Fuchs House

About

In the late 1930s, Rudolph Fuchs built this distinctive five-bedroom house using concrete and native stone for his family. He also constructed a wheel house intended to generate electricity by channeling water from the nearby spring through a dam and chute system. However, commercial electricity arrived before the wheel was ever needed. The area's history stretches back further, with an undershot wheel powering a grist mill here in the late 19th century. The cabin features two downstairs bedrooms with queen beds, a single bed, and a shared bathroom, while upstairs holds three bedrooms each with a bunk bed and twin bed plus another bathroom. The kitchen comes fully furnished with a stove, refrigerator, and basic cooking equipment. A BBQ grill is available outside. Guests must bring their own linens, pillows, and towels. Located adjacent to the Black River in Markham Springs Recreation Area, the property sits near a historic two-acre mill pond fed by springs producing nearly five million gallons daily. The Black River offers bass, sunfish, walleye, and catfish fishing, plus canoeing and kayaking. Hiking trails including the 1.5-mile Eagle Bluff Trail provide river views and wildlife watching opportunities.

Directions

From Poplar Bluff, take Highway 67 north for 14 miles, then drive west on Highway 49 for 9 miles (about 3 miles past the town of Williamsville). Take the first right after crossing the Black River to enter Markham Springs Recreation Area. The driveway to the Fuchs House will be the first Forest Road on the left.