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Refuge Headquarters Phone: 573-876-1826 |
Maps | Regulations | History
The Overton Bottoms North Unit is the most accessible unit of the refuge. This refuge unit consists of large areas of open fields with a mixture of native and exotic grasses and forbs. In addition there are large areas of dense young forests consisting primarily of cottonwood, silver maple, willow, and box elder. A narrow strip of mature cottonwood trees exists along the river.
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Successful Hunter |
Willow Generation at Overton Bottoms North Unit |
A gravel road traverses this unit from which the visitor can observe the above-mentioned areas and new tree plantings. These planted trees are species that historically existed in limited numbers and locations of the Missouri River floodplain. Channelization of the Missouri River and subsequent conversion of the resulting stabilized floodplain to agriculture resulted in the removal of once extensive forests. These forests were historically primarily cottonwoods, but also included a few small groves of hardwoods.
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| Planting Prairie Cord grass | Students from Hickman High School planting pin oak seedlings | Friends of Big Muddy Volunteers Plant Trees |
The refuge with help from volunteers has planted pecan, swamp white oak, pin oak, bur oak, and shellbark hickory. These trees will become a small but important component of the floodplain forest on today's altered floodplain. Planting of native grass species such as prairie cord grass has also occurred with the help of volunteers. Contact the refuge if your or your group would like to volunteer.
Another feature of the Overton Bottoms North Unit is the presence of "scour holes" or "blow holes." These bodies of water were created during the raging floods of 1993 and 1995 when the river scoured out depressions in the floodplain, some over 50 feet deep. These scour holes contain a variety of fish species including largemouth bass, crappie, carp, gar, and catfish.
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Red-Eared Slider common turtle found in the Scour Holes |
Five scour holes are located in the Overton Bottoms North Unit. (See public use map). Some may be inaccessible depending on river levels and vegetation conditions.
Visitors are encouraged to stop at Taylor's Landing, a boat ramp on the Missouri River managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Even if you don't have a boat the landing area provides outstanding views of the scenic Manitou Bluffs directly across the river. The fall colors can be spectacular along these bluffs. Fishing can be good along the bank too!
This information kiosk is located about 1 mile past the railroad tracks when first entering the Overton Bottoms North Unit. It provides additional information about the refuge. |
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Getting to the Overton Bottoms North Unit
Take exit 111 off Interstate 70 east of Boonville and west of Columbia, Missouri. Go north just 100 yards to Hwy 98. Turn right on 98 and drive 2 miles to the unit boundary. There are 4 miles of gravel roads in the unit.
To reach the Loesing upland tract parking area follow the above directions except turn left on 98 and travel 1/2 mile to Brady Lane. Turn right on Brady Lane and follow it 1/2 mile. Continue straight when Brady Lane takes a turn to the right. This road dead ends at the parking lot 1/4 mile ahead.
To reach the Merna tract parking area follow the above directions turning left on 98 and travel 2 miles to Rocheport road and turn right (Look for River Hills Sporting Clays sign). Follow Rocheport Road 1.5 miles to the parking area. Caution: The last half mile of this county road past the private shooting range will require 4 wheel drive under wet or icy conditions.
View of Manitou Bluffs from Taylor's Landing
