Exhibits reflect the culture of this ever-changing river town, from the Mississippian Indian period through the great earthquakes of 1811 and 1812; from New Madrid's role in the Civil War through the early 20th century. Displays cover pre-historic Indians; French explorers; riverboat traders; earthquakes; and Civil War battles. Located in the circa 1886 Kendal Saloon building. Admission: $2.50; ages 6-12, $1.

This museum, in a former school, documents the history of Agency, from the 1836 Platte Purchase to the present.  After the Platte Purchase, Agency Ford was a thriving community, but, slowly, flooding caused the town to nearly vanish. Open by appointment.

In September, 1856, the steamboat Arabia sank near Kansas City with 200 tons of cargo bound for towns in the west. In 1988 the Arabia excavation began, resultting in the astonishing discovery of pre-Civil War artifacts which are now on display. This unique museum has been featured in national television programs and magazines, and in numerous newspapers.

Closed: 1 January; Easter; Thanksgiving; 24 and 25 December.

Two furnished, house-trailer cabins; plus a separate acre for riverfront camping, all surrounded by the Mark Twain National Forest. The three-bedroom cabin is on five acres; it sleeps 10, is wheelchair accessible and includes a large pavilion and horse pen. The two-bedroom cabin is on 13 acres; it sleeps eight. Both cabins have private bedroom, full kitchen, fire pit, barbecue grill, picnic table and a screened porch. Pets are welcome, no leash required. Located 90 minutes from St. Louis; five miles from the Berryman Trail; six miles from the Ozark Trail; four miles from the Huzzah and Courtois creeks.

Home of the life-sized Missouri dinosaur. See dinosaur artifacts from the local dinosaur dig; American Indian artifacts; Will Mayfield College artifacts; and alternating regional exhibits of historical significance. Admission: $2; Ages 18 and younger, $1.

For more than a decade, Brule and the American Indian Rock Opera (AIRO) have been blending American Indian sounds and rhythms to create a spectacular performance. The theatre is alive with soul-filling songs accompanied by choreographed American Indian dance. The two-hour show offers a truly one-of-a-kind experience in sight, sound and soul; the music is moving; the traditionally-clad dancers are mesmerizing. Performed at RFD-TV the Theatre, March thru December.

Step back into a period 1890s store, located in Historic Blackwater. This trading company features an herbal counter, where you will find native herbal teas, bath products and balms. We also feature: Missouri-made pickles, sauces and mixes; brightly colored textiles, rugs and saddle blankets; hand-weaved baskets, carved wooden baskets, bowls and walking canes; hats for men, women and children; silver and turquoise jewelry and native-made pottery. The book and music section is surrounded by art originals and prints. We also have living history supplies for Mountain men, Civil War and Native American crafts. Local musicians play on many weekends. We are children and pet friendly. Located in Historic Blackwater, three miles north of I-70 at exit 89.

The Common Pleas Courthouse was completed in 1854. It sits high atop the hill overlooking the downtown area. It played a big part in our history, from Indian council meetings to the Civil War. The “dungeon” was used to jail southern sympathizers and perhaps confederate soldiers. On the west side of the courthouse stand three memorials. A cast of a Union soldier, who sits atop a fountain way, was presented by the Women's Relief Corps in 1911. Another, made from Georgia silver gray marble, was presented to the city in 1931 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy. The third is a Vietnam Memorial.

The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center is located in Cape Girardeau's North County Park. It showcases the cultural history and natural resources of southeast Missouri. Indoors, the nature center features hands-on exhibits for all ages, including the Corbin Collection of American Indian artifacts, freshwater aquariums, wildlife viewing areas, classrooms and an auditorium. Outdoors, explore the White Oak Trace, which has two miles of trails winding through stands of poplar and oak trees, sinkholes and a small, man-made swamp. The nature center grounds include gardens featuring native wildflowers. At the Kid's Fishing Pond, children younger than 16 can try their hand at fishing for a variety of species. Poles and worms are available for use at no charge.

Stop by for maps, brochures and information about Cape Girardeau businesses, events and attractions. Call for a Visitor and Dining Guide. The CVB gift shop has souvenirs and coffee table books by local authors.

This tour of downtown Cape Girardeau includes 19 points of interest dating to the early 1800s. The route is approximately two miles. Points of interest include: The Glenn House; Old St. Vincent's Church; Red House Interpretive Center; Common Pleas Court House; Port Cape Girardeau; Riverfront Park and Mural Tour; Cape River Heritage Museum; the River Campus of Southeast Missouri State University; and several old homes. Free maps are available at the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitor Bureau; or they may be requested by phone or online; a CD is available for $5. Free parking in our downtown lot.

Stop by our Visitor’s Bureau for assistance with your visit to Cape Girardeau. We will assist you with group travel, and offer some great suggestions regarding lodging, dining, shopping and entertainment. We have a variety of brochures offering suggestions on family entertainment, local and regional. You’ll find Cape Girardeau souvenirs and many books by our local authors.

Located in a police/fire station dating to 1908. The museum is designed to show what life was like along the banks of the Mississippi River. Features rotating exhibits and educational programs. Open April-December. Admission, $2.

We have a large tasting room and massive deck overlooking the vineyards, lake and rolling hills. Chandler Hill is reminiscent of Napa Valley and Northern Italy. Offering full-service dining; free music every weekend. We can accommodate 350 for weddings and private events. No outside food or beverages allowed.

Saddle up for a fun cowboy meal and show full of comedy and music the family will enjoy. Doors open at 4:15 p.m. with free popcorn and cowboy movies on big screens. At 5 p.m. we deputize the youngsters and bring a desperate muffin bandit to justice. The performers bring the food right to your table. Supper is followed by our stage show. The meal includes baked chicken a-la-range, wedged rodeo spuds, secret-recipe baked beans, fresh cornbread muffins and all the fixins. Little wranglers get a long little corn-doggie as their meal. Call early for reservations.

This site was noted in William Clark’s journal in 1804. A half-mile trail takes visitors up a hill, past American Indian burial mounds and interpretive panels, to an overlook of the Missouri and Osage rivers. The historic site is managed out of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. Located off Route 50, north on Route J.

Some rooms include a recliner. Free casino shuttle. Our deluxe continental breakfast includes biscuits and gravy. At I-70, exit 101; one mile from the Katy Trail (between trail mileposts 194 and 195). FEMA Compliant.

Full service group tour, package and receptive services. We specialize in tours which include historic lodging and dining establishments. Tours are custom designed to match your market criteria: leisure, student education, historical, corporate and group arrangements. Site selection and screening, financial arrangements and payment to tour providers, hotels, and ground transportation companies. Marketing support and on-site hosting available. Special arrangements for travelers from the United Kingdom, Canada and Europe.

Comprised of two buildings: One is exterior corridor, pet-friendly with drive up access; the second is interior corridor, 100 percent non-smoking. Each morning guests are invited to enjoy the free expanded Bright Starts Breakfast featuring Belgian waffles, fruit, assorted cereals, breads, pastries, and juices. Also included are English muffins, coffee and tea. Amenities include free high-speed internet access and local calls. A seasonal outdoor pool is also on-site. Business travelers will find a lobby workstation with access to printing, copy, and fax services. The meeting room accommodates up to 20 people. All guest rooms have 70-plus cable television channels, featuring HBO Family, coffee makers, hair dryers, irons and ironing boards. Additionally, all suites and many rooms come equipped with refrigerators and microwaves. Non-smoking and handicap accessible rooms can be requested. Laundry facilities are located on the property for added convenience.

Restored 1790s French and American Indian trading post and village with five log houses. One house is one of the oldest west of the Mississippi; all are furnished with 1700s American antiques. The landscaping and gardens are period. The site overlooks the Missouri River. A historian gives a one-hour tour, by appointment.

Built in 1808, under the direction of William Clark, co-leader of the Lewis and Clark expedition, the Fort served a dual role: a military garrison and a trade center. The reconstructed Fort Osage offers a glimpse into the fur trading era of the early 1800s. Costumed staff engage in activities from that period. Holiday celebrations and reenactments are held. Admission: $7; ages 62+, $3; ages 5-13, $4.

Full service facility with 15 cabins and cottages, campgrounds and RV sites along the banks of the Gasconade River. We have restroom and shower facilities; canoeing, rafting and kayaking; swimming pool; country store; basketball court; volleyball; playground; Wi-Fi; and meals. Located 1.5 miles south of I-44, at exit 145.

Ride the tram to the top of this 630-foot stainless steel monument, which is part of the Core of Discovery, a downtown St. Louis family attractions district. The Arch was designed by architect Eero Saarinen during a national competition held in 1947. Construction began in 1963 and was completed on October 28, 1965. The foundation for the Gateway Arch extends 60 feet into the ground. The Museum of Westward Expansion, two theaters, the Museum Store and the Levee Mercantile Store are located within the base of the structure.

Radiocarbon dating indicates the park's shelter cave was inhabited more than 10,000 years ago. The park, two miles west of Danville along the Loutre River, features camping, hiking and mountain biking trails, fishing, a boat ramp and picnicking.

Reservable Basic and electric campsites are nestled in a wooded area. The camping area provides a dump station, modern restrooms and hot showers. Radiocarbon dating shows the park's shelter cave was inhabited more than 10,000 years ago. The park features hiking, fishing and picnicking. Camping reservations: 877-422-6766 or online.