Checking Out Markham Springs

You can explore the many natural springs or stay the night at the five-bedroom stone house at Markham Springs Recreation Area in Mark Twain National Forest.

The name of the recreation area comes from the former owner, M.J. Markham, who acquired the property in 1901 and operated a lumber mill at the site until the 1930s.

History of the Fuchs Estate

Rudolph Fuchs built a five-bedroom concrete and native stone house for his family in the 1930s.

He also built the present wheelhouse to produce electricity for all his needs. Power was obtained by a dam that was built in a semi-circle below a large spring forming a small pond. Water then poured through a chute on the wheel producing electricity.

Sign providing history and information on the house.

Restoration of the Fuchs House

The historic Fuchs house was restored by a group of craftsmen under permit from the National Forest. Used primarily by these individuals and their families, this house is available for rent by the day, weekend, or week.

Springs

Six springs pour almost five million gallons of water a day into the pond. The bubbling spring, a smaller outlet of Markham Spring outside of the pond area that has air with it, rises in soft sand forming unique “air bubbles.”

Coming up the stairs to the estate at Markham Springs.

Checking Out the Area

I parked by the picnic area near the Fuchs House. I walked up some stairs to gain a closer look at the house and checkout its stonework.

The pond was filled with lots of water plants. I’ve seen pictures of this pond at a colder time of years and then the water has more of a blue hue than when I saw it filled with plant life.

Wheelhouse for the spring by a wooden bridge

Then I headed around to the front of the pond checking out the wheelhouse. Inside the wheelhouse is some faded information on the springs and area.

Cliffside Spring

From here I walked down a gravel path along with one of the springs flowing nearest the hillside. You can follow this spring along this gravel road towards the Black River. I walked a short way before heading back to the wheelhouse and towards the Bubble Spring.

Bubble Spring

Next, I crossed a bridge near the wheelhouse and close to the main road, and went towards the bubbling spring. This is worth taking time to watch the bubbles percolate up. You can even hear sort of a low burping sound.

Some of the bubble action is obscured by a green blanket of plants. I found this the most interesting part of my time here. It is subtle and different. You’ll know you’re at these springs since there is a wooden fence to keep you from getting closer and on the fence, it says “No Swimming.”

Spring water flowing out fast from the pond.

I walked north from here coming across water flowing fast from the pond above. This was a faster-flowing spring than the one by the bluff.

Eagle Bluff Trail

This trail is a two mile loop that goes around the hills and the valley along the Black River.

Going Up The Hill

I headed up some old stone steps that end at a foundation. The steps then become wood and lead to switchbacks.

I was hoping to find a place up here that I could look out over the mountains. What I found along the switchbacks was a lot of downed trees. In the first group of downed trees, I found paths around them. Then the next I had to go through. Then finally I came to another group of downed trees over the trail. I was heading towards the backside of the hill at this point.

Be careful heading up and down these stairs.

I gave up. Having to constantly find my way around downed trees was taking too long for the short time I had here. It was also really hot out. I went back down.

Hike to a Swamp

Then I took a walk along a short trail that followed back behind the spring pond taking in the views of some bald cypress trees that came to a dead end. I thought this was the bottom part of the Eagle Bluff Trail but it was on the other side near the road. I learned this later back home when I looked at the map of the area.

Along the Black River at Markham Springs

Checking the Black River Out

I walked over to the boat launch and to see the Black River. Near the launch was a small sandy area. I assume people might swim here sometimes. The river does get deep pretty quickly so if you took a dip here I would be mindful of the current.

I might have stayed longer but a man and his girlfriend and their dog were here. I felt like I was intruding and the big dog kept coming towards me. It was time to go.

Trees in the spring water behind the house

The Drive

Take Interstate 55 South 34 miles from downtown St. Louis to exit 174B and merge on US 67 S and stay on this road for about 57 miles to the exit for State Highway A and go south on this road to Williamsville. Here you will make a right onto Mo-49 for about 3 miles and look for the wooden entrance sign for Markham Spring Recreation Area on your right just past the Black River. The road for the recreation area is immediately after the bridge. Note that the road has a lot of potholes.

This area is filled with small springs, take the time to explore to find them all.

DETAILS

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset, camping is also available.

Admission: I think the day-use cost is $2 according to the website. You use an envelope to place your money in a metal post with a hole in it. Then you put a tag off the envelope on the rearview mirror.

Address: Ellsinore, MO 63937