Discover Andrew County

Andrew County combines Missouri’s broad glacial plains with river landscapes, conservation areas, and a vivid regional history. For planning your trip, this offers an interesting choice between culture in Savannah, waterside nature experiences, and excursions to historic sites. A vacation apartment or vacation home can be chosen to suit the experiences that matter most to you.

Cultural history in Savannah and near Rea

The Andrew County Courthouse at the intersection of Fourth and Main streets in Savannah is listed on the National Register and was built in 1899. It offers a tangible way to engage with the county’s history without limiting yourself to a single era. At the Andrew County Museum, the “A Rural Way of Life” exhibit presents the region’s heritage from 1841 through the 21st century. Groups can explore the exhibits there through self-guided activities and themed programs.

Outside Savannah, too, there are notable reminders of the past. The J.F. Roberts, Octogonal Barn near Rea, at the intersection of MO B and MO 48, is listed on the National Register. A mill owned by the Elrod family stood at the site of Elrod Mill Access in the late 19th century and ground flour for the local population. In addition, the Lewis and Clark Expedition camped on an island at the mouth of the Nodaway in 1804. Those who want to combine culture and landscape can incorporate these historical connections into their trip planning.

Rivers, lakes, and natural areas

The Nodaway River shapes several of the protected landscapes. A four-mile section flows through the center of the Nodaway Valley Conservation Area. The best times for observing waterfowl there are between mid-November and mid-March. The Worthwine Island Conservation Area preserves unique wetlands and habitats along the Missouri River. Restoration of a major channel, completed in 2007, recreated the island portion and the aquatic habitat separated from the main channel. The area offers public recreational opportunities in northwestern Missouri.

The Happy Holler Lake Conservation Area encompasses upland and floodplain habitats for wildlife. Areas designated as open to the public can be used for hiking. The 67-acre Happy Holler Lake offers fishing for bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie, and largemouth bass. In the Savannah area, two ponds at Duncan Park South Pond are also available for public fishing.

For a more nature-focused itinerary, there are additional destinations: Honey Creek Conservation Area is a 1,448-acre area along the Nodaway River. Elrod Mill Access provides access to the Platte River and other outdoor activities in northwestern Missouri. From Union Star, the access point can be reached by traveling 1.50 miles west on Highway 169, 0.50 miles north on Route M, 2 miles west on County Road 221, and 1 mile north on County Road 216 to the area entrance. Nodaway Island Access leads from Amazonia 3 miles west on Route T and then south on County Road 4412 to the area entrance.

Which accommodation location suits your trip?

If cultural history is your main focus, you can direct your search toward accommodation from which Savannah and the attractions mentioned there can be incorporated into your plans. For fishing, hiking, waterfowl watching, or river landscapes, it makes sense to regard the respective conservation areas and access points as key reference points. Families can take different daily interests into account: While some travelers prefer museums and historic sites, lakes, rivers, and designated hiking areas offer a different kind of shared discovery.

Duncan Hills Golf Course also adds to the range of activities. The municipal golf course, owned by the City of Savannah, was established as a 9-hole course in 1976 and expanded to 18 holes in 1993. This allows Andrew County to be explored in a cultural, nature-oriented, or active way, depending on your travel group and preferred pace.

For further orientation, you can find the direct destinations Cosby and Rea. Other destinations in the broader surrounding area include Jackson, Barton County, Putnam County, Benton County, Polk County, and Jefferson.

For the broader travel overview: Missouri.