A visit to the Stars and Stripes Museum and Library is a special treat when you tour Bloomfield, the birthplace of the Stars and Stripes newspaper. Veterans and military members will certainly know this newspaper which has served soldiers with news and events since the Civil War. It was in Bloomfield on November 9, 1861 where 10 Union soldiers, using a local press, published the first Stars and Stripes which they named after the American Flag. While in Bloomfield, see the Stoddard County Courthouse which was built in 1867 and is on the National Registry of Historic Places. Visit the 1833 log cabin in the City Park and enjoy the scenery atop Crowley's Ridge. Bloomfield is 24 miles west of Sikeston and Miner

Nestled in the southeast region of Missouri, Lake Wappapello State Park offers a variety of recreation opportunities ranging from an exciting day on Lake Wappapello to a quiet stroll through the Ozark forest.

Lake Wappapello is popular with fishermen who cast their lines in hopes of reducing the excellent population of white bass, crappie and bluegill, as well as largemouth bass and catfish. Water enthusiasts will also enjoy swimming, boating and water skiing. The park features a swimming beach and paved boat ramps.

On-shore recreation options include miles of hiking, backpacking, equestrian and all-terrain bicycle trails. Visitors can enjoy lunch in two picnic areas, which include picnic sites, shelters and playground equipment.

Two campgrounds -- one perched on the ridge and one nestled near the lake -- offer basic and electric hookup campsites, hot showers, modern restrooms and laundry facilities. Eight modern cabins with kitchens, perfect for families, can be reserved by contacting the park office.

Lake Wappapello State Park provides a pleasant atmosphere for a myriad of park visitors whether they are looking to fish, boat, camp or just enjoy an afternoon barbecue and an evening sunset.

Welcome to the best river outfitter on the Lower Current River. Since the Landing first began the original Current River Tube Trip a few years ago, it has become an extremely popular summertime entertainment. All of our tube and canoe floats begin at a point up-river from us and end at The Landing gravel bar.

Park your vehicle at The Landing and leave the rest to us. We transport you up-river to your point of entry. This allows you to enjoy your float with no set take-out time or deadlines to meet, and there is no tiring wait for transportation at the end of your float.

Many of you who do not desire to float long distances, but would like to stay on the river, will want to take the shorter mileage trips and stop at an inviting spot or two along the way to eat, sunbathe or just relax. More and more people each year have discovered this relaxing pastime.