The Randolph County Conservation Area is located 5 miles northeast of Chester in the rolling hill country of southern Illinois this 1,101-acre area has a 65-acre lake and offers fishing and hunting opportunities, picnicking, and hiking trails through scenic forest stands.
Read morePopeye Statue
This 6 foot statue of Popeye, the famous cartoon character created by Chester native Elzie C. Segar, can be found at near the Welcome Center at Elzie C. Segar at the foot of the Chester Bridge crossing the Mississippi River.
Read moreModoc Rock Shelter
The Modoc Rock Sheleter is a State Historical Site. This overhang under a cliff has been used by Native Americans for nearly 9,000 years.
Read moreMisselhorn Art Gallery
Housed in the old GM&O railroad depot are over 2,000 works of the renown Southern Illinois sketch artist Roscoe Misselhorn who many call the Norman Rockwell of the Midwest. Also feature at the Gallery are exhibits by contemporary artists.
Read morePierre Menard Home State Historic Site
Built in the early 19th century for local fur trader, entrepreneur, and Illinois' first Lt. Governor Pierre Menard. The home is the one of the finest examples of French Colonial architecture in the middle Mississippi River valley.
Read moreMary's River Covered Bridge
Built 1854 to accommodate travelers on the Old Plank Road, this bridge is the only example of a covered bridge left in Southern Illinois.
Read moreKaskaskia River Recreation Area
Kaskaskia River Recreation Area is located at the confluence of the Kaskaskia and Mississippi Rivers. The area offers picnicking, hiking, fishing, boating, and camping. The site is the location of the Kaskaskia Lock and Dam which has a small visitors center and the staff offers tours of the lock and dam.
Read moreKaskaskia Bell State Historic Site
Called the Liberty Bell of the West because it was rung by the town's citizens when George Rogers Clark liberated the town from the British on July 4, 1778.
Read moreImmaculate Conception Church
Current church of the Mission of Immaculate Conception that was built in 1843 and moved to its present location in 1894 because of floods.
Read moreFort Kaskaskia State Historic Site
Situated on bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, this site preserves the remnants of the fort that protected the city that was once the administrative center for the French in the Mississippi Valley. Garrison Hill cemetery is located on the grounds.
Read moreFort de Chartres State Historic Site
Fort de Chartres is a reconstructed 18th century stone fort located near the Mississippi River. The site also includes the original powder magazine, the Piethman Museum, several "ghosted" buildings, and a typical French colonial farm. There are many popular events held throughout the year on the grounds.
Read moreThe Creole House
Owned by the Randolph County Historical Society, this 19th century example of French Creole and American architecture and has been completely restored to reflect life during this period. Open during special events and by appointment.
Read moreCohen Memorial Home
Built in 1855, this antebellum mansion has a spectacular view of the Mississippi River. This ten room, white frame home is now used as a community center and is open to group tours.
Read moreThe Charter Oak School
Owned by the Randolph County Historical Society, the Charter Oak School is one of the few remaining octagonal-shaped, one-room, school buildings in America. Open during the annual Corn Fest in August and by appointment.
Read moreVisual Arts in Sainte Genevieve
The 1942 mural by Martyl Schweig Langsdorf in the Ste. Genevieve Post Office
The visual arts and Sainte Genevieve have been connected since the early 19th century with the arrival of John James Audubon. The connection continued with the Sainte Genevieve Art Colony of the 1930s and Roscoe Misselhorn, the “Norman Rockwell of the Midwest.” The charm of the community continues to be a magnet to artists as Sainte Genevieve is home to a number of working studios, art galleries and shops, and special art events.
Read moreSainte Genevieve-Modoc Ferry
This ferry about 1 1/2 miles from the Welcome Center in the Historic District of Ste. Genevieve to the Little Rock Landing on the Mississippi River. The Modoc Landing is accessible from IL-3 and IL-155 in Randolph County on the Illinois side.
Read moreSainte Genevieve Museum
This museum contains varied collections of local memorabilia, including prehistoric Indian relics, old documents and Spanish land grants.
Read moreRoute du Vin
The Route du Vin of Sainte Genevieve County is a driving tour that begins in Sainte Genevieve and then travels in a loop through the forested hills and farmland southeast of this historic town. Driving time is about an hour not counting any stop over time at the 5 featured wineries.
Read morePickle Springs Natural Area
Pickle Springs Natural Area is a deep, forested gorge consisting of geological formations and plants that are found in few other places. Pickle Springs Natural Area features a 2-mile hiking trail maintained by the East Ozark Audubon Society in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Conservation takes hikers past waterfalls, rock shelters, a double arch, towering bluffs, and canyons.
Read moreMagnolia Hollow Conservation Area
Located 10 miles north of Sainte Genevieve, this 1,740-acre area features steep bluffs and scenic river views. Magnolia Hollow Conservation Area provides good woodland game hunting, fishing, a clay pigeon target range, and 2 hiking trails. Dispersed primitive camping is permitted year round.
Read more