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The Wildest...
Located here are most of the federally designated wilderness areas in Missouri — most of the state designated wild and natural areas too. Here also is the Ozark National Wild and Scenic Riverways, a national park devoted to the wild river system of Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. And the Eleven Point Wild and Scenic River, a national designation, is also here. The lion's share of the Mark Twain National Forest is here, and a high percentage of state conservation lands and state parks are here as well.
The Wettest...
The most defining feature of this part of the state is the big springs. More than half of the top ten springs in the world are here, including Big Spring, the world's biggest single outlet of cool, clear water. Rivers leap from beneath rock bluffs, where streams valleys have cut into raging underground torrents. The springs captivate people now as they have since Indians first discovered them. The region is dotted with hundreds of lesser springs too, many of which would be reason enough to establish a town in other parts of the U.S. or the world. This precious region is indeed unique in the world for its large springs.
Most Scenic...
Scenic beauty is in the eye of the beholder, of course. Other parts of Missouri certainly have scenic value. But we happen to think the eastern and central Ozarks — is the prettiest. All of the St. Francois Mountains are here. These are ancient volcanic mountains, rounded by the ages. They contrast and complement the deep valleys that make up the Ozarks - and which give this web site its name. Punctuating this kind of hill country are the river hills along the Mississippi River. And the cypress shaded swamps of the lowlands of the bootheel. Our opinion that this is the prettiest section of the state is confirmed by the fact that more than half the scenic photos selected for use in statewide publications are from this one-fourth of the state.
And Historic...
We have only unwritten history, but the evidence is that the Mississippi River Valley was once the home of perhaps the most advanced of North American Indian cultures. It is probable that illiterate French traders reached this area about the time English ships were landing at Plymouth Rock. Literate French explorers came here in 1673. A French Canadian colony was founded here more than a half century before the new United States had settled on a constitution. Tower Rock, pictured here, was an unmistakeable landmark in the Mississippi River, guiding settlers of American heritage after the Louisiana Purchase, and later, German immigrants. Still preserved here are early homes, mills, bridges. Events celebrate the rich heritage of the region. History here goes back farther, is more diverse, and may be better preserved than anywhere else in Missouri. Knowledge of that history enriches our enjoyment of the fine fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, floating . . .
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