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Nestled in the center of the wooded hills, streams and fields of the Ozark Mountains, just seven miles north of the Arkansas state line, Pineville is both a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and a great place to call home. It's the county seat of McDonald county, and the official "Tourist Welcome Center." Pineville has a lot to offer its residents, including outstanding police and fire protection, city utilities and great schools. Pineville sits on the I-49 corridor, which connects it to both Northwest Arkansas and Joplin, Missouri, giving it amazing growth potential as the urban sprawl continues. Pineville was originally named Maryville, and was laid out in 1847. The name was changed to Pineville in 1849 since another community already at the Maryville name. Some say the community was named for a grove of pine trees at the original town site, while others believe the name is a transfer from Pineville, Kentucky. Three river junction Pineville is also located at the junction of what's called Three Rivers: the Little Sugar Creek and Big Sugar Creek that merge and form the Elk River. This has helped produce one of the biggest businesses in Pineville: the canoe and camping industry. It attracts visitors from near and far, who come to enjoy the gorgeous natural setting and abundunce of outdoor experiences. The city has several campgrounds located in and around the city that offer a great get-away from everyday life. Take a float trip or just swim in the beautiful Elk River and watch eagles fly overhead. Pineville has worked with the Missouri Department of Conservation and has public access just off of Highway W and Rhine Street for folks to use. There is a boat ramp, parking, and public restrooms. Charming downtown Beyond the three rivers, what visitors and residents alike love about Pineville is the charming downtown, which has a very nostalgic feel to it. The town has an actual town square surrounded by businesses with the town hall and post office, just like you could imagine from the late 1800's. In the summer months they show movies on the square and hold Jesse James Days (see inset) which is a festival that attracts people from all around. The county's historic Old McDonald County Courthouse is also located on the downtown square. The courthouse, which is operated as a museum by the McDonald County Historical Society, was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. The city has built a new community center for its residents which is reserved almost daily with some type of event. a place to call home Pineville is the perfect place to live if you are looking to find quaint, rural living while, at the same time, living about a half-hour drive from the amenities a larger city has to offer. It's very well located for being off the beaten path yet still very well connected to the cultural offerings, restaurants and attractions that the region provides. Of course, if you are looking for a great culinary experience you don't have to leave Pineville. Right on the Elk River in a breathtaking location set among waterfalls, Haven 55 is an eatery that combines fine dining with stunning scenery. While you dine, you can enjoy a relaxing view of Little Sugar Creek and all of the river wildlife, including the great blue heron, Mortimer, who is a regular visitor. The menu is eclectic and interesting, and perhaps their biggest draw is the Prime Rib dinner on Thursday where reservations are required. Pineville: Off the beaten path, but close to everything Special events that make Pineville a fun place to visit and a great place to live. Jesse James Days In 1938 the movie "Jessie James" was filmed on the Pineville town square and around the city. The filming event was one of the largest things to happen to McDonald County. Now each August the fire department sponsors it's "Annual Jesse James Days" with a carnival, food, vendors, and entertainment for four nights. "lighted" Christmas Parade Do you long for an old fashioned Christmas with friends and family? The kind of Christmas celebration you remember as a child with community spirit, crafts, Christmas Parades and of course Santa's arrival to welcome in the season? Make sure to visit Pineville's annual Christmas Tree Lighting and parade. The evening concludes with pictures with Santa and a chili dinner! Fall Festival Held in October, visitors from all over McDonald county enjoy activities for children, music, vendors, and giveaways! Easter Egg Hunt Every spring the city sponsors an Annual Easter Egg Hunt that takes place on the square in Pineville. Four age groups ranging from under two years up to 10 years old compete to find the prize egg in each group. It's outdoor fun for the whole family. a great blue heron named Mortimer is a regular visitor at Pineville's Haven 55. PHOtO COuRteSy MCDONalD COuNty PReSS 26 2023