Near Destination Wedding Venue

For a near destination wedding venue near St. Louis, Missouri. Dodson Orchards offers a potpourri of outdoor activities and scenic enjoyment. 

The vast Mark Twain National Forest stretches like a patch-work quilt across a broad section of the county, offering unlimited opportunities for hiking, photography and just enjoying nature.

Fishing and hunting opportunities abound in Madison County.  The Castor, St. Francis, and Little St. Francis Rivers flow through the county and supply the area with several types of game fish.  The forest is host to deer, turkey, squirrel and other game animals.

For family fun, Madison County offers a potpourri of action activities and scenic enjoyment.  The vast Mark Twain National Forest stretches like a patch-work quilt across a broad section of the county, offering unlimited opportunities for hiking, photography and just enjoying nature.

If you are interested in historical buildings and architecture, Madison County has some homes that were built at the turn of the century.  In Fredericktown, stroll through the beautifully restored Madison County Courthouse, designed by Theodore Link, and built in 1899.

At Colvert Cemetery, a monument erected near the graves of fallen Confederate soldiers, marks the general area of the 1863 Civil War, Battle of Fredericktown.  The battle, which involved 3,000 Confederate troops and 5,000 Union soldiers, is now commemorated with a re-enactment held every other year.

West of Fredericktown, enjoy fishing or hiking at the Silver Mines  Recreation Area with its 1 mile forest interpretive trail.  Silver Mines

offers camping, picnicking and swimming fun for the whole family. The paved trails offer  breathtaking views of the St. Francis River cascading through boulder strewn shut-ins.  Cradled between stands of pine, this stretch of river provides a spectacular setting for the heart-pounding excitement of the annual Missouri White Water Races, held each spring.  If you like kayaking, this is an ideal time to compete or just watch this highly skilled sport.

Rock Pile Mountain Wilderness is located in the southwestern section of the county.  This wilderness area offers hiking through virgin forests.  This 4,131 acre wilderness takes it name from an ancient circle of granite rock, piled by some earlier man on top of the mountain.  Scenic attractions include wildlife, ponds, rock formations, caves, limestone bluffs and Rock Pile Mountain itself–don’t forget your camera.

North is Marble Creek Recreation Area, developed at the site of an old grist mill on Marble Creek, this recreation area features tent and trailer camping.  Enjoy fishing or swimming with the kids in the old mill pond.

Additionally, there are several vineyards in the area that offer an elegant tasting experience as well as a winery tour that will take you through the area vineyards to experience the unique tastes of Missouri Wine Country accompanied by spectacular views of the St.Francis Mountains.

You’ll also want to make time to shop at some of the areas unique antique malls and find a one of a kind collectable or gift that can’t be found anywhere else! Or visit some of the boutique shops that offer unique hand selected items.

For the golf enthusiasts there’s Southern Oaks Estates Golf Course. 

Located just 10 minutes from Dodson Orchards giving you plenty of time to get a round of golf in. Their par 3 is 175 yards across water that surrounds three sides of the bent grass green. The Golf course at Southern Oaks is a semi-private course so call in advance for course availability. They offer yearly memberships for individuals or families, along with corporate memberships. During the golf season they host several adult and youth tournaments.

Don’t forget just west of our wedding venue you’ll find the Arcadia Valley Music Festival! If you’re going to be at a Wedding at Dodson Orchards in October then you’re in for a treat! Every year in the Spring and Fall the Acadia Valley Hosts a music festival that features Bluegrass and Americana Folk music. Rich in Ozark fun and tradition, this family friendly event is good clean fun for the whole family! Additionally there is usually a “Pickin in the Square” live music being held every Friday from 6-8.

If you’ve never been to the rodeo, then it’s about time! Your getting ready

for the ride of your life, so why not stop by and take in a rodeo? Admission to the rodeo is $10 for ages 15 and up, $7 for children 7-14 and children 6 and under are free. The Fredericktown Lions Club Rodeo is a yearly event so call ahead 800-639-9002 for dates.

Then there’s the famous Johnson Shut Ins  just a few miles from Dodson

Orchards where you’ll find hiking, biking, swimming, in some of the most beautiful scenery that can be found in Missouri!

There are so many things to do in and around the area and this page only touches on a few of the things to do.

In addition to activities, there is plenty of lodging nearby as well as some romantic Bed & Breakfast suites available within a short drive. With so much to see and do in this hidden part of the Ozarks, it’s no wonder why so many Brides are making Dodson Orchards their Near Destination Wedding Venue!

If you would like help in coordinating group outings and entertainment before or after your Wedding here at Dodson Orchards. Please call us at 573-561-3093!