Attractions in Marion & Ralls Counties, Missouri


Clarence Cannon Dam 20642 Highway J Ralls County, MO 573-735-4097		The Clarence Cannon Dam was built to control flooding in the Salt River valley. Completed in 1983, the dam created a 18,000-acre lake and its two hydropower units capable of producing 58,000 kilowatts of electricity. The Cannon Powerhouse has hands-on exhibits that explain how the plant operates, how electricity is generated and how energy is used.


Gardner House 417 S. Main Street Palmyra, MO 573-769-3076		Listed on the National Historic Register this 1828 building with Adam and Greek Revival affinities has served as a stagecoach stop, hotel, tavern, school, and as a residence. It currently house a visitor center and a collection of include local historical items.


Lover's Leap Highway 79 Hannibal, MO 573-221-0154		Located on the southeast edge of Hannibal, this high bluff promontory was the source of several local legends and provides panoramic views of Hannibal, the Mississippi River, and miles of Illinois farmland.


Marion County Jail & Sheriff's House W. Lafayette Street Palmyra, MO		Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the two-story brick sheriff's residence is noted as a significant example of Greek Revival architecture. Attached is a one-story jail that is built of massive stone blocks. The 10 Confederate sympathizers of the Palmyra Massacre were held here in 1862. The sheriff's quarters and jail are currently being restored as a museum by Landmarks of Northeast Missouri.

Lock and Dam #21 W. Lock and Dam Road Quincy, IL		Located south of Quincy off IL-57, this structure was part of the depression era 9-foot channel construction program. The area is noted for bald eagles during the winter months.


Mark Twain Lake Ralls & Monroe Counties, MO		Created by the Clarence Cannon Dam, Mark Twain Lake is a 54,000-acre land and water project that spans the Salt River Valley. The area offers a wide variety of activities including boating, swimming, camping, hiking, and horseback riding.


Palmyra Massacre Monument Marion County Courthouse 100 S. Main Street Palmyra, MO		This granite monument topped by a Confederate soldier commemorates 10 Confederate soldiers taken from the county jail and executed by Union Col. John McNeil when Confederates under Col. J. E. Porter's failed to return a captured spy.

Ralls County Historical Museum & Library 120 E. Main Street Perry, MO 573-248-6147		Operated by the Ralls County Historical Society, this facility has a collection of historic memorabilia, old photos, Native American artifacts, books, and genealogies. Open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10 am – 5 pm or by appointment.


Riverview Park 2000 Harrison Hill Hannibal, MO 573-221-0154		Situated on top of the limestone bluffs of north Hannibal, Riverview Park offers outstanding views of the Mississippi River, hiking trails, and other recreational opportunities.

Becky Thatcher House Hannibal, MO		211 Hill Street 573-221-9010

Cameron Cave Hannibal, MO		Highway 79 South 573-221-1656

Cannon Dam Opry Perry, MO		Junction 19 & 154 573-565-3396

Hannibal Trolley Co. Hannibal, MO		220 N. Main Street 573-221-1161

Haunted House & Wax Museum Hannibal, MO		215 Hill Street 573-221-2220

Mark Twain Cave Hannibal, MO		7079 County Road 453 573-221-1656

Mark Twain Clopper Hannibal, MO		N. Main & Hill Streets 573-439-5054

Mark Twain Home & Museum Hannibal, MO		208 Hill Street 573-221-9010

Mark Twain Outdoor Theater Hannibal, MO		Highway 61 573-221-2945

Mark Twain Mississippi Riverboat Hannibal, MO		400 Front Street 573-221-3222

Mississippi Magic Hannibal, MO		Fifth & Broadway 573-406-0902

Molly Brown Birthplace & Museum Hannibal, MO		600 Butler Street 573-221-2100

Old Jail Museum Hannibal, MO		210 S. Fourth Street 573-248-2077

Optical Science Center & Museum Hannibal, MO		214 N. Main Street 573-221-2020

Planter's Barn Theater Hannibal, MO		319 N. Main Street 573-231-0021

Rockcliffe Mansion Hannibal, MO		1000 Bird Street 573-221-4140

Sawyer's Creek Fun Park Hannibal, MO		Highway 79 South 573-221-8221

Tom Sawyer Dioramas Hannibal, MO		323 N. Main Street 573-221-3525

The Spratt Family Theater Hannibal, MO		101 N. Main Street 573-248-8383

Train Town Hannibal, MO		320 N. 3rd Street 573-221-2477

Twainland Express Sightseeing Tours Hannibal, MO		400 N. Third Street 1-800-786-5193


Nearby Attractions

		Pike County, Missouri Pike County is home to one of America's newer Scenic Byways - the Little Dixie Highway of the Great River Road. Visitors to Pike County will find spectacular river views, the river cities of Clarksville and Louisiana, a wide variety of places to interact with nature, and a number of historical sites. The area is considered one of the prime bald eagle watching spots in the Midwest.

		Lincoln County, Missouri Lincoln County is home to Cuivre River State Park, one of Missouri's largest and rugged state parks. Other attractions include the bottomlands that are billed as the "Duck Hunting Capitol of the Midwest," several conservation areas, historical sites, and the Winfield Ferry.

For Travelers Heading Down River

		Meeting the Missouri The two longest rivers of the United States, the Missouri and the Mississippi, meet at St. Charles County, Missouri. The Historic St. Charles downtown area offers visitors a variety of attractions including the Lewis and Clark Boat House and Nature Center, The Foundry Art Centre, and Missouri’s First State Capitol. Nearby is Confluence State Park and the Daniel Boone Home.

		Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway The Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway area is one of America’s newer scenic byways. With over 20,000 acres of forest and wetlands at the heart of the Mississippi Flyway, it is a nature lovers paradise. Visitors will find spectacular colors in the fall and bald eagles in the winter. History abounds in the region ranging from the prehistoric Cahokia Mounds to sites on the National Register of Historic Places.