Tour Scenic Madison County
FOR FAMILY FUN, Madison County offers a potpourri of action activities and scenic enjoyment. The vast Mark Twain stretches like a patch-work quilt across a broad section of the County, offering unlimited opportunities for hiking, photography, and enjoying nature.
IN FREDERICKTOWN, stroll through the beautifully restored Madison County Courthouse, designed by Theodore Link, and built in 1899. At Colvert Cemetery, a monument erected near the graves of fallen Confederate soldiers, marks the general area of the 1863 Civil War Battle of Fredericktown. The battle, which involved 3,000 Confederate troops and 5,000 Union soldiers, is now commemorated with a reenactment held every other year. Fredericktown City Lake offers fishing, picnicking and a paved boat ramp.
WEST OF FREDERICKTOWN, enjoy fishing or hiking at the Silver Mines Recreation Area with its one mile forest interpretive trail. Silver Mines offers camping, picnicking and swimming fun for the whole family. Further west, the paved trails of Millstream Gardens State Forest, offer breathtaking views of the St. Francis River cascading through boulder strewn shut-ins. Cradled between stands of pine, this stretch of river provides a spectacular setting for the heart-pounding excitement of the annual Missouri Whitewater Races each spring.
ROCK PILE MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS, named for an ancient circle of granite rocks piled by some earlier man, is located in the southwestern section of the County. This wilderness area offers hiking through virgin forests. Scenic attractions include wildlife ponds, rock formations, caves, limestone bluffs, and Rock Pile Mountain itself—don’t forget your camera. North is Marble Creek Recreation Area, located on scenic E Highway. Developed at the site of an old grist mill on Marble Creek, this recreation area features tent and trailer camping. Enjoy fishing or swimming with the kids in the old mill pond.
IN SOUTHEASTERN MADISON COUNTY, visitors can browse through the restored Sitzes Homestead located in Marquand Historical Park, in the Village of Marquand. The homestead, which is constructed of hand hewn logs, was relocated to the park from its original farm site. The Cabin has been furnished with period pieces and an artifact donated by the local residents. It is open to the public during the Marquand Annual Pig Roast in April, Pioneer Days each October, or by appointment.