Interstate 55 is the main highway connecting St. Louis to Chicago and Memphis. The road loosely follows the western edge of the Mississippi River valley, on a plateau known as Crowley’s Ridge. Following I-55, visitors venture into Bootheel Country, a part of Missouri that more closely resembles the Deep South. Along the way, visitors experience the French settlement of Ste. Genevieve; mighty Cape Girardeau, which played a pivotal role in securing the Mississippi during the Civil War; Sikeston, home to Missouri’s cotton industry; and New Madrid, site of the biggest earthquake in American history.
Start your day with breakfast, brunch or lunch at one of St. Louis’ modern cafes. The Mud House features coffee, traditional breakfast favorites and a chill atmosphere.
2101 Cherokee St., 314-776-6599
Travel back to the Ice Age with a visit to Mastodon State Historic Site, in Imperial. The museum displays artifacts, fossils and a replica of a mastodon skeleton. Open for day use, the site offers picnicking and hiking.
1050 Charles J. Becker Drive, 636-464-2976
In historic Ste. Genevieve, walk in the footsteps of the French settlers who first came to Missouri during the Colonial period. Visit historic homes, including The Bolduc House, built around 1792 by Louis Bolduc. The vertical log structure houses a museum with a large collection of 18th century French colonial furnishings and artifacts. The garden is planted with the herbs, fruits and vegetables that would have been planted by Mme. Bolduc. Next door, the LeMeilleur House contains an art gallery (exhibits change monthly in time for the Fourth-Friday Ste. Genevieve Art Walk).
125 S. Main St., 573-883-3105
This historic site includes three houses: the 1818 Federal-style Felix Valle House; the vertical-log, 1792 Amoureux House; and the 1819 Shaw House. Exhibits interpret the lifestyles and history of early Ste. Genevieve. These are some of the finest examples of French colonial architecture in the nation.
198 Merchant St., 573-883-7102
Visitors experience the story of its owner and builder, Jacques Guibourd. Explore an authentic 1806 home constructed in the French Colonial style, its displays, furnishings and beautiful gardens.
1 N. Fourth St., Ste. Genevieve, 573-883-7544
Cape Girardeau is home to a number of art galleries, antiques stores and specialty shops. Check out the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri Galleries were founded in 1961 to encourage artistic awareness, participation and expression. Three distinct galleries are located within the Arts Council's office and gallery space: Jean A. Chapman Gallery, Gallery 100, and Lorimier Gallery.
32 N. Main St., 573-334-9233
The museum features the Crossroads Gallery, which includes exhibits and interactive kiosks highlighting the history of southeast Missouri, including: The Land and Waters; First Voices; First Peoples; Frontiers and Empires; River and Rail; North and South; Subsistence to Agribusiness; Expressions of Faith; and Change through Education. Exhibitions in the museum's 1,900 square-foot gallery feature works by local, regional, national and international artists. The museum offers educational classes related to the museum’s mission, collections, permanent and changing exhibitions.
518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, 573-651-2260
Features a full menu, bar and live entertainment. Ragsdales Pub is located directly below the Buckner, on Water Street by the river wall. Ragsdales features all of the Buckner microbrews, plus spirits, darts, pool and a jukebox.
132 N. Main, 573-334-4677
World famous for its famous “throwed rolls.” From the festive atmosphere and mule-ish decor to flying food, this is a unique dining experience.
2305 E. Malone Ave., 573-471-4261
End your night with a trip to the Lady Luck Casino in Caruthersville, featuring more than 600 slot machines and 23 table games, including eight poker tables. They have an outdoor amphitheater for concerts and special events. RV parking is available.
777 E. Third St., 800-679-4945