West Plains Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the great state of Missouri, West Plains is a hidden gem that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and small-town charm. Located in the southern part of the state, this vibrant city serves as the gateway to the stunning Ozark Mountains and is a perfect destination for those seeking an authentic American experience.

One of the main attractions of West Plains is its breathtaking natural surroundings. The city is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including lush forests, crystal-clear rivers, and serene lakes. Outdoor enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise, with endless opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping, and boating. Nearby Mark Twain National Forest is a haven for nature lovers, offering miles of trails that wind through dense forests, past cascading waterfalls, and over rugged terrain.

For those looking to immerse themselves in history, West Plains has a wealth of cultural and historical sites to explore. The Harlin Museum is a must-visit, showcasing a collection of art, artifacts, and exhibits that highlight the region's rich heritage. The West Plains Opera House is another iconic landmark, hosting a variety of performances throughout the year, from live theater to musical concerts.

Food lovers will also be delighted by the culinary scene in West Plains. The city boasts a vibrant downtown area filled with charming cafes, cozy restaurants, and local eateries serving up delicious Southern cuisine. Be sure to try some of the region's specialties, such as fried catfish, hickory-smoked barbecue, and homemade pies.

In addition to its natural beauty and cultural attractions, West Plains is known for its warm and welcoming community. Visitors will find friendly locals who are always eager to share their love for their city and offer recommendations on the best places to visit and things to do. Whether you're strolling through the farmer's market, attending a local festival, or simply exploring the charming streets, you'll feel right at home in this tight-knit community.

Alternative names: Population: 12.3 thous.Area: 13.34 mi²Elevation: 991 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 36°43'46"N, 91°51'36"W

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MissouriUnited States

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West Plains Top Attractions

West Plains Attractions - What to See and Explore

West Plains offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Courthouse Square Historic District, West Plains Civic Center, Mount Zion Lodge Masonic Temple, International Shoe Company Building. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Romanesque architecture • Gothic Revival architecture
Courthouse Square Historic District
Courthouse Square Historic District is a national historic district located at West Plains, Howell County, Missouri. The district encompasses 46 contributing buildings in the central business district of West Plains.
City • Civic center • Arenas and stadiums
West Plains Civic Center
West Plains is a city in Howell County, Missouri, United States. The population was 11,986 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Howell County.
36°43'41"N • 91°51'1"W
Mount Zion Lodge Masonic Temple
Mount Zion Lodge Masonic Temple is a historic Masonic lodge building located at 304 E. Main St. in West Plains, Howell County, Missouri. It was designed by architect Rudolph Zerse Gill and built in 1933.

36°44'5"N • 91°51'31"W
International Shoe Company Building
The International Shoe Company Building is a historic factory building located at 665 Missouri Avenue in West Plains, Howell County, Missouri. The one-story building consists of two wings, one constructed in 1946 and another in 1952. The 1946 wing contains 41,400 square feet; and the 1952 wing contains 20,736 square feet.
Interesting neighbourhood
W. J. and Ed Smith Building
W. J. and Ed Smith Building, also known as H.P. Authorson Meat Market and Charles Coon Billiard Hall, is a historic commercial building located at West Plains, Howell County, Missouri.
Interesting neighbourhood
West Plains Bank Building
West Plains Bank Building is a historic bank building located at West Plains, Howell County, Missouri. It was built in 1883, and is a narrow two-story, three bay, brick commercial building with Italianate style design elements.
Interesting neighbourhood
Elledge Arcade Buildings
Elledge Arcade Buildings are two historic commercial buildings located at West Plains, Howell County, Missouri. They were built or remodeled in 1913, and are two one-story, brick commercial buildings known as the Famous Grocery Building and the J. L.
Universities and schools
Missouri State University–West Plains
Missouri State University–West Plains is a public community college in West Plains, Missouri. It is a separately accredited campus of Missouri State University. The fall 2018 enrollment was 1,869 students. Established in 1963, Missouri State University–West Plains currently has an open enrollment policy.

Day trips

West Plains – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of West Plains, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Mammoth Spring State Park (Mammoth Spring), Bull Shoals Caverns (Bull Shoals), Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum (Mansfield).

24 milesSE
State park, Park, Museum
Mammoth Spring State Park, Mammoth Spring
Mammoth Spring State Park is a 62.5-acre Arkansas state park in Fulton County, Arkansas in the United States. The park is located surrounding National Natural Landmark of the same name to provide recreation and interpretation for visitors.
47 milesSW
Natural attraction, Park, Cave
Bull Shoals Caverns, Bull Shoals
Bull Shoals Caverns is a limestone cavern located in Bull Shoals, Arkansas. The caverns were created approximately 350 million years ago, during the Ordovician period and were carved out by water method.
47 milesNW
37°5'56"N • 92°34'0"W
Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum, Mansfield
Historical place, History museum, Museum
47 milesSW
Park, Dam
Bull Shoals Dam, Bull Shoals
Bull Shoals Dam is a concrete gravity dam on the White River in northern Arkansas in the United States. The dam lies on the border of Marion and Baxter Counties, and forms Bull Shoals Lake, which extends well northwest into Missouri. Its main purposes are hydroelectricity production and flood control.
43 milesSW
History museum, Museum
Jacob Wolf House, Norfork
The Jacob Wolf House is a historic house on Arkansas Highway 5 in Norfork, Arkansas. It is a log structure, built in 1825 by Jacob Wolf, the first documented white settler of the area.