Cities and Towns in Shannon County, Missouri

Founded in 1837, Shannon County is one of 114 counties in the state of Missouri. Historically, Shannon County was formed from Ripley County. The city of Eminence is the county seat. With FIPS code of 203, Shannon County has a population of 7,106 and area of 1,004 square miles (2,600 km²).

List of all cities in Shannon County, MO alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Alley Springs, MO	65466	573
Birch Tree, MO	65438	573
Eminence, MO	65466	573
Ink, MO	65466	573
Montier, MO	65546	573
Owls Bend, MO	65466	573
Round Spring, MO	65466	573
Teresita, MO	65438	573
Thomasville, MO	65438	573
West Eminence, MO	65466	573
Winona, MO	65588	573

Major Cities and Towns in Shannon County, Missouri

Eminence

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.73 sq mi
• Population: 601 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 65466
• Latitude: 37.1559° N
• Longitude: 91.4429° W

Location and History

Eminence is the county seat of Shannon County, Missouri, located in the Ozark Highlands region of southern Missouri. The town was founded in the late 19th century and is situated along the Current River, which played a significant role in the community’s early development. Eminence was initially established as a small settlement focused on agriculture and timber. The arrival of the railroad in the early 20th century brought an economic boost, making the town a hub for logging and commerce. However, after the railroad left, Eminence returned to its agricultural roots. Over the years, it has developed a reputation as a gateway to outdoor recreation, especially with the establishment of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, which protects the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. Today, Eminence is primarily known for its tourism industry, drawing visitors for fishing, canoeing, hiking, and camping. The town’s small-town charm, combined with its proximity to vast wilderness areas, makes it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Eminence has worked to preserve its historic character while accommodating visitors with modern amenities, creating a welcoming atmosphere for residents and tourists alike.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Eminence is served by the Eminence R-I School District, which includes Eminence High School, Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district is known for its dedication to providing quality education in a rural setting and offers strong extracurricular activities, including sports programs and 4-H clubs. Major landmarks in Eminence include the Ozark National Scenic Riverways Visitor Center, which serves as a starting point for many visitors exploring the riverways and surrounding natural areas. The town is also home to the Shannon County Courthouse, a historic building that reflects the area’s early 20th-century architectural style. Eminence’s proximity to the Current River, a designated National Wild and Scenic River, makes it a popular location for water-based recreation such as kayaking and canoeing. Nearby, the Alley Spring Mill, a historic grist mill located in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, attracts visitors interested in local history and nature. Other recreational landmarks include the Jacks Fork River, a favorite spot for fishing, swimming, and hiking. The town’s location in the Ozarks provides access to numerous trails, campgrounds, and opportunities for outdoor exploration, making it a central destination for nature enthusiasts.

Winona

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.56 sq mi
• Population: 509 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 65588
• Latitude: 37.2523° N
• Longitude: 91.4176° W

Location and History

Winona is a small town in the southern part of Shannon County, Missouri, situated along the Jacks Fork River. The town was established in the late 1800s, initially as a stop on the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway, which helped boost its early development. Much of Winona’s early economy centered on the timber industry, as the town was surrounded by forests full of valuable hardwoods. Agriculture also played a role in the town’s economy, with farming activities primarily focused on livestock and crops. In the mid-20th century, however, the town began to transition into a more service-oriented economy, with tourism emerging as a significant industry. The proximity of Winona to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and the Jacks Fork River has made it a popular location for outdoor activities, especially canoeing, hiking, and fishing. As tourism grew, so did the town’s infrastructure, with more businesses catering to visitors and residents alike. Today, Winona is a rural community with a strong connection to the natural beauty of the Ozarks, offering a peaceful, country lifestyle while remaining a central spot for outdoor recreation in the region.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Winona is served by the Winona R-III School District, which includes Winona High School, Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district focuses on providing a strong educational foundation while also supporting extracurricular programs, such as sports teams and music programs. The town’s most notable landmarks include the Jacks Fork River, which offers abundant opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and floating. The river is one of the primary attractions for both locals and tourists, as it flows through the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Another important site in Winona is the nearby Mark Twain National Forest, which provides numerous recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. The town is also close to several historical sites, including the historic Winona Train Depot, which once served as a key stop on the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway. Local businesses in Winona support the tourism industry and provide a variety of goods and services to the community. The scenic beauty of the area, combined with the town’s proximity to the riverways and national forest, makes Winona a peaceful retreat and an attractive destination for nature lovers.

Birch Tree

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 0.36 sq mi
• Population: 464 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 65438
• Latitude: 37.2389° N
• Longitude: 91.3569° W

Location and History

Birch Tree is a small town located in the southwestern part of Shannon County, Missouri, nestled along the banks of the Current River. The town was established in the late 1800s and named for the many birch trees that once grew in the area. Originally, Birch Tree was a farming and timber community, with residents relying on agriculture and logging as their primary sources of income. The town was strategically located near the river, which provided transportation and facilitated trade for agricultural goods. Like many other communities in the Ozarks, Birch Tree also attracted settlers due to the beauty and natural resources of the area. Over time, Birch Tree remained a small, rural town, with most of its economy focused on farming, ranching, and timber. Today, the town is still deeply connected to its agricultural roots, but it has also seen an increase in tourism as people come to enjoy the nearby outdoor recreation opportunities in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and Mark Twain National Forest. Birch Tree’s small population and tranquil setting offer a retreat for those looking for a quiet, rural lifestyle in the heart of the Ozarks.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Birch Tree is served by the Birch Tree R-II School District, which includes Birch Tree High School, Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district is dedicated to providing quality education to students in the rural area and offers a variety of extracurricular activities. One of the town’s most notable landmarks is the nearby Current River, which is a popular destination for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming. The river is a major attraction for visitors to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, which stretches across much of the area. Birch Tree is also located near the Ozark National Forest, which offers hiking, camping, and nature-watching opportunities. The town’s small size and proximity to these natural wonders make it a perfect location for outdoor recreation. Birch Tree is home to a few local businesses and essential services, with additional amenities available in nearby towns like Eminence. Birch Tree’s picturesque setting, surrounded by the lush forest and flowing rivers of the Ozarks, provides a peaceful environment for those seeking a slower pace of life, while its close connection to recreational sites draws visitors throughout the year.