DNR
Home PageThe historic J. Huston Tavern was built in 1834 by Joseph Huston, Sr., an early Arrow Rock settler and civic leader from Virginia. Built as a four room, two story brick structure, it was originally the Huston family home. Tradition states that family slaves sawed lumber harvested from nearby forests and made and fired the bricks on the construction site. Huston and other family members completed the finish carpentry.
The building was right on the curb at the intersection of Main Street and the Boonville Road. Thousands of immigrants heading west passed directly by the tavern. Soon, Huston was widely known as a hotel keeper offering the hospitality of overnight lodging and meals to travelers and local citizens. In 1840, the cost for a night’s stay was 12 1/2 cents or a “bit” and a meal could be had for the same amount. Bits were obtained by cutting silver coins into eighths. American “hard” money was unavailable and Mexican or Spanish coins were the currency due to the Santa Fe trade.
By the mid-nineteenth century, a mercantile store and ballroom had been added to the west end of the tavern. Additions on the south side enclosed the original detached kitchen. The large dining room and present kitchen were added in 1955, replacing a “tea room” built in 1923. The tavern is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is the centerpiece of Arrow Rock State Historic Site. The year 2009 marks the tavern’s 175th anniversary of continuous service to the public.
While no longer taking overnight guests, the tavern still provides full meal service from Easter to Christmas Eve each year. Meals are offered in the three dining rooms and part of the mercantile store. Guests are served by friendly staff attired in clothing reminiscent of the tavern’s early days. Buttermilk fried chicken and freshly baked ham are always on the Bill of Fare, as are homemade breads and pastries. Fresh vegetables and salads are prepared with local ingredients when available, and nightly specials such as a variety of seafood and prime rib, are offered on weekend evenings.
Reservations are requested, but not required. The restaurant is able to accommodate 160 guests and is also available for groups, receptions and private parties by advance arrangement. Call 660-837-3200, visit the tavern's Web site or email for reservations or more information.
FishingBig Soldier Lake is named for a Little Osage chief, who negotiated with government agent George Sibley at the Arrow Rock bluff in 1813. Originally built as a shallow stock pond in 1930, the impoundment was renovated and deepened (18 feet at the dam) in 1989. In 1995, a fishing access for persons with disabilities and small parking lot was constructed with funds from the parks, soils and water sales tax.
The four-acre lake is stocked and managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources. All state fishing license requirements apply. Consult the State Wildlife Code for license requirements. There are no license vendors in Arrow Rock; the closest being in Marshall or Boonville.
Regulations
Pole and line fishing only with a maximum of three poles per person. Trot lines, jug lines and set lines are prohibited.
| Daily Limit | Length Limit | |
| Bass | 2 | 15" minimum |
| Catfish | 4 | none |
| Crappie | 30 | none |
| All others | 20 | none |
Meeting Rooms
The historic Arrow Rock Tavern has several rooms suitable for working luncheons and meeting space. Contact the Arrow Rock Tavern at 660-837-3200 for information on seating capacity, room rates and availability.
Picnic AreaSeveral picnic tables and one accessible picnic site are available.
An open picnic shelter built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930s is also available. The shelter can be reserved for $35 per day (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.). If not reserved, it is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The shelter has two large fireplaces, three picnic grills, several picnic tables, water and electricity. An accessible vault toilet is nearby. To inquire about reserving the shelter, please call 660-837-3330.
Other AmenitiesApproximately one third of the town of Arrow Rock lies within the boundary of the historic site. The rest of the town property is either privately owned or maintained by the Friends of Arrow Rock, Inc. Several antique and gift shops, restaurants and bed and breakfast establishments are located throughout the town. Gas and diesel are available at Hardeman Junction on Highway 41, three miles west of Arrow Rock. Visit the Arrow Rock Town Directory and Events Web pages for a complete listing of services.
