Get outside
Things to do
The lower Current River right through Doniphan, national forest campgrounds and a clear forest lake, and a courthouse town rebuilt after the Civil War — all within the county, plus places to eat, shop, and stay.
The Current River
The lower Current, below the Riverways, right through Doniphan.
Current River at Doniphan
Below the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the Current River runs wide and clear right past Doniphan, which sits on its east bank. It’s an easy float for beginners in a raft, tube, canoe, or kayak, and outfitters in town rent boats and run shuttles. From the Forest Service’s Deer Leap access just upstream, a tube float to Doniphan takes about five hours. The town has spots along the river to swim and picnic.
Float Camp Recreation Area
A Mark Twain National Forest campground and picnic area on the Current River, with the picnic tables about 150 feet from the water. The campground has 14 non-electric sites and 7 electric sites (four single, three double), room for RVs up to 40 feet, vault toilets, fire rings, a hiking trail, and river access. Open April through September; day-use fees are cash or check only. Check the Forest Service page for closures.
Deer Leap Recreation Area
A small Forest Service campground on the east bank of the Current, with seven sites, vault toilets, and a popular tube launch; the float down to Doniphan takes about five hours. Flood damage has closed it at times, so check with the ranger district before you go.
Forest & Lakes
A clear forest lake in the Mark Twain National Forest.
Historic Sites
A courthouse square rebuilt after the Civil War, and the museum across the street.
Ripley County Courthouse
On September 19, 1864, as Sterling Price’s Confederates came up from Arkansas, Union troops under Lt. Erich Pape burned Doniphan and its courthouse. A county official, William Russell, had already hidden the record books in a cave south of town, where they stayed until after the war. The county built a brick courthouse in 1871, and the current one, designed by William F. Schrage, in 1898–99; a 1929 tornado took its central tower. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places.
Current River Heritage Museum
The county’s free history museum, across from the courthouse, with two floors of local history from the 1800s on: a recreated schoolroom, vintage cameras, a Mexican War sword, a big collection of fishing gigs, and a well-loved diorama of stuffed frogs shooting pool. Hours have varied; the latest listing gives weekdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon, so call ahead.
Food & Drink
Places to eat and drink
Shopping
Antiques, boutiques, and local shops
Recreation
Outfitters, rentals, and more to do
Camping & Lodging
Places to stay
Gas & Convenience
Gas and supplies
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Verify before relying on this. Compiled from the U.S. Forest Service, county histories, VisitMO, and each venue’s own site. Hours, fees, and regulations change — check directly before a trip, especially for hunting and fishing seasons and limits.
