FREEBURG — A springtime tour through one of Osage County’s most storied communities will offer visitors a full day of history, agriculture and small-town charm when “Exploring Freeburg: Flowers, Farms, and Iconic Sites” takes place May 12.

Hosted by the Osage County Agritourism Council, the guided excursion invites participants to step into Freeburg’s past while experiencing the people and places that continue to shape it today. The daylong trip begins at 8:30 a.m. with departure from Community Christian Church in Linn (restrooms available), and unfolds as a carefully paced journey through landmarks, family farms, and rural landscapes.

The first stop brings visitors to Holy Family Catholic Church, a towering presence often referred to as the “Cathedral of the Ozarks.” Founded in 1904 and rebuilt with a solid rock foundation beginning in 1920, the church’s Romanesque architecture and twin 96-foot steeples stand as a testament to the faith and craftsmanship of early German settlers.

From there, the tour shifts from sacred to nostalgic with a visit to Hilkemeyer General Store, where shelves stocked with cast iron goods and vintage items offer a glimpse into everyday life of years past. A museum within the store features collections of knives, firearms and memorabilia that reflect the region’s rural heritage.

Late morning brings a stop at Turkey Hill Ranch Bible Camp, a 700-acre wooded retreat established in 1972. Known for hosting more than 1,000 campers each summer, the site provides a peaceful setting for both learning and leisure. Visitors will tour the grounds and enjoy a lunch catered by Argyle Catering surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ozarks.

In the afternoon, the tour winds along the Maries River to two historic farms with roots stretching back to the 19th century. At the Plassmeyer Century Farm, originally settled in 1867, participants will hear family stories and view historic photographs tied to a home built in 1881. Nearby, a neighboring farm settled in 1850 by the Adrian family carries its own unique history, including ties to the California Gold Rush. Dessert will be served as guests take in the scenery and stories.

The day concludes with a visit to River Road Blossoms, a family-owned flower farm specializing in field-grown cut flowers. Participants will leave with fresh bouquets in hand, a fitting end to a tour rooted in both tradition and growth, before returning to Community Christian Church at approximately 5 p.m.

Settled by German immigrants in the mid-1800s and officially platted in 1903, Freeburg remains a community where history is not confined to books but lived out across churches, storefronts and farmland. This event offers a rare chance to experience that legacy in a single day.

The cost is $85 per person, with reservations required. Registration forms can be submitted to the Osage County Agritourism Council, P.O. Box 15, Linn, MO 65051.