Butler County, Missouri is located in the southern part of the state, about an hour south of St. Louis. It is home to a population of around 30,000 people and covers an area of 588 square miles. According to psyknowhow.com, the county was established in 1849 and was named for William Orlando Butler, a veteran and politician from Kentucky.
The county has many attractions for visitors to enjoy. These include the historic Fort Davidson State Historic Site, a Civil War battlefield with a museum dedicated to the battle; the Ozark National Scenic Riverways; Ha Ha Tonka State Park; and several golf courses. The county also has many historic buildings and sites that are open to visitors including two courthouses and several churches.
For those looking for outdoor activities, there are plenty of options too. There are numerous hiking trails throughout the county as well as fishing spots on both rivers that run through it. Hunting is also popular in Butler County with deer, turkey, and quail being abundant during hunting season.
Famous people from Butler County include former NFL player Marques Colston who won Super Bowl XLIV with the New Orleans Saints; country music star Blake Shelton; golfer Tom Watson who won eight major championships; author Mark Twain who wrote “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”; and actor Jack Nicholson who starred in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” among other films.
Butler County offers something for everyone whether you’re looking for history or outdoor activities or just want to relax in one of its many parks or golf courses. With its rich history, beautiful scenery, and family-friendly attractions, it’s no wonder why so many people choose Butler County as their vacation destination each year.
Climate and weather in Butler County, Missouri
According to andyeducation.com, Butler County, Missouri has a humid subtropical climate, which is characterized by hot and humid summers and generally mild winters. Average daily highs in the summer months range from the mid-80s to the low 90s Fahrenheit (approximately 29–33°C) while average lows range from the mid-60s to the low 70s Fahrenheit (17–23°C). Winters are milder with average daily highs ranging from the upper 40s to mid-50s Fahrenheit (9–13°C) and average lows ranging from the upper 20s to mid-30s Fahrenheit (-2–2°C).
The area typically gets around 45 inches of rain annually, mostly during late spring and summer months. Snowfall is also common in winter months, but generally does not exceed 6 inches in any one season. The county is also prone to severe weather such as thunderstorms, hail, and tornadoes. In fact, Butler County was hit by an EF3 tornado in 2011 that resulted in significant damage.
Due to its location near two major rivers—the Big River and Whitewater River—the area is susceptible to flooding during heavy rains or snowmelt runoff. In 2008, much of Butler County was affected by severe flooding due to heavy rains that caused several local rivers to crest their banks.
Butler County experiences four distinct seasons with hot summers and mild winters that can bring significant precipitation at any time of year. Severe weather can also be a concern for residents throughout the year so it’s important for them to stay informed about local weather conditions when planning outdoor activities or trips into town.
Transportation in Butler County, Missouri
Butler County, Missouri is served by a variety of transportation options. The county is located along several major highways, including Interstate 55, US Route 67, and US Route 60. These roads provide easy access to nearby towns and cities such as Poplar Bluff, Cape Girardeau, and St. Louis. Public transportation in the county is provided by the Butler County Transit Authority (BCTA), which operates regular bus routes throughout the area. The BCTA also provides para-transit services for disabled individuals who are unable to use regular bus services.
Additionally, Butler County is served by two airports: Poplar Bluff Municipal Airport and Sikeston Memorial Airport. Both airports offer commercial service to St. Louis Lambert International Airport as well as other regional destinations throughout the Midwest. Private aircraft can also be serviced at both airports for those wishing to fly into or out of Butler County.
For those without access to a vehicle or public transportation, Butler County offers several taxi services that operate 24 hours a day and 7 days a week in most areas of the county. Additionally, ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft are available in most parts of Butler County for convenient on-demand ridesharing services.
Butler County has an extensive network of roads and highways that provide easy access to nearby towns and cities while its two local airports give travelers more options when traveling in or out of the area. Public transportation is provided by the BCTA while taxi services and ride-hailing apps make it possible for those without vehicles to get around town easily and conveniently.
Cities and towns in Butler County, Missouri
Butler County, Missouri is home to several cities and towns, each with its own unique character and attractions. The largest city in the county is Poplar Bluff, which serves as the county seat and is home to over 17,000 people. The city offers a variety of amenities including restaurants, shops, art galleries, museums, and other attractions. Nearby towns include Bloomfield and Qulin, both of which are known for their historic sites and downtown areas.
According to Countryaah, Neelyville is another popular town in Butler County that offers a variety of activities for visitors including fishing on nearby Lake Wappapello or exploring the city’s historic district. Further east lies the town of Fisk which boasts an impressive selection of antique stores as well as a charming downtown area.
The small village of Broseley is nestled in the foothills of the Ozarks and features several local wineries along with a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking trails and camping spots. To the south lies Naylor, a rural community known for its picturesque scenery and rolling hillsides.
Finally, there is the town of Harviell which sits on the banks of Black River and features several outdoor recreation opportunities such as kayaking or canoeing on its waters. All in all, Butler County offers visitors a wide range of cities and towns to explore with something for everyone to enjoy regardless of age or interests.