NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Barry County Museum

Exhibits items related to the Ozarks and Barry County. Located on the grounds are the one-room Black School House, the Edens Cabin, and catch-and-release pond. barrycomuseum.org

COSMIC CAVERN – BERRYVILLE, AR

In addition to a guided walking cave tour, you’ll find gem panning and a fossil dig. The cave features two bottomless lakes and a 9-foot soda straw. cosmiccavern.com

DOGWOOD CANYON NATURE CENTER – LAMPE, MO

10,000-acre nature preserve offering hiking, biking, fishing, tram tours, and cafe. dogwoodcanyon.org

GOLDEN PIONEER MUSEUM – GOLDEN, MO

Artifacts of early native Americans and settlers. Collections of pocket watches, baseball cards, guns, and lunch boxes, Civil War battlefield items, and rare mineral items.

PINEY CREEK WILDERNESS – SHELL KNOB, MO

Mark Twain National Forest and surrounding acres used for hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, bird watching, and primitive camping. Hunting and ATVing are allowed in restricted areas.

PEA RIDGE NATIONAL MILITARY PARK – PEA RIDGE, AR

Large, intact former Civil War battlefield, with hiking and horseback riding trails and a small museum. nps.gov/per

ROARING RIVER STATE PARK – CASSVILLE, M0

Trout fish, swim, hike, picnic, and visit the premier trout hatchery in a breathtaking setting. mostateparks.com

Traveling south on Highway 39, at Scenic View, one sees the prominent hill of Shell Knob standing like a sentinel in the midst of this beautiful Ozark valley. To those who see it for the first time, it is breathtaking. To those returning, it is a "welcome home."

In 1835, Henry and Elizabeth Schell built a river bank trading post near the confluence of the White and Kings rivers. The Schells stayed only a few years, but it was long enough for map makers to name the nearby knob after them. It wasn't until the 1920s that a postal worker inadvertently left the "c" out when registering the post office name. Since the Schells were long gone, no one protested the error.

In the 1890s, pearls were discovered in the clams of the White River. The shells provided the basis for another industry-the manufacture of pearl buttons. The population of the area grew slowly until the 1920s, when it was discovered that the soil was suitable for growing tomatoes.

Canning factories were built in Viola, Shell Knob and Jenkins. The area where the White and Kings rivers met had long attracted tourists, and float trips were offered to the brave and adventurous. Construction on the dam began in the 1950s, enticing a new, more mobile population to enjoy the beauty of the Ozarks and the newly filled lake. The Central Crossing bridge at Shell Knob made this a hub for people exploring both sides of the lake.

The region has enjoyed steady growth since the 1960s as people have discovered that their vacations never have to end. Many moved here to raise children in a safe, friendly community. Others found Shell Knob an ideal place for retirement.

We invite you to come to the Shell Knob area and enjoy our peaceful, relaxing playground on Table Rock Lake in Ozark Mountain Country.