St Mary MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near St Mary, Missouri.
1. St Mary Antique Mall
VINTAGE SHOPPER'S PARADISE
St Mary Antique Mall is a popular shopping destination in Saint Mary offering a wide variety of vintage items and collectibles. Visitors can browse through numerous vendor booths featuring furniture, jewelry, glassware, and other antique treasures. The mall attracts both casual shoppers and serious collectors looking for unique pieces with historical value.
2. Kaskaskia Bell
HISTORIC FREEDOM SYMBOL
The Kaskaskia Bell is a significant historic site near Saint Mary that preserves an important symbol of American freedom. The bell, also known as the 'Liberty Bell of the West,' was a gift from King Louis XV of France to the Catholic Church in the Illinois settlement of Kaskaskia in 1741. Visitors can view this historic bell which rang to celebrate American independence in the Mississippi River region.
3. Pierre Menard Home
FRENCH COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE
The Pierre Menard Home is a specialty museum showcasing the life of Illinois' first Lieutenant Governor. This beautifully preserved French Colonial mansion built in 1815 features period furnishings and artifacts that illustrate the lifestyle of early 19th century settlers. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the region's French colonial heritage and Menard's significant contributions to early Illinois history.
4. The Gateway Arch
ICONIC RIVERSIDE MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch is an iconic 630-foot stainless steel monument located in nearby St. Louis that symbolizes the city's role as the 'Gateway to the West.' Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding cityscape. The Gateway Arch National Park also features a museum that details the history of westward expansion in America.
5. Bald Knob Cross of Peace
TOWERING RELIGIOUS MONUMENT
Bald Knob Cross of Peace is an impressive 111-foot-tall white cross located on the highest point in the region near Saint Mary. The monument was constructed between 1952 and 1963 as a symbol of peace and unity among all faiths. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside from the base of this illuminated cross that is visible for over 7,500 square miles.
6. Strawberry Creek Nature Area
SERENE OUTDOOR RETREAT
Strawberry Creek Nature Area offers visitors a tranquil outdoor experience with scenic hiking trails and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. The area features natural streams, wooded paths, and diverse plant species native to Missouri's ecosystem. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy bird watching, photography, and peaceful walks through this preserved natural landscape.
7. Lincoln Memorial Picnic Grounds
HISTORIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Lincoln Memorial Picnic Grounds provides a family-friendly outdoor space with connections to Abraham Lincoln's legacy in the region. The grounds feature well-maintained picnic facilities, play areas, and commemorative markers highlighting Lincoln's historical significance. Visitors can enjoy recreational activities while learning about presidential history in a scenic natural setting.
8. Memorial Plaza
COMMUNITY VETERANS TRIBUTE
Memorial Plaza honors the military service and sacrifice of local veterans from Saint Mary and surrounding communities. The plaza features monuments, plaques, and flags commemorating those who served in various conflicts throughout American history. Visitors can pay their respects while reflecting on the community's contributions to national defense and freedom.
9. Ste. Genevieve Historic District
FRENCH COLONIAL VILLAGE
Ste. Genevieve Historic District is a National Historic Landmark featuring the largest concentration of French Colonial architecture in North America, located just minutes from Saint Mary. Visitors can explore numerous 18th and early 19th century buildings including the unique vertical log homes called 'poteaux-en-terre' and 'poteaux-sur-sol' constructions. Walking tours, museums, and living history demonstrations bring to life the story of the oldest European settlement in Missouri.
10. Felix Valle House State Historic Site
PRESERVED MERCHANT'S HOME
The Felix Valle House State Historic Site preserves a Federal-style limestone building that once served as both home and business for a prominent 19th-century merchant family. The carefully restored interior features original furnishings, trade goods, and exhibits that illustrate the mercantile business that helped shape the region's economy. Visitors can step back in time to experience daily life in early 19th century Missouri through guided tours and interpretive programs.
11. Sainte Genevieve Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Sainte Genevieve Winery offers a delightful wine tasting experience featuring locally produced wines in the heart of Missouri's historic wine country. Visitors can sample a variety of award-winning wines made from both European and American grape varieties grown in the region's unique terroir. The charming tasting room provides a relaxed atmosphere for learning about winemaking traditions that date back to the area's French colonial roots.
12. Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary
BIG CAT RESCUE
Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary is a nonprofit rescue facility dedicated to providing a permanent home for abused, abandoned, and unwanted tigers and other big cats. Visitors can take guided tours to observe these magnificent animals in spacious natural habitats while learning about conservation efforts and the problems with exotic animal ownership. The sanctuary focuses on education about responsible wildlife management and the importance of protecting endangered big cat species.
13. Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site
COLONIAL MILITARY OUTPOST
Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site preserves the remains of an 18th-century French colonial fort that later served American forces during the Revolutionary War period. The site offers spectacular views of the Mississippi River valley and includes interpretive displays explaining the strategic importance of this frontier outpost. Visitors can explore the earthwork remnants, picnic areas, and nearby historic cemetery while learning about the region's significant role in early American history.
14. Magnolia Hollow Conservation Area
OUTDOOR WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
Magnolia Hollow Conservation Area encompasses over 1,700 acres of diverse terrain including hardwood forests, limestone glades, and clear-running streams near Saint Mary. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation throughout this natural wilderness area. The conservation area features several miles of maintained trails that wind through rugged hills and valleys, offering opportunities to spot native wildlife and seasonal wildflowers.
15. Hawn State Park
PRISTINE NATURAL RETREAT
Hawn State Park is a scenic 4,953-acre wilderness area featuring pristine pine forests, sandstone formations, and crystal-clear streams within driving distance of Saint Mary. The park offers some of Missouri's most beautiful hiking trails, including the renowned Whispering Pines Trail that takes visitors through diverse ecological zones and past stunning rock formations. Camping facilities, picnic areas, and opportunities for photography, birding, and wildflower identification make this a perfect natural getaway for outdoor lovers.