Parma MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Parma, Missouri.
1. River Walk Gallery
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
River Walk Gallery offers visitors a chance to experience local artistry in Parma, Missouri. The gallery showcases works from regional artists with a focus on Mississippi River landscapes and rural Americana. Visitors appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to purchase original artwork as souvenirs.
2. New Madrid Veteran Park
HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE
New Madrid Veteran Park serves as a solemn tribute to military veterans from the region. The park features commemorative monuments, flagpoles, and peaceful walking paths for reflection. Visitors can learn about local military history through informative displays throughout the grounds.
3. Higgerson School Historic Site
EDUCATIONAL TIME CAPSULE
Higgerson School Historic Site preserves a one-room schoolhouse that offers glimpses into early 20th century rural education. The restored schoolhouse contains original furnishings, textbooks, and educational materials from the period. Visitors can experience what school life was like for children in Missouri's bootheel region decades ago.
4. Mississippi River Observation Deck
MIGHTY RIVER VIEWS
The Mississippi River Observation Deck provides panoramic views of America's most iconic waterway. Visitors can watch barges and riverboats navigate the powerful currents while learning about the river's ecological and historical significance. The observation deck includes informational plaques about river commerce, flooding history, and wildlife.
5. Morris State Park
NATURAL MISSOURI WILDERNESS
Morris State Park offers visitors a peaceful retreat into Missouri's natural landscape near Parma. The park features hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and diverse wildlife viewing in a preserved ecosystem. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the park's commitment to conservation and environmental education programs.
6. Keller Veteran Memorial
HONORING LOCAL HEROES
Keller Veteran Memorial stands as a testament to the sacrifice and service of local military personnel. The memorial includes granite monuments engraved with the names of veterans from various conflicts throughout American history. Visitors often leave tokens of remembrance and attend special ceremonies held at the site during holidays honoring veterans.
7. Gateway Arch
ICONIC AMERICAN MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch is a modernist triumph designed by Eero Saarinen that commemorates America's westward expansion. Standing at an impressive 630 feet tall, this stainless steel monument has become the defining symbol of St. Louis and Missouri. Visitors can take a tram ride to the observation deck at the top for spectacular views of the Mississippi River and surrounding cityscape.
8. New Madrid Historical Museum
EARTHQUAKE LEGACY PRESERVED
The New Madrid Historical Museum documents the cataclysmic earthquakes of 1811-1812 that changed the landscape of the region. Exhibits include artifacts, first-hand accounts, and scientific explanations of the seismic events that remain among the strongest in American history. The museum also covers local Native American history and the development of river commerce in the area.
9. Bootheel Youth Museum
HANDS-ON LEARNING CENTER
The Bootheel Youth Museum offers interactive educational experiences designed to engage young minds through play and exploration. The museum features exhibits on science, technology, history, and art with a focus on making learning accessible and enjoyable. Children and families can participate in workshops, demonstrations, and special events throughout the year.
10. Parma Community Center
LOCAL GATHERING PLACE
The Parma Community Center serves as a hub for social activities and public events in this small Missouri town. The center hosts local festivals, community meetings, and recreational programs for residents and visitors alike. Its facilities include meeting rooms, recreational spaces, and outdoor areas for gatherings throughout the year.
11. Reeves-Melton Heritage House
HISTORIC HOME TOUR
The Reeves-Melton Heritage House preserves a Victorian-era residence showcasing regional architectural styles and period furnishings. Visitors can tour the meticulously restored rooms that reflect the lifestyle of affluent families in southeastern Missouri during the late 19th century. The house also hosts special exhibits on local history, decorative arts, and cultural traditions of the bootheel region.
12. Fisher Delta Research Center
AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION HUB
The Fisher Delta Research Center contributes to agricultural advancement through scientific research on crops important to Missouri's economy. The center conducts field trials, develops new farming techniques, and hosts educational programs for farmers and agricultural students. Visitors can learn about modern farming practices, crop science, and the economic importance of agriculture to the region.
13. Rodgers Theatre
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Rodgers Theatre stands as a beautifully preserved example of art deco architecture and entertainment history near Parma. Originally opened in the 1940s, this historic venue now hosts films, live performances, and community events after extensive restoration. The theater's ornate interior features original decorative elements that transport visitors to the golden age of cinema.
14. Little River Conservation Area
WETLAND WILDLIFE HAVEN
Little River Conservation Area encompasses thousands of acres of protected wetlands, forests, and wildlife habitat near the Parma region. The diverse ecosystem supports numerous bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers. Visitors can explore hiking trails, fishing spots, and hunting areas while experiencing the natural beauty of Missouri's lowland forests.
15. Sikeston Depot Museum
RAILROAD HISTORY PRESERVED
The Sikeston Depot Museum occupies a restored 1916 railroad station that once served as a vital transportation hub for the region. Exhibits chronicle the impact of railways on local development, agriculture, and commerce throughout southeastern Missouri. The museum also features rotating art exhibits, historical photographs, and artifacts from Sikeston's past.