Discover Putnam County: Nature, Water and History

Putnam County combines expansive natural areas with historic sites and family-oriented recreational opportunities. Those planning a trip among forests, water and regional history will find a variety of options here for active days, quiet discoveries and outings with children. When choosing your vacation rental or vacation home, it is therefore worth deciding first what you want to focus on: nature, culture or a stay with water-based activities.

Forests, Prairie and Protected Natural Areas

The Mineral Hills Conservation Area presents a distinctive landscape: More than 75 percent of its area is forested. At 8,262 acres, the Union Ridge Conservation Area has a much more varied structure. Spring Creek cuts through the area, which forms a mosaic of forests, grassland, fallow land, prairie, savanna and wooded areas. Union Ridge lies in Adair, Putnam and Sullivan counties, giving Putnam County a natural perspective that extends beyond its immediate surroundings.

The Union Ridge Conservation Area is open to the public every day from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The Spring Creek Ranch Natural Area is located within this area. Hunting and fishing are permitted there. These different uses appeal to travelers who want to combine their stay with nature observation, time by the water or corresponding recreational plans. The Missouri Department of Conservation manages the Morris Prairie Conservation Area to preserve diverse habitats for fish, forests and wildlife and to provide the public with environmentally responsible recreational opportunities. It is located in Putnam and Sullivan counties.

Lake Mahoney and a Clear Route for an Outing

The access route described is particularly useful when planning an outing to Lake Mahoney: From Unionville, follow Highway 5 one mile north. Then the Reservoir Trail runs one mile westward across the dam to the access area. The two stated route sections provide concrete guidance for planning your day without requiring a specific walking time to be inferred from them.

Historic Traces and Regional Culture

The history of Putnam County can also be explored at several specific sites. The Unionville Square Historic District is included among Putnam County's National Register listings and was added on July 19, 2002. The Putnam County Courthouse in Unionville was built in 1924 and, along with the majority of the buildings around the town square, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Those interested in architecture, local history and the development of public squares can make these listings a thematic focus of their travel plans.

The former Henry Clay Dean House Site in the Rebel's Cove Conservation Area is listed in the Missouri Historic Sites Catalog. In addition, the Historic Trees Living Heritage Museum was founded in 1989 by the Putnam County Historical Society. The Putnam County Historical Society and Museum was established with the goal of preserving historic buildings and sites. Alongside the natural areas, this provides a cultural way to explore the region's history.

Water Activities and Annual Events

The Unionville Community Pool was built in 2015. It features a zero-depth entry area and a splash zone for younger children. The pool also includes the SplashTacular Water Slide, with a winding tube section. For families, this offering can be a focus of the stay, while those interested in nature and history can structure their days differently. The Putnam County Fair takes place every year at Unionville City Park from Tuesday through Saturday after Labor Day. Those who want to include this event in their plans should schedule their travel during this period.

A vacation rental suits a stay in which you want to combine several interests in your daily plans; a vacation home may also be a suitable search option for your plans. What matters is not a blanket promise about an accommodation, but the focus of your trip: natural areas, historic sites, water activities or the annual county fair.

For additional regional orientation, see Moniteau County, Oregon County, Audrain, Crawford County, Stoddard County, New Madrid County and Cedar.

For the overarching travel overview: Missouri.