Karst formations, bluffs along the Mississippi River and traces of religious history give Perry County a diverse character. Between landscape and cultural heritage lie very different discoveries: geological features, fishing opportunities, historical collections and regional traditions.
Karst and the Mississippi River
Ball Mill Resurgence is a karst formation and is considered one of the best examples of a resurgence in Missouri. A ¾-mile loop trail passes by it. During heavy rain, water can collect in the sinkhole and overflow into nearby Blue Spring Branch. Both the shape of the landscape and its interplay with water are among the defining features of this place.
Tower Rock tells a different geological story: this erosional remnant of limestone was formed by changes in the course of the Mississippi River and rises about 60 feet above the average river level. The first written description dates to 1673, by Father Jacques Marquette. Geology and early written records meet here, without confusing the historical date with the rock’s formation.
Seventy-Six Conservation Area shows another side of the river landscape. Steep wooded hills, bluffs and almost two miles of Mississippi River shoreline define the area. A river access trail leads to wing dikes for fishing. Also take the bridge into account when planning: it is impassable when the Chester river gauge reaches 32.5. Check the gauge reading before you travel.
Trails, lake and practical information
Perry County Community Lake is a 103-acre reservoir that opened for fishing in 1971. Two boat ramps and a fishing access point for shore anglers offer different ways to enjoy the water. There is also an accessible fishing pier and accessible restrooms nearby. If you plan your outing around one of these facilities, it helps to check local conditions in advance.
In Perryville, the park trails are fully paved, open to cyclists, runners and walkers, and closed to motorized vehicles. This gives you the option to choose between a ride or an outing on the water and trails for non-motorized users. Check local conditions before your trip.
Religious history and regional remembrance
The grounds of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal include a historic grotto, the Marian Meditation Walk and Bishop Rosati’s Log Cabin. Its history is linked to Saint Mary’s of the Barrens Seminary and Church: the church and seminary were founded by the Vincentian Fathers in 1818, and the shrine was added in 1929. Visitors are welcome at the National Shrine at any time; the church, shrine and grounds are accessible.
The Perry County Museum displays, among other things, arrowheads, quilts, tools, religious artifacts, business advertising and school memorabilia. The collection brings together objects from different areas of everyday life and religious practice. The Saxon Lutheran Memorial tells the story of the immigration of almost 700 German Lutherans in 1839 and their settlement in what is now Frohna. Here, the focus is on a community’s history, while the museum pieces offer a broad view of the region’s material and religious traces.
Self-guided tours and culinary experiences
The Perry County Barn Quilt Trail is a self-guided driving tour of traditional and original barn quilt patterns. The Christmas Church Tour is a free, self-guided driving tour of dozens of century-old churches in Perry County. Since it is a seasonal tradition, it is advisable to check the dates before your visit.
Culinary experiences are also included in group itineraries. One route through Perry County includes a behind-the-scenes tour at Stonie’s Sausage Shop; the tour description mentions smoked and cured meats made and sold there for sixty years. A Perry County itinerary also includes a German lunch, where descendants explain the dishes, recipes and cooking traditions of their grandparents and great-grandparents, and serve cooked cheese on homemade bread. Check in advance to find out what each group offering includes.
Further along the region, the Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail runs south from the center of Perry County through the northern part of Cape Girardeau County and includes Hemman Winery. A Perry County itinerary describes wine tasting, live music and dinner during a visit to the winery. Check the current schedule before you travel.
Discover more destinations: Perryville, Atchison, Bates County, Osage County, Wright County, Jackson, Miller County, St. Francois County
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