Scott County offers a variety of discoveries: Sikeston’s railroad heritage, Mississippi landscapes, special conservation areas, and events throughout the year. If you’re looking for a place to stay, first consider whether historic sites, wildlife watching, or a particular event will shape your visit.
History in Sikeston and Scott County
The Sikeston Depot Museum is a notable starting point for exploring Sikeston’s railroad history. It opened to the public in March 2000; in December of that year, the Sikeston Depot was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Historic Downtown Sikeston features buildings from the early 20th century that house retail stores, restaurants, and other businesses. St. Augustine Catholic Church, built in 1878, adds another perspective on the town’s history.
Agriculture and rodeo are also featured at local museums. The Southeast Missouri Agriculture Museum has the largest collection of agricultural machinery in the state of Missouri. The Sikeston Rodeo Museum showcases more than 72 years of Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo history, along with artifacts and memorabilia. Together, these sites offer different perspectives on local history: a railroad depot, historic buildings, and collections centered on agriculture and rodeo.
Mississippi Scenery and Natural Areas
At Cape LaCroix Bluffs Conservation Area, visitors can observe the Mississippi’s former and present courses. The area includes natural wetlands, limestone bluffs, and beech-mesic forests that are unique to eastern Missouri. It also provides habitat for the Spring Cavefish, one of Missouri’s rarest fish. The river channels, habitats, and wildlife offer several distinct perspectives on this conservation area.
Another way to explore Missouri’s nature is at Sand Prairie Conservation Area. It offers a look at one of the state’s rarest natural communities and is included in the Great Missouri Birding Trail. Birdwatchers can therefore visit a conservation area that is also part of a designated birding trail.
General Watkins Conservation Area is located on Crowley’s Ridge. This geological formation rises several hundred feet above the floodplain that covers a large part of Scott County. This creates a contrast between two landscape forms: the elevated geological formation and the expansive plain. River Ridge Winery is set in the scenic hills along the Mississippi. The Fermentation Room Café is on site.
Events and Seasonal Experiences
The event calendar ranges from sports to local heritage. The three-day Kelso Classic Men’s Fast-Pitch Softball Tournament takes place on the second full weekend in June and draws teams from six states. Exact dates may vary from year to year, so check current event dates before making plans. Railroad Day is celebrated in Scott City every September in honor of the city’s railroad heritage. The PRCA-sanctioned Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo also celebrates local rodeo history: it takes place annually in August, though dates and programming may change.
In the fall, Begg’s Family Farm and Pumpkin Patch, west of Blodgett, offers a 12-acre corn maze. At Christmas, Yule Log Cabin is filled with 165 decorated Christmas trees and has been a family tradition for more than 35 years. Check current visiting arrangements before you go. Each season brings a different reason to choose a focus for your trip.
Travel Planning Tips
Sikeston is at the junction of I-55, US 60, and I-57. For a nature-focused visit, the conservation areas described here offer different discoveries, from birdwatching at Sand Prairie Conservation Area to the landscapes and habitats at Cape LaCroix Bluffs. Choose your accommodation based on which of these facets you want to focus on during your trip, and check the relevant dates for seasonal experiences and events.
Discover more destinations: Sikeston, Chaffee, Scott City, Clinton County, Ray, Ripley County, Howell County, Audrain.
For the main travel overview: Missouri.
