Purdy: Local History, Festival, and Camp Barnabas

Purdy, Missouri, offers several specific points of interest for planning a trip: its local history, the annual Purdy Festival, and Camp Barnabas at Teas Trail with its retreat offerings. If you’re considering when to visit, the festival is the clearly dated event; the history and the camp offer other perspectives on the area.

From Winslow to the City of Purdy

The area’s history begins with a different name: Purdy was originally founded as Winslow. It was renamed in 1880 in honor of George A. Purdy. He promoted the sale and development of land along the railroad; Purdy was surveyed that same year. The first train passed through Purdy in March 1881. Subsequent city expansions were recognized in 1882, 1883, and 1884. This sequence distinguishes the name change, the early railroad passage, and the later recognized expansions. In 1904, Purdy was officially incorporated as a city; before that, it was classified as a village. By 1904, the area had approximately 500 residents.

The Purdy Festival in July

The Purdy Festival takes place every year on the third Saturday in July in Purdy, Missouri. This is a recurring, clearly dated event to consider when planning your trip; check the details for the specific edition before finalizing your travel dates. The tradition began with an initiative in 2011 involving Purdy school teachers and members of the local community. Thus, 2011 marks its origin, while the third Saturday in July is the recurring date. The festival also features free rides for children.

Camp Barnabas: Group Offerings and Scenery

Camp Barnabas at Teas Trail provides a setting in Purdy for youth or church events, family reunions, and corporate or team-building retreats. The grounds cover more than 100 acres. The landscape includes pine trees, fields, trails, and a lake; a cliff offers a view of the Ozarks in southwest Missouri. The event types range from community and family gatherings to corporate and team activities.

On June 25, 2025, Camp Barnabas announced the opening of a fully accessible zip line for campers of all abilities in Purdy. The three-story version announced in 2025 was to include conventional stairs and an electric winch to lift people using a special adaptive chair. If the zip line is important to your plans, ask Camp Barnabas for the latest information beforehand.

Another Program Offering in Cassville

Roaring River State Park is located in Cassville, not Purdy. Its educational programs include guided hikes, amphitheater presentations, hands-on crafts, and games. The activities therefore include guided outdoor movement as well as presentations and interactive offerings. If you’re comparing activities in Barry County, keep the difference in location in mind when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Cassville, Seligman.

For the broader travel overview: Barry.