DISCOVER The Southeast Missouri Region When was the last time you waded barefoot in a mountain stream, fell in with a singing group of French revelers, felt the rush of a ride down a water slide or sat quietly enjoying the beauty of nature? If none of this sounds familiar, maybe it's time to pack up the family and discover the many faces of the Southeast Missouri Region. Here you'll find Missouri's oldest town, highest mountain and waterfall, and the state's only world-class whitewater kayak racing course. It's a place where you can lose yourself for a day in a sun-drenched National Forest and still enjoy dinner at a fine restaurant or take in an evening of Shakespeare. Explore Civil War sites, get up close and personal with a python, cheer on rodeo riders, or check into a quaint bed and breakfast and spend a weekend doing absolutely nothing. Whatever your tastes, once you discover THE SOUTHEAST MISSOURI REGION, we know you'll want to come back. Bollinger County KICK OFF YOUR GETAWAY in Bollinger County where you'll be greeted by forested hills and friendly folks anxious to make you feel at home. The county was the scene of Civil War skirmishes, and local legends abound. Near Sedgewickville in northern Bollinger County, explore Dolle Mill. The turbine powered grain mill stands silent now, a nostalgic reminder of the way things were. Near Patton, visit the Sycamore Valley Artesian Well. Discovered by a mining company drilling for lead in the area, the well was for many years an important source of water for area residents. Be sure to bring a cup and a jug along - one for a cool drink and the other to take some home with you. In Marble Hill, the County seat, visit the Massey Log House (Weekends, Memorial Day through October), located across the street from the 1885 Bollinger County Courthouse. Built in 1869, the Massey House has porches running the full width of the front and back of the house and a "dog-trot" down the middle. The house is furnished with period pieces and artifacts. Behind the Massey House, a replica of a 1920's era one-room schoolhouse reminds visitors of a simpler time. Wisecarver's Store, located on the north side of the courthouse square, is a good example of late 19th century mercantile architecture. The building now houses an antique shop. At the ABC Antique Shop, two miles east of Marble Hill on State Highway 34, three log cabins have been moved from other parts of Bollinger County and carefully re-assembled to create the look and feel of a pioneer village. The shop and cabins are open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday). South of Marble Hill, spend a relaxing day swimming or fishing at Whippoorwill Lake Campground or hiking through the camp's 140 acres of fields and forest. For many families, camping along the crystal-clear Castor River in western Bollinger County is a summer tradition, and there are a number of campgrounds to accommodate visitors. For a fascinating change of pace, visit Duck Creek Wildlife Area in southern Bollinger County. With a flavor reminiscent of the deep South, Duck Creek, and adjacent Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, have the largest area of hardwood swamp remaining in Missouri. Here river otter play amid stands of cypress and tupelo while yellow-crowned night herons ply the shoreline in search of food. In the winter, Duck Creek is home to snow geese and eagles. You can hike, bird watch, canoe, fish or hunt here, but be sure to stop by the refuge center before heading into the swamp in winter. Cape Girardeau County SLIP ON SOME WALKING SHOES and grab the camera because there's a lot to see and do in Cape Girardeau, the largest city in Southeast Missouri. In old downtown Cape, sip a coffee at an outdoor cafe in the shadow of the 1854 Court of Common Pleas, browse through a variety of shops and boutiques or stroll through Riverfront Park for a great view of the Mighty Mississippi. Old St. Vincent's Church, built in 1838, is only one of six remaining examples of post-Reformation English Gothic architecture in the United States. A few blocks away, the 1883 Glenn House (Friday through Sunday, May through December) offers luminous chandeliers, exquisite period furniture, stenciled ceilings, and art glass windows which reflect the elegance of its Victorian heritage. In the heart of the city, the Rose Garden in Capaha Park features 42 beds of all types of roses, bordered by old climbers and shrub roses. Nearby, on the tree-lined campus of Southeast Missouri State University, visit the art and anthropology museum which features monthly special exhibits. And the University's Show Me Center features year-round sporting events and concerts featuring top names in country and rock music. The Cape River Heritage Museum (Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) Is a center of historic preservation for Cape Girardeau and the Region. Exhibits feature industry, education, culture, and a popular "hands on" room for children. A special display is devoted to the Missouri state flag which was created in Cape Girardeau. For a unique experience, visit Jurrock's Park Zoo (10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday), a private attraction which features monkeys, pythons, alligators and other mammals and reptiles. The City's Osage Community Center offers a variety of exercise and athletic opportunities and serves as the trailhead for the Cape LaCroix hiking/biking trail. At Bollinger Mill State Historic Site (Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.), step back in time as you climb the stairs to explore a working gristmill. The four-story brick mill was constructed in 1868, and the adjacent covered bridge over the Whitewater River was completed after the Civil War. Water power is still used to grind cornmeal on the original buhr stones during guided tours. In nearby Bufordville, kick up your heels at the Little Ole Opry Jamboree Barn featuring live country music and dancing - year-round. The facility offers camping with full hook-ups and a small lake for fishing. Rugged and scenic Trail of Tears State Park offers a backpacking trail, camping and impressive Mississippi River views. The Park's visitor center features a display that tells the story of the Cherokee Indian's forced relocation from the southeastern United States to Oklahoma along the Trail of Tears during the winter of 1838-39. For the fisherman in the family, Apple Creek State Forest offers creek fishing, and Lake Girardeau, located in western Cape Girardeau County, offers great pan fishing. The whole family can enjoy an outing at the Cape Girardeau County Farm Park with its well-equipped playgrounds and stocked fishing lakes. A State visitor's center in the park features exhibits of native wildlife and interprets the land features of Southeast Missouri. For the fun and excitement of the wild west, round up the kids and head for Flickerwood Farms Arena near Fruitland. The arena offers scheduled youth rodeo events year-round. In historic Jackson, the County seat, you'll find Old McKendree Chapel (1819), the oldest Protestant church west of the Mississippi River. The chapel is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Oliver House (1871) is a beautifully restored and furnished federal-style house and is open to the public on the first Sunday of each month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. History comes to life, rumbling and belching smoke, when you board the St. Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway steam train in Jackson for an excursion. A "must" for rail fans and those too young to remember steam train travel, the railway features theme excursions, dinner trains and murder mystery trains. At the impressive Memorial to All Veterans in Brookside Park, an open chapel and eleven sentinel columns face a curved wall of black granite engraved with the names of 2,400 veterans. For a great family excursion, Rocky Holler USA offers wagon and pony rides or horseback trail rides, or just enjoy the arts and crafts. Iron County TRAPPERS, MINERS AND THE TURBULENT CIVIL WAR years have given the mountain towns of Iron County their character and charm. In northern Iron County, enjoy the 440-acre Council Bluffs Lake. Fish, swim, have a picnic or just relax on the lake's Chapel Hill beach. Enjoy a round of golf at the Viburnum Country Club or explore Dillard Mill just west of the City. Located on the Huzzah River, the picturesque old mill is one of Missouri's best preserved water-powered gristmills. For a breath of fresh air and a rewarding view of the surrounding countryside, plan time to explore Elephant Rocks State Park near Graniteville. Giant granite rocks a billion years old stand end-to-end like a train of red circus elephants in this 129-acre State Park. Have a picnic or hike the park's paved trail which is handicap accessible and signed in Braille. Granite quarried at this site was used to pave the streets of the St. Louis riverfront and the abandoned granite quarry is its own monument to a glorious past. In Pilot Knob, a visit to the Fort Davidson State Historic Site is a must. The site is one of the best preserved Civil War battlefields in Missouri. An assault on the fort by Confederate troops during the Battle of Pilot Knob in 1864 left 1,000 soldiers dead or wounded. The Visitor's Center (open year-round) provides detailed information about the battle, and a self-guided driving tour directs visitors to the most significant points on the battlefield. Every three years, a re-enactment of the battle, complete with roaring cannons and charging cavalrymen, attracts thousands of visitors. In historic Pilot Knob, you'll find Immanuel Lutheran Church which served as a field hospital during the Civil War. Just south in Ironton, the County seat, you'll discover well kept 19th century homes, remnants of the days when the city served as a summer haven for wealthy St. Louis families. Visit the Iron County Historical Society Museum (Weekends, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., May through September) or stroll beneath the spreading trees on the courthouse lawn. The courthouse, jail and gazebo are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, as is nearby St. Paul's Episcopal Church with its unique plaid roof. A statue on the grounds of the Church of St. Marie du Lac marks the spot where Ulysses S. Grant received his commission as a general. Spread over several acres in neighboring Arcadia, the Arcadia Academy is one of the area's most unique attractions. Operated for nearly a century as a girl's boarding school, the beautiful campus with its Victorian buildings has been reborn as a center for artisans and craftsmen and currently boasts an art gallery, antique mall and several shops offering keepsake-quality handcrafts. The crown jewel of the Academy, its beautiful 1909 gothic chapel, features stained-glass windows imported from Europe. Driving south from Arcadia, Highway 21 meanders along the floor of the Royal Gorge. The limestone canyon is spectacular in fall. For an adventurous side trip, explore Taum Sauk Mountain State Park. The state's highest point is the namesake of this rugged park. A leisurely drive to the summit offers breathtaking panoramas. While in the park, hike to Minna Sauk Falls, the state's highest waterfall, and visit a geologic wonder known as the Devil's Tollgate. Madison County ADVENTURE RIDES WITH YOU into this county blanketed by vast expanses of the Mark Twain National Forest. For family fun, there are unlimited opportunities for hiking, swimming, photography and just enjoying the splendor of nature. In Fredericktown, stroll through the beautifully restored Madison County Courthouse, designed by Theodore Link and built in 1899. At the Masonic Cemetery, a monument erected near the graves of fallen Confederate soldiers marks the general area of the 1863 Battle of Fredericktown which involved 3,000 Confederate troops and 5,000 Union soldiers. Located in a restored 1917 Missouri-Pacific Railroad depot, the Vance Aviation and Transportation Museum features exhibits about railroading, aviation and the 1988 wagon train which retraced the Trail of Tears. Fredericktown City Lake offers fishing, picnicking and a paved boat ramp. East of the city, Spiva Azalea Park is dedicated to the preservation of wild azaleas. West of Fredericktown, enjoy fishing or hiking at the Silver Mines Recreation Area with its mile-long forest interpretive trail. Silver Mines offers camping, picnicking and swimming fun for the whole family. Follow a paved pine-sweet forest trail first trod by Indian moccasins in Millstream Gardens State Forest for breathtaking views of the St. Francis River cascading through boulder strewn shut-ins. Cradled between stands of pine, this stretch of river provides a spectacular setting for the Missouri Whitewater Races each spring. Named for an ancient circle of granite rocks piled by some earlier man, Rock Pile Mountain Wilderness lures visitors to southwest Madison County. Attractions include native wildlife, sky-blue ponds, unusual rock formations, caves and limestone bluffs carved by nature - so don't forget the camera. To the north is Marble Creek Recreation Area, nestled between stands of cedar and hardwoods at the site of an old grist mill. This relaxing recreation area is equipped for tent and trailer camping. Enjoy hiking, fishing or swimming in the old mill pond. Experience the atmosphere of an authentic pioneer home with a visit to the restored Sitzes Homestead, located in the Historical Park in Marquand near Castor River. The homestead, which is constructed of hand-hewn logs, was relocated to the park from the original farm site. The cabin has been furnished with period pieces and artifacts and is open to the public during Pioneer Day, the Marquand Annual Pig Roast, and by appointment.

Perry County EXPECT THE UNUSUAL among the gently rolling hills of Perry County. In Perryville, the County seat, explore the grounds of the St. Mary of the Barrens Seminary, the first college west of the Mississippi. Located within this historic district are the National Shrine of the Miraculous Medal, Rosati Log Cabin, the Doheny Museum with its priceless Gospel of St. John from the Gutenberg Bible, the Bishop Sheehan Museum and Rare Book Room, and a gift shop. The Seminary's magnificent church was modeled after Monte Cittorio in Rome and features a Romanesque facade and complementing bell tower. For outdoor fun, take time out for fishing or picnicking at the Perry County Community Lake - or the American Legion Lake and Park in Perryville. The Perry Park Center offers year-round indoor swimming and exercise facilities, as well as a variety of scheduled cultural and sporting events. The Center's theater offers first-run movies year-round. Stroll the beautiful square surrounding the 1904 Perry County Courthouse with its soaring clock tower or tour the Perry County Museum located in the City Park (Wednesday Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., May through October). The Perry County Historical Society's office, located behind the restored Faherty House on Spring Street, is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, April through October. To the south, take time to enjoy the Shrine of the Lady of St. Joseph at Apple Creek with its cave and waterfalls. The early German villages of Frohna, Altenburg and Wittenberg, near the Mississippi River, offer visitors a glimpse of the county's past. The Saxon Lutheran Memorial in Frohna is dedicated to preserving the religious and cultural heritage of the 1839 Saxon immigration to Missouri (daily, year-round). A memorable tour includes four original log houses, a large log barn, an extensive collection of tools and antique farm machinery, visitor's center, country store and gift shop. In Altenburg, visit the Log Cabin College (1839), the Loeber Log Cabin (1839) and Trinity Lutheran Church (1867). The Log Cabin College was the first Lutheran Seminary west of the Mississippi River. Guided tours of historic Altenburg are available by appointment. Each September, the town hosts the East Perry Community Fair, known as "the best little fair in the land." In nearby Wittenberg, a monument marks the site of the Saxon Lutheran landing in Southeast Missouri. To the south, Tower Rock rises majestically from the swirling, misty waters of the Mississippi River. An executive order issued by President Grant in 1871 preserved this natural historic landmark for all time. In 1698, three French missionaries established a landing atop the 60-foot rocky island, and in 1803, Captain Meriwether Lewis explored the rock on his way to join George Rogers Clark for their historic expedition to the Pacific. A 10-mile hiking trail winds through the adjacent Tower Rock Natural Area. St. Francois County THE STRIKING DIVERSITY of St. Francois County makes it a great place to spend a restful day or an action-packed week. Here the Region's rich mining heritage and scenic beauty blend with a variety of activities and events which will please just about anyone. In northern St. Francois County, explore St. Francois State Park. Rich with Civil War lore, the park consists of rugged Pike Run Hills. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, hiking or canoeing on Big River. Designated trails allow horseback riders to explore a portion of the Coonville Creek Wild Area. South, in Bonne Terre, follow your guide down the wide passageways of the old Bonne Terre Mine (year-round), selected by National Geographic Adventure Magazine as one of the top 10 adventures in the world. Scuba divers can arrange to explore the mine's billion-gallon underground lake. Above ground, visit the Shepard House Museum and Visitor's Center (Monday through Friday, weekends by appointment). The Shepard House, Bonne Terre's oldest frame building, has been painstakingly restored to its 1860's appearance with beautiful post-Civil War living quarters. The past comes to life during the City's annual Chautauqua series as Will Rogers, Mark Twain and other memorable figures from history delight audiences. In Park Hills, catch the fast-moving action of BMX bicycle racing at the Parkland BMX Track every Sunday from April to November. Motorcycle enthusiasts won't want to miss the annual Flat River Grand Prix which begins in Park Hills and winds through St. Joe State Park. The City is also home to the modern rolling campus of Mineral Area College which provides the setting for a variety of cultural events including a Shakespeare Festival, Jazz Festival and the annual Big River Pow Wow featuring native American dancers from around the country. The college also operates a full-service tourism center. Just south of Park Hills, on the north edge of St. Joe State Park, the Missouri Mines State Historic Site provides a fascinating history of the Region's lead mining industry. The old milling complex was used by St. Joe Minerals Corporation in the days when Missouri's "Lead Belt" produced nearly 80% of the nation's mined lead. St. Joe State Park, Missouri's second largest state park, is located in the heart of the old Lead Belt. The park offers picnicking, camping, hiking, mountain biking, four fishing lakes and two swimming beaches. The park is equipped for equestrian camping and has a campground for visitors with off-road vehicles. In Farmington, the county seat, tree-canopied streets and colorful Victorian homes welcome visitors. But don't let the turn of the century charm fool you. There's a lot to see and do in this bustling town. Visit the 1833 Long House, the oldest remaining house in Farmington. Authentically furnished, the house is open during the Country Days festival and by appointment. The City's Community Civic Center offers year-round indoor swimming, state of the art exercise equipment and a variety of scheduled concerts featuring top names from the country and rock music scene. An exciting new community water park features a leisure pool, two water slides and a lazy river. For high-powered racing excitement, spend a Saturday night at the St. Francois County Raceway where the action includes sprint, IMCA modified, sportsman and hobby car racing. Add to all this endless opportunities for shopping, good motels and a variety of restaurants, and you have all the ingredients for a great time. Ste. Genevieve County RUGGED AND COLORFUL, Ste. Genevieve County invites visitors to experience the unspoiled beauty of Missouri's woodlands, the mystery and romance of the Mississippi River and the quaint charm of the state's oldest settlement. In western Ste. Genevieve County, kick back and enjoy the natural beauty of Hawn State Park. One of Missouri's most beautiful and unspoiled landscapes, the park is a superb example of eastern Ozark sandstone country. The park, which offers camping and picnicking, contains lush stands of native pines and hardwoods, and a generous understory of dogwood, redbud and wild azalea. The 10-mile Whispering Pine backpacking trail guides visitors along Pickle Creek and River Aux Vases. Nearby, Pickle Springs Natural Area is a special place and has been designated a National Natural Landmark. It is home to several rare plants and a tiny shrimp-like creature so rare it doesn't have a common name. The geologic features and plants found here occur in few other places. Over millions of years, water, ice, rain, wind and plants have worn away part of the hard Lamotte sandstone, creating fantastic formations and deep, cool canyons. The area is named for William Pickles, a settler who, according to local legend, was shot by Sam Hildebrandt and a band of renegades during the Civil War. Founded around 1735, the City of Sainte Genevieve, the County seat, is a living treasure of colonial French architecture and culture. Nestled within its downtown historic district are dozens of perfectly preserved homes, bed and breakfasts, and restaurants offering a variety of cuisine. To learn about the area's fascinating history and the town's many annual festivals, visit the Great River Road Interpretive Center (daily, year-round) and the Ste. Genevieve Museum (daily, year-round) which contains varied collections of local memorabilia. Historic houses which are open to the public include the federal-style Felix Valle House State Historic Site (daily, year-round); the 1785 Guibourd-Valle House with its beautiful courtyard and rose garden (daily, April through October, Thursday through Sunday, November through March); the Bolduc House, an authentically restored 1770 Creole house (daily, April through November); the 1820 Bolduc-Lemeilleur House (weekends, April through November); and the 1770 Amoureux House (weekends, May through October, daily, June through mid-August). Tour the historic Church of Ste. Genevieve, sip a cappuccino on a shady veranda, visit shops with wares from around the world, or sample the fine wines of the Sainte Genevieve Winery. Enjoy the majesty of the mighty Mississippi River from the Marina de Gabouri or, for a unique experience, cross the Mississippi on the Ste. Genevieve-Modoc Ferry, one of the few ferries still operating in Missouri. For year-round indoor family fun, the Ste. Genevieve County Community Center offers swimming and wading pools, a fully equipped gymnasium and a game room. Travel south to St. Mary with its old homes and the century-old Church of the Immaculate Conception. Once a bustling river port, St. Mary harbors memories of the days when paddle wheelers plied the great river. Nearby, visitors can enjoy historic Kaskaskia Island in Illinois without crossing the Mississippi. In 1881, the river cut a new channel through the village of Kaskaskia, creating the 14,000 acre island which is part of the State of Illinois. Enshrined at the Mission Church of the Immaculate Conception is the famous Kaskaskia Bell. Eleven years older than the Liberty Bell, it was a gift to the village from King Louis XV in 1741. Prepared by The Southeast Missouri Regional Planning & Economic Development Commission.  Printed 6-00/50M Printed brochure also contains foldout map of the Region with detail location markers for the attractions described in the brochure.