HISTORY AND CULTURE
Macon County Historical Society Museum
1402 South Missouri Street, Macon, MO 63552
Phone: 660-651-6814
Website: http://www.maconcountyhistoricalsociety.com
Email: maconhistsoc@gmail.com
The museum is open from April to October, with hours on Monday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Founded in 1937 to preserve and share local history, the Macon County Historical Society today welcomes visitors to its Museum and Genealogy Library, located in the former Blees Military Academy building. Once a military school, hospital, and National Guard site, the restored three-story museum now showcases exhibits on pioneer life, schools, farming, railroads, military service, and more. With hands-on displays and a genealogy library to trace family roots, it’s a place where the stories of Macon County’s people and heritage come to life.
Maples Repertory Theatre
102 N. Rubey St., Macon, MO 63552
Phone: (660) 385-2924
Website: https://maplesrep.com/
Email: info@maplesrep.com
Located in Macon’s historic Royal Theatre, Maples Repertory Theatre has been bringing professional live theatre to northern Missouri since 2004. Each season from June to December, audiences enjoy six mainstage shows, youth and family performances, and special events, featuring talent from across the country. “Maples Rep” is a must-see destination in northern Missouri.
Bevier Black Diamond Historical Preservation Organization
312 N Macon St., Bevier, MO 63552
Phone: (660) 773-5540
Bevier’s coal mining heritage lives on at the Black Diamond Museum, lovingly preserved by the Bevier Black Diamond Historical Preservation Organization. Though a 2012 fire destroyed many original artifacts and two of Bevier’s oldest Main Street buildings, the community rallied together to save what they could and rebuild. Today, the museum is housed in a historic church and continues to share Bevier’s proud past. Hours vary, so please call ahead before visiting.
Recess Inn Bed & Breakfast
203 E. Main Street, Ethel, MO 63539
Phone: (660) 500-1313
Email: innkeeper@therecessinn.com
Website: www.therecessinn.com
More than a bed-and-breakfast, the Recess Inn preserves the character of its 1909 schoolhouse and celebrates our rural community’s history, present, and future. The school operated from 1910 to 1980, and the Inn now serves as a time capsule, collecting memories, railroad and local memorabilia, and historic narratives.
Guests can explore the Oral Hawkins Library – named after a beloved educator - by appointment or during their stay, as the Inn works to share these stories, build community spirit, and pursue listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
La Plata Historical Museum
215 S Gex St., La Plata, MO 63549
Phone: (660) 651-6129
The La Plata Historical Museum preserves the rich history and culture of La Plata and the surrounding area. A special section celebrates Lester Dent, the La Plata native and author of the Doc Savage pulp fiction series, featuring original magazines, reprints, and Dent’s personal desk from his home. The museum also showcases memorabilia from local businesses, schools, and the Santa Fe and Wabash Railroads, including yearbooks, photographs, and other artifacts. The museum is open by appointment and for special events. Call 660-651-6129 to schedule a visit.
APHRF Exhibition of Amtrak History Museum
1245 N Brown St, La Plata, MO 63549.
Open 7 days a week – 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Phone: (660) 332-4669 for more information.
Step aboard two former Amtrak material-handling cars that have been transformed into a one-of-a-kind exhibit celebrating the passenger rail’s story from 1971 to today. Explore dining car memorabilia, vintage posters, promotional treasures, and more. Whether you’re a casual visitor or a true rail enthusiast, you’ll find plenty to keep you fascinated. Book a stay at the railroad-themed Depot Inn & Suites to enjoy more memorabilia.