Arrow Rock

What was once a significant site for Native American arrow production, now sits strong as a national historic site as well as a landmark for travelers on the Lewis & Clark and Santa Fe trails. A noteworthy remnant of America's Westward Expansion, Arrow Rock was named after a massive flint stone bluff located on the river. Evidence shows that Native Americans gathered flint for making arrowheads beginning almost 12,000 years ago. History has it that Lewis & Clark passed through this erstwhile river town during their travels, Clark proclaiming upon a return visit in 1807 that the bluff was a "handsome spot for a town". After a ferry was established in 1811, the Arrow Rock became an important jumping off point for travelers along the Santa Fe trail. Home to the iconic George Caleb Bingham House, this heritage vestige is a striking reminder of strategic town-planning, where its winding, ancient thoroughfare seemingly carries the imprints of merchants, traders, and travelers who frequented it. Some of the olden buildings yet survive, including churches, museums, and the legendary Lyceum Theatre. A certain sense of Boonslick charisma pervades the town, where antiquity yet blooms in all its fervent glory.