Fishing and hunting opportunities abound in Madison County.  The Castor, St. Francis, and Little St. Francis Rivers flow through the county and supply the area with several types of game fish.  The forest is host to deer, turkey, squirrel and other game animals.

For family fun, Madison County offers a potpourri of action activities and scenic enjoyment.  The vast Mark Twain National Forest stretches like a patch-work quilt across a broad section of the county, offering unlimited opportunities for hiking, photography and just enjoying nature. 

If you are interested in historical buildings and architecture, Madison County has some homes that were built at
the turn of the century.  In Fredericktown, stroll through the beautifully restored Madison County Courthouse, designed by Theodore Link, and built in 1899. 

At Colvert Cemetery, a monument erected near the graves of fallen Confederate soldiers, marks the general area of the 1863 Civil War, Battle of Fredericktown.  The battle, which involved 3,000 Confederate troops and 5,000 Union soldiers, is now commemorated with a re-enactment held every other year. 

East of Fredericktown likes Spiva Azalea Park, which is dedicated to the preservation of wild azaleas.

West of Fredericktown, enjoy fishing or hiking at the Silver Mines Recreation Area with its 1 mile forest interpretive trail.  Silver Mines offers camping, picnicking and swimming fun for the whole family. 

Further west, the paved trails of Millstream Gardens State Forest offer breathtaking views of the St. Francis River cascading through boulder strewn shut-ins.  Cradled between stands of pine, 
this stretch of river provides a spectacular setting for the heart-pounding excitement of the annual Missouri White Water Races, held each spring.  If you like kayaking, this is an ideal time to compete or just watch this highly skilled sport.

Rock Pile Mountain Wilderness is located in the southwestern section of the county.  This wilderness area offers hiking through virgin forests.  This 4,131 acre wilderness takes it name from an ancient circle of granite rock, piled by some earlier man on top of the mountain.  Scenic attractions include wildlife, ponds, rock formations, caves, limestone bluffs and Rock Pile Mountain itself--don't forget your camera.  North is Marble Creek Recreation Area, developed at the site of an old grist mill on Marble Creek, this recreation area features tent and trailer camping.  Enjoy fishing or swimming with the kids in the old mill pond.

In southeastern Madison County, visitors can browse through the restored Sitzes Homestead, located in the City of Marquand Historical Park, not far from the banks of the Castor River.  The homestead, which is constructed of hand-hewn logs, was relocated to the park from the original farm site.  The cabin has been furnished with period pieces and artifacts donated by local residents and is open to the public during the Marquand Annual Pig Roast, Pioneer Day and by appointment.

The annual Azalea Festival is held on the first weekend in May and gets bigger and better each year.  There are over 100 crafters who set up their displays.  In addition, there are amusement rides, an antique car show, games and contests all weekend and a large parade on Sunday afternoon.  Don't miss seeing Spiva Azalea Park, six miles east of Fredericktown on Highway 72, where wild azaleas abound.

In March, the White Water Races are held at Silver Mines, located  7 miles west of Fredericktown.  This breathtaking stretch of the St. Francis River provides a spectacular setting for the heart pounding excitement.

In July, the Lions Club sponsors their annual rodeo.  This is a sanctioned rodeo with cowboys from all over the United States to compete.  The rodeo grounds are located four miles north of Fredericktown.

Held on the last Saturday in September, experience traditional working crafts, tour historic log cabin and Reagan Hotel, live music and much more.