Indoor fun in Bollinger County

You can spend a day at The Bollinger County Library. The library is a great place to get good books but they offer many other things to do as well. If you need internet access or just like to do some research on your favorite topic the library provides over 20 computers for your use. Want to join other adults in a reading discussion group? The library has a group with a monthly selection for group discussion. Do you like art displays? Check out all the wonderful art work the library has on display. All ages can get free music downloads from the library's music database, just sign up for this service. Are in interested in genealogy? The library has a genealogy department to help you find those lost connections and family history. The "Book a Librarian" service allows you to reserve a one hour time slot with a librarian to help with your unique needs. If you need help with a new technology device, an old problem, or just want more information, call and schedule a time to "Book a Librarian." Want to check out a music CD or a movie? Don't forget Ms. Patti's Wednesday story hour; which usually includes a fun story along with a craft or activity to enhance the story. During the fall and winter an after school arts and crafts hour is usually on the schedule. As you can see the library is a busy place with lots of services and fun things to do. Watch for special activities such as the local author days as well. While you are getting copies printed or sending a fax check out all the other fun things to do at the library!

The Bollinger County Museum of Natural History is the home of the Missouri dinosaur. The museum is located in the former Will Mayfield College art and science building. The building is an architectural treasure that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see fossils from around the world. Enjoy dinosaur bones and replicas, imagine you are stalking wild animals back to their lair in the wildlife and forestry section, journey to the Ice Age and find out how humans lived and what types of large mammals roamed the earth during this time period, see geology examples, learn what types of items and equipment Lewis and Clark took with them on their Corp of Discovery, discover giant prehistoric bugs, learn about life during the Civil War, and of course find out about the amazing discovery of dinosaurs in Missouri. Children of all ages will delight in the play and discover area where they can dig for dinosaur bones in a replica dinosaur dig, uncover real fossils in the fossil dig box, check out mineral samples, make rubbings of dinosaurs, work puzzles, or feed the Kota; the resident pet triceratops. Take a step back in time and explore the museum. There are always new discoveries to be made!

The Massey Log House is an interesting place to learn about local history and everyday life of the 1800s. View the room displays set up to reflect life in bygone days. The Massey Log House was built circa 1869. The four-pen structure has full porches and is a good example of "dog trot" and "V" notched log houses. It is filled with many historical items of everyday life from the 1800s era and is a open during the summer until Labor Day on Saturdays from 8a.m -2p.m. and Sundays 1p.m.- 4p.m..While you are visiting the log house take a look out back to see the Alma Fisher One-Room School. This little red school building takes you back in time to discover education in a simpler time.

The Marble Hill Senior Center provides services and activities for the older folks in the area. Visitors can come in and sit around the tables to socialize with old and new friends. Doors open to the public around 10am. Have a cup of coffee and shoot the breeze with your neighbors. Want to stay for lunch? Hot delicious meals are served from 11a.m.-12:30p.m. at special low costs. If you can't travel in to the center you can check into the Meals on Wheels program for the home bound. The center brings you other activities as well. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday you can take part in the Arthritis exercise classes. Need to shed some unwanted pounds? On Wednesday mornings at 9a.m. there is a TOPS (Taking off Pounds Safely) meeting. Weigh In for the TOPS program is at 8:30am before the meeting. On Tuesdays at noon the Marble Hill Optimists Club meets at the center and the Bollinger County Chamber of Commerce has their monthly meeting at the center the first Thursday of each month. These meetings are open to the public if you would like to attend. On Fridays the center has Senior Bingo. Come play, have fun, and win a prize! Seasonal activities include a chicken and dumpling dinner during the Bollinger County fall festival in September and special activities to help you enjoy the holiday at Christmas time. Christmas programs vary and include seasonal music. Watch for special times when groups may present entertainment or music at the center. Want to help? The center can always use good volunteers.

The Knights of Columbus Hall in Leopold offers a varied list of activities. August brings the Missouri Knights of Columbus State Horseshoe Tournament August 15 -- 17, 2014. For all our gun enthusiasts the KC hall will host two gun shows. The fall show will be held September 20 -21, 2014 and the spring show is scheduled for March 7-8, 2015. In the fall you can get in on the excitement of Bingo. Watch for various dances to be scheduled as well as benefits that take place on an as needed basis. Fall time will bring shooting matches to the hall. You can socialize indoors while you wait your turn to take a shot at winning a prize in the shooting match. For outdoor fun don't miss the annual Sportsfest in June.

Bollinger County is rich in history and has much to offer those seeking history, activities, or fun indoors or outdoors!