Green Travel Destination: Rock Port, Missouri

The town of Rock Port, Missouri may not be the first green travel destination that comes to mind for your next family vacation. However, this small town located in the northwest corner of Missouri is the first town in the United States to be totally powered by wind which makes it a must for green travelers to explore.

Towering over the rolling countryside and the town of Rock Port are the four wind turbines that make up the Loess Hills Wind Farm. The wind turbines in the green travel destination supply over 100 percent of the town's electricity. The wind turbines generate 16 million kilowatt hours per year while the annual electricity use of Rock Port, Missouri is 13 million kilowatt hours. The excess energy is sold back to the Missouri Joint Municipal Utilities.

Things to Do While in Rock Port, Missouri

This family-friendly green travel destination showcases how renewable energy makes it possible to enjoy all the modern conveniences you've come to expect. From the city's street lights to the electricity running local restaurants and stores, you'll feel at ease knowing the town's electricity is generated from a renewable resource instead of fossil fuels.

The small town atmosphere makes you feel at home and invites you to slow down. The historic homes, antique shops, parks and rural landscape offer something for everyone to explore. In town, you can walk and admire the historic storefronts featuring antiques, artwork and one-of-a-kind treasures. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Memorial Park. Cool off in the public swimming pool or grab a bite to eat at one of the chain restaurants or locally-owned eateries like the Black Iron Grill Steak House and Saloon, Journey's Cafe or the Trails End Restaurant.

For nature lovers, the Brickyard Hill Wildlife Area invites you to explore the outdoors and discover the unique geography of the "loess" hill prairies which are only found in this region of Missouri and Western Iowa. The Brickyard Hill Wildlife Area also serves as home to rare prairie plants, unique grasses, a variety of birds and wildlife like deer, turkey and squirrels. Charity Lake within the wildlife area provides fishing blue gill, bass and channel catfish.

A short drive from the green travel destination of Rock Port, Missouri is Big Lake State Park which offers swimming, fishing, picnic areas, hiking, bird watching and playgrounds. Other neighboring attractions include the scenic bluffs of the Missouri River or the chance to follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark by hiking along the Historic Lewis and Clark Trail.

If You Go to Rock Port, Missouri, A Midwest Green Travel Destination
Locally owned hotels such as the White Rock Motel or Rock Port Inn provide a family friendly place to stay. Camping is also available at the Brickyard Hill Wildlife Area and privately-owned campgrounds. Lodging is also available in the cabins and hotel at Big Lake State Park.

Rock Port, Missouri is located just 72 miles from Omaha and 118 miles from Kansas City, Missouri making it a perfect green travel destination for your next family vacation.

Sources:

Visit Missouri - http://www.visitmo.com/

Rock Port, Missouri Website http://www.rpmo.com/

Science Daily - http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080715165441.htm

Wind Capital Group: Loess Hills Wind Farm http://www.windcapitalgroup.com/projects/loesshills.aspx