Portageville MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Portageville, Missouri.
1. City Parks
OUTDOOR RECREATION AND FUN
The City Parks in Portageville offer a wide range of outdoor activities for families to enjoy. Visitors can spend an afternoon relaxing and having fun in these well-maintained community spaces. The parks provide a great place for locals and tourists to meet neighbors while enjoying the natural surroundings.
2. Portageville Seasonal Festivals
COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS YEAR-ROUND
Portageville Seasonal Festivals bring the community together throughout the year with various themed celebrations. These festivals feature local food, entertainment, and activities for people of all ages. Each festival showcases the unique charm and community spirit that makes Portageville special.
3. Portageville Sports Competitions
ATHLETIC EVENTS FOR EVERYONE
Portageville Sports Competitions attract participants and spectators from across the region. These events range from school athletics to community tournaments in various sports. The competitions foster a sense of community pride while promoting physical activity and sportsmanship.
4. Portageville High School
EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY HUB
Portageville High School serves as both an educational institution and community gathering place. The school hosts various events, sports games, and performances throughout the year that are open to the public. Visitors can experience the local culture and community spirit by attending one of these events.
5. New Madrid County Library - Portageville Branch
KNOWLEDGE AND LITERARY RESOURCES
The New Madrid County Library's Portageville Branch provides literary resources and services to community members and visitors alike. This lending library offers books, digital resources, and community programs for people of all ages. The library serves as a cultural and educational center in the heart of Portageville.
6. Portageville Hiking Trails
NATURE EXPLORATION PATHS
Portageville Hiking Trails offer outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area. The trails wind through scenic landscapes, providing a peaceful retreat from the bustle of everyday life. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, exercise, and connecting with nature along these well-maintained paths.
7. New Madrid Historical Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The New Madrid Historical Museum showcases the rich history of the region, including the famous earthquakes of 1811-1812. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits that tell the story of this historically significant area. The museum provides insights into the development of southeastern Missouri and the Mississippi River valley.
8. Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site
PRESERVED 19TH CENTURY MANSION
Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site preserves a stately 15-room mansion built in 1860, showcasing the lifestyle of a wealthy merchant family in pre-Civil War Missouri. The house contains many original furnishings and provides visitors with a glimpse into 19th-century life along the Mississippi River. Guided tours take visitors through this well-preserved historic home with its period antiques and architecture.
9. Big Oak Tree State Park
ANCIENT FOREST PRESERVE
Big Oak Tree State Park protects one of the few remaining examples of Mississippi River bottomland hardwood forest that once covered the Missouri Bootheel. The park is home to champion trees, including massive bald cypress, overcup oak, and sweet gum specimens that tower above the forest floor. Visitors can explore the area via boardwalk trails, observe wildlife, and experience a unique ecosystem that has largely disappeared from the region.
10. Reelfoot Lake State Park
EARTHQUAKE-FORMED NATURAL WONDER
Reelfoot Lake State Park, just a short drive from Portageville across the Missouri-Tennessee border, features a unique lake formed by the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812. The lake is known for its cypress trees growing directly in the water, creating a hauntingly beautiful landscape popular with photographers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and learning about the geological history of this natural wonder.
11. Caruthersville History Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Caruthersville History Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia that tell the story of this Mississippi River town. Exhibits include Native American artifacts, riverboat history, agricultural implements, and items from daily life throughout the region's history. The museum provides visitors with insight into the cultural and economic development of Missouri's Bootheel region.
12. Century Casino Caruthersville
RIVERFRONT GAMING ENTERTAINMENT
Century Casino Caruthersville offers gaming entertainment in a riverfront setting on the Mississippi River. The casino features slot machines, table games, and dining options for visitors looking for recreational activities. This entertainment venue provides a lively atmosphere and is one of the major attractions in the region surrounding Portageville.
13. Sikeston Rodeo
THRILLING WESTERN ENTERTAINMENT
The Sikeston Rodeo, held annually as part of the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo, is one of the premier rodeo events in the Midwest. Professional cowboys and cowgirls compete in various events including bull riding, barrel racing, and roping competitions that draw large crowds from across the region. The rodeo combines thrilling western sports with concerts and entertainment for a complete festival experience near Portageville.
14. Lambert's Cafe
HOME OF THROWN ROLLS
Lambert's Cafe, known as the "Home of Thrown Rolls," offers a unique dining experience where servers literally throw fresh hot rolls to diners across the restaurant. This family-style restaurant serves generous portions of Southern comfort food with unlimited sides that servers bring around to tables throughout the meal. The restaurant has become a destination attraction for travelers in the region due to its fun atmosphere and hearty meals.
15. Mississippi River Observation Deck
MIGHTY RIVER VIEWPOINT
The Mississippi River Observation Deck in New Madrid provides spectacular views of America's most famous river as it flows past this historic town. Visitors can watch barges and riverboats navigate the powerful current while learning about the river's importance to commerce, transportation, and regional history. The observation area includes informational panels about the river's ecology, the New Madrid fault system, and the role of the Mississippi in shaping local communities like Portageville.