Stories
Indoor Activities to Keep You Toasty!
Pulaski County has some warming indoor activities to get you out of the house on a cold weather adventure, but still keep you toasty!
Rather you're looking for a warm, comfy place to stay or a brief outing to beat the boredom there's plenty to choose from, and if your needing a place just to warm up, we have a list for that too! Always be sure to call ahead to see if an activity or location is open before heading out, and make sure to travel safely in your search of fun!
Pulaski County has over 30 places to stay to help you stay warm and cozy on a frigid winter's day (or night.) If your heater is on the fritz and you want to find a cozy place to kick your feet up, like a vacation home or a hotel, there are some really great options! If you prefer to make it a mini vacation and are looking for some added fun, choose one with an indoor pool! Some lodging facilities have mini kitchens and other appliances to prepare some meals so you can really feel like you never left home. Don't feel like cooking? Go out and grab a bite to eat at one (or more) of the great places to dine out, ask if your hotel serves breakfast, or if you prefer to stay indoors, check on food delivery options. If you want to keep up with your exercise routine, be sure to ask about fitness rooms, most hotels have some type of exercise equipment available for their guests to help you keep moving. Many lodging options have mini stores to get some necessities or snacks to enjoy while you watch your movie or binge watch that favorite show from your cozy, comfy bed - and one even has DVD players and movies that you can check out!
Wanting a Mini Adventure? There are several other weather friendly attractions to get out and about and have some fun!
If the roads are safe for driving, check out the self-guided Historic Auto Tours brochure. The tours in this booklet are sure to be full of surprises and you will definitely get your kicks on Route 66 or enjoy learning more about the Frisco Railroad while driving these historic roadways. As you explore Route 66 there several stops along the way that will make some fun memories!
The Uranus Sideshow Museum is sure to intrigue (you might event see some sword swallowing) and the Funk Yard is an area close by for photo opportunities, if you can brave the cold. Route 66 in downtown Waynesville also has photo worthy scenes for those chill selfies like Frog Rock, Hopper, an 8 foot Route 66 Shield and several murals close by! Check out Bo Peep Ceramics for an artsy adventure - there's a shop full of ceramics to choose from to paint either on site or to take home for creating later. If you want to grab a bite or do some shopping, there is ample opportunity to do so, and still be inside to keep warm.
Saint Robert has several warmer activity options and one is the City of Saint Robert Museum inside the Saint Robert Municipal Center. This museum has a room full of rich local history with collections from long time residents highlighting the formation and growth of the city. The museum is free and open during City Hall operating hours, (see the front desk for access.) Still looking for some indoor excitement?
Take aim at Bow and Barrel Sportsman Center, an indoor shooting range featuring seven lanes to shoot from, each with electronic targets that you can toggle from your own booth. They provide a safe shooting experience and if you'd prefer to watch and not be part of the action, all lanes are protected with a large bullet proof window for viewing. Be sure to stop back in when it's warmer and try out the tree top level archery deck and range for some outdoor action! Like the magic of the movies? At B & B Theaters Waynesville Patriot 12 you can enjoy the best in Movie Magic! This theater features all digital projection and audio as well as 12 screens to enjoy your movie from the comfort of reclining seats. Some movies can be seen with the larger Grand Screens, you can grab a drink from the 21+ full service bar, or enjoy a meal while you enjoy your movie.
Another warm activity option is the John B. Mahaffey Museum Complex at Fort Leonard Wood. Get immersed in military history at this state of the art, indoor museum featuring three U.S Army museums under one roof! These museums showcase the history and contributions of the Military Police, Engineers, and Chemical Corps throughout their time of service from the Revolutionary War to current military campaigns using often updated galleries and some interactive displays.
If you still are looking for some warmer activities, there are additional options like the Thrift & Sweets & Trail, for some great indoor shopping the Nightlife Tour to grab a game of pool or hang with friends (you might even find one with a fire pit) or stop by locations on the Coffee Trail to warm up your insides with a beverage! Crocker, Dixon and Richland have some great antique stores, pubs, and places to relax inside and meet up with friends.
Heater on the fritz? If you are just needing a place to go inside to warm up from the frigid weather, below you will find a list of warming centers in Pulaski County.
As with all the recommendations above and the list below, please call ahead to ensure they are open, especially in cases of inclement weather.
Cold Weather Shelters / Warming Centers
Saint Robert Municipal Center: 194 Eastlawn Avenue in Saint Robert 573-451-2000 (open 24 hours during a cold weather event)
Crocker Library: 106 South Commercial in Crocker 573-736-5592
Richland Library: 111 West Camden Avenue, in Richland 573-765-3642
Warren Senior Center: 202 East Washington, in Richland 573-765-5414
Waynesville Library: 306 Historic 66 West, in Waynesville 573-774-2965
Want to plan your outdoors warmer weather adventure? Check out the great options for camping, floating, fishing, or events happening during the upcoming months!