Old Trails partnership continues planning for tourism effort

The Old Trails Regional Tourism Partnership met Tuesday afternoon, March 17, at University of Missouri Extension in Marshall to hear a presentation from consultant John Whiteman about creating scenic byways in the Old Trails region.

The Old Trails region includes Jackson, Lafayette, Saline and Cooper counties, but Lafayette County is the only county containing roads with state-level scenic byway status: the Old Trails Road Byway, which is State Highway 224 from Napoleon to Lexington, and the Sho-Me Santa Fe Trail State Scenic Byway, which is State Highway 24 from Napoleon to Waverly.

The goal of the project is to extend the existing byways to begin at Fort Osage in Jackson County, pass through Malta Bend, Marshall and Arrow Rock in Saline County and end in Boonville in Cooper County.

The current byways offer about 30 miles of scenic driving, but extending the byway designation as proposed would include approximately 100 miles of roadway.

This "looks more significant on a map," Whiteman said, which will make tourists more likely to come.

Whiteman said he hopes to apply for state byway designation by June or July of this year. National byway designation could be achieved after that, but it is not a must.

"National status will be great," Whiteman said, but "ninety percent of what you want to do can be accomplished beforehand."

Creating a regional image is one of the first steps to be taken, Whiteman said.

The Old Trails area needs a cohesive image from county to county, enhanced with road signs and brochures to help travelers understand the big picture.

Whiteman suggested audio guides to accompany the byway as another way to draw things together.

Old Trails tourism also needs to expand its appeal, Whiteman said.

"The heritage story right now is mostly an intellectual exercise," he said, but it should include tangible aspects that tourists will remember and return for -- it must also be fun.

Whiteman said that incorporating good food and agriculture experiences, as well as outdoor activities like hiking and biking, will further this aim.

He pointed to authentic Lewis and Clark or Santa Fe Trail food offerings and outdoor lodging options like yurts or teepees as things that would help make heritage even more appealing.

Despite all the work that must be done, Whiteman remained positive about the partnership's end goals.

"You've got great stuff to work with here," he said, which just needs to be developed.

Stan Moore represents Saline County on the OTRTP Board of Directors. At the meeting, he announced the group's receipt of $3,000 from the Marshall Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee as "seed money."

The Old Trails Regional Tourism Partnership will meet again Tuesday, April 14, at 4 p.m. at an undecided location in Arrow Rock.

Contact Sydney Stonner at marshallbusiness@socket.net

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