The same spirit of adventure shared by Mark Twain, born Samuel Clemens, in his tales about Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer paddling ships through the currents of the mighty Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, is still alive in the Show Me State today. Those looking for land for sale in Missouri will find a variety of landscapes filled with natural resources, waterways, and more.
Missouri History
Missouri was settled by indigenous people who thrived on the rich natural resources of the landscape. In 1803, Napoleonic France sold the area now known as Missouri to the United States, a block of land within the Louisiana Purchase. Settlement by European immigrants then began, as the towns of St. Louis and Kansas City began to thrive due to the ease of steamboats navigating the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, and Missouri became a state in 1821.
After the Civil War, Missouri began to see a decline in manufacturing efforts and a return to agriculture and farming as settlements expanded westward toward favorable fertile soil conditions and open plains for livestock.
Farm Land for Sale in Missouri
North of the Missouri River lies Missouri's iconic fertile farmland, generating over $5 billion annually from crops and cattle ranching. The state’s largest cash crops are corn and soybeans, with farmers leveraging the lowland and wetland areas as well as the Missouri rivers to aid in irrigation.
Recently, Missouri has spearheaded the movement to produce organic crops through sustainable farming practices. Missouri continues to be a major corn-producing state, with more than 3 million acres dedicated to corn production. This corn is used for livestock feed, ethanol production, and various food products. Missouri farms also produce wheat, sorghum, hay, rice, potatoes, and other vegetables such as tomatoes, sweet corn, and green beans.
Hunting Land for Sale in Missouri
A variety of public and private lands for hunting throughout the state provide ample opportunities for hunting whitetail deer, turkey, waterfowl, and small game. The Missouri Department of Conservation is a fantastic resource for those looking to take advantage of abundant hunting and trapping in the region. Among the public hunting lands are state parks and conservation areas, as well as national wildlife refuges. Hunters can enjoy multiple seasons and hunting methods, including archery, firearms, and muzzleloader seasons, and those looking to purchase Missouri hunting land for sale will find a number of properties suited to your needs.
Missouri is also known nationwide for its network of private hunting clubs and farms that offer hunting opportunities, providing lodging, guides, and even equipment rental for hunters from outside the region. With such bustling hunting and recreational opportunities, hunting land for sale in Missouri has abundant investment choices on offer.
Missouri Ranch Land
According to the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Missouri is consistently ranked the third largest cattle producer in the country, providing both beef and dairy operations throughout the state, in addition to providing sheep and goats. Ranch land in Missouri is typically found in the southern and western parts of the state, where the terrain is suited to livestock grazing due to mild winters and abundant rainfall. Ranches in Missouri are owned both by individual families and small operations or large corporations and can range in size from a few dozen acres to thousands of acres.
Much like its iconic farmlands, Missouri’s ranch land is characterized by green rolling hills and pastures, with a mix of wooded areas and open grasslands.
Missouri Lowlands and Wetlands
Missouri’s riverine and non-riverine wetlands are critical water sources for animals, plants, and humans alike. These regions also provide flood control, water purification, and extensive animal habitats, making Missouri one of the richest states in terms of ecology.
Common plants found in riverine wetlands include water-loving species such as cattails, bulrushes, and arrowheads, while animals such as turtles, beavers, and waterfowl are also commonly found. Those searching for waterfront property for sale in Missouri will find plenty of places to enjoy this ecological paradise.
Non-riverine wetlands, also known as "isolated wetlands," are found throughout the state and include marshes, swamps, and bogs, and support a high diversity of plant species, including carnivorous plants such as sundews and pitcher plants. They are also important habitats for various wildlife, including amphibians, reptiles, and migratory birds.
Some of Missouri's wetlands have been impacted by drainage and development. However, the state has continued its efforts to protect and restore wetland habitats in Missouri, including through conservation programs and the creation of wetland mitigation banks to offset the impact of development on wetland ecosystems.
Missouri Water Rights
Missouri is a riparian water law state, where landowners have the reasonable right to utilize water sources that flow beneath the surface or into their property as long as this water use does not adversely affect livestock grazing, irrigation, wildlife, or other purposes in neighboring areas.
Since water sources in the state are so bountiful, with the river networks and Ozark Aquifer providing ample water, the land is well-hydrated and even can supply water to farms and landowners in neighboring states, should the need arise.
Missouri Industry
Adding to the state's diverse industry and agricultural crops is its grape production and wine industry. The warm, long summers and plentiful sunshine make Missouri perfect for supporting large vineyards. Everything from Concord, Catawba, Vignoles, Syvals, and good-old American grapes emerge from fertile Ozark soils.
Farmers, ranchers, and hunters alike abound in this region, with its ample riverfront and waterfront properties and rich soil.
Missouri Recreation
The incredible income potential, recreation, and long hunting seasons with a wide variety of wild game attract sportsmen across the country to experience the breathtaking landscape.
The Mark Twain National Forest, divided into nine sections, is scattered throughout the southern third of the state and provides 3 million acres for outdoor recreation. The Houston/Roll portion, comprising 190,000 acres, is one example of prime whitetail habitat. The area is dominated by hardwood forests that spread across beautiful hills reaching into the Ozarks. The Big Piney Trail in the Paddy Creek Wilderness also offers secluded hunting and hiking and off-the-beaten-path backpacking destinations.
Nestled in Missouri's Ozarks near Branson is beautiful Table Rock Lake. Comfort and relaxation, along with some of Missouri’s best fishing and boating, are found here. Surrounded by forests and rocky outcroppings, the lake offers up huge bass, large crappie, and memories with family and friends to last a lifetime.
Looking for land for sale in Missouri? We can help!
Missouri is a state of common sense – a state that tells it like it is. What you see is what you get here, embodying a quintessential midwestern lifestyle that fills the soul and invites you outdoors to make memories year-round. This is the Show Me State ... and what we see looks pretty good!
