Location: Van Buren
Top Things to do in Van Buren
10 Things to Do in Van Buren That You Shouldn't Miss
Van Buren is a city that is the county seat of Carter County, Missouri, in the United States. It is the largest town in Carter County. Van Buren was founded in 1833 as the county seat of Ripley County and was named after then Vice President of the United States, Martin Van Buren. In 1859 Van Buren became a part of the newly created Carter County and was subsequently selected to be the county seat. The 2010 U.S. Census shows Van Buren with a population of 819, a decrease of 3.1 percent from its 2000 population of 845.
Restaurants in Van Buren
1. Big Spring
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Largest natural spring in Missouri averaging a flow of about 286 million gallons of water a day.
Reviewed By Martha G - MS
We rode to Big Spring at sunset to see it. Since it was only 3 miles from the Rosecliff where we were staying, we did this after we checked in bc I wanted to see it and I knew the next day would be all about the float trip. The drive was pretty. The humidity, hot temperature and cold water made a fog on the stream that was picture perfect as we crossed the little bridge and saw deer grazing at its side. It was like a perfectly serene scene. I took lots of photos in hopes of catching the deer in dusk light in that mist. You can see the spring from the car. We parked and walked the few feet of paved path to the spring and little cave. It was really pretty and ice cold water! Would be a lovely place for a picnic especially in the fall. Deer were everywhere and were not skittish. I do not think you can wade or swim here but there were picnic tables and restrooms and plenty of green space to play.
2. Current River
Overall Ratings
5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By seasideljs - Portageville, Missouri
This is a beautiful river and great for floating! But be careful, because as the name says, there are currents...also, it can get deep without warning and shallow, too. Some people dive or jump in certain places, but you never know what is in the water. Water shoes are recommended because of the rocks. It is spring fed, very clear, and usually really cool...so refreshing!
3. Cave Spring Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
All pets must remain in vehicle. 8/6/17: Starting today Cave Spring Park is ONLY open on Saturday and Sunday. We will close for the winter on September 3rd at 5pm and will reopen May 1st, 2018. We are closed for the season. Will re-open May 1st 2018! Experience fun and adventure in Southeast Missouri. We offer lots of fun, including, among other activities: delving into the mysterious underground realm of Current River Cavern; flying through the trees at high speed on our zipline courses; gem and fossil panning; a quarry dig; a mineral and fossil museum; a nature center. Open May-September. Check our website for details, schedules and prices.
Reviewed By Woody L - Phoenix, Arizona
Cave Spring Park offers several different and interesting things to do. You can pan for precious stones, visit the cave, and the highlight of our visit take the zip line tour. The area is beautiful and quiet and the staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful.
4. Big Spring Historic District
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By TaylorPettit - Van Buren, Missouri
The district which consists of a historic dining lodge and cabins which were built during the "New Deal" era of the 1930's is really cool but is in need of renovation. The nearby Big Spring is beautiful as is Current River, worth a look.
5. Van Buren Riverfront Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Butterflydays - Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Van Buren Riverfront Park is a fun place to visit, except when it floods.They have had some bad luck this year with heavy rains and localized flooding. I believe it happened around Memorial Day weekend, and then again on The Fourth of July weekend. Floaters, swimmers and fishermen love going here for the scenery and tranquility of this area. Nice spot for a family picnic, too!
6. Falling Spring Mill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By TaylorPettit - Van Buren, Missouri
This is such a beautiful spring it literally shoots out of the side of a clif about 10-12 ft in the air amazing place very peaceful. It's a rather long winding dusty road to get to it but that was my favorite part.
7. Mark Twain National Forest Van Buren
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By William S - Wylie, Texas, United States
I rode through here with my friends in October of the year when the leaves are changing and it was just an awesome site. From the red tail hawks to the bald eagles it was just a nice place to visit and very picturesque.
8. Watercress Spring Campground and Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By TaylorPettit - Van Buren, Missouri
I'm only giving it four out of five because a very recent flood put some driftwood in the campground and bent some railings ant the handicap River access. They have it fixed by summer I'm sure. Great hiking trail with some local civil war history attached. A spring on site. And the awesome Current River runs along side it. The campground is modern well maintained (excepting the recent damage) and well situated there are swimming holes suited to everyone rom small children and the handicapped to cliff jumping daredevils. Awesome spot
9. The Landing Canoe and Tube Trips
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 19 reviews
Current River's hottest destination located in Van Buren, Mo. The Landing is home to The Rosecliff Lodge, The Blue Heron Restaurant, The River Centre, and The River Store offering canoes, tubes, kayaks, and rafts. Come and stay on Current River!
Reviewed By Brendan W - Lee's Summit, Missouri
The only way to properly discribe this place is S*** show. They are the most unorganized, rude operation I have ever visited on a vacation. I have been on lots of floats all over the Midwest and these folks set me back in my relaxation, I will never come back here. The river here is beauitful, clean, and wide open, it is just ashame that this section of the river is wasted on this operation.
10. Ozark Trail Trailhead
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By TaylorPettit - Van Buren, Missouri
This trail is the best hiking in the Ozarks meandering through the Mark Twain national forest and the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Hike as far or as little as you like the is middle America's Appalachan trail you could hike hour weeks or just a couple hours.
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