POINTS OF INTEREST
From the last 2-car ferry in Missouri to a viewing platform suspended above an underground lake, there’s several interesting places to visit.
Akers ferry
37.3841224, -91.5534603
- Last operating 2-car ferry in Missouri
- Ferry crosses the Current River
Check before going Akers Ferry closes occasionally because of gravel buildup in the river.
Visit nps.gov before planning your trip.
60 miles From West Plains
Take Highway 63 north toward Willow Springs. Just before Willow Springs, take Highway 60 east toward Mountain View. After Mountain View, turn left on Highway 17. Stay on Highway 17 for 13 miles to Summersville. Just past Summersville, turn right on K Highway. Akers Ferry will be ahead in 17 miles.
Bakersville Pioneer Village
37.3841224,-91.5534603
- Heirloom seed store
- Recreated pioneer village
In the rolling hills of the Missouri Ozarks stands a legacy to the passing of time. The Homestead Act in the mid-1800s encouraged the Rippee family to move west and settle what is reputed to be the longest-lasting homestead in Missouri. The family raised many varieties of produce, birds and animals, and were quite skilled in the crafts of the region. They traded with the Osage Indians and cared for soldiers during the Civil War in their hand-hewn log-cabin.
Bakersville is situated on the original Rippee farm. The Baker Creek Seed Store now stands where the family’s market garden once was. In 2007, construction began on the historic town. Besides the Baker Creek Seed Store, there is a donation-based vegan restaurant, speaker barn, an old-time mercantile, herbal apothecary, a natural bakery and blacksmith shop, two music barns, a Western jail, a native rock oven, a windmill, seed warehouses, and many breeds of historic poultry and livestock.
The best part? It’s free (except for the two days each May when the Spring Planting Festival is in full swing.)
https://www.rareseeds.com/our-village
63 miles From West Plains
Take Highway 63 north toward Willow Springs. Follow Highway 63 and Highway 60 west toward Cabool. Continue on Highway 60 west at Cabool. In 28 miles, take Highway 5 north at Mansfield. In 3.5 miles, turn left onto London Road then in .5 mile, turn left onto Baker Creek Road.
