Nestled in the timeless Ozark Mountains, Pulaski County is home to bountiful outdoor recreation activities. The Gasconade & Big Piney rivers call to kayakers, canoeists, and bass fishers. Trout anglers lure browns and rainbows to their lines in downtown Waynesville within view of historic Route 66’s most architecturally beautiful urban arched bridge. Birders explore Missouri Department of Conservation areas for sightings
of blue herons and bald eagles. Seasonal hunters and off-trail hikers seek game and solitude in Pulaski County’s Mark Twain National Forest. Dramatic bluffs, especially in the Devils Elbow neighborhood, appeal to climbers. Pulaski County, the heart of the “Cave State,” includes over 700 known caves. Roubidoux Grotto cavers, along with cavers from across the state, explore, study, and protect these rich underground resources. Certified cave divers from around the world descend into the underwater depths of the Roubidoux Spring cave system. Off-road cyclists pedal through challenging topography on country gravel roads. Professional and amateur photographers capture pristine landscapes and wildlife with their lenses throughout all four seasons.
Saint Robert’s Community Center is the location for year-round events including cook-offs, craft bazaars, wargaming competitions, comic-cons, and holiday celebrations. Tiger Typhoon Water Park is always a hit with families during the summer months. Year-round water activities and indoor swimming can be found at the Aquatic Center. Skaters can bring their boards to the Rotary Club Skate Park. Golfers can enjoy an afternoon at the 9-hole, 3-par, putt and pitch municipal golf course. History buffs and patriots will want to visit the Saint Robert Museum, U.S.O. Chimney Commemorative, and Freedom Rock.
Pitch & Putt 9 hole golf course at Saint Robert, Missouri
While in Waynesville enjoy Roubidoux Park and Laughlin Park. Both parks provide access to the Roubidoux River and are connected by a paved walking trail. Roubidoux Park is home to Old Settlers Days and the annual Cave State Cruisers Car Show. The park also features occasional concerts under the bandshell and pavilions for picnicking and gatherings. Roubidoux Park’s newest addition is Little Heroes Playground, an all-accessible play area. Laughlin Park includes the world-famous Roubidoux Spring and the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Cherokee Campsite. Seven interpretative signs have been installed between the spring and the former ford (river crossing) just north of the bridge. History enthusiasts will also want to explore the 1903 Route 66 Courthouse Museum and the Old Stagecoach Stop– both are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Pulaski County Tourism Bureau offers a free downtown Waynesville Walking Tour brochure. It can be found at many of the one-of-a-kind eateries, gift boutiques, or antique stores on the Square or at the Pulaski County Visitors Center. Catch a show at Theater on the Square playhouse or enjoy the newest Hollywood blockbuster on the Grand Screen at the state-of-the-art movie theater in West Waynesville.
Family fun at the Old Stagecoach Stop Museum on the Square in Waynesville, Missouri
Visitors to Fort Leonard Wood shouldn’t miss Mahaffey Museum Complex. This is the only place in the country where you can tour three United State Army branch museums- the Military Police Museum, the Chemical Corps Museum, and the Engineer Museum, in a single location. An outdoor museum includes the World War II Company Area- a collection of restored, temporary mobilization buildings. These structures were some of the very first to be erected at Fort Leonard Wood. They depict the conditions that soldiers and soldiers-in-training would have experienced in the days leading up to, and during the duration of, WWII. A historic driving tour map can be obtained at the Front Gate Visitors Center. Miller Cave, Stone Mill Spring, and Piney Valley Golf Course should also be included on your itinerary!
Big Piney River bridge, Fort Leonard Wood. Photo by Amanda Sullivan for Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs Office.
Historic Route 66 ties the communities of Saint Robert and Waynesville together. Much more than a road, Route 66 is also a world-famous destination. Observant visitors and residents will notice Route 66 travelers in groups, and solo, through-out the year. Thirty-three miles of the fabled Mother Road cross Pulaski County from east to west and many “roadies” recognize Pulaski County’s stretch as one of the most scenic on the eight-state route. Pulaski County Tourism Bureau offers a free turn-by-turn brochure that includes vintage photographs and historical notes. It can be found at many of the hotels, outfitters, eateries, boutiques, antique stores, museums, and attractions throughout Saint Robert and Waynesville or at the Pulaski County Visitors Center.
Former Route 66 alignment near Laquey, Missouri
Pulaski County is also home to roller skating and laser tag activities, half-marathons and 10Ks, festivals, escape rooms, indoor shooting ranges, haunted attractions, pumpkin patches, throwback “tourist traps,” railroading heritage, scenic drives, Instagram-worthy backdrops, and an international array of dining choices.
Pulaski County Visitors Center is your one-stop source for information for all things fun and entertaining! Our knowledgeable and helpful representatives will provide you with a free copy of our Visitors Guide (great for locals too!) and personalize your route to attractions and destinations throughout the area. The Visitors Center, located at 137 St. Robert Boulevard, Saint Robert is open Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., with extended hours during Spring and Summer. We are always available online at www.PulaskiCountyUSA.com and www.Facebook.com/PulaskiCountyUSA.
Pulaski County USA 