Day Trips Around Sikeston and Miner, Missouri!

     Looking for more to see and do? At our front door, you'll find Missouri's Bountiful Bootheel, the southeastern most corner of Missouri. In Missouri's Bootheel, so called because of the shape of this area, you'll find plenty to enjoy and plenty of fun!

     From Sikeston and Miner, consider a day trip to our neighboring communities where you can visit historic sites and museums interpreting the native Americans who once lived here, explore the Civil War era at historic battle sites, antebellum homes, and the birthplace of the Stars & Stripes newspaper. Visit beautiful historic churches and cemeteries dating back to the 1700's and drive along the Mighty Mississippi River. For more fun, try your luck at a riverboat casino or let the children have fun at a hands-on discovery museum. There's so much to see and do in southeast Missouri!

Caruthersville, Missouri
     About 60 miles southeast of Sikeston and Miner, just off I-155, is Caruthersville, the county seat of Pemiscot County. Situated along the banks of the Mississippi River in Caruthersville, you'll find action-packed casino gaming at Casino Aztar. Choose from over 650 slot and video poker machines or try your luck at blackjack, craps, roulette and other table games.

     Casino Aztar's Expo Center hosts top name entertainment plus you can enjoy delicious dining at Corky's BBQ Restaurant. Looking for something just a bit more exciting? You'll find it at Casino Aztar! Call 573-333-6000 for information.

Charleston, Missouri
     Charleston is home to the annual Dogwood-Azalea Festival held each year in April. A feast for the senses, the town is alive with magnificent dogwoods and azaleas in full bloom. Walking tours, arts and crafts, carriage rides, parades and ice cream socials are just a few of the activities held annually during this special event.

     With more than 200 historic homes in Charleston, a driving tour through the community is a must and nearby attractions include the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, the Dorena-Hickman Ferry, Civil War Battle of Belmont and DeLaney Lake. Charleston is just 16 miles east of Sikeston and Miner. Contact the Chamber of Commerce for more information at 573-683-6509.

Commerce, Missouri
      Just 27 miles northeast of Sikeston and Miner is the community of Commerce, home of the River Ridge Winery. Situated in a century-old farmhouse and nestled within the hills where Crowley's Ridge joins the Mississippi River, the winery is a family-owned operation offering tours, a picnic area and live music on most weekends.

     The Winery's showroom features gourmet foods, unique wine and grape related items. Visit the River Ridge Yule Log Cabin Christmas Shop (October through December) or spend the night in a private rustic log cabin! Call the winery for information at 573-264-3712.

East Prairie, Missouri
     The quaint community is a half-hour's drive to the east where you'll find natural beauty at its best. Big Oak Tree State Park, a National Natural Landmark, is one of the last remaining virgin bottomland forests and cypress swamps in the nation. Walk the boardwalk through the swamp, spend the day fishing or watch the sky for over 150 species of birds known to exist in the park.

     The Dorena/Hickman ferry is nearby and you can enjoy a leisurely ride across the Mighty Mississippi to and from Hickman, Kentucky. Share the area's heritage at Towosahgy State Historic Site, Battle of Belmont State Historic Site, and the Historic Museum of Mississippi County, featuring exhibits rich with the treasures of time. Call the East Prairie Tourism Council at 573-649-3057 for more information.

Malden, Missouri
     The Bootheel Youth Museum is well worth the drive (48 miles east of Sikeston) to Malden! Over 100,000 visitors have explored this hands-on discovery museum that features more than 50 exhibits. Children can explore the worlds of math, science, human relations, natural resources and the arts. There are fun activities for children of all ages!

     The Museum's newest exhibit This Island Mars: A Space Adventure allows children to explore the red planet, visit a space station and mission control and experience weightlessness. With over 20 interactive exhibits within This Island Mars your future astronaut will have a blast! Call the Museum for more information at 573-276-3600.

New Madrid, Missouri
     Visit the oldest American city west of the Mississippi when you tour historic New Madrid. Just a short drive south on Interstate 55 (25 miles) where old times are not forgotten! This community, founded in 1783, was the scene of the most violent earthquake ever recorded in North America. On December 16, 1811, the first of a series of shocks continued almost daily for nearly two years. You can learn more about the great earthquakes at the New Madrid Historical Museum. Also displayed there are exhibits that reflect the culture of the area from the Mississippian Indian period throughput the Civil War and early 20th century.

     History buffs will want to see the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site, an antebellum home built in 1860 complete with original furnishings and the Higgerson School Historic Site, a restored one-room schoolhouse. Take a ride atop the Mississippi River levee where the Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen often stop, walk on the river observation deck or have a picnic at Riverside Park. The Chamber of Commerce can provide additional information at 877-748-5300.