Big Sugar Creek facts for kids

Big Sugar Creek is a beautiful waterway about 47-mile-long (76 km) in the Ozark Mountains of southwest Missouri. It's a great place for outdoor fun! The creek starts near the Arkansas state line. It gets its water from three smaller streams. One flows from Garfield, Arkansas, another from near Seligman, Missouri, and a third from Washburn, Missouri. Big Sugar Creek then flows west through the Sugar Creek Valley. Near the community of Jacket, it meets Otter Creek.

This creek is famous for canoeing and kayaking. About 24 miles (39 km) of it is perfect for floating during spring and summer. It's also a popular spot for fishing. Many people enjoy camping and other outdoor activities along its banks. Southwest of Powell, you can see the Powell Bridge. This historic bridge was built in 1915. It's now a pedestrian bridge, meaning only people can walk across it. The Big Sugar Creek State Park is a newer addition to the area. Most of its 2,000 acres (8.1 km²) are protected as a natural area. This park is home to many special plants and animals.

Where Big Sugar Creek Flows

Big Sugar Creek begins from three smaller streams. One comes from Garfield, Arkansas. Another flows from near Seligman, Missouri. The third comes from Washburn, Missouri. The creek then flows west through the Sugar Creek Valley. In the community of Jacket, it is joined by Otter Creek. Otter Creek flows from Pea Ridge, Arkansas.

Big Sugar Creek then flows north for a few miles. Here, it is joined by White Oak Creek. The creek then passes the community of Mountain. From Mountain, Big Sugar flows west for about two miles. Here, Pine Creek joins it.

As it continues west, Big Sugar Creek goes through the town of Powell, Missouri. Bentonville Hollow and Creek also join Big Sugar. A mile past Powell, Mikes Creek flows in from the east. Further along, you'll find Bee Bluff. This spot is known for its tall cliffs and deep water. It's a great place for fishing. Little Cedar Hollow joins the creek, followed by Horseshoe Bend. Then comes the town of Cyclone. Finally, Big Sugar Creek splits. One part flows into the town of Pineville. The other part meets Little Sugar Creek, forming the Elk River (Oklahoma).

History of the Sugar Creek Area

The name Big Sugar Creek likely comes from the many sugar maple trees that once grew here. Early settlers found lots of syrup and sugar from these trees. The area also had many other trees, fruits, and nuts. These included different types of oak trees, giant sycamores, pines, and maples. Fruits like huckleberry, blackberry, strawberry, and wild plum were also common.

A local story says that Daniel Boone once lived along Big Sugar Creek. He supposedly guided early settlers through the Ozark trails.

From the 1820s to the early 1900s, many mills operated along Big Sugar Creek. These mills helped settlers process wood and grain. Henry and Elizabeth Schell owned a saw mill and grist mill in Jacket. This was where Otter Creek joined Big Sugar Creek. Henry Schell was killed during the American Civil War. His family buried him using a large wooden meal box as a coffin. Later, his mill was destroyed by a flood.

Another large mill was located where Brush Creek joined Big Sugar. Heavy rains washed this mill away in the late 1800s. A smaller mill was later built nearby. Several mills were also found along Bentonville Hollow and Creek. Just outside Powell, a mill built in the 1840s once stood. A big flood in 1883 destroyed most mills along the rivers and streams. You can still see parts of the old mill dam today.

Fun on the Water

Big Sugar Creek is a favorite spot for water activities. About 24 miles (39 km) of the creek is good for floating. This is especially true during the spring and summer months. The water flows at a good speed for canoeing and kayaking. The section from near Powell to where it meets Little Sugar Creek is very popular. It's a great way to see the beautiful scenery.

Protected Natural Areas

The Big Sugar Creek State Park helps protect this special area. About 80 percent of its 2,000 acres (8.1 km²) is called the Elk River Breaks Natural Area. This part is kept wild and undeveloped. It's a home for many different kinds of wildlife, birds, plants, and forests. This area of Missouri has unique nature. It has plants and animals that are rare in other parts of the state. The park also has a three-mile (5 km) hiking trail for visitors to enjoy.

Communities Along Big Sugar Creek

Several small communities are located along Big Sugar Creek. These towns make up the Sugar Creek Valley. Many of these places were once busy with mills, stores, and schools. Today, some are just names on a map. Others still have hints of their past.

Jacket — This community once had a mill, a general store, a gas station, and a post office. It also had a tomato canning plant, a blacksmith, churches, and a school. Today, only one church, Antioch Church of Christ, still holds services. The old general store building is now used as a barn. The old Sugar Creek Baptist Church building, built in 1897, is now a private home.

Mountain — This community was named for the many hills in the area. It had Henry Schell Jr.'s mill, a post office, a general store, and a blacksmith shop. Later, it added a gas station, churches, and a school. Today, the general store and gas station building still stand. The school and Mountain Bible Church also remain. The church still holds regular services.

Roller — This community is near where Big Sugar Creek meets Pine Creek. It's named after the Roller family, who were early settlers. Roller still has a quiet, country feel. Three historic buildings stand across from the old Roller Cemetery. The oldest is Laughlin Chapel, built in the 1880s. It was restored in the 1990s. The one-room Roller Schoolhouse was built in the early 1900s. It was also restored around 2000. Pleasant Hill Baptist Church has been here for about a century and still holds services.

Powell — This community is where Big Sugar Creek meets Mikes Creek. Powell is one of the better-preserved towns along Big Sugar. One of its old general store buildings is still sometimes open. The Albert E. Brumley and Sons/Hartford Music Company has been here since the 1940s. It publishes hymns and songbooks. Albert E. Brumley's most famous song is "I'll Fly Away (hymn)". It has been recorded by many famous musicians. He also started a craft fair and concert here. Celebrities like Minnie Pearl and Grandpa Jones performed at this event.

Cyclone — This community got its name from a "cyclone" (tornado) that destroyed everything in its path. Long ago, Cyclone was an Indian trading post. An Indian baby, wrapped in deerskin, was found here. It is now at the Smithsonian Institution. The first grist mill was built here around 1860. A store and post office were also here. The Cyclone Mill was bought by Henry Schell Jr. around 1883. The old bridge and mill were even used in the 1938 movie Jesse James (1939 film). In the 1920s, a boys' camp called Camp Tilden opened here. Today, it's a popular campground and canoe outfitter.

Seasons of Fun

Big Sugar Creek offers fun activities all year round. You can enjoy camping, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, and canoeing. Spring and summer are best for floating on the water. Fall and winter offer different sights. You can see caves and bluffs along the creek banks.