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Arrow Rock State Historic Site
660-837-3330

The historic Arrow Rock Tavern is possibly the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi River. Judge Joseph Huston built the brick structure in 1834 and several additions were made to it throughout the 19th century. A ledger dating from 1859-60 reveals that while some patrons stayed overnight, others, such as Gov. Meredith M. Marmaduke and Gov. Claiborne Fox Jackson, only took meals there.

The structure has been restored to its circa 1840 appearance and the interior is furnished according to the period. The décor of each dining room reflects themes of Arrow Rock and Missouri history:

• George Caleb Bingham room
• Santa Fe Trail room
• Lewis and Clark room
• Arrow Rock room

The Tavern continues to serve traditional hearty fare, such as fried chicken and ham dinners. Specialty items, such as buffalo and elk steak, are periodically available. The Tavern is available for group dining, private parties, receptions and business luncheons. Walk-ins are welcome, however, hours of operation and seating availability will vary by season. Reservations are strongly recommended. For reservations and more information on dining services, please call the Arrow Rock Tavern at 660-837-3200.

Big Soldier Lake is named for a Little Osage chief, who negotiated with government agent George Sibley at the Arrow Rock bluff in 1813. Originally built as a shallow stock pond in 1930, the impoundment was renovated and deepened (18 feet at the dam) in 1989. In 1995, a fishing access for persons with disabilities and small parking lot was constructed with funds from the Parks-and-Soils Sales Tax.

The four-acre lake is stocked and managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources. All state fishing license requirements apply. Consult the State Wildlife Code for license requirements. There are no license vendors in Arrow Rock; the closest being in Marshall or Boonville.

Regulations
Pole and line fishing only with a maximum of three poles per person. Trot lines, jug lines and set lines are prohibited.

The historic Arrow Rock Tavern has several rooms suitable for working luncheons and meeting space. Contact the Arrow Rock Tavern at 660-837-3200 for information on seating capacity, room rates and availability.

Several picnic tables and one accessible picnic site are available.

An open picnic shelter built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930s is also available. The shelter can be reserved for $30 per day (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.). If not reserved, it is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The shelter has two large fireplaces, three picnic grills, several picnic tables, water and electricity. An accessible vault toilet is nearby. To inquire about reserving the shelter, please call 660-837-3330.

Approximately one third of the town of Arrow Rock lies within the boundary of the historic site. The rest of the town property is either privately owned or maintained by the Friends of Arrow Rock, Inc. Several antique and gift shops, restaurants and bed and breakfast establishments are located throughout the town. Gas and diesel are available at Hardeman Junction on Highway 41, three miles west of Arrow Rock. Visit the Arrow Rock Town Directory and Events Web pages for a complete listing of services.