Why Christian County is the perfect pit stop on Route 66

Located in the heart of Missouri's lush Ozark Mountains, Christian County is the perfect pit stop for road trippers. Full of ripe wild landscapes for a variety of outdoor pursuits, including hiking, kayaking, fishing and camping, the county pulls visitors out of the infamous Route 66 and unwinds from nature.

Osage Native Americans originally called the area home before early pioneers established Nixa and Ozark, the largest towns in Christian County, in the thick forest. Today, the region's rich history is celebrated throughout the year with a full calendar of events and quirky festivals. Located between Springfield, Missouri's third largest city and Branson, the state's entertainment hub, this Unsung County is definitely worth a detour from Route 66. Enjoy a shop, flea market, or stir-fried sucker fish. Here are some of the best ways to spend time in Christian County.

When shall we go?

Christian County shines in all four seasons, with spring in particular bringing calm temperatures perfect for outdoor exploration. Visit Nixa in May to participate in the annual soccer day celebration. The event began in 1957, when residents skipped schools and closed businesses to go out to fish for sucker fish. The tradition is annually home to parades, soccer fish fries, pie eating contests, and townwide festivals with art and craft vendors, food stalls and live music.

Although the summers are hot and humid, many lakes and rivers in the county offer plenty of opportunities to cool down. Stop by Finley River Park in Ozark in June to see over 10,000 rubber dachshunds running down the river during the Seltomadak Race Festival. In addition to carnivals, entertainment, fireworks and hot air balloon glow, the event will lead locals and visitors to the Riverside into a remarkable race. Summer is also strawberry season, and kids will enjoy enjoying their picks at Highsbury Farm, where fruit is sold in pounds.

As the weather cools down in autumn, Christian County changes colours from green to striking shades of amber, red and orange. This season, hiking and “leaf peep” (see fall leaves) are popular, and the county also hosts a variety of events, including the annual Ozark Craft Fair. In winter, Christmas markets, parades and wooden lighting ceremonies can bring snow to the area with Ozark and Nixa areas and holiday celebrations that create a festive atmosphere.

What to do

Stretching 29 counties in Missouri, the 1.5-acre Mark Twain National Forest has over 750 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, ATVS, and river miles for water . – Base activities such as kayak and swimming. A little closer to the Ozark (a 16-minute drive to be precise), the Busiek State Forest and Wildlife area features over 2,700 acres of wilderness with approximately 18 miles of trails. The park also has an eight-tent-only campsite for those who want to spend the night under the stars.

The James River, west of Nixa, is a hot spot for fishing and bird watching. Try involving a variety of fish, including crappies, sunfish, and channel catfish, and book a private fishing trip with an experienced guide at the Ozarks Smallmouth Alliance Guide and Outfitter. For a near-guaranteed catch, Mountain Spring Straut Park, just south of Nixa, has a fully stocked pond that provides all the fishing gear needed by budding anglers. Sample delicious home trout from the park as well.

With over 7,000 caves throughout the state, Missouri has a nickname called “cave nation.” Christian County adds counts at Smallin Civil War Caves, a fascinating cave below the Ozark Mountains, where you can see a glimpse of the area's storied past. Previously home to Native Americans from the Osage and Cherokee people, this cave, which was later used during the civil war, is home to rare wildlife, including the blind cave salamanders and the bristling cave ziz. Learn about the history, geology and legends of the cave on a guided tour, or leave the normal path on a “wild tour.”

Back in town, Ozark is an antique and recycled shopping hub. The 26,000-square-foot Camp Freer Antique Mall is packed with over 200 booths selling unique vintage and retro discoveries, but also includes clusters of nearby stores, including sharp-eyed antiques and vintage Little Bluebird boutiques. ) has infinite items in stock from the day it passed. To continue your treasure hunt, the town of Billings is also a must-see, over 30 minutes' drive from the Ozark. Among the many shops to explore, we stopped by a new beginning bone que item for vintage furniture and quilts, and went to the dog flea market for a wide range of antiques and collectibles.

Where to eat

Located on the grounds of the historic factory on the banks of the Finley River in the Ozark, Finley Farms is three on-site eateries featuring homemade organic produce all year round. The vast estate hosts a variety of events, ranging from yoga and sound meditation sessions to wreath making and watercolor classes. Grab a pizza from Ozark Mill Restaurant or relax with a cocktail on the car park patio for impressive views of the river and Mill Pond dam.

Head to Lambert's cafe for a more incredible dining experience in the Ozark. Head to the cafe in Lambert. This is a beloved Missouri facility where “throwed rolls” are thrown into diners throughout the restaurant. The tradition began during a busy rush of lunch in 1976 at the original cafe location in Sheekston, Missouri. The diners complained that they weren't getting the bread rolls fast enough. A legend has been born. Catch a roll thrown to accompany you on a hearty home meal (such as country fried steak or meatloaf) during lunch or dinner service.

Nixa will have lunch at a 12,000-square-foot food hall at 14 mil market, offering a range of dishes ranging from waffles and real barbecues to tacos and gourmet pastes. A short drive away, the modern Italian spot, Piccolo, is perfect for dinner. The Jalapeño Corn Brury Rigatoni is a must-see, with grilled chicken, sausages and meatballs served in a spicy creamy sauce.