OkieDokieIII
The Neosho Federal Fish Hatchery is located in Neosho, Mo. It is the oldest fish hatchery in the nation. They have a new building and gift shop. Lots of interesting information about the raising of trout and also the sturgeon. They have special days throughout the year with free fishing for veterans, children and seniors. Free admission. Outside they have feeding ponds where you can toss in the free fish food to the trout. It is time well spent in a fun place. Inside there is a tank with sturgeon fish in it which is awesome if you aren't familiar with this rare fish. A very interesting attraction. The staff is very helpful.
292Dave
Out for a "date day" with my girlfriend visiting this very interesting attraction.Relaxing walk through the visitors center to sew all of the exhibits inside, while learning some little-known facts about the various species of fish raised here, as well as the process used. Very nice gift shop, with a good variety of gift ideas, as well as some great art.Then, a leisurely walk around the grounds of the hatchery, to learn more about the specific uses of the several ponds on the premises, and an opportunity to feed some of the fish in the ponds.Plenty of areas to enjoy the sights and sounds of the natural spring that runs through the property, and watch and feed the many ducks that swim and play in the ponds.A great place for a quiet, peaceful, educational experience for individuals, couples, families, or large groups.
Okieamber
I live about 40 minutes away from this gem, and try to go several times a year. No matter when you go, it is always fun. The information building is very fun, and very informative. The staff is great and will always answer your questions and make you feel welcomed. What is really neat is they have baby sturgeons in the building you can see. So cool. Outside they have several holding ponds filled with rainbow trout. Gorgeous fish! Everything is kept up very well and is very pristine. You get to feed the fish for free...you get two small cups per person. Not only can you go to enjoy the fish and scenery, but you can go for a stroll or run along the pavement around the ponds. I have taken my dog several times, as long as they are leashed you can, and she loves it too! I do not have kids, but every time I go there are several and they all seem to really enjoy it. Free adventure=tons of fun!!!
runread
This is a great stop in Neosho. It's free with a great little educational museum with lots of information on the hatchery and the types of fish they raise. The feeding ponds are amazing - free fish food and you can walk up and toss it right into the trout pools and get VERY close up views!Peaceful, wonderful views. Rockers on the shady porch!
ddpark
Bringing young ones to this hatchery will make you feel young again. They get to go inside the fish tank by crawling into a place under it. Its a hoot! Then there are ponds where you can feed the fish and they are so lively and the kids just LOVE it. I would go to see other peoples children...it is just that great.It is also the oldest fish hatchery in the west of the mississippi? Check on that fact but we think it is special.Take a look for yourself...
AF_Hiker
Stopped at the hatchery while driving through the area. The visitor's center is not too big, but informative. The do have an aquarium there with native fish. There is an interesting display on the "ghost fish", a pure white fish that lives only in cave ponds. Outside, there are a few fish breeding ponds, as well as runner ponds where the young and teenage fish live. You do get one cup of fish food for free, so it is cool to feed them. Some nice items in the gift shop.
stokersam
We went here on a rainy morning and were delighted with the experience. We had a conducted tour of the breeding rooms and the fish ponds and the interpretive centre. We did not have children with us but there were several children there, of different ages and they all seemed to be enjoying themmselves very much, especially feeding the fish. It is a great way to spend a morning and all for free. Excellent staff too who were very good at explaining things.