Area Attractions
French Colonial Country along the Great River Road
Southeastern Missouri and Southwestern Illinois

The French Colonial Country south of St. Louis along the Mississippi River offers its visitors a window into the past. With the unique architecture that can be found in Ste. Genevieve and at the Pierre Menard Home across the river in Randolph County, visitors can experience for themselves what life was like during the fur trapping and steamboat eras. Fort de Chartres is a favorite destination for Rendezvous reenactors with events throughout the year. The surrounding area offers nature lovers a variety of beautiful locations to enjoy the scenic outdoor beauty of Missouri and Illinois.

		Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri Ste. Genevieve has the largest concentration of French Colonial architecture in North America and includes the Bolduc House, the Amoreaux House, and the Maison Guibourd-Vallé. The influence of the American expansion into the area in the 19th century can be seen at the Felix Vallé State Historic Site. Nearby Hawn State Park and Pickle Springs Natural area offer nature lovers unique hiking opportunities.
		Randolph County, Illinois Located across the Mississippi River from Ste. Genevieve, Randolph County is where Illinois began. Attractions include Fort de Chartres, the Pierre Menard Home and the Fort Kaskaskia State Historic site.
		St. Clair & Monroe Counties, Illinois Discover French colonial life at Cahokia, a town as old as Williamsburg, Virginia or visit the city of Belleville that offers its visitors a wide variety of attractions that includes an art gallery, museums, and the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows.
		Jefferson County, Missouri Visitors to Jefferson County can explore the prehistoric lifestyles of Native Americans at Mastodon State Historic Site and Washington State Park. Other attractions include one of the last remaining covered bridges in Missouri at Sandy Creek Bridge State Historical Site and the Anheuser Estate in Kimmswick.
For Travelers Heading Up River
		St. Louis Area Metropolitan St. Louis offers an abundance of activities that cover the interests of almost any visitor.
		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.