Recreation, Parks & Golf ....
Newton County offers many recreational
opportunities. Individuals and families will find many outlets for outdoor
recreation. Well maintained hiking, fishing, hunting, golfing, swimming,
camping, athletic and canoeing facilities are scattered throughout the county.
Other leisure time activities include big screen movie theaters, bowling lanes,
roller skating, and various indoor athletic and exercise activities provided by
area YMCAs.
Golf
- Neosho -- Neosho Municipal Golf Course - 1850 Club House Rd., Neosho -
(417) 451-1543
- Loma Linda Resort & Conference Center - 2407 Douglas Fir Rd., Joplin -
(417) 623-5050
Fishing
-
Neosho National Fish Hatchery
-
Missouri Department of
Conservation
–
With numerous rivers and streams in Newton County, the Missouri Conservation
Department has built six public access ramps that may be used to launch a
boat or canoe for float trips or fishing. These public accesses also provide
space for bank fishing along the major rivers and streams. For locations and
fishing regulations, contact the local office of the Missouri Department of
Conservation.
- Capps Creek – Capps Creek is the only trout stream in Newton County. The
creek, in the eastern portion of the county, is stocked periodically with
trout from the Neosho National Fish Hatchery. While fishing is good up and
down the creek, most trout fishermen begin and end their day at Jolly Mill,
a privately owned recreation spot open to the public.
- Hickory Creek Project --Located
inside the city limits of Neosho, Hickory Creek is open to public
fishing with ample parking space and picnic areas. The main stretch of
fishing activity flows through Morse Park, the largest city-owned park. The
Missouri Department of Conservation has constructed a disabled fishing
access that can accommodate wheelchairs.
Hunting
-
4-Bs Hunting Resort
– The 4-Bs Hunting Resort near Stark City is a private hunting preserve
featuring upland game. The resort was established in 1997 and includes 1200
acres stocked with dove, quail, pheasant and chukar.
-
Missouri Department of Conservation
– The State of Missouri has more
than 5,000 acres open to public hunting in Newton County. These state lands
are open to archery, primitive and regular firearms. For season dates,
hunting permit requirements, and other hunting regulation, contact the local
office of the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Canoeing
- Undercliff Campground - Tipton Ford - 417-623-5441
- Kayak Jack's Adventure Floats - Joplin - 417-781-3048
Hiking Trails
Camp Crowder – State owned land in the Camp Crowder
area provide numerous hiking trails. Within the old Crowder Conservation
area, there are several miles or hiking trails that follow the old road
system in place before and during the World War II days of Camp Crowder.
These trails are commonly called “The Beetle Bailey Trails.” A brochure
marking these trails is available from the Missouri Department of
Conservation. The Mort Walker Trail in the Bicentennial Conservation Area is
a popular trail with a six-tenths of a mile paved handicap accessible
walkway leading into the woods. Restroom facilities are available at the
trailhead.
Walter Woods Conservation Area - A paved, handicap
accessible trail, approximately one-mile long, is located at the Walter
Woods Conservation Area near Redings Mill. This area is under the supervision of
the Missouri Department of Conservation.
George Washington Carver National Monument – A
three-quarter mile trail on the
grounds of the George Washington Carver National Monument provides a walk
through history. The trail leads past over the creek where young George had
his secret garden, past the slave cabin and the Carver family cemetery.
Carver Historical Trail – This ten-mile long trail
traces the route believed to have been taken by young George Washington
Carver when he left the Carver farm at Diamond Grove and walked to Neosho to
attend school. Popular with scout troops, the trail is open to the public.
Information on the trail may be obtained in the visitor center at the Carver
Monument.
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Neosho National Fish Hatchery – For an urban hike,
try the grounds of the Neosho National Fish Hatchery. Popular with local
residents, the one-third mile circle around the main part of the hatchery is
noted for safety, the changing seasons, the presence of fish in the ponds
and raceways, and the activities of hatchery personnel as they go about
their work.
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The Diamond Grove Prairie – The
Diamond Grove Prairie is a 570-acre tract of native tallgrass prairie that
harkens back to the days when pioneer families crossed the Great Plains in
covered wagons. This prairie, which is owned and managed by the Missouri
Department of Conservation, is a gently rolling land filled with native
plants and animals. A great favorite with outdoor lovers, the Diamond Grove
Prairie is a colorful blanket each spring as prairie flowers break into
life. Small mammals and many bird varieties make their home on the prairie.
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Wildcat Glades Conservation known as The Audubon Center –
This unique area is in its infancy and currently encompasses 60 acres.
Nature is the star of this area where visitors may hike trails, picnic, bird
watch, and see one of Missouri’s most fragile and rare natural areas – a
27-acre chert glade. The area, locally called “The Nature Center,” has
views of Silver Creek Pond and Shoal Creek. The center also includes a river
access to Shoal Creek for boating, swimming and fishing activities. Future
development and the construction of a nature center are at hand with ground
breaking for the center set for late 2004.
Parks
I. Federal
-
George
Washington Carver National Monument – A 210 acre national monument
honoring America’s most prominent Black scientist. The site includes a
museum, hiking trail, picnic areas and weekend activities and events.
II. State
-
Bicentennial Conservation Area – Although not
officially a state “park,” Bicentennial is known and used as a park. The
park has 720 acres located within the city limits of the city of Neosho. It
features hiking and horseback riding trails, nature and bird watching
opportunities.
III. City
Archery
YMCA
- Neosho - Freeman Family Y - Crowder Campus - 417-455-9999
- Joplin - Joplin Family Y South - 510 S. Wall Ave. 417-623-4597
Public Pools
- Neosho - 418 Fairground Rd. - 417-451-9903
- Seneca - 1646 Shawnee St. - 417-776-3550
- The Swimmin' Hole Water Park - 2532 Jaguar Rd., Joplin - 417-206-7946
Movies
- Neosho Cinema Six - 1601 Malcolm Mosby Dr. - 417-455-1802
Bowling
- Edgewood Bowl - 2811 Gardener Edgewood Dr., Neosho - 417-451-4505
- Flower Box Lanes - 129 W. Spring St., Neosho - 417-451-2068
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