Salem
Around Salem
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Countryside and towns · Missouri · 37k people
Salem
Locals say Missouri Ozarks · “Gateway to the Ozarks”, “Heart of the Ozarks”, “Floating Capital of Missouri”
Clear rivers, deep woods, and warm smiles.
forest greenriver bluelimestone gray
Welcome to the Missouri Ozarks, where the rivers run clear and the hills are full of stories. Whether you're here to float the Meramec, hunt morels in the spring, or just relax in a small town, you'll find a friendly wave and a cold glass of sweet tea.
Clubs for Salem
No clubs for Salem yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Salem. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Salem. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Meramec State Park Large park with caves, river access, and 30 miles of trails.
- Onondaga Cave State Park Home to the famous Onondaga Cave with guided tours.
- Route 66 (Cuba section) Iconic highway with murals and vintage roadside attractions.
- The Meramec River Central to local float trips, fishing, and swimming.
- Dent County Courthouse Classic 19th-century courthouse in the Salem town square.
- Wagon Wheel Motel A Route 66 landmark in Cuba with a distinctive neon sign.
- Outdoors Float the Meramec River
- Outdoors Hike at Meramec State Park
- With kids Explore the Route 66 murals in Cuba
- With kids Tour Onondaga Cave
- Evenings Local taverns
- Evenings Live music at community events
- Locals love Float trip outfitters
- Locals love Country stores
Through the year
- Salem Morel Mushroom Festival April Held in April, celebrates the spring morel season with food, contests, and a parade.
- Cuba Route 66 Festival September September event with classic cars, live music, and Route 66 nostalgia along the historic highway.
- Dent County Fair July Summer fair in Salem with livestock shows, carnival rides, and local vendors.
- Crawford County Fair August Held in Cuba during August, featuring 4-H exhibits, rodeo events, and a demolition derby.
- Steelville Bluegrass Festival June June gathering of bluegrass bands at the city park, with jam sessions and food stands.
Humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters, but the rivers and hills make every season distinct. Best: Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to be outside.
Talk like a local
- “Float trip”
- A trip down the river in a canoe, kayak, or tube.
- “Crick”
- A small stream or creek.
- “Holler”
- A hollow or valley between hills.
- “Yonder”
- Over there or in that direction.
Getaways
- Rolla Home to Missouri S&T and the Stonehenge replica.
- Fort Leonard Wood Military base with the U.S. Army Engineer Museum.
- Potosi Gateway to the St. Francois Mountains and historic mining towns.
- Hermann Missouri's Rhineland, known for wineries and German heritage.
Local flavour
Rooting for St. Louis Cardinals (MLB), Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), Missouri Tigers (NCAA), St. Louis Blues (NHL)
Eat and drink
- Fried catfish Common in local diners and fish fries
- Hush puppies Served alongside catfish
- Morel mushrooms (in season) Springtime foraging tradition
- Persimmon pudding Ozark dessert made from wild persimmons
- Missouri-style barbecue Pork steaks and burnt ends, often smoked
- Sweet tea Staple drink in rural Missouri
Where people go
- Float trip outfitters Canoe and tube rentals for river floats
- Country stores General stores with local goods and supplies
- Barbecue joints Smoky, casual eateries
- Small-town diners Breakfast and home-style meals
- State parks (e.g., Meramec State Park) Hiking, camping, and river access
- Caves (e.g., Onondaga Cave) Show caves with guided tours
- Historic mills Old gristmills along rivers
- Route 66 roadside attractions Cuba's historic highway heritage
Make this page better
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Nearby
Every areaRollaMissouriSmall-town charm at the crossroads of the Ozarks.Fort Leonard WoodMissouriSmall-town charm with a big Army heart.PotosiMissouriWhere the hills hold historyHermannMissouriWhere the Missouri River meets German heritage and wine.Mountain GroveMissouriWhere the hills hold secrets and the people are warm.FarmingtonMissouriHeart of the Lead BeltLebanonMissouriSmall-town heart, lake-country soul.West PlainsMissouriWhere the hills hold stories and the sunsets linger.
Crawford and Dent counties, MO. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.