Places to see in Marshfield and Webster County . . .
For directions to the sites below - click here
Marshfield
Hubble Telescope - on the west side of the Square . . .
Marshfield is the hometown of the famous astronomer, Edwin Powell Hubble. He was born on November 29, 1889 to an insurance executive in Marshfield and passed away in California on September 28, 1953. Edwin Hubble changed astronomers' understanding of the universe by demonstrating the existence of other galaxies. He also discovered the degree of redshift observed in light coming from a galaxy increased in proportion to the distance of the Milky War. This became known as "Hubble's Law and would help establish the universe in expanding. Today a 1/4 scale replica of the Hubble Telescope sits on the west side of the courthouse. There is also a portion of Interstate 44 through Marshfield that is named the Edwin Hubble Highway.
Webster County History Museum - Clay Street . . .
In 1911 Marshfield became the smallest United States community west of the Mississippi to receive a Carnegie Foundation grant for the purpose of founding a library. Today this building houses the Webster County History Museum. This is a wonderful place to visit, see and appreciate the history of the county.
The "Walk of Fame" begins on the sidewalk in front of the Webster County History Museum. Six famous Missourians are honored on the walk of fame each year during the Annual Cherry Blossom Festival, which is held in April.
Dickey House Bed & Breakfast - 331 S. Clay . . .
At the turn of the 20th century, Samuel Dickey began the construction of his lovely Greek Revival Antebellum mansion. Construction began in 1910 and was finished in 1913. Today this gracious home serves as a the Dickey House Bed and Breakfast, is situated on two acres of manicured lawns and gardens and is framed by ancient oak, hickory and maple trees. The Dickey House B& B is open all year and is located on 331 S. Clay in Marshfield. For more information go to www.dickeyhouse.com or call
417-468-3000.
Walnut Springs Farm & Museum - 1414 Old Wire Road . . .
Originally this 420 acre farm was a part of the 850 acre Hosmer Dairy Farm established in the late 1880’s by Edmund J. and Eliza J. Hosmer. This farm pioneered the dairy industry in Southwest Missouri. By 1916, the Hosmer Dairy Farm was the largest butter dairy farm in the state.
Two of the large turn-of-the-century barns are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and house antique farm machinery, buggies, wagons, sleighs and other antiques. The Dairy Barn is a fine example of post and beam construction utilizing mortise and tenon joinery. The first silo built in Webster County in 1908 stands in front of the dairy barn. The Hosmer’s also brought to this part of the state the first cream separator, the first manure spreader and the first gasoline engine.
This farm is located on Old Wire Road and was once a major passage for Indians, settlers, and later a stagecoach line. This road was also the northern route of the Trail of Tears and was also used extensively by both Union and Confederate troops during the Civil War.
Mike and Cathy Brown purchased the farm in 1991 and have restored the original farm’s buildings. For information on tours or to book events go to www.walnutspringsfarm.com or call (417) 859-7954.
Route 66
Mural & Gift Store - RV Express & Route 66 Motel on 1469 Spur Drive . . .
Make plans to stop at the RV Express RV Park to see the beautiful mural depicting Route 66 through Missouri. Take a trip back through time when you view the mural, but also step into the Route 66 gift store to take a sentimental journey.
It's easy to reach the RV Express RV Park and Route 66 Motel, get off at the #100 exit on I-44, turn east then take the first left (Banning Street) then left again, in front of the El Charro Mexican Restaurant. Follow the road around and see the RV Park and Route 66 Motel.
Veteran Monuments on the Courthouse Lawn
The monument on the right represents the Webster County Veterans that were lost during the Korean Conflict.
The monument on the left is the new Veterans monument now located on the southeast corner of the Square here in Marshfield. This monument is to honor ALL VETERANS
who have served and are currently serving in our Armed Forces.
We thank you
Conservation Areas . . .
Niangua Conservation Area - click here for information from the Missouri Department of Conservation
This area is actually in two areas near Marshfield. One a 360 acre conservation area and is off of Black Horse Road and the other is a 160 acre conservation area in the Sampson area outside of Niangua.
Compton Hollow Conservation Area - click here for more information from the Missouri Department of Conservation
This is a large 830 acre conservation area located south of Marshfield on Hwy KK.
Parks . . .
Ellis O. Jackson Park (Webster County Fairgrounds) – 624 N. Marshall
This best known park in Webster County. It plays in integral roll in the community. The Independence Day Rodeo and the Webster County Fair are held here every July as well as several community wide events. This multi-acre recreational park also contains the Marshfield City Pool.
Hartley Park – 325 N. Clay
This neighborhood park sits on one-half acre of land and contains a swing set and slide as well as a gazebo.
Hidden Waters Nature Park – 542 Massey St.
Hidden Waters Nature Park is located at the beginning of the Niangua River in the heart of Marshfield. The park has four full time and numerous wet weather springs. A trail through the park leads past ponds, waterfalls, bridges over the stream and woodland gardens. Many of the native plans have been reintroduced in the park. An addition to the park is a meadow with adjacent limestone hills and stream. The park allows a true glimpse into the past. This 5+ acre nature park offers many educational opportunities.
Massey Park – 321 N. Buffalo
Massey Park has a large pavilion, a family-sized grill and basketball courts.
Nelson Park – 623 N. Marshall
Nelson Park is 5 acres (donated by the Nelson Family) and located on North Marshall Street. Nelson Park has some of the oldest trees in the park system including, oak trees that are over 100 years old. Nelson Park also has a six-person swing set, seesaws, monkey bars and a horseshoe pit. There are also two outdoor grills and a pavilion with a grill.
North Park – 307 Banning
This secluded park has a large pavilion and grill for cookouts that are great for family picnics. The West Fork of the Niangua River passes through the park.
Rotary Park/Heritage Celebration Trailway – 726 S. Marshall
Located next to City Hall, the sports complex offers tennis courts, sanctioned horseshoe courts, a sand volley ball court, lighted baseball and softball fields with a concession stand, restrooms and bleachers, a playground and soccer fields. There is also a pavilion with two grills and playground equipment. Rotary Park also serves as the location to celebrate Arbor Day, the site of the WWI Memorial and the walking trail is a memorial to those that has passed on.
Shackleford Springs Park – 258 E. Bedford
Shackleford Spring runs nearly all year long and was an important water source for early Webster County settlers when they came to Marshfield for supplies. Some of the original concrete watering troughs remain and a stone wall splits the park I half. Although, there is no playground equipment to disrupt the rugged scenery, this park is perfect for scenic picnics and family gatherings.
City Park Pavilion Rental –
To reserve a Pavilion call Deana at 859-7660
Park Pavilions are located at the Fairgrounds, Massey Park, Rotary Park, North Park and Nelson Park. They can be reserved for a 6 hour session at a cost of $10 for residents, $15 for non-residents.