
Things to Do
The Heart of Missouri has a lot to offer. Enjoy a day exploring Linn County (Marceline, Brookfield, and Laclede), Macon County (Macon, Bevier, LaPlata) and all of the small towns in between. Drive down Highway 36, the Way of American Genius. We are also just a stone's throw from Kirksville.
Spend the day fishing, hunting, hiking, or just enjoying being outdoors.
1
Maples Repertory Theatre, Macon
Maples Repertory Theatre is a professional company in Macon, offering live performances, including musicals, comedies, and dramas, year-round. It also provides community outreach and educational programs, making it a vibrant cultural center for the region.
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2
Explore the Macon County Historical Society Museum and Genealogy Library, located in the historic activity center of the Blees Military Academy, built in 1900. This fascinating museum spans three floors of exhibits showcasing Macon County's rich history, including artifacts from the Blees Academy, the Still-Hildreth Sanatorium, and local communities. Highlights include a recreated one-room schoolhouse, a grist mill, a military memorabilia collection, and displays on early industries like farming, mining, and printing. Open April through October on Saturdays and Monday evenings, the museum is a must-see for history enthusiasts, offering both scheduled hours and appointments for personalized visits.
3
Walt Disney Hometown Museum and Main Street USA, Marceline
The Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline celebrates Walt Disney's early life and the inspiration he drew from his childhood in the town. The museum offers a unique glimpse into his personal history with exhibits, memorabilia, and interactive displays for fans of all ages. Main Street USA in Marceline served as the inspiration for the iconic Main Street in Disney theme parks.
4
Disney Family Farm, Marceline
At the Disney Family Farm in Marceline, guests can explore the grounds where Walt Disney spent part of his childhood and see the locations that shaped his early imagination. The farm features a barn replica that visitors can walk through, offering a unique connection to Disney's life story. Many visitors enjoy leaving handwritten notes in the barn, symbolizing the lasting impact Walt Disney's work had on them. The farm provides a peaceful, nostalgic experience, celebrating Disney’s humble beginnings and his connection to the town.
5
Long Branch Lake State Park, Macon
Long Branch Lake State Park in Macon offers a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, hiking, and camping along the scenic shores of Long Branch Lake. Visitors can enjoy the park’s sandy beach, nature trails, and well-maintained picnic areas, making it a perfect spot for family recreation and nature lovers.
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6
The John J. Pershing State Historic Site in Laclede honors the life and legacy of General John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. The adjacent Pershing State Park offers visitors opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, with scenic trails that showcase Missouri's natural beauty and wetlands.
7
The Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site preserves one of the few remaining covered bridges in the state, originally built in 1868. At 151 feet long, it is the longest of Missouri’s covered bridges and once served as an important crossing for travelers and freight along the Hannibal-to-St. Joseph stagecoach route. Visitors can walk across the bridge, explore the scenic surroundings, and learn about the bridge's role in Missouri's transportation history.
8
Specialty Shops, Macon & Linn Counties
Macon and Linn Counties offer a wonderful mix of small businesses, traditional antique shops, and eclectic spaces, perfect for finding everything from locally produced food items, historical memorabilia, vintage home decor, craft supplies, and gifts and clothing. Check out shops like:
Koch's General Store, C.A. Shoush Company, West Winery, Macon Quilts & Embroidery, and the Weathervane Antiques & Collectibles in Macon; Hilltop Variety Store outside New Cambria; Magnolia Antiques & Tourist Center, Hazel & Grace Boutique, The Paper Station on Main Street USA, Historic Marceline Toy Company, and OliveSage Emporium in Marceline; and the Time Warp Antiques and Thrift Store and UnWined & Shop in Brookfield.