As the former Director of the Missouri Division of Tourism, I know how wonderful and full of history the state of Missouri is and now that I represent the 3^rd Congressional District of Missouri, I wanted to take time to focus on the state’s heritage and the many activities in the 13 counties that make up the district that I serve.

Missouri’s motto is the Show-Me State, which is very appropriate given the vast number of places to explore and visit. The 3^rd District certainly meets that criterion as well. After the countless baseball tournaments, soccer camps, and trips to the swimming pool this summer, many families are looking for a weekend getaway. Whether it’s the ever increasing gas prices, limited time, or the still sluggish economy, choosing a location close to home in Missouri to spend your time and hard earned money is a great option.

With that said and with my love of tourism in mind, I have compiled stories of Missouri traditions and lists of local attractions to visit in Missouri’s own 3^rd District. Each county will have local spots, people, historical monuments or events highlighted.

Every Friday, the website will be updated to reflect the new counties that will be added so please keep checking back for more information. Also, if you have a story or a local stomping ground that you love in your hometown, please share your story by emailing me through my website at http://luetkemeyer.house.gov and clicking on “Contact Us” or by leaving a comment on my Facebook page. Additionally, if you have any pictures that you’ve taken around the 3^rd District, I will be spotlighting those on my Pinterest page at http://pinterest.com/repluetkemeyer. Please upload any pictures to my Facebook page so I can upload those on Pinterest as well.

As the summer season proceeds, I encourage you to use these tools to help plan a vacation or just a day-long outing and I look forward to seeing your pictures and hearing from you via email as you go out and enjoy what the 3^rd District of Missouri has to offer.  

Photo of Missouri State Capitol.

Cole County

Every heart beats true 'neath the Red, White and Blue, is a line in the chorus of the patriotic tune You're a Grand Old Flag by George M. Cohan. The original meaning of the song was to display patriotism toward the American Flag and to show pride in being an American citizen. Much like the flag of the United States, the primary colors of the Missouri State Flag are red, white and blue and in the same way there are so many reasons to take pride in being a citizen of Missouri. There is no better way to show your love for Missouri than to take a trip to the state capitol and embrace the rich history.

Sitting along the Missouri River in Jefferson City, the beautiful Missouri State Capitol building is home to the state government that I am so proud to have once served in and now represent on the federal level. Outside stands a statue of former President Thomas Jefferson, who purchased the land that would one day become Missouri. Atop the dome sits Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, which signifies our states strong agricultural heritage.

Upon entering the capitol, you are stepping inside the walls that support Missourian principles and values. Inside the capitol you will find statues of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the two men who set out to explore the unchartered territory of America. You will see murals painted by Thomas Hart Benton, a Missouri Hall of Fame, and the Office of the Governor. Most importantly, you will see the Missouri State Legislature hard at work. These elected men and women create and debate policies that will help the state continue to progress for generations to come. To learn more about the stories and history of the capitol, set up a tour which is available Monday through Friday.

If hearing a few ghost stories and exploring many buildings that are full of interesting facts and tales interests you, head to the Missouri State Penitentiary Museum for the afternoon. Stories about the famous inmates, the Riot of 1954, and the many attempted and successful escapes from inmates will leave everyone riveted and waiting to hear more. You can also tour the penitentiary to experience first-hand the halls of Missouri's first prison.

I encourage everyone to take a trip to the center of the state to visit the Show-Me State's Capitol and to enjoy the surrounding community. Take pride in the freedom we all enjoy and the resources and talent our state brings to the United States.

A few other sites to visit and events to enjoy:

• Museum of Missouri Military History
• The Governors Mansion
• Jefferson Landing State Historic Site
• Cole County Fair
• Missouri State Penitentiary Museum
• Binder State Park    
• Frog Leg Festival in Russellville
• Scrivner Road State Wildlife Area
• Honey Creek State Wildlife Area
• Salute to America Celebration
• Coca-Cola Plant
• Central Dairy
• Missouri Farm Bureaus Log Home

Photo of Katy Trail.
    
St. Charles County

There are few places that offer as much as St. Charles County. This Missouri River bank community has been welcoming visitors since 1769 and still offers the old-time feel of brick paved streets in the historic downtown City of St. Charles. While in downtown visitors can shop in their one-of-a-kind stores or enjoy some of the fine local cuisine. Whether youre interested in history, shopping, arts, cuisine, recreational sports, or gaming, theres something for you in St. Charles County.

For those passionate about art, the Foundry Art Centre encourages visitors to eat, drink, & be creative. The event is hosted on the 2^nd Thursday of each month, April through October with various food and drink options as well as the opportunity to draw, paint, craft, act, and dance with other artists and performers.

For recreational travelers who are looking for a half-hour stroll along the Missouri river or a 5 day bike ride across our beautiful state, then the Katy Trail State Park is a great destination for you. The Katy Trail is built on the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad and offers visitors the opportunity to experience the same sights as the original discoverers of the state of Missouri. The Katy Trail segment through the 3^rd District of Missouri has been designated as an official segment of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

The Katy Trail travels across many of the scenic areas of Missouri with the beautiful river on one side and towering bluffs along the other. Runners favor this trail for its flat terrain, scenic views, and the crushed limestone surface that makes the run much easier on your legs. Plan your run or bike ride ahead of time and make it an all-day event!

For the experienced bicyclist who is looking to take a 5 day trip along the trail, consider the annual Katy Trail Ride from St. Charles to Clinton. The ride covers approximately 253 miles and features great food and fun activities for the bikers and the fans.

St. Charles County has something for everyone. Whether you are the outdoorsman, an artist, a foodie, or a family looking for a vacation that meets everyones wishes, St. Charles County is the place for you.

A few other sites to visit and events to enjoy:

• Festival of the little Hills
• Lewis & Clark Heritage Days
• Christmas Traditions on Main St.
• Oktoberfest and Riverfest
• Tartan Days
• Festival of Ice    
• St. Charles Convention Center
• Family Arena
• Foundry Art Centre
• Lindenwood Center for Fine and Performing Arts
• Lewis & Clark Boat House and Nature Center
• August A Busch Memorial Conservation Area    
• Augusta Wineries
• Cuivre River State Park
• Edward Ted and Pat Jones Confluence Point State Park
• The Meadows at Lake St. Louis
• River City Rascals

Photo of Meramac Caverns.    

Franklin County

Franklin County, beyond its rolling hills and pristine landscape, is a land of significant historical interest. Some of the first Americans to settle the county followed in the steps of Daniel Boone and as the trail westward was blazed, folks migrated to Franklin County due to its proximity to the river and favorable soil for agriculture. The Washington Historical Society Museum provides a great window to Franklin Countys past when in 1833 German immigrant families gave Washington a burst of population and put Franklin County on the map.

Walking into the museum, eyes are immediately drawn to an exhibit featuring the Washington Turn Verein. The Turn Verein was a group of young men who banded together to learn and perform physical tasks such as gymnastics and juggling. It expanded rapidly, turning into a social establishment as well. Moving into a larger venue, the Turn Verein was able to hold Masquerades and other gatherings. The exhibit highlights not only Turn Verein but also the physical and cultural aspects of Washington during the Civil War time period.

Around the time of the Turn Verein, in 1869, Henry Tibbe fashioned a pipe out of a corn cob. The Dutch immigrant began to manufacture and sell his pipes to friends, and by the 1880s, he had constructed a three-story brick factory for their manufacture. With a patented process of applying a plaster-based substance to the outside of the pipes bowl, Tibbes company, Missouri Meerschaum, achieved national distribution and gave Washington the notoriety as the corn cob pipe capital of the world. Missouri Meerschaum, the first manufacturer, is still producing pipes today in their Washington, Mo. factory as the only corn cob pipe manufacturer in the nation.

Another notable Missouri family is the Busch family, which founded a brewery in Washington. Producing chips and soda during prohibition, the brewery eventually closed in 1953.

With free admission and just a few blocks from the Missouri Riverfront, the Washington Historical Society Museum provides a unique look into Washingtons specific history and Franklin Countys history on whole.

Washington is a great place to start your tour of Franklin County, but the area is full of adventures as you travel west along the Missouri River or journey south. Enjoy your visit.

A few other sites to visit and events to enjoy:

• Meramec Caverns
• Town and Country Fair
• Gary Lucy Art Gallery
• Historic Downtown Union
• Meramec State Park
• Long Ridge Conservation
• St. Clair Freedom Fest
• Union City Lake
• Shaw Nature Reserve
• Onodaga Cave
• Purina Farms

Photo of Winston Churchill Memorial and Library.

Callaway County

On March 5, 1946, Winston Churchill addressed a crowd that included President Harry S. Truman, at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, with his famous “Iron Curtain” speech. In his speech, Churchill discussed how nations needed to protect themselves from war and tyranny. Churchill also stated that the United States needed to partner with Britain more, in order to prevent another World War from occurring. He believed that a strong alliance between the two countries would be best for everyone.

“Beware, I say; time may be short. Do not let us take the course of allowing events to drift along until it is too late. If there is to be a fraternal association of the kind I have described, with all the extra strength and security which both our countries can derive from it, let us make sure that that great fact is known to the world, and that it plays its part in steadying and stabilizing the foundations of peace. There is the path of wisdom. Prevention is better than cure.”

                                                                                    ~ Winston Churchill

After serving in the military, Churchill held many political positions and later became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for the majority of World War II. Churchill was, and still remains, a greatly admired figure whose speeches have inspired everyone from the general public to world leaders. 

In an effort to remember and recognize Churchill’s presence, in April 2009, I passed H.Res. 390, which would recognize the Winston Churchill Memorial and Library in Fulton as “America’s National Churchill Museum”. This museum not only honors Churchill but also educates people on the importance of World War I, World War II, and the Cold War. In order to find out more, visit the website at http://www.nationalchurchillmuseum.org/.  

America’s National Churchill Museum is located on the campus of Westminster College in Fulton. Westminster College has been educating and inspiring its students since 1851 and supports a multitude of diversity, history, and culture to the Fulton community. In September, Westminster College will highlight these attributes by holding a symposium that will explore how sports have shaped and impacted societies around the world and acted as bonding unit for the diverse countries and populations from around the world.

A few other sites to visit and events to enjoy:

•         Big Bubble Blowout
•          Blues n Ques Barbeque Contest
•         Backer Auto World Museum
•         Shryocks Callaway Farms
•         Equestrian Complex
•         Mark Twain Forest
•         Missouri Firefighters Memorial
•          Mildred Cox Art Gallery
•         22^nd Annual Capital Jazzfest and Capital Street Art Fair
•          Little Dixie Lake Conservation Area/ Lake

 


Photo of Innsbrook Golf Course.

Warren County

Warren County can be found in the rolling hills just west of the St. Louis Metropolitan area. This beautiful, lake-rich portion of Missouri was founded in 1833 and nestled in the heart of the county is Innsbrook, which is home to a breathtaking lake front community complete with a golf course and internationally recognized Audubon sanctuary. The sanctuary incorporates various sorts of wild grasses, native plants, and the protection of local wildlife.

For the more active visitor, Innsbrook offers a variety of lake activities including  boating, skiing, tubing, fishing, canoeing, and sailing. The area also offers scenic horseback tours through their designated trails, and after a long day of horseback riding, there are outdoor concerts featuring some of the region’s best local bands.

Classical musicians and enthusiasts should be sure to check out the Innsbrook Institute Summer Music Academy and Festival for intensive yet fun summer training with internationally recognized artist-teachers and Saint Louis Symphony musicians For those that like to strike a golf ball, head over to Innsbrook’s18-hole public championship golf course that is carved out of the rolling, wooded hillsides of eastern Missouri. The course offers dramatic elevation changes and scenic views, along the lakes and sanctuary.

Just south of Innsbrook, Lake Sherwood Estates in Marthasville also offers a full range of outdoor activities including great fishing in a number of lakes stocked with bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and red ear sunfish.  While in Marthasville, you can also visit the gravesite of one of America’s original pioneers and explorers, Daniel Boone. Kentucky and Missouri have a long contested claim on the burial site of Boone, but I am a strong believer that Boone remains in his final resting spot he chose in the beautiful countryside of Missouri where he spent his final years hunting, trapping, and spending time with his grandchildren. However, some believe his body was exhumed and moved to Frankfort, Kentucky, but legend seems to suggest that the wrong body was moved and maybe only a few of Boone’s bones actually rest in Kentucky.   

Warren County has a multitude of activities, so kick-back, relax, and enjoy the view or throw on some shorts and stay active on the lake or the golf course!

A few other sites to visit and events to enjoy:

• Marthasville's Concerts in the Park
• Annual “Mud Bog” mud run
• Lost creek Vineyard
• Blumenhof Vineyards Company
• Farmers Market at Diekroeger Park
• Cedar Lake Cellars

 
Photo of farm land in Maries County.

Maries County

To take a trip into Maries County is to take a trip into Missouri’s center, literally and figuratively. For hundreds of years agriculture has been Missouri’s leading industry. With soil and climate that allows corn, soybeans, and hay to flourish, traditional jobs of planting and harvesting are rooted deep in Missouri’s past. It may also be said that the rolling hills and rock cliffs of Maries County define the ideal Missouri topography. While Maries County is not a typical tourist destination for sightseeing or touring museums, the county possesses countless natural jewels to appreciate.

Agriculture is vitally important to a bright future for Missouri and the entire nation. The fruit of Missouri’s farming hands provides a sustainable food supply for America and contributes to the rest of the world. This stability adds an aspect of national security that we should never take for granted. While my position in Congress inhibits my ability to farm in the capacity my family used to, I still have a small farm in the area that has a few cows that my grand-daughter has named and a restored 1894 cabin that provides a great retreat for my family and me.

Maries County has more to offer than a rich farming culture. For a quiet day of small town charm, spend an afternoon in Vienna. For a more adventurous course of activity, Maries County has a wonderful terrain of rocky hills and valleys that make for a great hike. While outdoors, be sure to visit the Gasconade River that runs northeast and southwest through the county. Taking the outdoor fun with an appreciation for the great work and production provided by Missouri farmers can lead to a profoundly Missourian experience. A trip down the Gasconade to Maries County is a trip to Missouri’s heart.

A few other sites to visit and events to enjoy:

• The Old Jailhouse Museum
• Moreland's Catfish Patch & Steakhouse
• Gasconade Getaway Bed & Breakfast
• Gasconade River

Photo of Lake of the Ozarks.

Camden County

Welcome to Camden County, a perfect spot for you and your family to escape for a day, a weekend, or even a full week for great hiking, biking, swimming, boating, shopping, and a whole host of other entertaining activities. In fact, there are several state parks and outdoor attractions that the whole family can enjoy.

The Lake of the Ozark State Park, the largest in the state park system, allows you to take a walk along the lake, where you can see all sorts of wildlife and experience a variety of natural wonders. In the southern part of the park is Ozark Caverns which includes a never-ending shower of water that seems to come out of solid rock, known to most as “Angels’ Showers.” These caves are a common geologic feature at the Lake of the Ozarks and offer visitors the chance to witness the beauty of stalagmites and helictites while facing their fears or exciting their interests of bats, salamanders, and other wildlife not commonly seen.   Ha Ha Tonka State Park, located on an arm of the Lake of the Ozarks, has an array of 14 different hiking trails and campgrounds where you can pitch a tent, build a campfire, roast some marshmallows, and tell ghost stories.

Bridal Cave is yet another one of nature’s treasures in Camden County. Not only does this cave live up to its name with weddings throughout the year, it also is a great opportunity for your family to enjoy one of the most scenic caverns and to learn of its rich history and legends dating back to the Native Americans. Discoveries of hidden gems within this network of caverns continues and brings to light additional wonders, like “Mystery Lake.”

In addition to exploring the natural wonders of the area, be sure to leave yourself some time to check out one of Camden County’s excellent golf courses or to catch some sales at the Osage Beach Premium Outlets. Then head out for a night on the town. With a number of restaurants and bars, both along the water or in town, the entertainment and activities seem to never go to sleep. 

And of course, the lake area is a great spot to cool off from the summer heat.  There are ample opportunities and locations to swim, boat, fish, water ski, tube, or simply lay back and relax. If you’re looking for a day off the water, there are several places to get in the competitive spirit with putt-putt courses, go-kart tracks, and skee-ball. So no matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for, Camden County has something for everyone.

 
Photo of grapes that will soon be used to make wine.

The art of making exceptional wine is not an easy task, but you do not have to make the expensive trip to California to enjoy some great grapes. In Missouri, many wineries are family-owned, passing down not only the land from generation to generation but also the lifestyle and knowledge. This sort of family-owned model is a common theme in the heart of the country, whether it is a family-owned small business, farm, or winery. 

If you would like to see how these family-owned wineries are run or would like to sip on home-grown Missouri wine, take a trip along the scenic Hermann wine trail. It winds through the county and along the Missouri River for about 20 miles from Hermann to New Haven. The Hermann wine trail hosts many events that travel to all seven family owned wineries: Adam Puchta, Bias, Dierberg Star Lane, Hermannhof, Oak Glenn, Robller, and Stone Hill.

One of the largest events in the county is Oktoberfest held in Hermann and the surrounding area. During the month of October, Hermann is transformed to celebrate its original German culture and heritage. Take a stroll around the historic downtown and experience everything Hermann has to offer, from its museums to the delicious German food, beer, and wine. When planning to make more extended trip, there are numerous bed and breakfasts to accommodate your visit.

But, don’t forget about all the other great wineries and spots south of Hermann. The drive south through some of Missouri’s farmlands is an enjoyable one and well worth it when on your way to some other of the county’s other small towns with big hearts.  

A few other sites to visit and events to enjoy:
• Deutchheim State Historic Site
• Gasconade County Historical Society Museum
• Canaan Conservation Area
• Hermann Fire Company Museum
• White Mule Winery
• Swiss Meats

Standing tall in Miller County since 1931, Bagnell Dam has supported the local community for decades and made a great impact on the history of Missouri. Attempting to control the flow of the Osage River, a few very determined men acquired the necessary funds, lands, and contracts and began construction of the dam, providing thousands of jobs for local residents struggling to feed their families and pay their bills during the Great Depression. At just about a half of a mile in length, the dam has been used to generate both energy and jobs for Missourians since its completion.

While Bagnell Dam provides energy and controls the flow of water within mid-Missouri, its ultimate legacy has been the retreat-like community and the beauty of the land that has grown around the lake created by the dam. The Lake of the Ozarks has approximately 1,100 miles of shoreline, which is longer than the Pacific coastline of California. As I discussed in further detail in my Camden County posting, the Lake has a number of recreational activities and tourist sites, for both families and the nightlife crowd.

Every August, there is the Great Bagnell Dam Duck Drop, where thousands of rubber ducks are dropped from a helicopter to race down the river. Also, there is the Annual Hot Summer Nights event series on Bagnell Dam Strip, where car enthusiasts can show-off or check-out classic and customized cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

And finally, while the lake area is one of the main attractions of mid-Missouri, my home of St. Elizabeth in Miller County is part of this area as well.  Located just over 30 miles to the east of the lake, St. Elizabeth is the epitome of small town America, where everyone knows everyone and all are willing to lend a helping hand. This is where I grew up and where I learned that communities, churches, neighbors, and family are much better suited to care for their friends than the federal government is.

So this summer make sure you stop in one of Miller County’s small town communities on your way to the lake for some waterfront activities.  

A few other sites to visit and events to enjoy:
• City of Eldon Aquatic Center
• City of Eldon 27th Annual Turkey Festival Turkey Trot & Gobble Wobble 5k
• Iberia Community Park
• The Lake of the Ozarks
• 13th Annual Osage Beach City Park
• Saline Valley Conservation Area
• Miller County Museum
• Swinging Bridges
                        


Photo of the Cuivre River State Park Bridge.

Lincoln County    

Lincoln County, the northern most region of the greater St. Louis metropolitan area,   offers visitors a view of the slower-paced suburban life and a bit of Midwestern countryside. As one of the newest additions to the 3^rd Congressional District, I have enjoyed making new friends in the area and exploring the city of Troy and the other surrounding communities.

Even though you are just outside St. Louis, Cuivre River State Park has numerous opportunities to camp, fish, swim, hike and horseback ride. In fact, the county hosts the “All Breed” horse show series at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds arena. Whether it will be your first show or you have 40 years of experience, there are a number of classes and exhibitions available that will accommodate every age group and every style of horseback riding.

Troy also has an interesting history regarding its growth and settlement from one of the most extensive forts in the region—Woods Fort. In 1804, the Sac and Fox chiefs signed a treaty ceding a great deal of their land to the federal government. Tensions rose in order to defend their homes from the tribes, pioneers in the area built a series of forts as a first line of defense. Hostilities escalated during the War of 1812 and were not ended until the Sac-Fox Treaty of 1815-1816 was signed. During the War of 1812, Lt. Zachary Taylor, who later became the twelfth President of the United States, used Woods Fort as headquarters.  

Travel just north of Troy to the Elsberry area, which calls itself the “Duck Hunting Capital of the Midwest,” where you can find nearly 25 duck clubs that prepare for the fall migration and duck hunting season. Additionally, while in the area, visit one of the state’s remaining old calabooses, which was once a common term for a jail in the west and southwest.

Lincoln County has a little bit of fun for everyone and is a great place to stop for a hunting trip or while on your way to visit the famous boyhood home of Mark Twain—Hannibal, Missouri. Enjoy your visit!

A few other sites to visit and events to enjoy:  

• Hot Nights, Cool Movies
• Cuivre River Farmers Market
• First Baptists Church- Car Show
• Hawk Point Heritage Days & Car, Bike, and Truck Show
• Moscow Mills Site Picnic
• Lincoln County Fair

 
Photo of the River Trail at Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

Osage County

Landlocked in the heart of America, Missouri does not have any beaches or ocean waves. However, no worries, the state does have an abundance of fresh water from one of the largest man-made lakes in the country—the Lake of the Ozarks—and more rivers than I can count on two hands.

While the lake is always a good time, Missouri rivers provide great entertainment whether you want to fish, float, canoe, or just relax on the banks. Osage County has three of the larger rivers in the state including the Missouri River along its northern border, the Osage River along its western border, and the Gasconade River in its south-eastern corner. For most Missourians, a float trip is a summer must and a fishing rod is a household staple, so grab the tubes, the canoes, and the rods and enjoy some time in the sun along Missouri’s waterways! Even visit the confluence point of the Missouri and Osage Rivers.

Additionally, the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail travels along the county’s northern part with a number of observation points and camp sites.  Just east is the Clark’s Hill-Norton State Historic Site where Clark wrote of the local American Indian burial mounds. To get the full Lewis and Clark expedition, visit Dauphine Hotel which has been welcoming travelers since 1875. Its recent renovations make it an authentic yet comfortable, old-town getaway.

Osage County has great heritage and some remarkable spots to enjoy the Missouri rivers.  So before taking a political journey to the state capitol, visit one of the smaller communities just east in Osage County to get a feel for a more country life.  

A few other sites to visit and events to enjoy:
• Westphalia Inn
• St. Joseph Catholic Church
• Westphalia Historical Society Museum
• Bonnots Mill National Historic District

Photo of Windsor Harbor Bridge.

Jefferson County

Regardless of where you live in the district, head over to Jefferson County, which is tucked in the most south-eastern part of the 3rd District, for a memorable weekend. One of my favorite spots in the area is historic Kimmswick.

Kimmswick is home to attractions, museums, and restaurants filled with comfort food. Start your day by touring the Anheuser Estate which is the 23-acre estate of one of the world’s most famous brewery families. The house was purchased by the Anheuser family in 1916 and used it as a summer home until 1945.  After walking through the sprawling estate, head over to Mastodon State Historical Park and become an archaeologist for the afternoon. Want to impress your children or family members with your knowledge? The Mastodon State Historic Site contains one particularly important archaeological site – head to the museum to find out what it is!

After your morning and afternoon of exploring Kimmswick, you and your family can make your way to the Blue Owl Restaurant & Bakery which has been featured on the Food Network’s show “Pie Paradise” which featured the decadent Caramel Apple Pecan Pie. After your late afternoon lunch and indulging your sweet tooth, go over and cheer on the participants of the 5Kimmswick which is held on August 17th. This is a 5k and 1-mile walk and run through Kimmswick, which travels alongside the Mississippi River and the Windsor Harbor Bridge (the oldest known wrought iron bridge in Missouri!). Later that night, to celebrate finishing the run (or to celebrate with friends and family who did) Tin Cups Gifts and Bistro will provide those 21 and over with beer and wine tastings and those with little ones will be just as satisfied with an order of their famous pretzel bites. No matter what you are in the mood for, Kimmswick is a small river town that boasts the quaint, historic atmosphere amid the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life.

A few other sites to visit and events to enjoy:
• Governor Daniel Dunklin’s Grave State Historic Site
• Windsor Harbor Road Bridge
• Washington State Park
• Jefferson County Courthouse
• Morse Mill Park

Photo of the Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows.

Montgomery County

Faith has always been an important part of Missouri and its history. It started in May 1673, when Father Jacques Marquette and a French-Canadian explorer were the first to come upon Missouri while sailing down and mapping much of the Mississippi River.  Spain attempted to establish the area as an allegiant, Catholic community, but with little success in converting Protestant immigrants, it returned the Louisiana Territory, including Missouri, to France.

Protestantism continued to grow in Missouri with large congregations of Baptists, Presbyterians, and Methodists, but the significant growth of Catholicism was soon to come.  With the arrival of Catholic Bishop Dubourg in Missouri and afterwards Bishop Rosati, there was a resurgence of Catholics.  Immigration from Ireland and Germany further expanded the Catholic population throughout the state, but significantly in the mid-eastern area, including Montgomery County.  

While the state as a whole has a breadth of religious houses and monuments, Montgomery County has some remarkable religious sites.  One of the most frequently visited spots for prayer, worship, and simple reflection is St. Martin’s Church and the Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows in Starkenburg, MO. It started as a very small church, but along with the extremely devote local parishioners, a number of miraculous events that saved crops and houses of worship allured visitors and resulted in the need for a chapel much larger than the original to accommodate the guests and honor the Blessed Mother.  The grounds hold a number of outdoor shrines and a very unique, spiritual experience.

After your visit to Starkenburg, continue to enjoy God’s creations with a trip to Graham Cave State Park, which is of course known for its cave. Archeological findings in the cave date back to as early as 10,000 years ago and provide clues to the lifestyle of the ancient Dalton and Archaic periods. In fact, Graham Cave was the first archaeological site in the U.S. to be designated a National Historic Landmark. Outside the cave, there are an abundance of trails to hike and enjoy the land and wildlife. There are also picnic sites, campsites, playground equipment, and the Loutre River for boating and fishing.   

Our nation was built on the belief that the United States should be a place where people can practice the religion they desire, without fear of retribution.  It is this belief that has shaped the United States and our faith that has guided us in making the greatest nation today.  Ronald Reagan once wisely wrote, “We need religion as a guide. We need it because we are imperfect, and our government needs the church, because only those humble enough to admit they’re sinners can bring to democracy the tolerance it requires in order to survive… without God, democracy will not and cannot endure. If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.”

A few other sites to visit and events to enjoy:

• Valentine Hall
• Autumn Fest in Montgomery City
• Baldwin State Wildlife Area