Wineries
If a romantic or social retreat overlooking breathtaking landscapes while enjoying the best wines Missouri has to offer is something that interests you, Southeast Missouri offers a wide variety of scenic, unique, and delicious wineries... The historic town of Ste. Genevieve has 5 beautiful locations including: the large state-of-the-art Crown Valley Winery and the smaller family owned Sainte Genevieve Winery, Cave Vineyard, Chaumette Vineyards & Winery, and Charleville Vineyards. Perry County also offers two family operated scenic locations, the Hemman Winery located in the town of Brazeau and the Tower Rock Winery located in historic Altenburg. Bollinger County's newly opened Winery and Vineyard, Thousand Oaks Winery is located in Patton. This family run winery is nestled in the scenic wood hills on a 60 acre farm. In beautiful Madison County, you'll find Durso Hills Winery in Marquand. You'll enjoy a scenic drive to the Indian Hills Winery in Stoddard County. Cape County's Oldest Winery, Hunter Valley Winery and Vineyards are located at 762 State Hwy V. Located in the scenic countryside near Trail of Tears State Park, you'll find this to be great place to bring your own picnic lunch and enjoy a choice of eight different wines. Finally, if Scott County matches your needs better, the River Ridge Winery is situated in a century-old farm house, and nestled in the hills above the Mississippi River. Enjoy wine, specialty beers and great food.
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Museums
A touch of the past brought to life today is offered at the historic Stars and Stripes Museum/Library located in Bloomfield. It was here that in 1861 10 Union Soldiers published the first copy of Stars & Stripes. The paper flourished during each of the five major wars this country has fought. Many famous people contributed to the paper over the years from Andy Rooney to Walter Cronkite and all this history can be seen today at the Stars & Stripes Museum/Library.
The Lutheran Heritage Center and Museum, in Altenburg, tells the story of the original Saxon Lutherans who settled Perry County around 1839 through a number of exhibits. The museum was the first Lutheran church for the Saxon's original settlement and later became a Lutheran school. For more information, call (573) 824-6070.
If you think that museums filled with dinosaur artifacts are only found in large cities, you should give the impressive Bollinger County Museum of Natural History a look. The museum is located in beautiful Marble Hill and offers a collection of Missouri's dinosaurs, fossils from Missouri and the world, Native American artifacts, and local Civil War history that can rival any other.
The Chaffee Historical Museum is located in the former Lankford Drug Store building, which was built in 1908. The residents of Chaffee established their Historical Society in 1996 and have dedicated themselves to the preservation of the city's history.
The Wagner Museum and Library located at 1007 Cottage Lane in Dexter offers the largest museum and library in Stoddard County. The museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm to 6pm or by appointment. For more information call 573-624-5728.
The Historical Museum of Mississippi County is located at 221 E. Main in beautiful downtown East Prairie, this historic museum features displays which highlight the life and times of early Missourians and has and extensive collection of artifacts with historical significance to the area. For more information call 573-649-2177 or 573-649-3686.
Advance Aviation & Transportation Museum located in Fredericktown is housed in the Missouri Pacific Railroad Depot (listed on the National Register of Historic Places). Inside you can see the history of aviation come alive from the Wright Brothers to the numerous space explorations. The museum is located on the corner of Collier and Murta street for more information call 573-783-5885.
The Dunklin County Museum located in Kennett is housed inside of the City Hall and listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Photos, memorabilia, artifacts, and evidence of the county's settlement through its transformation from swampland to farmland. The museum is open on Saturdays 1:30pm to 4pm. Located at 122 College Ave. For more information call 573-888-6620
The Bootheel Youth Museum in Malden is a hands-on discovery museum designed for children and for the child that remains in all of us. With over 50 exhibits that encourage active participation, the museum is family-oriented and focuses on making learning fun. Located on Business Highway 25 in the south end of the Bootheel Education Center. For more on the museum's programs or activities call 573-276-3600.
Malden Historical Museum features Civil War through Desert Storm mementos, clothing from the mid 1800s forward, Indian artifacts, history of Little River Drainage District, Egyptian relics up to 4000 years old, and much more. For more information call 573-276-4519
The New Madrid Historical Museum is located in beautiful downtown New Madrid inside a building that dates back to 1886. The museums exhibits cover the great New Madrid Earthquake, river history, Civil War memorabilia, Native American artifacts, and much more. For more information call 573-748-5944.
Bolduc House Museum National Historic Landmark in Ste. Genevieve is an authentically restored French Colonial house. It offers a stockade fence, frontier kitchen, antique furnishings, formal herb garden, and a gift shop. Open from April 1 to November 1. For more information please call 573-883-3105.
The Ste. Genevieve Museum contains artifacts dating to the French and Spanish period, prehistoric artifacts dating to 12,000 B.C., and a display on Missouri's first industry the Saline Creek Salt Works. The Museum is open year round. For more information call 573-883-3461.
The Red House Interpretive Center located just off of Main Street in historic downtown Cape Girardeau commemorates the life of community founder Louis Lorimier, as well as the visit of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in November, 1803. The Interpretive Center houses an early 1800's exhibit that reflects the lives of the early settlers of the old Cape Girardeau district. In addition, a rendering of Lorimier's Trading Post displays authentic items that would have been sold at the turn of the 19th century. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and closed on Monday. The cost of admission is only $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children. For more information or to schedule a group tour, contact the Cape Girardeau Convention & Visitors Bureau at 573-335-1631.
The Glenn House is just two blocks away from Old St. Vincent’s, located on Spanish Street. The Glenn House is on the National Register of Historic Places and provides visitors with a wonderful walk back in time. Restored rooms depict life in the late 1800's, reflecting life in an earlier society. In 1883, Edwin Branch Deane designed the Glenn House for his daughter, Lulu, and her husband, David Glenn. Mr. and Mrs. Glenn occupied the home with their family until 1915. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and closed on Monday. The cost of admission is only $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children.
The Cape River Heritage Museum is located at the corner of Independence and Frederick Streets. This museum features a number of fascinating permanent exhibits, including a display on the Missouri State Flag, which was designed and created in Cape Girardeau, a "hands on" area regarding life on the Mississippi River, popular with children, and an exhibit focusing on police and fire history which includes a full size working fire engine. Currently, there are also two special exhibits. One features the work of inspirational author Jean Bell Mosley. Over the course of fifty plus years, Mrs. Mosley wrote 5 books and was published in 81 magazines and 17 newspapers. The other special exhibit, "The Great Depression", is a collection of depression era memorabilia. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and closed on Monday. The cost of admission is only $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children. Call 573-334-0405 for more information and/or to arrange for group tours.
Bollinger Mill State Historic Site and Covered Bridge located in Burfordville. The 19th-century mill, dating to the Civil War period is a massive four-story stone and brick building where visitors can still observe corn being ground into meal by water power. Tour the mill, enjoy an outdoor lunch in the picnic grounds or laze away the afternoon relaxing. For more information call 573-243-4591. In Cape Girardeau County, turn off Hwy. 34 onto Hwy. OO. Take Hwy. HH to site.
River Campus Museum - The Rosemary Berkel and Harry L. Crisp II Southeast Missouri Regional Museum is located in the Cultural Arts Center at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus, 518 S. Fountain (at the intersection of Fountain and Lorimier). Southeast Missouri has a rich heritage of being a geological, cultural, and transportation crossroads. In the Crossroads Theatre, visitors can view a 17 minute video, which introduces the region's rich natural and human history. In the Crossroads Gallery, exhibits and kiosks highlight the history of southeast Missouri including: The Land and the Waters, First Voices, First Peoples, Frontiers and Empires, River and Rail, North and South, etc. Exhibitions in the Museum's 1,900 square foot art gallery feature works by local, regional, national and international artists. The Museum also offers a number of special activities including educational classes, family fun days, summer academy, etc. The Museum is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; on weekends from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Museum is also open on the First Friday of each month from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Admission is free. For more information call 573-651-2260.
Discovery Playhouse, a children's museum. Location: 502 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO, 63701.
Kids can enjoy grocery shopping, banking, going to the dentist (all pretend of course) and much more! “What’s Bugging Belva?” a traveling exhibit will be on site April 22 through August 8. Learn about insects and see the world through a bug’s eyes. Phone:573.335.PLAY (7529) Tues-Thurs:10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Fri:10:00 am - 8:00 pm, Sat:10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sun:1:00 pm - 5:00 pm.
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Gaming
If you are looking for a place to gamble or just to unwind, Lady Luck Casino, located in Caruthersville, offers just that and much more. Sidelines, the bar inside of the casino, offers karaoke and many drink specials seven days a week. The award winning menu at Corky's Ribs & BBQ located inside of the casino is sure to satisfy even the largest of appetites. The casino also offers a full service RV Park which is open year round for your enjoyment. The park includes a 24 hour check-in & security service, picnic grounds, nature trail, and beautiful views of the mighty Mississippi River.
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Historical Sites
The Altenburg Concordia Log College/Seminary was the first Lutheran Seminary west of the Mississippi River and the first seminary of the Lutheran Church -Missouri Synod. Opened in 1839. Church is still held here as well as an amazing Museum on the grounds. For more information call 573-824-5221.
The Bonne Terre Mines offer a pontoon boat tour on Sat. and Sun. of a billion gallon underground lake, scuba diving, grand canyon, fish pond, roped pillars, and an underground flower garden. For more information call 573-358-2148.
The Bollinger Mill & Covered Bridge located in Burfordville is one of Missouri's last remaining grist mills. A 140 foot, self-supporting Howe Truss covered bridge is located next to the grist mill, where corn is still ground during tours. Both the mill and the bridge are State Historical Sites. Located on Hwy. 34 just west of Cape and Jackson. For more information call 573-243-4591.
Enjoy a leisurely ride across the Mighty Mississippi on one of the few remaining river boat ferry's in the United States. The Dorena/Hickman ferry is located at the end of Highway 77 southeast of East Prairie. For fee rates and a crossing schedule, please call (731)693-0210.
The Hunter-Dawson Home State Historic Site mansion was built in 1858 by William W. Hunter, using labor provided by craftsmen from St. Louis. This home reflects the splendor of mansions once common along the Mississippi River. Three major floods on the River have left their mark on the white walls. Phone: (573)748-5340.
The Felix Valle Home State Historic Site was built in 1818 in Ste. Genevieve and is an example of the American Federal style of architecture. It served as headquarters and storage for a company that controlled Indian trade through Missouri and Arkansas. Phone:(573)883-7102.
The Guibourd-Valle House in Ste. Genevieve was built in 1784. It is a beautiful log construction with elegant furnishings and a formal garden. Open 10am to 5pm May-October and Noon-4pm November-April. Call (573)883-7544.
Historic Fort D-Cape Girardeau,MO. In the summer of 1861 at the beginning of the Civil War, four forts were built around the strategic city of Cape Girardeau on the orders of General John Frèmont. Designed by German-American engineers from St. Louis, the forts were built by soldiers of the 20th Illinois Infantry, Bissell's Engineers of the West and local militia under the direction of Illinois Lt. John Wesley Powell, who would later gain fame as the explorer of the Grand Canyon, was detached from his regiment by the new general, Ulysses S. Grant, in order to raise a local company to man the forts. This Powell did, and his new Battery F served the forts until leaving for the Battle of Shiloh. Fort D featured as many as five cannons, the largest of which could fire a 32-pound cannon ball. The fort was manned throughout the Civil War. Of the four earthen forts only Fort D still exists, an intact survivor thanks to civic action in the 1930's. Today owned by the city, Fort D is located 4 blocks south of the intersection of Missouri Rte. 74 and Sprigg Street in Cape Girardeau, just west of the Mississippi River Bridge. The fort grounds, featuring interpretive signage are open free to the public dawn to dusk. To schedule group tours call the Convention and Visitors Bureau 1-800-777-0068.
Old St. Vincent's Church - Cape Girardeau,MO. In a word... it is beautiful. The architecture, English Gothic Revival design is breathtaking and rare. Very few churches of this style exist in America. It is most surprising that a church of this design was built in the small remote community of Cape Girardeau in 1853. The architecture of Old St. Vincent's Church is significant; that has been documented. But there is something else about the church; something that cannot be physically touched, only felt. The gothic arches and gracious lines invite one to prayer and fellowship. Because of its history, Old St. Vincent's is a church for all of Cape Girardeau. Visitors are welcome for Mass every Sunday at 10:00am.
Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and closed on Monday. The cost of admission is only $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children. Call 573-334-0405 for more information and/or to arrange for group tours.
Common Pleas Courthouse in Cape Girardeau, MO was completed in 1854, the Courthouse sits high atop a hill overlooking the historic downtown area. It has played a big part in our history, from Indian council meetings to the Civil War. Completed in 1854, its “dungeon” was used to jail Southern Sympathizers and perhaps Confederate soldiers. There are 59 steps up to the front door. On the west side of the Courthouse stand three memorials. One is a cast monument of a Union soldier who sits atop a fountain. The Women's Relief Corps presented this monument in 1911. Another monument, made from Georgia silver gray marble, was presented to the city in 1931 by the United Daughters of the
Confederacy, and the third is a Vietnam Memorial dedicated to the solders who served in the Vietnam War.
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Duck and Goose Hunting
The Bootheel Waterfowl Association offers a wonderful location for duck and goose hunting. The area around Cape Girardeau and southwest of Cape is in the "Middle Zone" with duck season starting in early November. The area south of Cape to the Arkansas line is in the "South Zone" with the season running from late November to January. Duck season usually starts before goose season by a couple of weeks, but goose season usually has more days. The rise in the rice crop in Southeast Missouri has rapidly made the area a prime location for great duck and goose hunting.
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Agritourism
From the many beautiful wineries, hunting clubs, and bee-keeping presentations the area's farm land is not simply used for growing crops anymore. See what Agritourism can offer you around the region.
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State Parks and Nature Centers
Visitors to Elephant Rocks State Park can easily view the granite boulders from the one-mile Braille Trail, designed to accommodate people with visual or physical disabilities. The trail passes by a quarry pond, which now supports a variety of animal life. A short spur off of the trail takes visitors to the top of the granite outcrop, where they can explore the maze of giant elephant rocks. Located near Belleview, for more information phone 573-546-3454
Flood plans covered with giant trees that once greeted early explorers to the bootheel region of the state have been preserved in Big Oak Tree State Park. Trees within the park are unsurpassed in the state for size, with seven qualifying as state champions. Their is a beautiful boardwalk stretching through the park, which provides amazing access to the park's unique landscape. Located near East Prairie, for more information phone 573-649-3149
The beauty and natural wonders of Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park give it a unique character, appealing to a variety of tastes. Water cascading between large, smooth rocks, creating natural waterslides, has made the park a popular recreation destination, and its landscape has aroused the curiosity of all who visit. Located near Middlebrook, for more information phone 573-546-2450
Trail of Tears State Park located off Highway 177 is a memorial to the Cherokee Indians that lost their lives in the 1838-39 forced relocation, as well as a place for visitors to participate in a variety of outdoor adventures. Numerous picnic sites are scattered throughout the park and campsites are available. Anglers can cast their lines in either the Mississippi River or the 20-acre Lake Boutin, stocked with bass, bluegill and catfish. The park's numerous trails offer opportunities for hiking, backpacking, primitive camping and equestrian pursuits. In winter the bluffs and cliffs along the river are noted as roosting sites for bald eagles. An accessible overlook provides a majestic view of the river beyond. For more information call 573-334-1711.
With the ancient St. Francois Mountains, the unspoiled natural landscape and the cool waters of the St. Francois River and Big Creek, Sam A. Baker State Park has something for everyone. Whether getting away for a day of relaxation or spending considerably more time exploring the region, it's certainly worth the trip. Located near Patterson, for more information phone 573-856-4411
Nestled in near Williamsville, Lake Wappapello State Park offers a variety of recreation opportunities ranging from from an exciting day on Lake Wappapello to a quiet stroll through the Ozark forest. For more information phone 573-297-3247
The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center is located within Cape Girardeau's North County Park and showcases the rich cultural history and diverse natural resources of Southeast Missouri. The Nature Center features a 160-seat auditorium, three classrooms, hands-on exhibits for all ages, a scientific research laboratory, freshwater aquariums, and an indoor wildlife viewing area. The "White Oak Trace" features two miles of nature trails, allowing visitors to traverse rolling river hills marked by sinkholes and deep hollows and to explore ravines covered with prominent stands of poplar and oak. Native plants featured in the nature center's landscape provide habitat for hummingbirds, butterflies and other wildlife species. The nature center's gift shop features a wide variety of educational books, videos and nature-related items. The nature center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. The center is closed on Monday.
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Bed and Breakfast
 Country Living Bed and Breakfast and Antique Shop
708 South Main
Fredericktown, MO
A turn of the century Victorian decorated home and antique shop. Four luxurious bedrooms filled with unusual and exquisite antiques-- all are for sale, including the bed you sleep in. Hearty, hot country breakfast served. Perfect location for club meetings, anniversaries and other special events. Country Living Bed and Breakfast and Antique Shop... where hospitality and a smile meet you at the door!
Phone: 573-783-7375.
Bellevue Bed and Breakfast
312 Bellevue
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
800-768-6822 or 335-3302
Neumeyer's Bed and Breakfast
25 S. Lorimier St.
Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
335-0449 or 888-423-5184
Rose Bed Inn- Bed & Breakfast
611 South Sprigg
Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
332-ROSE (7673)
866-ROSEBED (767-3233)
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