Day Itinerary
11 Activities
Day 1
140 mi1 mi
Saint Genevieve: A Step Back in Time to the First French Settlement in Missouri
Saint Genevieve, a quaint French-colonial town only an hour south of St. Louis, holds the distinction of being the first permanent home for European settlers (mostly French) in the Show-Me-State.
You'll see evidence of the French architectural influence as you make your way through historic homes and museums.
So take a trip back in time today as you enjoy a taste of France before traveling further down the Mississippi to spend the night in Cape Girardeau.
You'll see evidence of the French architectural influence as you make your way through historic homes and museums.
So take a trip back in time today as you enjoy a taste of France before traveling further down the Mississippi to spend the night in Cape Girardeau.
08:30
St. Louis
Make sure your EV is fully charged so you can make this most of today.
63.2 mi
1 hr 10 min
09:4510 min
Ste. Genevieve Welcome Center
Travel Agency
Open Details
The best way to start a visit to historic Saint Genevieve is with a stop to the Welcome Center.
The helpful staff is happy to answer any of your questions and familiarize you with the town and history.
If you'd like to visit Janis-Ziegler's House, The Green Tree Tavern (listed later in your itinerary) ask here about tickets with a national park ranger as times vary and they are first-come, first-served.
Opening Hours Everyday: 09:00 - 17:00
Saint Genevieve Welcome Center
If you'd like to visit Janis-Ziegler's House, The Green Tree Tavern (listed later in your itinerary) ask here about tickets with a national park ranger as times vary and they are first-come, first-served.
Opening Hours Everyday: 09:00 - 17:00
Saint Genevieve Welcome Center
0.1 mi
5 min
10:0045 min
The Centre for French Colonial Life & the Bolduc House Museum
Museum
Open Details
This National Historic Landmark house has been lovingly restored back to its orginal 1790's splendor.
With a tour of the Bolduc House Museum and the LeMeilleur House just next door, you'll have the chance to see how the construction and furnishings of the houses changed in just one generation. It's a must-see!
You are only able to view the houses by guided tour, which leave hourly.
Phone 573.883.3105
Opening Hours Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00 Sunday: 12:00 - 17:00 Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
The Bolduc House and Museum
With a tour of the Bolduc House Museum and the LeMeilleur House just next door, you'll have the chance to see how the construction and furnishings of the houses changed in just one generation. It's a must-see!
You are only able to view the houses by guided tour, which leave hourly.
Phone 573.883.3105
Opening Hours Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00 Sunday: 12:00 - 17:00 Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
The Bolduc House and Museum
0.1 mi
5 min
11:001 hr
Felix Valle House State Historic Site
Landmark
Open Details
This historic site, built in 1818, was the original home of French-Canadian settlers, Felix and Odile Pratte Vallé, a premier colonial family.
Built in the American-Federal style and furnished with the style of high society 1830's, you'll have the chance to tour this beautifully restored house on a guided visit.
Admission includes your guide who you'll meet just across the street at the Felix Valle House gift shop.
Your tour starts at 11:00 so don't be late!
Phone 573-883-7102
Opening Hours April to October Everyday: 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00
November to March Thursday - Sunday: 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 Closed Monday - Wednesday
Felix Valle House State Historic Site
Built in the American-Federal style and furnished with the style of high society 1830's, you'll have the chance to tour this beautifully restored house on a guided visit.
Admission includes your guide who you'll meet just across the street at the Felix Valle House gift shop.
Your tour starts at 11:00 so don't be late!
Phone 573-883-7102
Opening Hours April to October Everyday: 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00
November to March Thursday - Sunday: 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 Closed Monday - Wednesday
Felix Valle House State Historic Site
0.1 mi
5 min
12:151 hr
Sirros
Restaurant
Open Details
Located in the heart of Saint Genevieve downtown is Sirros, proudly serving "American" style pizza, pasta and sandwiches.
You'll find the service friendly and the portions on the large side at this down-home nook. Settle back, try one of their local beers and enjoy your lunch before continuing on with your tour of historic Saint Genevieve.
Phone 573-883-5749
Opening Hours Sunday - Thursday: 11:00 - 20:00 Friday and Saturday: 11:00 - 21:00
You'll find the service friendly and the portions on the large side at this down-home nook. Settle back, try one of their local beers and enjoy your lunch before continuing on with your tour of historic Saint Genevieve.
Phone 573-883-5749
Opening Hours Sunday - Thursday: 11:00 - 20:00 Friday and Saturday: 11:00 - 21:00
0.5 mi
5 min
13:3030 min
Green Tree Tavern (Janis-Ziegler House)
Open Details
Constructed in 1790, this is the oldest known building in Saint Genevieve.
If you're able to snag free tickets from the Saint Genevieve Welcome Center, this is a tour well worth your time as you learn about the history of Saint Genevieve and how the town went from a majority French settlement to a German settlement.
A US Park Ranger will be giving you the tour, but you must pick up the tickets at the Welcome Center (above).
Read more about the fascinating history of the Green Tree Tavern here.
If you're able to snag free tickets from the Saint Genevieve Welcome Center, this is a tour well worth your time as you learn about the history of Saint Genevieve and how the town went from a majority French settlement to a German settlement.
A US Park Ranger will be giving you the tour, but you must pick up the tickets at the Welcome Center (above).
Read more about the fascinating history of the Green Tree Tavern here.
0.3 mi
5 min
14:1515 min
Beauvais-Amoureux House
Museum
Open Details
Built in 1792 by Jean-Baptiste St. Gemme Beauvais, this log cabin style construction is reminiscent of the early architecture the French Canadian settlers favored.
While the house contains a rich history (which you can read more about in the link below), it's only open seasonally without regular hours. If you're able to visit the Green Tree Tavern listed above, I would suggest that. But if you were unable to get tickets for the Green Tree Tavern, it's worth a look here even if you can only see the exterior.
Phone 573-883-7102
Learn more about the history of the Beauvais-Amoreaux House.
While the house contains a rich history (which you can read more about in the link below), it's only open seasonally without regular hours. If you're able to visit the Green Tree Tavern listed above, I would suggest that. But if you were unable to get tickets for the Green Tree Tavern, it's worth a look here even if you can only see the exterior.
Phone 573-883-7102
Learn more about the history of the Beauvais-Amoreaux House.
15.6 mi
25 min
15:001 hr
Cave Vineyard
Landmark
Open Details
Take a nice country drive out of Saint Genevieve into the wine country for a visit to the Cave Vineyard, a family affair since 2004.
Their tasting room is open daily and you'll have the chance to sample some of their local award winning wines while having a light snack.
In addition to their wines, they also feature their own beer, whiskey and bourbon for you to sample and purchase.
Opening Hours Everyday: 10:00 - 16:00
Cave Yineyard
Their tasting room is open daily and you'll have the chance to sample some of their local award winning wines while having a light snack.
In addition to their wines, they also feature their own beer, whiskey and bourbon for you to sample and purchase.
Opening Hours Everyday: 10:00 - 16:00
Cave Yineyard
56.5 mi
1 hr
17:001 hrHotels
Courtyard by Marriott Cape Girardeau Downtown
9.2
It's been a long day with an early start, so check into your hotel and relax before going to dinner and charging your car.
The Courtyard by Marriott Cape Girardeau is well situated near the mighty Mississippi river. If you have the energy to take a little pre-dinner walk, the front desk will point you in the right direction only four blocks to the east.
The Courtyard by Marriott Cape Girardeau is well situated near the mighty Mississippi river. If you have the energy to take a little pre-dinner walk, the front desk will point you in the right direction only four blocks to the east.
2.1 mi
10 min
18:305 min
Schnucks Cape Girardeau
Grocery Store
Open Details
Charge your car here.
Type: CCS 2 station, 1 plug Power: 62 kW
Type: CCS 2 station, 1 plug Power: 62 kW
0.5 mi
10 min
18:451 hr 30 min
Dexter Bar-B-Que
Restaurant
Open Details
Just a short walk from your car charging station is Dexter Bar-B-Q of Cape Girardeau. If you haven't had BBQ from this part of Missouri state, you are in for a real treat! They've been perfecting the art of BBQ for over 50 years....
Some declare it the best BBQ north of Memphis and that's a mighty high compliment and well-deserved. Tuck into their signature hickory-smoked ribs, brisket, turkey, and chicken all served with the most delicious down-home sides.
BBQ not your "thang"? They've also got fresh fried catfish and dependable burgers.
Opening Hours Monday - Thursday: 11:00 - 20:00 Friday and Saturday: 11:00 - 21:00 Closed Sunday
Dexter Bar-B-Q
Some declare it the best BBQ north of Memphis and that's a mighty high compliment and well-deserved. Tuck into their signature hickory-smoked ribs, brisket, turkey, and chicken all served with the most delicious down-home sides.
BBQ not your "thang"? They've also got fresh fried catfish and dependable burgers.
Opening Hours Monday - Thursday: 11:00 - 20:00 Friday and Saturday: 11:00 - 21:00 Closed Sunday
Dexter Bar-B-Q
0.5 mi
10 min
20:255 min
Schnucks Cape Girardeau
Grocery Store
Open Details
Collect your fully charged car.
2.3 mi
10 min
21:0010 hrsHotel visit
Courtyard by Marriott Cape Girardeau Downtown
9.2
Courtyard by Marriott Cape Girardeau Downtown has everything you need for a great rest after a busy day.
Enjoy a nightcap at the hotel bar or at one of the nearby riverfront bars and relax for the evening.
There's free parking, a fitness center and a restaurant so no need to go out for breakfast in the morning.
Enjoy a nightcap at the hotel bar or at one of the nearby riverfront bars and relax for the evening.
There's free parking, a fitness center and a restaurant so no need to go out for breakfast in the morning.