Because there's more to Kirksville than WalMart and McDonalds.
Downtown KirksvilleNeed a lawyer? How about a new outfit for your court date? Or maybe you just want to hit up the bars to forget about the whole mess. Check out the scene in Downtown Kirksville, 5 minutes away but an afternoon well-spent. Get on over to the KDIC's site for information on what's downtown (go to the Members Directory to search by store type), handy area maps, and schedules of upcoming events in the area.
Thousand Hills State Park
These 3,215 acres of nature-y goodness have been a local fixture since 1952, when the city created orest Lake to provide water for Kirksville's expanding population. Obviously there are trails to hike and backpack along, but the park is also open for swimming, canoeing, boating, fishing, camping, picnicking, mountain biking, dining, lodging, barbecuing, petroglyph-viewing and, of course, taking a break from the daily grind. It's an absolute must to visit in the fall when the leaves are changing, and a great place to spend a couple hours grilling out by the lake with friends. Visit this site for more information about facilities, reserving cabins and shelters, and other topics, and get directions here
Rainbow Basin
Rainbow Basin used to be a ski resort in Kirksville until 1989, when the operation closed due to financial troubles. The lodge house (heavily vandalized), ski lift (heavily rusted over), and chalet (see previous 2 comments) are the only man-made objects still standing, but many students still hit the hills for some quality winter sledding. To get there, take Normal Avenue west until you hit Osteopathy; turn left onto the road; make a right onto Michigan Street; make a left onto Boundary Street; go about 1 mile and you'll see the sign to turn for "Rainbow Basin Ski Resort."
The Train Bridge
Wanna catch a train? Clarification: not to the border, but on the Train Bridge in Kirksville. First, know that it's best to go at night to get in a little stargazing in between train catches. To get there, take US-63 (Baltimore Street) south, staying on it as it goes out of Kirksville and by the town of Millard until you come to Highway E (also called Country Road 365). Make a right, and stay on the road--it's a bit gravelly, so be prepared for a dusty drive--taking it all the way past 6 turnoffs on the left until it ends right before the gravel hill path up to the bridge. Once you've made it, hop on out of your car and hang out on the bridge until a train comes; when one does, stand facing the train holding onto the wooden railing beams, and enjoy.
Local Parks
Thousand Hills too far of a drive? Hang out or grill out in any of these local parks for a couple hours:
Bowling, anybody?
Get your Big Lebowski on at Kirksville's only bowling alley, Leisure World, located at 2310 East Illinois Street. Come for the game, come for the atmosphere, come for the experience. (660-665-7764)
Getting tee'd off?If you're feeling the need to take out some anger, we strongly recommend smacking a few balls into oblivion down at the driving range for therapeutic purposes. Not only can you improve the length of your drive and tone your upper back, but it feels great. Hit up one of the area's 4 golf courses:
The Kirksville Country Club, with 18 holes and a driving range; non-members are welcomed. (660-665-5335)
The La Plata Country Club, with 18 holes. (660-332-4584)
The Lancaster Country Club, with18 holes.
The Rock Pile driving range. (660-332-4653)
MoviesCatch a flick at the Downtown Cinema 8.
