Fall Activities: An A to Z Guide- Pulaski County, Missouri

Auto Tour- If you love Route 66 in the summer time you will be over the moon while exploring its historic pavement in the Fall! Pulaski County Tourism Bureau offers a free brochure with turn by turn directions of PulCo’s 33 mile stretch. Bring your camera!

Bellefonte Loop- While traveling Route 66 in western Pulaski County, take a short detour to explore the Bellefonte neighborhood. Bellefonte was home to the Barlow, Clark, Elam, King, and Wyrick families and included a one room schoolhouse and a post office. The post office began operating November 30, 1830 and was discontinued December 15, 1922. From Highway AB (Historic Route 66) turn south onto Smokey Road. On the east side of the road is Rollins Cemetery. Continue south on Smokey Road and turn west onto Southbend Road. Robert Lincoln Barlow (1861-1936) refers to this road as “the bluff road” in his diary. This portion of the road runs west along a ridge overlooking the Gasconade River and will show off beautiful splashes of color this time of year. As you continue on Southbend the road will turn north, away from the Gasconade River, and loop through one of Pulaski County’s most beautiful farming areas. Be on the lookout for historic barns, turkey houses, and the Elam Century Farm. Southbend Road climbs “Red Hill” before reconnecting with Highway AB.

Campfire- Gather your friends and family around a campfire and share ghost stories and s’mores.

Dine- Many of Pulaski County’s unique eateries include seasonal selections on their menu. Visit http://www.PulaskiCountyUSA.com for a complete restaurant listing.

Eat- Eat like a local by shopping for the season’s bounty at the Pulaski County Farmer’s Market. The market is open between 8:00 a.m. until Noon on Saturday and is located at the Farmers’ Market Pavilion at Roubidoux Campground in downtown Waynesville.

Frogtoberfest- Plan to bring your family to Waynesville’s quirkiest festival! The festival will be held October 1st and celebrates W.H. Croaker, also known as Frog Rock.

Gene Watson- Country music star Gene Watson takes the stage at The Barn, near Dixon, October 29th. The Barn is an alcohol/smoke free venue and children 12 and under are admitted free of charge.

Haunted River Float- Love haunted houses? Take it to the next level with a haunted river float– climb into your raft and be scared out of your wits!

*UPDATE FOR 2017—Haunted River Float is now being held at Ruby’s Landing located at 22474 Restful Lane, Waynesville, Missouri. For more information contact 573-337-4305.

Investigate- Have you ever wanted to be a Ghost Hunter? Here is your chance! Team up with Crocker’s Optimistic Paranormal Society as they lead a paranormal investigation of one of Waynesville’s oldest homes- the historic Talbot House.

Java- Warm up with a hot cup of espresso from a local coffeehouse.

Kentucky Bass- Go fishing on the Big Piney or Gasconade River! Our rivers have several species of bass- Largemouth, Smallmouth, Northern Rock (Goggle-eye) and Kentucky (Spotted). You might reel in a Channel Catfish also!

Lexington Road- Looking for Fall color? Take a drive on Lexington Road. From Highway 17 North, just before WWII Okinawa Veterans Memorial Bridge turn north onto Lexington Road. This country road winds through a river valley, Shockley Bottom, and follows a bend of the Gasconade River. Towards the beginning of your drive keep your eyes peeled for Blue Heron and Century Farms. You might also see deer and turkey in the fields that neighbor the river. Follow Lexington Road until you reach Sawmill Hollow and turn east onto Laramie Road. Laramie Road will lead you to Y Highway. Extend your drive by following Y Highway North to Riddle Bridge Public Fishing Access to view Yellow Bluff.

Museums On The Square- Turn back the pages of time by visiting the 1903 Route 66 Courthouse Museum and the Old Stagecoach Stop on the Square in Waynesville. Both museums are open on Saturday’s in September and during Route 66 Oktoberfest.

National Forest- Backpack or day hike in Mark Twain National Forest.

Oktoberfest- October 15th is Route 66 Oktoberfest in downtown Waynesville!

Pumpkin Patches- Pick a patch! Spend a day with the kids at one of Pulaski County’s pumpkin patches.

Quilt Show- See award winning quilts and demonstrations at the “Honor The Active” quilt show in Saint Robert November 19th.

Rivers- Grab a paddle and kayak down the Big Piney or Gasconade River. The autumn scenery is a feast for the eyes!

Southern Gospel- Plan to attend the 18th Annual Southern Gospel Reunion in Waynesville September 16th & 17th.

Trestle Bridge- Bring your camera to the Trestle Bridge on Temporal Road for a unique photo op.

Udderly Fantastic Fun- Bring the family to Cow Days in Dixon September 16th & 17th!

Veteran’s Day Parade- Mid-Missouri’s most patriotic Veteran’s Day Parade takes place in Waynesville November 11th.

(Bird) Watching- Autumn is fantastic for bird watching! Many species are winging their way south- and as the leaves fall from the trees spotting our feathered friends becomes easier. Bring your binoculars to Roubidoux Creek Conservation Area or Schlicht Springs Conservation Area.

(e)Xtend Your Stay- Make one of Pulaski County’s lodging properties your home base as you explore the Ozarks.

Yellow Bluff- The Ozark Mountains are known for their rugged, timeless beauty. Yellow Bluff is a prime example and a fantastic photo op. Bring your camera to Riddle Bridge Public Fishing Access on Y Highway to capture the scene.

Zombie Run- Not your every day 5K! The Walking Dead morphs into The Running Dead as you flee for your life from the Zombie horde in this spirited 5K. Downtown Waynesville, October 8th.

*Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints while exploring Pulaski County. Enjoy these tours from the public right of way and do not trespass. Be mindful of hunting seasons when exploring public lands.

For our annual round up of Fall Events & Attractions read “Autumn Activities In Pulaski County USA“.

For more to see and do in Pulaski County, Missouri visit www.PulaskiCountyUSA.com

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