Outdoor Life and Entertainment in Cabool

With trout season beginning the first weekend in March and deer season the second weekend in November, the whole family will be able to enjoy the beauty and wonder of the Ozarks. Cabool is surrounded by the Mark Twain National Forest providing a scenic backdrop for a float trip on the Big Piney River or a pleasant afternoon drive to Alley Springs, Big Spring, or Topaz Mill.

Located within the heart of the National Scenic Riverways, Cabool offers recreation for everyone – whether you’re interested in canoeing down a river or exploring a local cave.  You can experience plenty of recreational activities available without leaving town as well as nearby in the Cabool surrounding areas. Whether you have come to escape the hustle and bustle of city life or just live to hear the tranquil rush of the Piney River or melodic calls of a mockingbird, Cabool is the destination for uninterrupted, authentic outdoor life.

North Fork of the White River

A prime destination in Missouri for floating or trout fishing, the North Fork of the White River begins just south of Cabool near Highway 63. If you have not experienced the scenery and relaxation of floating, a day-long float trip down the North Fork would be a worthwhile venture for any future day off.  The river is also a prime location for trout fishing, attracting visitors from all regions of the state to try their hand at catching fish from the “Blue Ribbon” class trout fishery. The water temperature of the White River produces some of the largest brown trout in the area as well as large smallmouth bass farther north.  You will not regret spending a day or a few hours on the water at the North Fork of the White River.

Gateway to the Water Mill Trails

Anyone with an interest in history will appreciate the authentic artifacts still standing in the Ozark region, such as the famous Grist Mills. Often heralded the “Gateway to the Ozark Water Mill Trails,” Cabool is the starting point to a scenic, historic tour of the beautiful Grist Mills. These mills were fundamental in powering early Missouri towns, as they provided essential water power for making flour or grinding grain. The natural resources often caused the population to increase, businesses to pop up, and often evolved the town into a thriving hub that supported the surrounding areas. Cabool, surrounded by the Big Piney River and other powerful water sources, was one such prime location for an early settlement.

Topaz Mill

Get away for the day to visit the nearby, restored Topaz Mill (located 14 miles southwest of Cabool in Douglas County). Built in 1895, the mill was the center of a prosperous community and acted as a magnet for incoming businesses such as a blacksmith shop, barbershop, and general store. Powered by the North Fork River, this three-story building produced meal and flour until the 1930s.

Retreat into the serene sights and smells of the surrounding forest and the sounds of the eight million gallons of water flowing into the mill each day. Experiencing the fresh air and rustic heritage of the mill is sure to make you feel like you are vacationing near the comforts of home. To visit Topaz Mill, travel southwest on Highway 181 to Highway E (just south of the junction of Highway 76 and 181).

 

 

 

 

Hodgson Mill

After touring Topaz Mill, visit the impressive Hodgson Mill located only 42 minutes from Cabool. Originally built in 1961, this mill provided grain to the surrounding Ozark areas by harnessing the power of Bryant Creek’s flowing springs. Hodgson Mill’s three-story structure once also powered a lumber mill, cotton gin, clothing factory, and electricity in later production years. Today all mill distribution is provided at a modern-day facility in Gainesville, MO.

Dip your feet into the 3,000,000 gallons of clear, 58-degrees water gushing from the springs and experience the setting as many community members did years ago when the mill housed neighborhood dances. One feature you will want to see while you are visiting is the cave opening inside the mill building, which provided natural cool air to the mill during the workday. The springs nourish beautiful plant life and massive rock outcroppings.

For a lengthier trip, follow the river to tour the many picturesque mills scattered throughout the Ozarks. Take a trip back in time; see the mills that started it all and imagine the life of early Ozark pioneers as they survived without the common amenities we have today. Each mill has a unique story to tell, with its own character and history emanating around it. For a complete guide to the Water Mill Trail, visit the Grist Mill Guide for Missouri.

For information about the upcoming Lake and Trails Project, visit the Coming Soon page.