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Published May/Jun 2007 |
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Lebanon, Mo., offers shopping, outdoor diversions,
Route 66 history and more. By Barbara Baird |
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Lebanon, Mo., is like a big jigsaw puzzle, full of eclectic attractions that fit together to form a diverse and interesting picture. Straddling Interstate 44, about an hour north of Springfield, this community of approximately 13,000 on the edge of the Ozarks is known for its river recreation and Route 66 history. But visitors also will find a modern civic center that hosts various performances, interesting shops and family events that will add to a weekend getaway to south-central Missouri. Have paddle, will travel Lebanon caters to water lovers, offering plentiful recreation on the nearby Niangua River. Area canoe outfitters can set floaters up for a day’s outing on this class I and II river, one of Missouri’s finest fishing streams. For about $30, two people can float a section of the river in a canoe. Raft, kayak and tube rentals also are available. Trout anglers know nearby Bennett Spring State Park is one of Missouri’s finest fishing spots. Concessionaire Jim Rogers teaches fly-fishing workshops through the season. Rogers says it takes about 100 hours to learn to fly fish properly and about 10–12 hours under the tutelage of an instructor. However, there are other recreation opportunities at Bennett Spring State Park for visitors who do not fish. Twelve miles of hiking trails lead to bluff tops, forests, streams or Bennett Spring Natural Tunnel, part of a collapsed cave. Bennett Spring, Missouri’s fourth-largest, generates 100 million gallons of water each day. You can picnic at the head of the spring and follow trails with good views of the crystal-clear water. Visitors can feed the fish at the nearby hatchery or visit the nature center. The park office is at 26248 state Route 64A. The park’s rustic stone buildings, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, are worth a trip to see. The jewel of the buildings is the dining lodge with chandeliers that were created by a blacksmith in the shape of a trout. The park also has camping, cabins and a motel for overnight accommodations. A piece of the Mother Road Historic Route 66 bisects Lebanon, so it’s fitting there is a museum devoted to it in town. Located at 915 S. Jefferson, the museum displays artifacts, including those from Missouri Route 66 collector James Powell. Displays include a 1950s gas station. The new Laclede County library and the Route 66 Diner share the space–an old Kmart store–with the museum. Car buffs might also enjoy two speedways–Lebanon I-44 and Midway–that offer car races from April until October. Shopping and family events Interesting shops call Lebanon home. Stop by Nancy Ballhagen’s Puzzles–25211 Garden Crest Road at I-44 exit 135–and pick a brainteaser from the 3,200 different puzzles in stock. With 50 companies supplying the fun, these puzzles run from simple (100 pieces) to challenging (18,000 pieces). Heartland Antique Mall–2500 Evergreen Parkway off I-44 at exit 127–has 250 vendors, including Knife Country, an outfit that displays one of the largest collections of Schrade and Bear knives in Missouri. A 5,000-square-foot Russell Stover Candy Outlet Store will satisfy chocolate cravings. Shepherd Hills Factory Outlet on the southwest side of exit 127 has what’s billed as the world’s largest collection of Case knives, plus Zippo lighters, Chicago Cutlery, Mikasa china, Denby pottery and more. The Kenneth E. Cowan Civic Center, 500 E. Elm, is comprised of six connected buildings and creates a space large enough to host events like rodeos. Concerts can be as varied as Merle Haggard and the St. Louis Symphony. The 39th Annual Brumley Sing will be at the center Aug. 1–4 featuring more than 25 gospel music groups. The local art guild’s annual event, Art on the Farm, will be the first weekend in June. Held on a working farm, art in a variety of media will be on view and for sale. There will be music, children’s activities and food. The farm is off state Route 32 at 23488 Highway N. Look for the mural on the barn. Where to eat and sleep Ollie’s Barbecue and Steakhouse, 12940 state Route 64, serves succulent barbecue and homemade pie. The Madison Street Grill, 201 W. Commercial St., is known for its hand-cut steaks, along with seafood choices. Lebanon has several hotels and motels, including Best Western Inn, Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express. AAA members receive a discount at Best Western and Hampton. While the offerings in Lebanon may be a bit like a puzzle, this friendly Ozarks community will solve your problem of finding a family getaway that’s close to home. Barbara Baird is a contributor from Rolla, Mo. |
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