July 15, 2024

Looking for exciting adventures and heartwarming traditions to share with your family this fall? Look no further than Benton County, Missouri! Located within a 200-mile radius of many major cities, Benton County offers a delightful escape to the Ozarks, bursting with vibrant fall foliage, charming towns, and a calendar brimming with family-friendly events.

So, grab your sweaters, pack a sense of adventure, and get ready to create lasting memories with your loved ones in Benton County!

September Sensations:

September kicks off the fall season with a bang in Benton County! Here are some highlights you won’t want to miss:

• The Unforgettable Cole Camp Fair (September 5-7): This legendary fair boasts the “most unbelievable floats in Missouri.” Witness these creative masterpieces firsthand while enjoying carnival rides, delicious food vendors, exciting contests, and even a 5K run/walk.
• Lincoln Fly-In (September 14): Calling all aviation enthusiasts! This unique event allows you to explore a historical grass airstrip in Lincoln, Missouri. Chat with pilots, marvel at various aircraft, and enjoy a delightful meal in a true aviation atmosphere.
• Lincoln Fall Market & More (September 14): This event offers something for everyone! Browse the Lincoln Fall Market for locally-made crafts, cheer on the Farmer Strongman Competition, indulge in a delicious pie auction, and witness a mesmerizing Hot Air Balloon Glow after sunset.
• Mozarkite Rock and Gem Show (September 20-22): Held in Lincoln, Missouri, this show is a treasure trove for rock and gem enthusiasts of all ages. Explore a vast collection of beautiful stones, minerals, and unique jewelry pieces.
• Cole Camp Oktoberfest (September 28): Immerse yourself in the lively spirit of a German festival! Sample authentic German food, listen to traditional music, and experience the joy of a true Oktoberfest celebration. This event takes place in charming Downtown Cole Camp.
• Antique Farm Show (Cole Camp) (September 26-28): They have apple cider press, apple butter, churned butter, beekeeper, blacksmith, wheat threshing & straw baling, sugar cane & molasses press, corn meal, sawmill, Grandma Kitchen Museum.

October Delights:

As fall foliage paints Benton County in vibrant hues, October offers a variety of events to embrace the changing season:

• Double Dose of Heritage: History buffs will be captivated by two events happening in October. Warsaw Heritage Days (October 19-20) features over 200 craft booths, delectable food vendors, and live music, while Kaysinger Heritage Days (October 19-20) offers a chance to experience life in an 1800s pioneer village with live demonstrations showcasing traditional crafts and trades.

Spooky Fun for Halloween:

Benton County knows how to celebrate Halloween with a mix of spooky thrills and safe treats!

• Cole Camp Pumpkin Fest (October 26): This unique Halloween event offers something for everyone. Carve pumpkins for a contest, embark on a spooky scavenger hunt, test your mettle in a haunted house, or participate in the fun 5K Zombie Run & Walk. Don’t forget to grab a bite from the delicious food trucks!
• Warsaw Halloween Hoopla & Lincoln Frightfully Fun Family Night (October 31): Both towns offer safe and exciting Halloween experiences for children. Warsaw transforms its downtown into a trick-or-treating haven with participating businesses lining the streets. In Lincoln, join the festivities at the big city park for Halloween activities and a trunk-or-treat event.

November & December: Holiday Magic Awaits

The holiday spirit arrives with a flourish in Benton County! Here are some events that will warm your heart and create lasting memories:

• Benton County Boutique Crawl (November 15-16): Support local businesses by participating in this fun shopping event! Explore charming small-town boutiques, discover unique home décor and specialty shops, enjoy special deals, and enter to win exciting prizes.
• Lighting of Warsaw (November 22): Be part of a heartwarming tradition! Witness the magical moment when the lights come on at Drake Harbor, marking the beginning of the holiday season in Warsaw.
• Festive Feasts & Christmas Cheer: Throughout December, Benton County towns host various Christmas events, from cozy Christbaumfests with handcrafted gifts to enchanting Christmas carols and visits with Santa Claus. Here are a few highlights:
  • Cole Camp Christbaumfest (November 23): Enjoy live music, browse over 50 craft booths, and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at this delightful holiday market.
  • Cole Camp German Christmas Concert (December 1): Immerse yourself in the rich musical traditions of Germany with this community choir performance.
  • Kaysinger Christmas (December 6-7): Step back in time and experience a Christmas celebration reminiscent of the 1800s. Stroll through the candlelit pioneer village, warm yourself by crackling fires, enjoy delicious holiday treats, and soak in the charm of a simpler time. 
  • Lincoln Christmas Parade, Craft Fair, & Soup/Chili Supper (December 14): Celebrate the season with a festive parade, explore the local craft fair, and savor a heartwarming chili or soup supper hosted by the Benton County 4-H/FFA Youth Fair. 
  • Hallmark Christmas in Warsaw (December 14): This enchanting event brings the magic of a Hallmark Christmas movie to life! Enjoy a delicious breakfast with Santa, participate in fun children’s crafts, browse a festive holiday market, witness a live nativity scene, and take a charming horse-drawn carriage ride through the town.

Beyond the Events:

Benton County’s natural beauty is a highlight in itself during fall. Take advantage of the crisp autumn air by exploring scenic hiking trails, like those found at Harry S. Truman State Park. Enjoy a peaceful kayak or paddleboard adventure on the Osage River, or Truman Lake. Maybe hop on the motorcycles or bike and explore the charming towns and countryside at your own pace.

Accommodation Options:

Benton County offers a variety of lodging options to suit your needs. Choose from cozy cabins nestled near the lake, charming short-term rentals, or family-friendly hotels.

Planning Your Trip:

To make planning your Benton County fall getaway a breeze, visit the Benton County Tourism & Recreation website. We offer a comprehensive calendar of events, lodging recommendations, and helpful information about things to see and do in the area.

Make Benton County Your Fall Destination!

Benton County, Missouri, offers a delightful escape from the ordinary this fall. With a vibrant calendar of events, breathtaking scenery, and small-town charm, Benton County is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your loved ones. So pack your bags, embrace the crisp autumn air, and get ready for a fall adventure you won’t forget!