Tours

SHARING THE MISSOURI LEGACY

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History Comes Alive with the Many and Varied Stories of Arrow Rock

Tram Tours

Ride in comfort in our heated and fan-cooled tour tram. Your Friends of Arrow Rock guide takes you on an educational drive through the village with stops for an inside look at the J. Huston Tavern, Bingham House, Sites House and Gun Shop. Tours last approx. 75 minutes.

Sign up for the tram tour at the Friends of Arrow Rock headquarters at 310 Main Street (inside the Arrow Rock 1829 shop on the boardwalk), or schedule in advance by calling 660-837-3231.

Tours are $10 for adults, $3 children 12 and under.

Sites Home & Gunsmith Shop Tours

In 1844, at age 23, Johnny Sites moved to Arrow Rock where he became the town’s gunsmith, and one of the most skilled artisans in the country. His gunsmithing coincided with the great Westward migration in the last half of the 1800s.

Tour the restored Sites Gunsmith Shop, where you could have your rifle repaired, converted from a flintlock to a percussion rifle, or buy the indispensable balls, lead, powder and caps to fire it. Next door is what was once a Federal-style cottage, bought by Johnny Sites and his wife, Nannie, in 1866, and remodeled into a tidy Victorian home.

Tours are $10 for adults, $3 children 12 and under.

Arrow Rock
Life in the 1800s

What was Arrow Rock like in the 19th Century? Why was it founded, and what was the town like back then? This fascinating tour give a flavor of the past, including tours of the public and private rooms of the 1837 J. Huston Tavern, the historic Main Street Public Square, and the restored 1860s John & Nannie Sites residence and gunsmith shop next door.

Tours are $10 for adults, $3 children 12 and under.

Preservation Tours

Friends of Arrow Rock’s Historic Preservationist Marty Selby will be your guide for exclusive “behind-the-scenes” access to current and recently completed preservation projects on Friends of Arrow Rock properties. This walking tour can be customized to the interests of the participants. You’ll learn how Friends of Arrow Rock addresses the special challenges that come with historic properties and how our conscientious preservation efforts have become the envy of preservation organizations across the country.

This tour must be scheduled at least one week in advance, $15 per person. Call 660-837-3231 or come by 310 Main Street to make your reservation.

Tom Sawyer Film Location Tour

A guided tour of several of the film locations for Arrow Rock’s own classic movie musical Tom Sawyer, along with erudite information and commentary about the making of the film. Departs from the Friends of Arrow Rock offices at 310 Main Street. Approximately one hour, space is limited. Reservations available by calling 660-837-3231.

Tours are $10 for adults, $3 children 12 and under.

Antebellum Homes Tours

Presented on a seasonal basis, guided tours of Oak Grove Plantation and Prairie Park give you access to two of the grandest houses in mid-Missouri. You’ll marvel at the preservation efforts that brought those important, historical structures back to life.

Built by the son of Quinine Doctor John Sappington and long considered one of Missouri’s architectural treasures, the Greek Revival country mansion Prairie Park will celebrate its 175th anniversary in 2024.

Completed in 1854, Oak Grove was the thriving plantation of George A. Murrell, an immigrant from Barron County, Kentucky. Oak Grove has remained in the Murrell family since, and has recently been extensively restored by a fifth-generation family member, Blaine Murrell McBurney.

Your guides will share the history of the homes and inhabitants, and share fascinating details both inside and outside the home.

Group size is limited to 25, $30 per person. Call 660-837-3231 or come by 310 Main Street to inquire for the next tour date and make a reservation.

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