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 three family operated scenic locations; Barrens Winery located in Perryville, 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. In Cape County you'll find Hunter Valley Winery and Vineyards 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 CenterThe Red House Interpretive Center, a project of the Cape Girardeau Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission, commemorates the visit of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in November 1803. During that visit, Meriwether Lewis joined Lorimier and his family for dinner at the Red House, Lorimier's residence.
Today the Red House Interpretive Center houses a number of outstanding exhibits and interpretive panels which highlight Lewis and Clark's visit. Lorimier and his family, four members of Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery (who actually returned to Cape Girardeau after the expedition), French Colonial architecture, settlers to the Old Cape Girardeau district, river, roads and transportation of the day, as well as a recreation of Lorimier's Trading Post which displays authentic items that would have been sold at the turn of the 19th century.
The Red House is open April - September on Saturdays only 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. for confirmation of hours or to schedule a group tour, please call the Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-777-0068. For additional information and teacher's guides, please visit website or Facebook
The Glenn House Built for the daughter of David A. Glenn, one of the most influential citizens in Cape Girardeau’s storied history, this home, located at 325 South Spanish Street, was built in 1883 in a vernacular farmhouse style. During the 1890s, electricity and plumbing were installed, and in 1900 an extensive renovation was undertaken to convert the style of the house to the then popular Queen Anne Style. The home exemplifies the way a successful middle class family would have lived at the turn of the 20th century. History recounts that Mr. Glenn was indeed a successful man whose influence did as much, if not more, than anyone else’s to develop the city of Cape Girardeau. Listed on the Natio : nal Register of Historic Places, this home has been faithfully restored and has many of its original architectural features, such as lights, plumbing fixtures, moldings and wall treatments, with authentic period furniture gracing its interior. For more information and seasonal hours visit website.
The Cape River Heritage MuseumRevered as a local landmark, the Cape River Heritage Museum is located in an old police and fire station dating back to 1908. The museum features changing exhibits about people and events from southeast Missouri. Audio/Video, dioramas, personal presentations and hands-on exhibits enhance the experience of navigating through history.
Exhibits include an autographed letter from Amelia Earhart addressed to the Cape Girardeau Business and Professional Women's Organization along with scrapbooks from the organization dating back to the early 1900's. Other exhibits include the 1936 Sharecropper's Demonstration, the Missouri State Flag, and 1950's vintage fire trucks, photos, equipment and gear. Browse through the Museum store and find unique gift items made by Missouri artisans including wooden toys, jewelry, art prints, books written by local authors and more.
To confirm hours, please call (573) 334-0405. For more information on current or upcoming exhibits and events, visit their website
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. 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.
Hours
Tuesday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. during the school year)
Saturday and Sunday 1:00 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
Free
For more information the on Rosemary Berkel and Harry L. Crisp II Southeast Missouri Regional Museum call 573-651-2260, visit their website.
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- Constructed during the beginning of the Civil War in the summer of 1861, Fort D is the only remaining fort, out of four Civil War forts, that once protected the city of Cape Girardeau from Confederate attack. Work on Fort D began on August 6, 1861, under the direction of Lieutenant John Wesley Powell of Illinois. Later, Powell recruited a company of loyal Cape Girardeau men to serve in the Union army. Since Powell was from Illinois, these men were mustered in as Battery F, 2nd Illinois Light Artillery. After training for several months, the battery was sent up the Tennessee River to Pittsburgh Landing, near a small chapel known as Shiloh. During the battle of Shiloh, on April 6, 1862, Powell gave a command to fire by raising his hand. A bullet shattered his wrist, and the arm was later amputated to stop infection. In 1869, one-armed John Wesley Powell led the first successful navigation of the Colorado River through what Powell named “The Grand Canyon.”The earthwork walls remain intact and signage throughout the fort's grounds bring its storied past to life. The story of John Wesley Powell overcoming and persevering despite life’s challenges is just one of the stories that you’ll discover in Cape Girardeau: Where the River Turns a Thousand Tales. For more information, see website: fortdhistoricsite.com.
Hours: Grounds are open for self-guided tours daily from dawn to dusk. Call the Cape Girardeau Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-777-0068 for guided group tours.
Old St. Vincent's Church - Built in 1853, Old St. Vincent's Church, is a restored English Gothic Catholic Church. Simple stated Old St. Vincent's is beautiful and the architecture is breathtaking and rare. Very few churches of this style exist in America. One unusual feature is the 100+ plaster masks of medieval design portraying characters from the Miracle and Mystery plays. The pews are original as are the alters. The communion rail with its unusual wrought iron design, windows, frames and casings all date back to the 1850's. The massive 3 1/4 inch thick doors are hand-carved. To confirm hours or schedule a group tour, please call the Convention and Visitors Bureau at 800-777-0068
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.
NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL:
Saint Mary's of the
Barrens Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic
Places in 1995. It was founded in 1818 and the church was started in 1827.
The Shrine was built in 1929 to honor our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. The
church is modeled after the Vincentian Motherhouse chapel in Rome, Monte
Citorio. The church is decorated with paintings and has intricate design
work on the walls and ceilings; it is a national center for Marian
devotion. Visitors are welcome for daily Mass and to browse our Gift Shop.
Visitors are also welcome to walk the beautifully landscaped grounds and
visit our outdoor Marian Grotto. Tours are also available.
Please call 573-547-8343 or visit our website for more information.
http://www.amm.org/
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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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