Dunklin County: Nature, Water and History

Dunklin County combines extensive wetlands, lakes, river landscapes and historical points of interest. Those who want to combine a trip with nature experiences and culture will find a range of options here: water and rare plants in the conservation areas, museums in Malden and Kennett, as well as the historic Crowley's Ridge Parkway. When searching for a vacation rental or holiday home, it is worth first deciding which of these experiences should shape your stay.

Wetlands, Lake and Rare Plants

The Little River Conservation Area is located in Dunklin and Pemiscot Counties, five miles east of Kennett on Highway 412. This area includes the 150-acre Jerry Paul Combs Lake. There are six fishing piers at the lake, giving a stay there a clear focus on water and nature. Kennett is also a useful base for visitors who want to combine nature and local history.

The Wilhelmina Conservation Area also extends beyond the county line: it is located in Butler and Dunklin Counties, with part of it along the St. Francis River. From Campbell, the area can be reached via Highway 53 and Highway DD. The described access route first follows Highway 53 north for 1.5 miles and then Highway DD west for 4.50 miles. These specific details help you match your vacation rental search with your planned excursion direction without treating the various natural areas as a single destination.

Rare plant species can be found in Morris State Park. More than 25 tree species grow in Cash Swamp, including many that are restricted to the southeastern lowlands. Access there may depend on the water level: when the water is high, a boat is often required. In late summer and fall, the area is often dry enough to explore on foot; a canoe may still be needed to cross the ditch. For planning your day, this change between water and land access is an important distinction.

Special Access Conditions at Hornersville Swamp

The Hornersville Swamp Conservation Area is located in the southernmost part of Dunklin County, two miles southeast of Hornersville. Public use is prohibited there except for fishing and waterfowl hunting exclusively from a boat. These exceptions apply when the water level at the gauge on the Little River Floodway Ditch No. 1 in Hornersville is above 38 feet. The area is also a remnant of 2.4 million acres of bottomland hardwood forests that once covered Dunklin, Pemiscot, Stoddard, New Madrid and Mississippi Counties. Anyone selecting natural areas for a trip should therefore not treat this place like an openly accessible walking trail.

Another point of reference is the Ben Cash Memorial Conservation Area. It is located on Route A, six miles west of Highway 412. Together with the Little River Conservation Area, it shows how differently the natural destinations in the county are situated.

Museums and History Along the Routes

The Crowley's Ridge Parkway runs through Dunklin County along Missouri State Route 25 and is rich in American Civil War history. It therefore complements the natural areas with a historical perspective. At the Malden Historical Museum, the history extends back to the origins of the building itself: Mary Kochtitzky founded the museum in 1955, and in 1983 it opened at its present location. Private tours are available for individuals and groups.

In Kennett, the Dunklin County Museum is housed in the original town hall. Jones Memorial Park has a walking trail, providing another opportunity to complement a culturally focused visit with outdoor activity. The exhibits at the Bootheel Youth Museum cover natural sciences and the history of Missouri. Campbell hosts the Peach Fair in the third week of August. Depending on your travel dates, you can therefore choose between museums, a historic route, a park and an event to create different focal points.

Choosing the Right Base for Your Trip

A vacation rental in Dunklin County can be particularly appealing if you do not want to limit your stay to a single attraction. For water-based nature experiences, Jerry Paul Combs Lake and the wetlands take center stage. For culture and history, the museums, Kennett and the Crowley's Ridge Parkway offer suitable themes for your planning. If you want to use the described access route to the Wilhelmina Conservation Area, Campbell is the specific starting point named in the directions. When searching, compare the location of your accommodation with these focal points and take the respective access conditions into account.

For further orientation, you can also view Kennett, Audrain, Mississippi County, Oregon County, Scott County, Andrew County, Howell County and Randolph.

For the broader travel overview: Missouri.