Red Oak II

This turned out to be a pretty great "2 for 1" road trip stop for me: 1) I really enjoyed walking the entire "town" and checking out all of the old-school buildings and other quirky things on display. To me it almost felt like being on the set of a movie or something! And with plenty of unique things to see, spread out over a fairly large area, it made for a really nice change of pace from traditional hiking: a still great, but markedly different, way to enjoy a couple of lovely hours outdoors! 2) I also really enjoyed checking out the cool collection of Lowell Davis's signature-style artwork that they had on sight, and ended up wrapping up my time at Red Oak with a few surprise (because I had no idea there was also artwork) bonus souvenirs to add to my road trip collection! I'd probably still give the place top marks even it it were only one or the other (vintage town museum or collection of impressive art for sale), but for both together, it's a no brainer for me: 5 stars!

In 1987, Lowell Davis began collecting buildings from ghost towns and other historic sites to create his own community near Carthage, MO. This inhabited village features many of Lowell's unique creations and continues as a tribute to the Norman Rockwell of Rural Art. My daughter and I were fascinated by this place. 1st, it's huge. A small neighborhood, I would size it. The history here is so rich and full of Americana. This is a reminder of simpler times. Get Your Kicks on Route 66 Missouri

Probably would have been better in the summer and in the sun but nothing was really open and it was a collection of private residences. A few of the art pieces were interesting and picture worthy but not really if this is a detour for you OR if your a big RV. No room to turn around or for more than one RV to park and the lane has low limbs and tight fits. I think their Sat night music might be fun though.

Very interesting that most of the buildings have been moved here but most of them were locked. It would have been good to know there was no designated place to park, the advertising did not indicate it was pretty much a drive through experience.

Great place to visit, we are glad we stopped by. Managed to walk into a church service and they were so welcoming and had a great chat with the congregation. Would have loved to have spent more time.