In south Louisiana the name Boudreaux is common and can be found in almost any town. In central Missouri, not so. We came upon the M. W. Boudreaux Memorial Visitor Center outside Monroe City, MO. Being from south Louisiana we had to stop and find out about Mr. Boudreaux.
Mr. Boudreaux was instrumental in the development of the Corps of Engineers Clarence Cannon Dam and Mark Twain Lake in MO. This beautiful lake provides great recreation opportunities along with generating a great deal of electrical power from the dam. Because of his dedication to the project his name was chosen for the welcome center. We were glad to see a south Louisiana name so far from home.
The center was state of the art with outstanding views. The complex is known for its “greenness” – ground source heat, low flow water works, energy efficient lighting, windows, and building materials. The exhibits include many hands-on displays relating to the area as well as safety on the water.
As nice as the exhibits are, it is the views that took our breath away. The day we visited was cloudy with misty rain at times. Yet this did not deter from the beauty of the area and the river.
We think Mr. Boudreaux would be proud to have his name on this facility. It offers a great deal to the traveler in this rural setting.
Mr. Boudreaux would be proud
Clarence Cannon Dam – the power of water
Grass types in the area
Exhibit relating to local animals
Flowers along the trail
Plants along the walking trail
