Park 258- Ozark National Scenic Riverways Van Buren Missouri July 8 2013

After a couple of stops along the way, at some Trail of Tears stops, we found our way to the Alley Spring Campground unit of the Ozark NSR park.  This is park number 258/401 to visit. 

We got to the park about 1 pm, and I set off right away to get to the Visitor Centers and to stamping. 

First stop up was the Alley Mill and Alley Old Store Visitor Center, which were about a mile or so from the campground. 

The Old Mill Store VC is a quaint old building, and had a small gift store-  I got a hiking medallion, but they didn't have any pins, but they assured me that the Headquarters building had them. 

Just across the river is the Old Alley Mill-  Which is a late 1800's old grist mill, and is a very well done preservation-  they had a very knowledgeable volunteer on staff, and it was worth the visit-  got a duplicate stamp there. 

 There is also an old school building across the way-

At the old Store VC I was able to get the three stamps from the three Visitor Centers that are closed due to sequestration.  Score!

Next, I headed about 35 miles down twisty curvy back country roads over to the Park Headquarters/Visitor Center building in Van Buren Mo.  Got my pin there, and  a new stamp to boot!

Then, I went to the last stop for the day, the Big Spring Lodge building, about 6 miles away from Headquarters.  This is the site of an old CCC camp and cabins, and has the lodge, where you can have a nice meal- got my stamp there too. 

It was clear that this park was all about the river, lots of canoes, tubing, primitive campers, and such.  Very pretty and remote park set in the wild.