For the past couple of years, my friend Nicole and I always try to get outside for her birthday in June. This year, we decided to head to the Castor River Shut-Ins. While we were traveling south on Highway 67, south of Farmington, Missouri, we spotted a conservation sign for Knob Lick Towersite. I quickly googled it to see what was there and I found out that there is an overlook and a fire tower.

On our way back home, we decided to stop and check it out! From the parking lot, a short sidewalk leads to the overlook.

A granite glad provides sweeping views of the countryside. Large hawks were even soaring overhead while we were there.

One of the other features at this site is an old fire tower. Although seldom used today, this  tower use to provide a platform to spot wildfires within the surrounding forests. The tower is open to the public to climb up a few stories to get an ever better view.

Ellie is a pro-climber of fire towers by now, so we made our way to the top. I always tell myself I don’t have a fear of heights, but the second I start climbing, I do!

On our way back down, we realized that Dexter was having a bit of an issue. He made it up the first flight of stairs, but then Nicole soon realized that he was not going to be able to come back down!

He literally stopped on the stairs and Nicole had to inch him down step by step until his paws were safely on the ground =) She’s a great dog mom!

One word of caution, we noticed a lot of glass below the fire tower. I assume people go up there and throw bottles off the side. I would recommend watching where you walk so that you or your dog doesn’t end up with glass in their foot/paw.

This is a great stop to get out and stretch your legs. The view is amazing and worth the stop!