The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers opened the Dewey Short Visitor Center for the season on March 3. Hours of operation are:
• March 3-May 23: Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed federal holidays.
• May 24-Sept. 12: Sunday – Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; open federal holidays.
• Sept. 13-Nov. 28: Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed federal holidays.
Visitor center hours are subject to change. Located just south of Table Rock Dam on State Highway 165, the visitor center offers three stories of interactive displays for all ages.
Children’s activities include a Junior Ranger program where participants can complete a booklet to earn a badge and an augmented reality sandbox that lets users create their own watershed.
There is a 21-minute film about the purpose and construction of the dam, viewing decks overlooking Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo, picnic facilities and a 2.5-mile asphalt surface trail all located on the visitor center grounds.
America the Beautiful and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Annual Day Use passes are available to purchase in the visitor center. The America the Beautiful passes can also be purchased online at www.recreation.gov.
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The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Meramec Conservation Area near Sullivan offers over 4,000 acres of lush Ozark forests and provides a paved ADA walking path, challenging natural surface hiking trails, horseback riding, and boat access on the Meramec River.
Cooking in Nature
Tuesday, March 24, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Learn basic outdoor cooking. This event will cover simple fire making methods, cooking utensils, food options and how to cook using a backpacking wood stove.
Toward the end of the program, participants will have an opportunity to put into practice what they’ve learned and enjoy some oatmeal and hot chocolate.
• Register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/owN.
• The program will be held at the horse trailer parking lot, approximately one mile from the main entrance.
Compass and Map
Wednesday, March 25, from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• The compass is an excellent tool to help you reach your destination, identify your location, and map your route.
Learn how to do all three by joining a treasure hunt for free giveaways.
This event will take place outdoors; participants should come prepared with proper footwear for gravel trails and bring water.
• Register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/owx.
• The program will be held at the ADA trail parking lot.
Cold Weather Hiking
Wednesday, March 25, from 1-3 p.m.
• Come for a relaxing 1.3-mile hike along the loop trail at Meramec Conservation Area. Overlook the Meramec River and learn about different plants and birds along the way.
• Register at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/owf.
• Participants should meet at the ADA trail parking lot.
The entrance to Meramec Conservation Area is located at 3220 South Highway 185.
From Sullivan, take the Highway 185 exit at I-44 and go south for five miles. Look for the area sign on the north side of the road.
(Jimmy Sexton is owner and publisher of the River Hills Traveler. He can be reached by phone or text at (417) 451-3798, or jimmy@riverhillstraveler.com.)
