Here’s why Christian County—located just off Route 66—is well worth a detour

In the heart of Missouri’s leafy Ozark Mountains, Christian County is the perfect pit stop for road-trippers. Full of wild landscapes ripe for a variety of outdoor pursuits — including hiking, kayaking, fishing and camping — the county draws visitors off the infamous Route 66 to unplug and unwind in nature.

Osage Native Americans originally called the area home, before early pioneers established Christian County’s largest towns, Nixa and Ozark, among the thick forest. Today, the area’s rich history is celebrated throughout the year with a packed calendar of events and quirky festivals. Positioned between Missouri’s third-largest city, Springfield, and the state’s entertainment hub, Branson, this unsung county is undoubtedly worth a detour from Route 66. Whether you want to find a quiet spot to pitch a tent and hit the trails, browse the antique shops and flea markets or enjoy a sucker fish fry, here are some of the best ways to spend time in Christian County.

When to go

Christian County shines in all four seasons, with spring in particular bringing mild temperatures that are great for outdoor exploration. Visit Nixa in May to join in the annual Sucker Days celebrations. The event began in 1957, when residents would skip school and close businesses to head out for a day of fishing for sucker fish. The tradition carries on each year with a town-wide festival complete with a parade, a sucker fish fry and a pie-eating contest, as well as art and craft vendors, food stalls and live music.

Summers are hot and humid, but the county’s many lakes and rivers provide plenty of opportunities to cool down. In June, stop by Ozark’s Finley River Park to see more than 10,000 rubber ducks racing down the river during the Sertoma Duck Race Festival. The event brings locals and visitors riverside for the notable race, in addition to a carnival, entertainment, fireworks and a hot air balloon glow, which sees the stationary balloons illuminated by their burners. Summer is strawberry season, too, and kids will enjoy picking their own at High’s Berry Farm, where fruit is sold by the pound.

As the weather cools down in autumn, Christian County’s colours transform from green to striking hues of amber, red and orange. This season is popular for hiking and ‘leaf-peeping’ (viewing the autumnal foliage), and the county also hosts a range of events such as the annual Ozark Craft Fair. Winter occasionally brings snow to the area and holiday celebrations in Ozark and Nixa including Christmas markets, parades and tree lighting ceremonies create a festive atmosphere.

What to do

Stretching across 29 counties in Missouri, the one-and-a-half-million-acre Mark Twain National Forest has more than 750 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horse-riding and ATVs, as well as miles of rivers for water-based activities such as kayaking and swimming. A little closer to Ozark (a 16-minute drive to be exact), the Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area has more than 2,700 acres of wilderness to explore, with around 18 miles of trails. The park also has eight tent-only campsites, for those wanting to spend the night under the stars.

West of Nixa, the James River is a hotspot for fishing and birdwatching. Try your hand at reeling in a variety of fish including crappies, sunfish and channel catfish, or book a private fishing trip with the experienced guides at Ozarks Smallmouth Alliance Guides and Outfitters, who specialise in targeting smallmouth bass and walleye (yellow pike). For an almost guaranteed catch, the Mountain Springs Trout Park just south of Nixa has a fully stocked pond and provides budding anglers with all the necessary fishing equipment. Be sure to sample the park’s delicious home-smoked trout, too.

With more than 7,000 caves throughout the state, Missouri is aptly nicknamed the ‘Cave State’. Christian County adds to the count with its Smallin Civil War Cave, a fascinating cavern under the Ozark Mountains that presents a glimpse into the area’s storied past. Previously inhabited by Osage and Cherokee Native Americans and later used during the Civil War, the cave is home to rare wildlife, including blind cave salamanders and bristly cave crayfish. Learn about the history, geology and legends of the cave on a guided tour or go off the regular path with a 'wild tour', which will take you through the lesser-travelled twists and turns with only a headlamp.

Back in town, Ozark is a hub for antique and thrift shopping. The 26,000sq ft Camp Flea Antique Mall is packed with more than 200 booths selling unique vintage and retro finds, while the cluster of stores nearby — such as Keen Eye Antiques and Little Bluebird Vintage Boutique — stock endless items from bygone days. To continue your treasure hunt, the town of Billings is also a must-visit, just over 30 minutes’ drive from Ozark. Among the many shops to explore, stop by New Beginnings Antiques for vintage furniture and quilts, and Gone To The Dogs Flea Market for a wide range of antiques and collectibles.

Where to eat

Positioned on the banks of the Finley River in Ozark, historic mill property Finley Farms supplies its three on-site eateries with homegrown, organic produce year-round. The sprawling estate also hosts a range of events, from yoga and sound meditation sessions to wreath making and watercolour painting classes. Grab a pizza from The Ozark Mill Restaurant or relax with a cocktail on the patio at The Garrison, which has impressive views of the river and mill pond dam.

For a more out-of-the-ordinary dining experience in Ozark, head to Lambert’s Cafe, a beloved Missouri institution where ‘throwed rolls’ are tossed to diners across the restaurant. The tradition started during a busy lunch rush in 1976 at the cafe’s original location in Sikeston, Missouri — diners were complaining that they weren’t receiving their bread rolls fast enough and allegedly shouted at the owner’s son to ‘just throw them’, and so the legend was born. Catch a throwed roll to accompany a hearty homecooked meal (such as country fried steak or meatloaf) during lunch and dinner services.

Over in Nixa, stop for lunch at 12,000sq ft food hall, 14 Mill Market, which serves an array of different cuisines, from waffles and authentic barbecue to tacos and gourmet pasties. A short drive away, modern Italian spot Piccolo is a great choice for dinner. The jalapeño corn brulee rigatoni is a must-try, served with grilled chicken, sausage and meatballs in a spicy cream sauce.