Location: Salem
Top Things to do in Salem
The 8 Best Things to Do in Salem, United States
Salem is the county seat of Dent County, Missouri, United States. The population was 4,950 at the 2010 census which allows Salem to become a Class 3 city in Missouri; however, the city has chosen to remain a Class 4 city under Missouri Revised Statutes. Salem is located a few miles north of the Ozark Scenic Riverways and close to Montauk State Park, which contains the headwaters of the Current River.
Restaurants in Salem
1. Montauk State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Wet a line at one of the Midwest’s premier trout-fishing destinations at Montauk State Park. Located an easy ride from St. Louis, the park’s waters are stocked each night from an on-site hatchery. Want more than day of fishing? Stay overnight at the park’s motel, campground or cabins. Want to do something other than fish? Montauk State Park’s hiking trails will take you in and around the scenic Pigeon Creek basin.
Reviewed By willpack2 - Ravenna, Ohio
It's a very beautiful park with multiple trout in the streams. We had campsite 412 and the current river could be accessed from our campsite. Many different areas you could fish from. If you don't fish, not much else to do there. We ate at the lodge restaurant twice. One meal was very good and the second one so-so. Their prices were very reasonable. What we didn't know and found out on our last night there was the restaurant would cook your fish for a decent price. Had small store with any type of fishing items you might need along with a small lunch counter. It was a wonderful vacation for us, the flyfishing couple.
2. Jadwin Canoe Rental
Overall Ratings
5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Gary M S
I hadn't been to Jadwin canoe rental for 15 years. Upon my return, it was a nice experience. Their operation was a more fluid, organized one. It was ran efficiently and professionally. The bus drivers had a good amount of character and were very helpful. Life vests were offered for the more wary canoer. The shop where you rent your canoe was not price gouging the travellers. I'd recommend. I'll not wait as long this time. Bringing the family back next year.
3. Maramec Spring Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Spring favored by underwater cave explorers.
Reviewed By Wolfeaj - Linn, Missouri
Love this park and it's natural beauty. For some reason on our last visit, it seemed like the water was so much more clear and clean than the past few visits. Love walking along the stream up to the farm museum - kids always love looking at all the old farm equipment and home supplies - snacks are available for purchase there as well. The other museum has nice views of what the area was like originally. Out of all our visits, we had never done the driving tour so we did that over the past weekend as well - not a ton to see but interesting enough to do once.
Would definitely recommend a visit here if you have never been! If you plan on feeding the fish, don't forget to bring quarters and little cups to carry the food in.
4. Dillard Mill State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
A red mill set on the blue waters of Huzzah Creek is as pretty a picture as there is in Missouri, and that’s the setting for Dillard Mill State Historic Site. The site interprets one of the state’s best-preserved gristmills, completed in 1908. Most of the machinery in the mill is still intact and original to the building. If you like the outdoors, the site’s location on Huzzah Creek in the Ozarks provides plenty of opportunities to fish, hike, picnic or just dream about the past.
Reviewed By BeachcomberMissouri - Missouri
On our quest to complete our Centennial Passport for 2017, we visited Dillard Mill Historic Site in Davisville. Our mapquest directions were accurate and although it is out in the country, we found it easily. The drive was very scenic and lovely. When you arrive at the parking lot, you will see some picnic tables and restrooms. There is a little gravel path that leads you to the mill. It is NOT marked. We saw some cars drive through the lot and not stop. They missed a beautiful stop. The Park Ranger was friendly, and she was very knowledgeable about the area and mill. We had recently been to Bollinger Mill, so we didn't pay for the actual tour ($4). Unfortunately, the Traveler's Cafe (many other reviews prior to 2017 noted what a great stop it was) is permanently closed. The owners are moving back to California. The cafe was next door to the mill. We read that prior to coming, so we brought a picnic lunch to enjoy. The site is not handicap accessible. Quite a few rocky steps. We also visited Onondaga Cave State Park and Meramec State Park on the same day. All three sites are unique and worth your time.
5. Bo's Hollow
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Stroll through the 1930s Village at your on pace. Ride in a Model A Ford. Take a Model A bus ride to Ashley Creek for a picnic. Working Farm, Log Cabin, Wind Mills, Covered Bridge, Hoosegow, Hickory smoked B.B.Q, Our on Beef Jerky, Gift Shop. See the donkeys and goats. We are 2 miles south of Montauk State Park.Tour the Model A restoration barn reservation required for shop tour. We are open: April through October. Restoration Shop tours are given year round. Check out our Webpage for more information and directions.
Reviewed By Thomas M - Littleton, New Hampshire
Unfortunately it was closed when we visited. This is a seasonal site; closing in late October. It was a beautiful day and even though closed, I was able to get a few photos. It is a minor adventure getting to Bo’s Hollow with some interesting mountain roads from downtown Salem to the Hollow. If in the area in the Spring, Summer or early Fall, it certainly looked like a great place to visit. I would also be aware that the road does cross/fords a stream & I would imagine it could be an impediment with running water in the Spring
6. Current River State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 23 reviews
With views of the scenic Current River and a history as a corporate retreat, Current River State Park offers a peaceful haven for today’s visitor. The park is built around the former retreat of the Alton Box Board Co. of Alton, Ill. Constructed during the late 1930s and early 1940s, the Alton Club buildings themselves reflect the rustic architectural style used by the National Park Service in the early part of the 20th century. Today’s visitors to Current River State Park can enjoy hiking trails, two lakes and picnic sites. Park staff provides tours of the historic Alton Club buildings and explains the park’s history.
Reviewed By Nick P - Columbia, Missouri
So this is our favorite park to visit. We prefer floating Akers to Poltite, we get a canoe at Poltite and have them bus is to the start. This year it was $48. Totally worth it. We caught the 12:00 shuttle, we were the last to start and had most of the river to ourselves all day.
7. The Fugitive Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By cabanaboy_7 - Lake st. louis
A unique place to swim, just float, jump of platforms ( 1 ft, 10ft, 15ft and 20ft). A fun time!! We come every year!
It's an old quarry.
Bring your tubes and floatables!
Life jacket required 10 and under-they rent.
Bring your sunscreen! There is zero!! Shade!
If you have a large umbrella or square pop-top tent bring it.
They rent a picnic table and umbrellas $30
And they have larger covered pavilions to rent.
You can bring food and drinks and coolers
NO GLASS
No alcohol brought in.... but they sell it there.
They sell ice cream and snow cones too!
They have a Facebook page too.
8. Echo Bluff State Park, Missouri
Overall Ratings
5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By MSAA4 - Saint Peters, Missouri
Spent three nights at the Echo Bluff State Park campground. The campground is top notch, with full hook up amenities. Give he trees some time to grow, and there will be plenty of shade in the summer. Wild horses frequent the area,and gave us a wake up call on the first morning. We didn't mind, since that was one of the reasons for going.
The lodge is very nice, and there are several hotel rooms, and cabins for rent. Missouri hit a home run with this newest state park.
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