday overview
• Check out
• Breakfast at Binghams Coffee (Seasonal)
• Missouri River Bird Observatory Visitor Center (Seasonal)
• Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge Lewis & Clark Trail of Discovery (Sites #20 and #21 on the app)
11 AM: Breakfast & Missouri River Bird Observatory
Enjoy a latte before meandering across the street to the Missouri River Bird Observatory visitor center. Learn about programming, bird habitats, and protecting window collisions. It’s a must stop for any bird lover and the perfect place to swing by before heading over to the refuge.
12 PM: Big Muddy national fish & Wildlife refuge
The gravel road taking you to sites #19 and #20, which are part of the Big Muddy National Fish & Wildlife Refuge, can be bumpy so high clearance is ideal. At the end of the road is a small lot, where you can park and view what remains of the bluff and ferry crossing and/or hike the flat, one mile Lewis & Clark Discovery Trail for a view of the river.