The biggest city in Audrain County, Missouri is Mexico with an area of almost 12 square miles and a population of over 11,300 people. That’s almost half the population of the whole county. Much of the other half of the population is spread over the numerous small communities that make up most of the rest of Audrain County. Here are some of the cities and villages of Audrain and their sizes and populations.

The village of Vindiver, Missouri has an area of 0.3 square miles and a population of, according to the 2000 census, 83 people.

The village of Benton City, Missouri has an area of 0.1 square miles and a population of 122.

The village of Rush Hill, Missouri covers 0.2 square miles and 130 people call it home.

Martinsburg has a population of 326 people and the village covers 0.3 square miles.

The city of Farber, Missouri has a population of 411 people spread over 0.3 square miles.

The city of Laddonia has a population of 620 people and an area of 0.6 square miles.

Vandalia, Missouri has an area of 2.3 square miles and sports a population of 2,529 people. It is the second largest city in Audrain County, though Audrain has to share the northeastern portion of Vandalia with neighboring Ralls County.

There’s not a lot of busy big city atmosphere in the county of Audrain. Smaller communities abound. Small towns like these are generally more personal communities in which people know more of their neighbors. Communities like these tend not to be hit hard by the occasionally damaging effects of large industries. Crime usually is not a big problem and people take care of each other. Outside of Mexico, the area may not have a lot in the way of tourist attractions, but visitors can still expect to find things to do and experience that small town charm that is quickly becoming rare in the country.

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Audrain County, Missouri is home to many attractions, but perhaps one of its most prominent attributes is its source of football players. Jason Brookins of the city of Mexico played for the Baltimore Ravens, Dedrick Harrington, also of Mexico, has played for the Dallas Cowboys, and Howard Wayne Kindig (from Mexico!) played for the Buffalo Bills. The source of these and other skilled players is related to the abundance of rural open space and a culture that is crazy for both college and high school football. To the many predominantly southern folks who are deeply attached to amateur football, Audrain County is the perfect place to be.

The Missouri Military Academy is a boys’ school located in the Audrain County seat of Mexico. It has an active football team that sends young men off to college on football scholarships each year. Local residents flock to games to enjoy the team spirit of their local kids. The Mexico Ledger covers high school sports with the same attention as the professionals in a larger city. During the fall football season, the Ledger even has a whole section about high school football. Local businessmen and politicans looking to boost their prominence in the community will discuss their football experience in interviews. Football is definitely part of the fabric of Audrain County.

If football is not the main attraction, then new visitors and residents to Audrain County can enjoy the tradition of homecoming. The fanfare of the homecoming parade, the tailgate parties, and the comraderie of local residents who are celbrating their traditions can be a wonderful treat. Prior to the 2009 homecoming game, a Black Hawk airplane flew over the field to begin the celebration. Everyone can be swept up in the fun and excitement of football and all of its commemorating events in Audrain County.

Almost nine-hundred miles northeast of the country it shares its name with sits Mexico, Missouri. Laid out in 1836 and made the county seat of Audrain County in 1837, it was chartered as a city in 1874. In the Nineteenth Century, Mexico was a major stop for settlers travelling through the region and was a shipping point for mules and horses. By 2000, 11,320 people called Mexico home.

Visitors to the city of Mexico are more than welcome and there are a number of activities and attractions open to them. A few would be:

• The Audrain County Historical Society where visitors can learn about the history of the area – everything from the early settlers to the old timber and firebrick industries and much more.
• The American Saddlebred Horse Museum commemorates Mexico’s historic renown as the Saddle Horse Capital of the World. Visitors can view the extensive collection of saddlehorse memorabilia and learn about the equestrian history of the region.
• The Presser Performing Arts Center serves the area with culture, fine, and performing arts. Many famous performers have acted on the Presser stage.
• The Mexico Area Community Theatre is the area’s community-based association for the study of theatrical drama, music, and art. The theatre encourages and showcases amateur theatrical productions.
• There are 14 public parks totaling over 450 acres where people can picnic, hike, and participate in a variety of other leisure activities. The parks and recreation department also offers summer playground programs and swim instructions.
• The Miss Missouri Organization – The Miss Missouri pageant has been held in Mexico for nearly 40 years. Other annual pageants for age groups ranging from tots to teens are also held.

Visit the city of Mexico, Missouri. See what is listed here and the other attractions that await visitors to this fun Midwestern community.

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Every state in the union sends a representative to the annual Miss America pageant. Since 1970, Miss Missouri has been represented by a candidate who is selected in an unlikely place: Mexico. Mexico, which in this case refers to the seat of Audrain County, Missouri, is a town of about 11,000, and has been the center of the Miss Missouri selection since 1970. In fact, Miss Missouri 1990 Debbye Turner was plucked from the contest in Mexico to become that year’s Miss America. Ms. Turner won by, among other feats, performing “Flight of the Bumblebee” on the marimba.

A talented dancer named Erika Hebron was named the 2010 Miss Missouri in Mexico, and is a contestant in the 2011 Miss America pageant. Ms. Hebron received a $10,000 scholarship for winning the Miss Missouri competition. The Miss America pageant provides more college scholarships for women than any other organization in the U.S., and it all begins in places like Mexico, Missouri. According to a Mexico-based journalist, the town earned its unusual name when the area’s first settlers came upon a sign in their path that pointed towards Mexico, and decided to leave it in place to designate the town’s name.

Pageant hopefuls who spend time in Mexico have much to recommend them during their stay. They can arrive directly to a conveniently-located airport right in town. Equestrians revere Mexico as “the saddle horse capital of the world,” for the fine locally bred riding horses. The Mexico Area Community Theater has an active performance schedule that includes such classics as “On Golden Pond” and “Twelve Angry Men.” Guests can enjoy a gourmet pizza with unusual toppings including duck meat at the Mexico Country Club. Visitors can burn off the extra calories by strolling the Dorcas Trail, or at the YMCA. There are plenty of great attractions in Mexico (Missouri)!

Audrain County is Missouri is a small rural farming community that produces firebricks. Firebricks are used at the bottom of fireplaces and kilns. The county was established in 1836. There are two differing stories on the namesake for Audrain County. One story says that the county was named after a settler, Samuel Audrain. Another story says that it was named after a member of the state legislature.
Cities and villages in Audrain County include Farber, Laddonia, Mexico, and Vandalia. Mexico, which has more than 11,000 records, according to the U.S. 2000 Census, is the main city in the county. Every year the city of Mexico hosts the Miss Missouri pageant.

Things to do in Audrain County

Most of the activities in Audrain County, center around the outdoors. Bird watching is a popular activity in the area. In the fall, people also pick apples at places like the Bender Hilltop Apple farm in Mexico. It’s also fun to tour historic areas in Audrain County. Visit Graceland Museum, or the American Saddlebred Horse Museum. The Country School will remind you of scenes from the television show, “Little House on the Prairie.” See the old school books. View historical school records, and take a look at the old-fashioned desks used in the Botts School which was built in 1903. Choose to visit themed festivals during the holidays for family fun.

Accommodations in Audrain County

Accommodations in Audrain County range from small motels to hotels. The greatest variety of accommodations are in Mexico. Best Western, Budget Inn, Days Inn, and Country Hearth Inn are some of the hotels that are located in the county seat of Mexico in Audrain County.

Restaurants

Food options in Audrain include chains like Kentucky Fried Chicken and Red Lobster, to restaurants that cater to Mexican, Italian, Chinese or American food. Try food from different restaurants, both the chains and the hometown restaurants to get a taste of Missouri in Audrain.

No trip to Audrain County is complete without a trip to the Saddlebred Horse Museum. Located in Mexico and established in 1970, it’s the oldest museum of its type in the United States. Audrain County was once considered the “Saddlebred Horse Capital of the World” and while the area no longer holds that title, it remains proud of its heritage and invites visitors to learn about its storied history by touring the museum.

Children will be entertained and educated as they meander down the hallways and visit the many different equestrian exhibits located throughout this historic and unique museum. Adults will enjoy learning about the many different horsemen featured in the museum, including George Ford Morris and Art Simmons.

Horse enthusiasts are sure to want to tour the museum to get firsthand knowledge of Tom Bass, a famous African American horseman. Born in the 1850′s, Bass was famous around the world for his talent for training horses. He won championships all over the world and was even given the opportunity to ride in several inaugural parades. He has been compared to George Washington Carver for his refusal to allow his race get in the way of his success. The Saddlebred Horse Museum of Mexico features this great American horseman.

Visitors to the museum can also see the resting place of Rex McDonald, a famous Saddlebred horse. While this beautiful horse won the hearts of horse lovers all over America, he was returned to Mexico, Missouri to spend the final years of his life. A gravestone is erected in his honor at the museum.

The Saddlebred Horse Museum is must-see on any trip to Audrain County. Whether visitors are horse enthusiasts or simply curious about the history of the area, it’s sure to provide entertainment and peak the interest of all those who tour its halls.