Audrain: Discover History, Lakes, and Trails

Audrain combines impressive county history with museums, lakes, and natural areas. At its center is Mexico: The city is centrally located in Audrain County and is the oldest city in the county. For your trip planning, this creates a diverse mix of historical discoveries in Mexico and excursions to landscapes, bodies of water, and protected areas.

History and Culture in Mexico

Those interested in the history of the region will find several unusual points of connection in Mexico. The Ross House Museum was visited in the early 1860s by then-Colonel Ulysses S. Grant. The museum also houses the Cauthorn-Stribling Library, which is furnished like a library in a residence from the period between 1870 and 1900. The Missouri Saddlehorse Museum was founded in 1970 to complement the Ross House and displays an extensive collection of memorabilia from equestrian sports. Its grounds contain the gravestone of the Saddlebred stallion Rex McDonald (833).

The history of horse breeding can also be traced through special sites. The American Saddlebred Horse Museum houses the largest exhibition of Tom Bass memorabilia in the country. Simmons’ Stable is a building dating from 1887 and is considered the oldest known building in the United States continuously dedicated to housing and training champion American Saddlebred horses.

Another focus is industrial history. The fire brick industry was Audrain County’s most important economic sector for more than a century and employed more than 5,000 people at its peak. The Fire Brick Museum preserves photographs, records, equipment, and raw materials from this history. In addition, the 1903 Audrain Country School, with its slate board, original school desks, and books, as well as the Audrain Country Church, completed in 1889 according to the Akron Plan, showcase further facets of the region’s past. The Audrain County Historical Society is located in the 11-acre Robert S. Green Park in Mexico.

Lakes, Trails, and Nature Experiences

For active days, the William Lowe Conservation Area offers a clear contrast to the museums. It covers 133 acres on the southern edge of Mexico. Hiking trails lead through a 40-acre field of native grasses; Teal Creek also runs through the area and empties into Teal Lake. Those who want to combine nature and culture when planning their trip can pair this landscape with the historical offerings in Mexico without focusing on just one type of experience.

Water shapes other excursion destinations as well. Lakeview Park Lake is a 25-acre lake in Mexico’s Lakeview Park. Overnight camping is available there, and only boats powered exclusively by electric motors may be used on the lake. Teal Lake is an 80-acre lake in Mexico maintained by the City of Mexico. Largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and black bass are listed as fishing targets there; only boats powered exclusively by electric motors may also be used there. Vandalia Community Lake has a boat ramp, developed camping facilities, picnic areas, and a pavilion.

In the Marshall I. Diggs Conservation Area, 600 acres of woodland and 400 acres of prairie are spread across the area. Two lakes cover a combined 20 acres and are stocked with largemouth bass, bluegills, redear sunfish, and channel catfish. These varied landscapes can help you choose the right travel style: historical sightseeing, walks, water-based experiences, or a day planned with a stronger focus on nature.

Audrain as a Suitable Base for Planning Your Trip

When searching for a vacation rental in Audrain, it is worth first deciding which priorities you want to focus on. Mexico suits a trip that combines museums, local history, the farmers market, and cultural offerings. The Mexico Farmers Market sells locally produced fresh meat and produce. The Presser Arts Center offers performing arts performances as well as instruction in music, art, performance theater, film, and various instruments. Lakeview Park also has a fully accessible playground with a nature-based play trail and an ADA-accessible 1.5-mile path around the lake.

If you like to vary your days, Audrain offers several documented themes for this: The North Missouri Railroad was laid through Audrain County in 1856 and promoted trade for Mexico as the county seat and the surrounding area. The Walk Back In Time Festival combines living history interpretation with encampments of reenactors from the Civil War, the Wild West, the era of the 1770s colonists, and World War II.

For further regional comparisons, you can also visit Andrew County, Christian County, Vernon County, Mississippi County, Bates County, Lafayette, and Lawrence County.

For the higher-level travel overview: Missouri.