Ethel

About Ethel


Ethel was founded in 1888, when the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway extended its line through the area. Originally called Ratliff, the town soon became known as Ethel and grew as a small railroad community in northern Macon County.


Local historian Warren “Jack” Lee (1927–2014) captured the town’s story in his book A History of Ethel 1888–1988, written for the town’s centennial. Filled with maps, photos, and family histories, the book is available at the Macon County Historical Society Museum or the Recess Inn Bed & Breakfast.


Though modest in size, Ethel holds a proud place in Macon County’s railroading past and continues to celebrate its heritage and close-knit community.

Sunset over a lake; sun rays piercing through clouds, reflecting on water. Dark silhouetted shoreline and docks.

Directions

  • LODGING

    Brick building with white trim, a red door, and a sign that reads "Studio Law"; two chairs sit outside.

    Recess Inn Bed & Breakfast

    203 E. Main Street

    Ethel, MO 63539

    Phone: (660) 500-1313

    Website: https://www.therecessinn.com/


    Step back in time and unwind at our charming bed and breakfast in a beautifully restored schoolhouse, in the village of Ethel, 10 miles north of Highway 36 from New Cambria. Here, the echoes of the past blend with the comfort of today, offering you a nostalgic retreat filled with warmth, rest, and relaxation. Our country inn is equipped with thoughtful amenities to ensure an enjoyable and memorable stay. Enjoy features such as cozy interiors, scenic views, free WiFi, offline pastimes, local merchandise, and friendly staff that cater to your needs. With four spacious bedrooms, ensuites, library, kitchen and dining room, the Recess Inn is perfect for reunions, hobby groups, family trips, and restful getaways. The BNSF Railway line runs through Ethel, where train watchers can see up to 120 trains per day.


    Macon County Outfitters

    21256 State Highway V V

    Ethel, MO 63539

    Phone: (660) 216-4431

    Email: matt@maconcountyoutfitters.com

    Website: https://maconcountyoutfitters.com/


    Born from a lifelong passion for the outdoors, Macon County Outfitters is run by hunters for hunters. Every detail—from stand placement to stories by the fire—is guided by real field experience. Our 9,000-sq-ft lodge blends rustic charm with modern comforts, featuring a spacious great room, a fully staffed kitchen, and cozy guest rooms for an unforgettable stay.

  • OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Macon County Outfitters

    21256 State Highway V V

    Ethel, MO 63539

    Phone: (660) 216-4431

    Email: matt@maconcountyoutfitters.com

    Website: https://maconcountyoutfitters.com/


    Born from a lifelong passion for the outdoors, Macon County Outfitters is run by hunters for hunters. Every detail—from stand placement to stories by the fire—is guided by real field experience. Our 9,000-sq-ft lodge blends rustic charm with modern comforts, featuring a spacious great room, a fully staffed kitchen, and cozy guest rooms for an unforgettable stay.

  • LOCAL EVENTS

    Ethel Harvest Jubilee (annual)

    Friday, August 28


    This annual community event features a parade, local entertainment, games, and homemade ice cream.

  • HISTORY AND CULTURE

    Brick building with white trim, a red door, and a sign that reads "Studio Law"; two chairs sit outside.

    Recess Inn Bed & Breakfast


    203 E. Main Street

    Ethel, MO 63539

    Phone: (660) 500-1313

    Website: https://www.therecessinn.com/


    Welcome to The Recess Inn, a cozy and historic bed and breakfast in the heart of Ethel, Missouri. The building has quite a story—it started out as a schoolhouse, built back in 1909, and welcomed its first students on January 31, 1910. For many years, it was a central part of this small rural community, teaching grade and high school students until 1968. Population decline forced a new arrangement with the school in New Cambria, and for the next 12 years, Ethel hosted the grade school students, while high schoolers went to New Cambria. But eventually, on December 23, 1980, all students went to New Cambria and the school closed its doors for good.


    Converted to an inn in the 1990s, the Recess Inn is a time capsule of local history and rural culture. Contact us to inquire about private tours, or book a stay to experience the history of these walls at leisure.