Southwest Missouri
Neosho National Fish Hatchery is the oldest federal hatchery still operating
The Neosho National Fish Hatchery is a long-running federal facility in the county seat that raises trout and endangered species and is open to visitors, anchoring Newton County's water and conservation story
Neosho, the Newton County seat, is home to the Neosho National Fish Hatchery, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service facility that has operated since the late 1800s. The hatchery raises rainbow trout for area waters and works on endangered species such as freshwater mussels and the pallid sturgeon, and it is generally open to visitors who want to see the rearing pools and learn how the work supports regional fisheries. Spring-fed water in the Neosho area is part of why the hatchery sits where it does. For a new resident or a visitor, it is a free, low-key stop that ties together the county’s springs, trout fishing, and conservation history. Confirm current visitor hours and any program details through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before going.
References
Where this fits: this note belongs to Newton County. See every local note for the county on its page.