KidsOutAndAbout.com's Family Travel Guide to Historic Perry County, MO
Plant Your Family Here: Visiting Perryville and Perry County with Kids
by Ella S. Ross
They got me to go into a cave…I feel like that’s all I have to say. I’m an East Coast city gal by birth, but Perry County certainly got me out of my comfort zone, in the best way possible.
Travel to Perry County and you’ll learn from the history that surrounds you everywhere: From the history-history at Lutheran Heritage Museum to the geological history in Perryville’s numerous wild caves to the human history you can feel in the picturesque downtown square, it’s clear that to everyone living there, Perryville is home. And they all want to make you feel at home too, even if you actually live halfway across the globe.
So come on down and see memorials, the Mississippi River, and more tractors than you can count!
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Introduction to Wild Caving
Wild Caving in Perry County Missouri is one of the most unique underground experiences you will ever have! No electric lights, paved walkways, or concrete steps to take you below! Travel below with qualified guides as they take you to another world underground. This educational experience explores the delicate ecosystem of Southeast Missouri's unique karst system. Learn more about its animal life, cave features, and history. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes are given throughout the year.
American Tractor Museum
The American Tractor Museum was created to celebrate the iconic machine and the backbone of American. Tour this amazing collection walking you through the evolution of the machine that plowed, planted, and harvested the American dream for centuries. See one of the largest and most unique collections of its kind featuring rare manufacturers such as Rumely, Waterloo Boy, Illinois, Indiana, Huber, Plymouth, Avery, Rock Island, Greyhound, Centaur, and many more!
Tower Rock Natural Area
This forest tract on the Mississippi River contains a geologic formation known as Tower Rock. The Tower Rock Natural Area comprises about 32 acres of upland oak-pine and mixed hardwoods. Most of the Natural Area is on the Missouri bank of the Mississippi River. The Rock itself is separated from the rest of the area by the river and is accessible by boat. When the Mississippi River Chester Gauge is less than 1.5 feet it is possible to walk out to Tower Rock. Road access to the area is difficult when the Mississippi River Chester Gauge is 37.5 feet or higher.
Lutheran Heritage Center & Museum
In 1838, approximately 700 German-Lutherans left their homes, farms, businesses and all they knew behind to embark on the dangerous sea voyage to America. Finding new homes in Perry County, Missouri, they rebuilt their lives and formed communities which endure to this day. Discover their hardships, tragedies and triumphs and explore the families, churches, farms and businesses they established which make East Perry County a unique and truly authentic destination.
Missouri's National Veterans Memorial
In Perryville, Mo., stands an exact replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. America’s Wall is connected to the land and secluded in America’s heartland, where it transcends generations. It provides a respite from traffic and distractions, allowing visitors to completely immerse themselves in a calming and peaceful environment to remember, honor and reflect. Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial’s mission is to preserve military history, honor all who served, educate Americans about the cost of our freedom and provide a place for healing and reflection. Our campus is a powerful beacon for all service members and their families. We welcome everyone to experience the extraordinary power of this campus.
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is a Roman Catholic church and former Seminary in Perryville, MO. Established in 1818 it is the historic seat of the American Vincentians. Visit this historic church with is beautifully painted images on the ceiling and walls, stain glass windows and a votive room along with its outdoor Rosary Walk. The Rosary Walk is an easy half-mile stroll by beautiful bronze and marble statues, a WWI outdoor grotto and a serene babbling brook. It is the largest rosary walk in North America but the breathtaking grounds make for a captivating time.
But wait, there's more!
- Perryville Historic Downtown Square
- Horse Island Lewis & Clark Historic Marker
- The Perry County Barn Quilt Trail
- Ball Mill Resurgence Natural Area
Thank you for the wonderful hospitality to the team at Perry County Heritage Tourism and everyone at the attractions who showed me around!
—Ella
Ella S. Ross is a travel videographer. Interested in having her visit your region? Click here for more information.