Visit Southwest Missouri’s Hidden Gems

We searched every corner of Missouri for hidden gems and thanks to our Missouri Life Ambassadors, we found one in each county: 114 of them! Here we explore places in Southwest Missouri that are ideal for your next day trip.


Missouri Counties Formed

On January 2, 1833, new Missouri counties, including Carroll, Clinton, Greene, and Lewis, were formed on this date. 


August 19, 1855

Records show a “sharp frost” in Greene County.  This was the beginning of one of the worst winters ever seen.  


Ozark Empire Fair

October 1, 1856

Greene County held its first of many fairs. The Southwest Missouri Fair lasted three days and drew people from many surrounding counties. Many visitors stayed for the entire event and brought tents for the evenings. Some even brought their servants. Today the event is called the Ozark Empire Fair.