Celebrate National Dog Day: Best Hiking Trails for You and Your Pup National Dog Day is the perfect opportunity to show your furry friend some extra love. What better way to celebrate than by exploring the great outdoors together? Here are some of the best dog-friendly hiking trails in Perry County where you and your pup can enjoy fresh air, exercise, and quality time. 1. Legion Lake Multi-Use Trail Location: Perry County, MO This scenic trail around Legion Lake is a great spot for the whole family. You can walk with the pups while the kids enjoy the mountain biking. Enjoy the views and keep your dogs paws safe and cool on the natural paths. 2. Perry County Lake Location: Perryville, MO Perry County Lake is a perfect spot for a nature-filled day out. The trail meanders around the lake, … [Read more...] about Spend the day with your dog in Perry County!
Scoops of Delight: Celebrating National Ice Cream Day with Perry County’s Best Spots!
National Ice Cream Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in everyone's favorite frozen treat. Here in Perry County, we are fortunate to have some incredible spots where you can enjoy a delicious scoop (or two)! Whether you're a fan of classic flavors or unique creations, Perry County's ice cream scene has something for everyone. Here are five must-visit places to celebrate National Ice Cream Day: 1. Whirl-A-Burger Located in the heart of Perryville, Whirl-A-Burger is more than just a great spot for a burger; it's also a haven for ice cream lovers. Known for its creamy soft serve and a wide variety of toppings, Whirl-A-Burger offers an old-fashioned charm that makes every visit special. Don't miss out on their frozen custard whirls when you are in Perryville! 2. Hoeckele's Bakery & … [Read more...] about Scoops of Delight: Celebrating National Ice Cream Day with Perry County’s Best Spots!
Discover the Excitement of July Events in Perry County, MO!
July is a month of celebration, fun, and community spirit in Perry County, Missouri! With a lineup of diverse events, there's something for everyone to enjoy. From thrilling tournaments and classic car shows to vibrant market days and a unique comic con, Perry County is the place to be this month. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s happening: July 6th: Twisted Catfish Tournament and Boat Show Kick off your July with the exhilarating Twisted Catfish Tournament and Boat Show. Anglers from all over come to test their skills and compete for the biggest catch. Whether you're a fishing enthusiast or just love the water, this event offers excitement and entertainment. The boat show is perfect for those who appreciate nautical craftsmanship and innovation. July 6th: Cruisin' Car Show For car … [Read more...] about Discover the Excitement of July Events in Perry County, MO!
Summer Activities in Perry County
Outdoor Adventures: Explore Perry County's Scenic Trails Perry County is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting nine picturesque hiking and walking trails. These trails are spread across local parks, lakesides, and other natural areas, offering a variety of experiences for nature lovers. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, you'll find a trail that suits your pace and interests. Highlights Include: -Local Parks: Enjoy well-maintained trails within our charming local parks, perfect for a family day out or a peaceful solo walk. -Lakeside Trails: Experience the tranquility of nature as you hike along the serene lakeshores, with opportunities for bird watching and enjoying the natural beauty. Perryville RV Resort: A Family-Friendly Haven For a … [Read more...] about Summer Activities in Perry County
10 Things to do for Under $10 in Perry County!
With summer on the horizon, we know you're on the lookout for budget-friendly activities to make the most of the sunny days ahead. Look no further than Perry County, Missouri, where a treasure trove of affordable adventures awaits. Whether you're a local resident seeking new experiences or a visitor passing through, Perry County offers a diverse range of activities that won't break the bank. From outdoor excursions to cultural explorations, here are 10 things you can enjoy for under $10 in Perry County this summer. 1. Movie Night at Perry Park Center: Kick off your Thursday evenings with a movie screening at Perry Park Center for just $4. Pair it with a small popcorn for $5 and enjoy a budget-friendly movie night out. 2. Museum Visits: Dive into the rich history of Perry County by … [Read more...] about 10 Things to do for Under $10 in Perry County!
One of the Sweetest Spots in Perry County!
In June of 2023, Perry County received a delightful addition: Hadley's Candy Shoppe opened its doors in downtown Perryville. Operating from Wednesday to Sunday each week, this candy haven is poised to satisfy your sweet cravings. Visitors, whether local or from afar, are captivated by the distinctive array of candies and craft sodas that adorn the tables and shelves. From Hadley's signature creations such as candy kabobs, and cereal marshmallows, to freshly made cotton candy available every Saturday from noon to 4:00 p.m., to the latest trends and timeless favorites spanning generations, Hadley's Candy promises a delightful experience. Situated just off the square in downtown Perryville, Missouri, amidst a charming backdrop of restaurants, shops, and Airbnb's, Hadley's Candy beckons … [Read more...] about One of the Sweetest Spots in Perry County!
2024 Has Arrived!
Happy New Year! 2024 has arrived and with it are plenty of excited eclipse chasers! Those planning to travel to view the 2024 Great North American Total Solar Eclipse is being predicted to outnumber those who traveled to the path in 2017. In 2017, Perry County welcomed over 17,800 visitors and we are making plans to do it all over again on April 8, 2024! Eclipse chasers from thirty-six states and seventeen countries were documented to have come to Perryville to experience totality in 2017. This time around along with three public viewing areas we also have several privately owned businesses or residents making room for eclipse visitors as well. Our public viewing areas will be the Bank of Missouri Soccer Complex, the Perryville City Park, and the Perryville Regional Airport that will be … [Read more...] about 2024 Has Arrived!
Treasures Beyond the Eclipse Diamond Ring!
With great anticipation, Missouri will experience another total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Much like the Great American Eclipse in 2017 communities across the path are planning local events to promote what is unique, historical, and special about where they live within the path. This total solar eclipse will highlight many rural towns and cities located in the Ozarks of Missouri which is unique in its own right. One such city is Perryville, Missouri which was also in the path of totality in 2017. Perry County documented visitors from thirty-six states and seventeen countries that traveled to their public viewing areas to witness the total solar eclipse and they are excited to welcome them back again in 2024. Perryville along with multiple other cities, towns, and communities have … [Read more...] about Treasures Beyond the Eclipse Diamond Ring!
Perryville Welcomes Outdoor Classrooms April 8th
There is no doubt that if you live in or near the path of a total solar eclipse sharing that unique experience with your students is an undeniable educational opportunity. The 2017 Great American Eclipse proved that as thousands of students and educators traveled to get within the path to experience two minutes and forty seconds of totality in Perryville, Missouri. The April 8, 2024, Great North American Eclipse will give educators an even greater opportunity to educate and inspire the next generation of teachers, scientists, and astronauts with over three minutes 47 seconds this time. Located eighty miles south of St. Louis, Perryville is welcoming schools again as they plan their fieldtrips to venture within the path of totality for another fun and inspirational day of solar education. … [Read more...] about Perryville Welcomes Outdoor Classrooms April 8th
Annular Eclipse Coming this Fall!
As we prepare for the Great North American Eclipse on April 8, 2024, we mustn’t forget that Perry County, including 49 continental U.S. states will experience at least a partial eclipse, as will most of Canada and all countries in Central and South America this year, on Saturday, October 14, 2023. This celestial event will give eclipse chasers the opportunity to witness the Ring of Fire for those within its path. Starting in Oregon midmorning at 9:03 am Pacific Time and exiting out Texas by 12:03 pm Central Time. To be within its 125-mile-wide path you must travel to Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, or Texas. But don’t be discouraged if you can’t travel as many in the U.S. will not. Although, Annular Solar Eclipses are exciting they do not have the “WOW” factor that a Total Solar … [Read more...] about Annular Eclipse Coming this Fall!
Can You See Me Now?
Perry County Missouri has the rare opportunity to be within the path of totality and experience not only the Great American Total Solar Eclipse of 2017 but also the upcoming Great North American Total Solar Eclipse of 2024. Eclipses are not rare, but to be within the path of totality twice in seven years is! As part of our eclipse planning for such an event, we wanted to have something lasting for our community to look back at as a remembrance of those celestial events that passed over us. Perry County Heritage Tourism Director, Trish Erzfeld had the idea of creating an oversized pair of eclipse glasses for her community. This structure would be a piece of metal art for one of their local parks, but it would also be functional meaning the lenses of the glasses would be outfitted with the … [Read more...] about Can You See Me Now?
Reservations are open for Eclipse 2024!
The countdown has begun on the Great North American Eclipse and reservations are officially open. Less than three hundred and forty days until Perry County, Missouri will experience its second total solar eclipse in memory. Perryville will witness 3 minutes and 46 seconds and the most eastern parts of the county such as Frohna, Altenburg and Wittenberg will max out with 4 minutes 5 seconds of totality. This will be the last eclipse you will be able to witness in your lifetime, your children’s lifetime, or your grandchildren’s lifetime without leaving Missouri. In 2017 the eclipse drew visitors to Perry County from thirty-six states and seventeen countries. These visitors were documented through our tourism office as they sought historic sites to visit, nighttime sky viewing areas, places … [Read more...] about Reservations are open for Eclipse 2024!
The 2022 Perryville Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit Begins April 29
The Perry County Heritage Tourism Art Committee hosts the Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit for a 2nd year in the City of Perryville! Flowers aren’t the only thing you’ll find springing up around town this April! You may notice some new sights in Perryville, beginning April 29, as the Perryville Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit rotates the 2021 sculptures with its new arrivals. Installation of the 5 new sculptures begins the morning of Friday, April 29. In addition, there will be a celebration of the installation, that evening, at the Sculpture Artist Reception. The Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit began in 2021 and is juried by the Perry County Heritage Tourism Art Committee. The exhibition aims to create places of interaction and uniqueness. It features stunning works of art created by artists from across … [Read more...] about The 2022 Perryville Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit Begins April 29
“Bridges are a monument to progress.” -Joseph Straus
Old Appleton Bridge is a historic Pratt Truss Iron Bridge located at Old Appleton, Cape Girardeau County and Perry County, Missouri. It was built in 1879, and consists of a wrought iron, pin-connected, Pratt through truss main span. It rests on limestone block masonry piers. The total length of the bridge is 161 feet. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. Efforts to get this piece of history added to the National Register of Historic Places was many years in the making. Nominations for the bridges date all the way back to 1982 but the original nomination was not submitted. In December of 1982, heavy rains sent a flash flood down Apple Creek, pushing the bridge into the water. It would take several years to finally restore the bridge. Another flash flood in 1986 … [Read more...] about “Bridges are a monument to progress.” -Joseph Straus
Pathway 2 The Promiseland
Embark on a customized tour featuring heroic immigration stories and the Faiths that saved them. Travel throughout Perry County's beautiful countryside visiting these remarkable houses of worship built by our earliest pioneers. Hear their diverse accounts of immigration, see their humble beginnings, understand their quests for religious freedom and new beginnings. Travel with these brave pioneers and experience this culturally rich and unique tour of faith in the heartland, in Perry County, Missouri. Lutheran Heritage Museum & Log Cabin 75 Church Street, Altenburg, Missouri In 1838, 700 Saxon Germans left their homes, farms, businesses and all they knew behind to embark on a dangerous sea voyage to America. See where they found their land of opportunity, rebuilt their lives and … [Read more...] about Pathway 2 The Promiseland
Five things to do in Perryville and Perry County Mother’s Day Weekend 2019
As we welcome many couples and families into our community this weekend with The Bank of Missouri Spring Classic and the 34th Annual Perryville Mayfest Festival we wanted to share 5 great activities to do while you are enjoying your weekend with us! Missouri's National Veterans Memorial 1172 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Perryville, MO 63775. If you have never had the opportunity to visit the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C. here is your chance! This awe-inspiring EXACT full-scale sister wall of the Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C. offers veterans, civilians and those currently serving a place in the Midwest to reflect on the sacrificesof all service men and women. Reflect and honor in a quiet, peaceful setting that only Perryville can offer. History, Art and Healing. Museum and … [Read more...] about Five things to do in Perryville and Perry County Mother’s Day Weekend 2019
Take the long way home
Who has ever hummed this little country tune…. “I've been cooped up, tied down 'bout forgotten what a field looks like full of corn and cotton If I'm gonna hit a traffic jam Well it better be a tractor man So sick and tired of this interstate system I need the curvin', windin', twistin' dusty path to nowhere With the wind blowin' through my baby's hair Yeah it makes me wanna take a back road Makes me wanna take the long way home Put a little gravel in my travel Unwind, unravel all night long Makes me wanna grab my honey Tear down some two lane country who knows Get lost and get right with my soul Makes me wanna take, makes me wanna take a back road Some old back road” Growing up in rural northern Cape County on an old back road, I have always appreciated those curving, gravel roads that … [Read more...] about Take the long way home
Tower Rock, it is surrounded by a raw and wild beauty
One Sunday afternoon, my group wanted to get outside and soak up the sun. It was one of those glorious winter’s days when the sun was shining and makes you think spring is on the way! We decided we wanted to go the backroads from our house to Tower Rock. So we piled in our rig and hit the county roads to get there. We got there during the “golden hour” in photographer terms, which is the hour before the sun sets. During this time, I find something magically happens with the light in my photographs. Although, Tower Rock is awe inspiring in any light! When I think of Tower Rock, I always think of the Jim Watkin’s quote: “A river cuts through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.” I think back to all of the history this magnificent rock could tell us if it could … [Read more...] about Tower Rock, it is surrounded by a raw and wild beauty
Ball Mill Resurgence in the Splendor of Winter
“He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter." -John Burroughs Meet our Guest Blogger, Amber Odom: Hey everyone! I am an elementary teacher by day and a nature lover at heart. I love exploring new places in southeast Missouri, meeting new people, and being in the great outdoors! Come along with me as I explore those MO backroads adventures! This is one of my favorite quotes and it is true for my family. Our family loves hiking in all months. We try to get out in the winter as much as we do in the summer. In the winter you often see places in a new way. Without the leaves of summer, you find things you might have missed before. We visited a family favorite this past weekend when the temperatures were a glorious 60 … [Read more...] about Ball Mill Resurgence in the Splendor of Winter
Hadler Shoe Tree
I threw my first pair of shoes in 2015. Years of shoes were already there. I had written with permanent marker on an old pair of sneakers “Tourism 2015”. Before I threw them, I may have said a little prayer to be able to “fill the shoes” of being named Perry County’s first official tourism director. I may have also made a wish that I could share more of what makes Perry County so unique and special. As I tossed, slung and threw that old pair of shoes over and over I quickly realized that this was not as easy as it looks. But throw after throw we smiled, giggled and laughed out loud at our pointless efforts to sling a pair of old shoes into a tree alongside a country gravel road. Up until recently, area locals had just referred to it as “The Shoe Tree” and what was the significance, the … [Read more...] about Hadler Shoe Tree
