Tours

Tram Tours

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.

Preservation Tours

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.

Historic 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 significant 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 been extensively restored by a fifth-generation family member, Blaine Murrell McBurney.

Beginning with lunch and a tour of the historic J. Huston Tavern in Arrow Rock, guides will share the history of the homes and inhabitants. After lunch, guests will caravan to each site, where further fascinating details both inside and outside the home will be shared

Tour Dates for 2023 are:

Saturday, September 23 – Register here
Saturday, November 11 – Register here

Tours begin with lunch and J. Huston Tavern Tour at 11:30 AM. Guests will then caravan to both historic sites. Group size is limited to 25, and cost is $60 per person with lunch included. Reserve your space using the links above, or call 660-837-3231 for tickets and information.