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.
Morning
A. Mastodon State Historic Site
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.
B. Felix Vallé House State Historic Site
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.
C. Centre for French Colonial Life & the Bolduc House
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.
Evening
A. Lambert’s Cafe – Sikeston
World famous for its famous “throwed rolls.” From the festive atmosphere and mule-ish decor to flying food, this is a unique dining experience.
Afternoon
A. National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
This beautiful historic site sits just a few minutes east of Interstate 55 in Perryville. Saint Mary's of the Barrens Historic District was founded in 1818; the church was started in 1827. The Shrine was built in 1929 to honor our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Visitors are welcome for daily Mass, to walk the beautifully landscaped grounds and visit the outdoor Marian Grotto. Tours are available. Please call or visit the website for details.
B. Arts Council of Southeast Missouri
Cape Girardeau is home to a number of art galleries, antiques stores and specialty shops. 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.