A visit to Mingo National Wildlife Refuge is reminiscent of Father Membre's visit.  The 21,676-acre refuge preserves a remnant of the vast swampland that once covered most of the Bootheel.  The refuge is open for hiking, canoeing, fishing and nature study during daylight hours from March 15 through September 30.  During the remainder of the year, visitors should stop at the refuge headquarters and visit the new visitors center overlooking Rockhouse Marsh.

The 6,190-acre Duck Creek Wildlife Management Area provides some excellent fishing and hunting opportunities.  Waterfowl hunting is available and some of the best bluegill and bass fishing in the state can be found here.

Otter Slough Conservation Area is located southwest of Dexter on Highway ZZ.  This 4,866-acre conservation area is managed primarily for species associated with wetlands, such as migratory waterfowl, mink, otter, herons, egrets and many kinds of shore birds.  Open marsh areas provide natural seeds, tubers and invertebrates, all important waterfowl foods.

In Bloomfield, there are two log cabins that were built in 1833 by Morton Barnett in what was the swampland near Clines Island.  Built of hand-hewn poplar logs, one stands two stories high with a dog run through the center.  Bloomfield is also the birthplace of the military newspaper, "Stars and Stripes".  The Stars and Stripes Museum is headquartered on the courthouse square and there are plans to build a national museum to commemorate the town's contribution to military journalism.  Visitors can also tour the Stoddard County Museum and the Stoddard County Courthouse, which is on the National Historical Register.

Dexter is known by many as the home of the Hickory Log, famous throughout the state for its barbecued ribs.  The Heritage House is Dexter's oldest home.  Built in 1873, the home is furnished with furniture and accessories from that period.  Also available for tours is the Heritage Museum, which attracts visitors to view the exhibits and memorabilia of the area, including a research room where genealogical research can be pursued.  In addition, the Heritage Caboose was given to the city by the Union Pacific and represents the town's railroad beginnings and heritage.

In Puxico, visitors can see the only log cabin library still in use in the continental states.  Built with WPA labor, the building is on the State Historical Register and will soon be on the National Register.  The old depot in Puxico, which has a caboose for visitors to see, has been turned into the Senior Nutrition Center.

Friends and visitors gather in August for Puxico's annual Homecoming, which celebrated its 50th year anniversary in 1996.

On the first weekend in October, pioneer skills of the area are demonstrated at this annual event.  Activities include arts & craft exhibits, food and live entertainment.

Held at the First Baptist Church in Dexter during the middle of December, this 3 hour musicfest is one of the more popular Christmas events of the region.  Come and enjoy the music.

Each February, this free event at the Mingo Wildlife Refuge offers a look at America's national bird, including movies, displays and guided eagle watches.

On the first Saturday in June, racking horses from around the state compete for prizes at this annual event.

In June, enjoy this duel event in Dexter at the city park.  First, walk leisurely  through  the  farm machinery displays and then check out the annual car show.