Get outside
Things to do
A national wildlife refuge in an old river swamp, the birthplace of Stars and Stripes, and Dexter’s barbecue country — all within the county, plus places to eat, shop, and stay.
Swamps & Wildlife
A national wildlife refuge in an old Mississippi channel, and marshes full of ducks.
Mingo National Wildlife Refuge
About 21,700 acres of bottomland swamp, marsh, and forest in Stoddard and Wayne counties, with an 8,000-acre wilderness where only foot travel and non-motorized boats are allowed. Hike the boardwalks and trails, paddle the ditches and pools, fish, and watch for eagles, herons, and waterfowl, especially in spring and fall. The visitor center, a mile north of Puxico on Highway 51, is open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., March through November, and weekdays December through February.
Duck Creek Conservation Area
About 6,300 acres of marsh, bottomland forest, and flooded timber in Stoddard, Bollinger, and Wayne counties, next to the Mingo refuge. The state bought it in 1950 for waterfowl hunting, and the 1,800-acre Pool 1 feeds its marshes. Duck hunting runs on a morning draw; the rest of the year it’s for fishing, birding, and camping at designated sites. Open daily 4 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Historic Sites & Museums
The birthplace of Stars and Stripes, and the county’s historic depot and courthouse.
Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library
In November 1861, Union soldiers of the 11th, 18th, and 29th Illinois regiments camped in Bloomfield, took over the town’s print shop, and printed the first edition of Stars and Stripes, the newspaper still published for the U.S. military. This museum tells the paper’s story and the story of the armed forces it has served, and it displays an original 1861 issue, one of only three known. Listed hours are Monday and Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; call ahead in the off-season.
Dexter Welcome Center Depot and Museum
Dexter’s old depot, now the town’s welcome center and a small museum in historic downtown, the place to start a visit to the county’s largest town.
Stoddard County Courthouse
The Stoddard County Courthouse in Bloomfield, the county seat since the town was laid out in 1835. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
Food & Drink
Places to eat and drink
Shopping
Antiques, boutiques, and local shops
Recreation
Outfitters, rentals, and more to do
Gas & Convenience
Gas and supplies
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Verify before relying on this. Compiled from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Missouri Department of Conservation, Visit Dexter, and each venue’s own site. Hours, fees, and regulations change — check directly before a trip, especially for hunting and fishing seasons and limits.
