Lead Mine Conservation Area

Lead Mine Conservation Area is in Dallas County, Missouri. One of the most interesting things for us was seeing the folks riding bikes on the dirt roads as we drove through the county and closer to the conservation area. From the internet, "Dallas County, Missouri is home to Old-Order Mennonite communities. While the county also has a small Amish community, the Mennonite population is significantly larger." We were careful driving, but these folks were amazingly strong and swift on those bikes! I had read about and even saw some of their businesses, but we did not have time to visit them, although I would have liked to.

We found the Niangua River goes through this conservation area and people were out there wading. We do love to get in Missouri rivers, and almost did so here until our dog's paw was injured on the rocks.

We were later visiting the Niangua River at Bennett Springs State Park as it is the same river that runs through that park. The Niangua is a new river to us.

I believe this is at the Herrick Ford access down Mill Pond Trail road.

This is where the GPS was taking us when we went to where folks wade in the water. There is a primitive campground in the area too.

Folks have laid rocks about to create rapids with a beautiful sound and safe places to wade.

At the end of the main road is this loop where there are quite a few primitive camp grounds at the boat launch.

I took a moment to walk down the boat launch. This water is not as good for wading or swimming. It is kind of icky to me.

But the reflections in the water and the trees are beautiful.