Babe Adams Festival   

     Babe Adam was a Harrison County Resident and pitched in two World Series baseball games, 1909 & 1924.  Babe Adams played for the Pittsburg Pirates from 1909 to 1925.  Come help us celebrate this legend during the Babe Adams Festival held every year during the month of June. 

Babe Adams Mural

The Girl Scouts raised money to complete and dedicate this mural to the memory of Babe Adams, one of Harrison County's finest,  in September 2009.

Northwest Missouri State Fair

     The Northwest Missouri State Fair is held every year beginning the Wednesday prior to Labor day and ending on Labor Day. The fair features many different entertainment options at the grandstand including the local talent show, a tractor pull, car races, a demolition derby and famous name musical entertainment.. 

       A fair would not be complete without a midway full of rides for the kids and the NWMO Fair is no exception. You can also take in the livestock judging or visit one of the many exhibitors on the fairgrounds.  
     
Come bring the whole family. Camp on the grounds enjoy the hotdogs, corndogs, cotton candy, caramel apples, kettle corn and numerous other food vendors at the fair. NWMO State Fair truly is a great place to bring the kids and enjoy some good old fashioned family fun. 

Click here to visit the official web site of the Northwest Missouri State Fair.

Parks and Recreation
     The parks system is a source of pride for the entire community as beautiful scenery becomes the backdrop for several entertainment areas. Memorial Park is the city's oldest park and includes several shelters which can be utilized for picnics. Three ball diamonds, and a variety of playground equipment for the children provide wholesome fun for the entire family. A variety of shade trees provide cool spots to rest and enjoy the scenery. Restroom facilities are also available in the park and at the ball diamonds.
     Adjacent to the park is a basketball court, two tennis courts, croquet, along with the Bethany Municipal pool which is open late May through late August.
    Other parks include the city's newest park at 15th and Beekman. This completely handicap accessible facility has a large playground area, shelter house, sand volley ball and restrooms. A third park is located on 10th street which includes playground equipment.

    Bethany will begin work in September 2010 for the new aquatic center.  The new center is planned to be finished and ready for new business by next summer.

Golfing
    The Bethany Country Club is located on Highway 69 at the north edge of town and visitors are welcome to enjoy the 9 hole course and pool area. Golf cart rentals are available.

Movies and Fun
     Nightly entertainment options are abundant in Bethany.  Big Time Cinema offers the latest Hollywood feature movies with surround sound effects in a comfortable environment.
    For the young or just young at heart there is the Java Casa. The Java Casa is a coffee house that features contemporary Christian music and offers teens a place to hang out.
     Rolla-O-Rama Skating Rink is a great place for adults and kids to enjoy some good old fashioned skating fun. The rink also participates in roller hockey tournaments and offers special rates for group parties.

Tourist Spots
     Bethany is graced with older homes which have been refinished to reflect the city's history. One of the oldest is the Edna Cuddy Memorial House and Gardens which was built in 1882. This home utilizes period furniture of the late 1800's to give visitors a look back at Bethany. Operated by the Harrison County Historical Society, the Cuddy home is open to visitors by appointment by calling 425-6811.
     The history of Harrison County can also be researched at the Harrison County Genealogy Library located at 2307 Central Street or for more information call 425-2459.

North West Missouri State Fall Festival

The event is held every year the second weekend in October on the historic downtown square.  This event features antique cars, motorcycles and tractor show, crafts, swap meet, pumpkin decorating contest and auction.  The Chamber of Commerce holds a Chili & BBQ cook off on Saturday and the Bethany Community Foundation sponsors the Apple pie contest.  The Harrison County Merchants have sidewalk and garage sale. Saturday evening entertainment features different bands.  Call 660-425-8675 for more information.
 

Boo-In-The Park

The Bethany Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Boo-In-The-Park Event held in the Bethany Memorial Park on Halloween each year.  This event brings in a large crowd of kids and parents to enjoy the Halloween spirit in a safe environment for the community.  Enjoy haunted houses, games, a costume contest and treats for all.

Nature Preserves & Primitive Camping
      Harrison County is home to the Dunn Ranch & Pawnee Prairie.  Just minutes north of Bethany the Dunn ranch is more than 3,000 acres and the Pawnee Prairie is over 400 acres.  On the wide-open rolling expanses of Dunn Ranch and Pawnee Prairie, the prairie chicken still performs its colorful spring "booming"; the upland sandpiper's ghostly call carries in the wind; and regal fritillary butterflies alight on gorgeous coneflowers. The area is marked by high vegetation from late spring through fall.  Large rolling hills make for a moderate hike. It is frequently windy, and spring can be very cool and breezy on the prairie.  In summer it is often very hot, with little shade.  Beware of cattle on Dunn Ranch.  Some or all areas of the preserve may be temporarily closed due to restoration efforts.  Please call the Dunn Ranch office at (660) 867-3866 prior to your visit.

Click here to visit the Dunn Ranch Website

Hunting & Fishing
     Harrison County is recognized annually for the top quality hunting which is enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year. The county features such game animals as deer, turkey, pheasant, quail and other game birds.

Bethany Lake

Public fishing areas are established at both of Bethany's City lakes which are just north of the Bethany.  The old lake offers a shelter house donated by the Lions Club and picnic area.  Public restrooms are also available.  The New City Lake also offers restrooms and multiple areas for picnics and family gatherings and offers a dock for small boats.

Harrison County Lake

The Harrison County lake is located 9 miles north of Bethany on County Road W, then West one mile on a gravel road.  The Lake provides a great location for water skiing as well as fishing and camping. Camping fees are $15.00 for electrical charge and $3.00 for a primitive tent.  The County Lake has two shelter houses, a boat dock and two swimming areas.  (Please note that no lifeguards are on duty.)  Restrooms are provided.  Reservations are not required, it is by first come first serve basis.

                            Harrison County Lake

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