Tourist Center
I received an invitation in the mail yesterday to attend a meeting on Sunday afternoon to discuss the building and staffing of a "Tourist Center" in Lesterville. This would be a proposal to Ameren as part of the FERC fine. I should wait until I hear the proposal, but I'm sceptical. Not sure that the area needs a tourist center and I'm not sure how it would be funded once the fine $$$ ran out. It might provide minimum wage employment for a few local folks, but I don't see that it does much for economic development for the area.
If those of you that are regular summer visitors would take time to post a comment on the following I'll pass along your views - does Lesterville need a "Tourist Center", if so what services should it offer and when should it be staffed, where should it be located, should the tourist center have a web site and provide information by email, could a "virtual" tourist center work? Thanks
posted by staff @ 7:25 AM
6 comments
6 Comments:
Something about a Tourist Center takes away from the "special" attraction that the Black River area holds. A virtual site with information on places to go and things to do sounds perfect.
I can't see a physical visitor center. I think your idea of a virtual web site, including history of the area, the recent events, current happenings in the community, as well as places to stay and so on would be a good idea.
If the Ameren proposed rebuild ever gets built, that's going to have two visitor centers--one for the path, and one for the newly rebuilt Johnson's Shut-Ins. These would 'siphon' off visitors from a visitor center.
Hi Lee, First of all let me say I read your blog every day time permits me getting on my computer. You are doing a great job posting all your info to those of us that live in excess of 100 miles from black river country as in this case I am just north of Columbia, Mo. It would be a waste of time to type the same things Shelly already did as i must pass on mega-dittos on her comments and ideas. Everyone knows the easiest and most effective method to reach the majority of the masses is the internet......as long as the site is managed with timely and accurate updates!!!! Also maybe the FERC money could go for TV commercials, radio spots, regional as well as bi-state wide newspaper ads. Advertisement is what attracts....not visitors centers. You all already have the splendid natural recources that does the talkin'.....just the tools to get the word out that the river is fine and Lesterville and surrounding areas are not washed away! Tom from Centralia, MO. where we got buried in 15 inches of snow!
A visitor center.....hmmmm more concrete, asphalt and lights to brighten the night. I hope not!
I am fairly new to visiting the Blck River/Lesterville area and a confirmed off-season visitor. Lee asked me how I liked having the town to myself, and I thought it was great.
I found Ameren's Experience Black River website while reading about the reservoir break earlier this year. I was able to find almost all of the information needed to allow us to have a couple of very enjoyable days.
All this is to say I have to agree with the others who have posted here. I doubt many people come to the area to see a building.Leave the hills, the river and trees alone to be the way they are because that is the real attraction.
When I travel I rarely visit small town tourist centers because I already know what I want to see when I get there from state run centers, brochure displays, and the internet.. Plus, if visitors stop in local restaurants, gas stations, and pottery establishnments, just ask the salesperson about the area attractions. I have found out more info about the Lesterville area from these people through the years.
I agree! One of the many charms of this area is its people. We've been known to drive down from Springfield, Illinois during the off season and just visit with the locals and the stores,restaraunts, etc. This is where you get your best information. And you get a little fix of Lesterville to keep you going until Summertime! Keep up the good work!
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