Missouri / Wayne County / Mark Twain National Forest

Fuchs House

Closed — Closed for the season. The facility operates from May 1 through Labor Day and is available for rental by reservation.

About

Built in the late 1930s by Rudolph Fuchs, this distinctive five-bedroom concrete and native stone house stands as a piece of living history within the Markham Springs Recreation Area. Fuchs also constructed an innovative wheel house to generate electricity by damming a large spring to form a small pond, though rural electrification arrived before the system was fully utilized. The area previously supported a 19th-century grist mill with an undershot wheel. The house was meticulously restored by skilled craftsmen under permit from the National Forest and is now available for rent by the day, weekend, or week. The home features two downstairs bedrooms with queen beds, a single bed, and a shared bathroom, while upstairs offers three bedrooms each equipped with a bunk bed and twin bed, plus an additional bathroom. The kitchen and all rooms come fully furnished, though guests must bring their own linens, pillows, and towels. The property accommodates up to 13 people and includes a BBQ, full kitchen appliances, and outdoor fire ring. Located adjacent to the Black River, the recreation area is surrounded by dense forests of ash, elm, maple, and poplar trees. Six springs pour nearly five million gallons of water daily into a historic two-acre, 20-foot deep mill pond dating to the 1800s. The unique bubble spring features air rising through soft sand, creating distinctive air bubbles. The site offers access to the Markham Springs Trail System, including the 1.5-mile Eagle Bluff Trail loop providing scenic river views and wildlife watching opportunities. The Black River supports fishing for bass, sunfish, walleye, and catfish, along with boating and paddling. Williamsville is three miles away for supplies.

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.

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