Driving cross country has brought me through Missouri at least a dozen times, and each time I see that sign “Welcome to Missouri”, I can’t help but think to myself “Missouri love company” a play on the expression ‘misery loves company’. For some reason that thought never gets old. I have no idea if it’s actually funny, but I can’t help but make myself chuckle every time I think it. Missouri or Missourians rather do in fact seem to love company, in my limited experiences throughout the Show-Me State, the people have been welcoming and friendly.
Missouri has a rich history, and LOTS of rocks!
Monegaw Springs is a place where those two things come together! An area often visited by the Younger Brothers, the James Gang, and perhaps the Daltons, the folks of Monegaw Springs were welcoming and hospitable to these outlaws. Charles settled down just five miles from Monegaw Springs, and it is the final resting place for John Younger who was killed in a battle with detectives on March 17, 1874. Novice historian Clifton “Tip” Coleman give an interesting take on the history of Monegaw on his site which can be found HERE!
Nowadays Monegaw Springs is popular for dirt biking, rock climbing, and general shenanigans! It’s not the pristine rock that you may find in other popular climbing destinations such as Colorado and Utah. Graffiti and broken glass offer reminders of a less compassionate era, but the area is beautiful, and the rock is solid!
Situated on the Osage River, just a short hike from Younger’s lookout and Monegaw Caves is a magnificent crag that is just a 3-minute walk from the parking area.
Over 30 bolted routes in the 5.8-5.12 range welcome climbers of all levels. Note that the majority of the routes are in the hard 5.10 and up range. There are caves galore with lots of hard roof climbs, and plenty of boulders to satisfy the pebble pushers. Overall, this is a unique fun spot that shouldn’t be overlooked if you are ever in the area.
Either after climbing or before climbing or both, you’ll have the opportunity to satisfy your appetite for some down-home snackies.
The Rustic Spoon offers delicious homemade options at great prices served with a smile by a warm and welcoming staff.
This is the type of place that ensnares the paradigm of family diner (climbing family included). Comfort food served hot and made with butter!!! They have it all from burgers to BLTs, pancakes to pastas, and potatoes to pulled pork.
The menu is so extensive that it’s tough to pick just one thing, but if I’m just getting in from a day on the wall, I tend to go light. Although everything on the menu looks absolutely delicious, my choice would be a grilled cheese, with a side of Cole Slaw, and a side of mashed potatoes. I’d get a side of fried pickles for the table and a side of cheese curds, and finally, one of the scrumptious desserts for the road!
Monegaw Springs is a unique crag and The Rustic Spoon the perfect complement for a day of climbing and eating, or as we say in the biz…cragies and snackies!
Location: Monegaw Springs, MO “Salus populi suprema lex esto”
Crag: Monegaw Springs
Restaurant: The Rustic Spoon
Distance: 30 Miles
thedihedral.com 
I think “Missouri loves company” makes a much better slogan than “The show me state”.
LikeLiked by 1 person
HAHA, could you imagine it on the license plate and the welcome signs? We should start a marketing firm!
LikeLiked by 1 person