Your Local Area Guide to Ste. Genevieve, MO

Sainte Genevieve, Missouri is a rural area with a lot of character. It’s a destination for foodies, nature lovers, history buffs, wine connoisseurs, and anyone looking to break away from everyday routine.

Ste. Genevieve is known across the state and around the country for its many wineries, unique entertainment options, and award-winning eateries. There’s never a shortage of things to do in Ste. Genevieve and this travel guide will help you find the best of the best for your visit.

Even more unique, the town is actually a National Historic Park. Ste. Genevieve was established as a town in 1735 as the first permanent European settlement. Due to its unique history and well-preserved architecture, the town is home to a National Historic Park which began in October 2020.

Although a small town, there’s plenty to please everyone in your group when you enjoy a vacation to Ste. Genevieve.

Where to Stay in Ste. Genevieve

Ste. Genevieve is a great place to rent out a vacation home big enough for you to travel with a large group of friends or family members.

Bauman’s Deep Woods Escape

This house is an ideal vacation rental property for a large group of people. With 5 bedrooms and 5 bedrooms, Bauman’s Deep Woods Escape can comfortably sleep up to 23 people. This home has a great mix of modern and rustic amenities and decor. 

Enjoy the 40’ heated pool any time of the year and the indoor and outdoor bar, perfect for entertaining. Young ones in your group will especially enjoy playing ping pong, billiards, horseshoes, washers, sand volleyball, or one of the many board or card games.

Bauman’s Hillside Hideaway

This 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom home is another spacious vacation rental for up to 16 people. At Bauman’s Hillside Hideaway, you and your guests will enjoy ample privacy but still won’t be too far away from the activities that brought you to Ste. Genevieve to begin with. Only 7 miles from downtown and 7-15 minutes away from the best vineyards in the area, all the best spots in town are close by.

Although you can easily spend your time exploring all Ste. Genevieve has to offer, this home has more than you could need to keep everyone in your group entertained. Enjoy swimming in the heated swimming pool, relaxing in the hot tub, or having some fun on the volleyball court and horseshoe area.

Getting Around Ste. Genevieve

Ste. Genevieve is a small town but relatively spread out. It’s ideal to have your own car, whether you drive here or rent one, to best get around town and see all that Ste. Genevieve has to offer.  From the scenic downtown, to the restaurants, wineries, and attractions, you’ll be happy to have your own form of transportation while in town.

Car Rental

As mentioned above, one of the easiest ways to get around Ste. Genevieve and all of Genevieve County is in your own vehicle. While most people drive into town, if you fly into St. Louis Airport or Cape Girardeau Airport, we recommend renting a car from the airport, instead of waiting until you get to Ste. Genevieve to rent a car.

The Trolley

The Ste. Genevieve Trolley operates throughout Ste. Genevieve, carrying visitors from downtown to local wineries. An all-day pass is available.

It’s also possible to rent out the trolley for a private group rental. This is a great option if you and your group would like to bounce around to the different wineries and points of interest in town without needing to worry about driving.

Buses and Limousines

A few tour companies offer transportation to wineries and other Ste. Genevieve attractions.

Vines 2 Wines offers bus rentals for groups to go specifically to different wineries around town. Another option is the popular private bus rental company, Bus Ta Move. This party bus is perfect if you’re in town for an event and want a fun way to transport guests from one place to another.

Ferry

One of the best ways to cross the river to and from Ste. Genevieve is via the Mississippi River Ste. Gen-Modoc Ferry. This ferry transports individuals from the ferry landing on Main Street in Ste. Genevieve to Modoc and Fort du Chartres, Illinois as well as Illinois Highway 3. Be sure to check availability for the ferry and the schedule before committing to this means of transportation.

Grocery Shopping

You may want to stock up on some essentials when arriving at your vacation rental in Ste. Genevieve. Since the town is relatively small, there aren’t too many options for grocery stores and markets to help stock your fridge. Although what you lack in options, both shops make up for having a good variety of products. Rozier’s Country Mart Food and Save A Lot are the two best options for grabbing everything you need in a single stop.

Restaurants, Coffee, & Treats

Ste. Genevieve may be small, but it’s packed with restaurants that have become famous across the state and beyond. There’s something for every palette in Ste. Genevieve, including fine-dining establishments, diners, cafes, and ice cream shops.

The following are a few must-try options:

Anvil Saloon & Restaurant

Anvil Saloon & Restaurant is a family restaurant famous for onion rings, fried chicken, pork tenderloin, and homemade desserts. This restaurant has been established since 1855 in the historic downtown of Ste. Genevieve.

Week's Restaurant

Week’s Restaurant is known for offering a variety of delicious meals at fair prices. The portions are huge, and the quality is always top-notch. We recommend the rib eye steak or fried ravioli with a side of Week’s locally-famous Caesar salad.

The Audubon's: Hotel and Restaurant

The Audubon’s offers carefully crafted cuisine in a historic setting in downtown Ste. Genevieve. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and is known for its craft cocktails and beers. The Audubon’s is an iconic place to eat in Ste. Genevieve.

Old Brick House

Old Brick House is known for offering the best fried chicken in the area. However, the menu is full of all types of delicious comfort foods. This restaurant has been locally owned and serving the Ste. Genevieve community since 1980.

El San Felipe Mexican Grill

El San Felipe Mexican Grill is a local favorite and one you should visit if you start craving Mexican food on your holiday. Here you’ll find fresh, authentic recipes for lunch and dinner. There’s a good variety of traditional dishes and unique entrees you won’t find anywhere else.

The Kozy

For some of the best home cooking in town, head to The Kozy. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, The Kozy is a great place to enjoy genuine comfort food that you and your family will love. They also boast daily specials and make a mean Bloody Mary to start your day off with a kick.

The Midway Bar & Grill

The Midway is a popular spot known for great service and even better food. Here you’ll find traditional American cuisine at any time of the day. Although located just a bit outside of Ste. Genevieve, it’s worth the visit if you’re in the area.

Beanik Cafe and Pastry

Beanik Cafe and Pastry serves breakfast and lunch daily. It’s a great place to enjoy freshly ground coffee and a baked sweet or savory pastry. We recommend starting your day here if you prefer a light breakfast in a laid back atmosphere.

Common Grounds Coffee

Common Grounds is a must-visit coffee shop on Third Street. This cafe employs individuals with special needs, offering work opportunities and independence for those who may not otherwise have them. Coffee, non-caffeinated beverages, pastries, salads, and more are offered here.

Sara's Ice Cream & Antiques

The ice cream at Sara’s Ice Cream & Antiques is what draws visitors into the door, but they often come back for the unique atmosphere. Sara’s is a historic soda fountain loaded with antiques. It’s a must-stop location for anyone with a sweet tooth. Keep in mind, Sara’s is not open in the winter and exact working hours change each season.

Sweet Things Sweet Shop

Sweet Things is the place to go for all your sugary cravings. Open since 1985, Sweet Things sells homemade chocolates, a variety of candy, and even toys, games, and souvenirs. This is a great after dinner stop for the entire family to find a special treat.

Small Town Shopping

The downtown Ste. Genevieve Historic District has now been named the Ste. Genevieve National Historic Park and is part of the National Parks Service. It is a favorite shopping destination among visitors. Here, you’ll find everything from trendy boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, and gift stores.

For a cute gift for anyone planning a trip to Ste. Genevieve, Fleur de Lis shopping tokens can be purchased at the Ste. Genevieve Welcome Center at increments of $5. These tokens can be used as cash at most downtown merchants.

The following are a few must-visit shops while you’re in town:

ALS Pewter

Head to ALS Pewter to pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir that you won’t find anywhere else. At ALS, you’ll find pewterware crafted in history, culture, and legend. Not only can you enjoy shopping but if you’d like to see how the pieces are made, you can book a tour.

Belle Ever After Boutique

Belle Ever After is a favorite boutique in Ste. Genevieve that sells jewelry, clothing, and more for ladies and girls. They offer a wide range of sizes up to 3X in cute, trendy styles.

Only Child Originals

Only Child Originals is a small shop specializing in hand-made jewelry, metal art, and the occasional antique piece.

Lavender Moon

Lavender Moon has everything you could imagine for aromatherapy and essential oils. As a registered aromatherapist and nurse, the owner of this shop has been practicing the art of aromatherapy since the early 1970s.

Rust Artisan Shop

Rust Artisan Shop is a great place to pick up something completely unique. Many of their items are made from recycled materials or are other goods made from local artists. Whatever you pick up from Rust, you can be sure it’s not sold elsewhere.

Sassafras Creek Originals

For a great place to shop home decor and traditional handicrafts, head to Sassafras Creek Originals. This shop is known for its early American goods. From seasonal goods to decorations you can use in your home year round, Sassafras has a great selection of unique items. Do note that this shop is only open on Wednesday each week.

Magnolias

Magnolias is a trendy shop in downtown Ste. Genevieve. They have a large selection of women’s clothing and accessories, men’s clothing, and home goods. We highly recommend you pop by this shop while you’re strolling through town.

Show Me Shop

The Show Me Shop is home to the finest wines and gourmet foods in Missouri. This is the perfect place to pick up something to munch and sip on in your vacation rental or take home as a souvenir. They also have gifts, greeting cards, and garden decorations.

Harold’s Famous Bees

Harold’s Famous Bees is a honey and mead bar that you really shouldn’t miss out on. The shop is owned by two patented beekeepers. They specialize in making products with ingredients harvested from the honey bee. You’ll be shocked by the variety of honey products they have!

Sightseeing & Activities

There are so many things to do indoors and outdoors in Sainte Genevieve, Missouri, you can’t go wrong by making this city your getaway destination. Here are a few of our favorite places to check out with the whole family.

Ste. Genevieve Welcome Center

The Ste. Genevieve Welcome Center is an excellent first stop upon arrival. The attendants here are locals who know the city better than anyone else. They can direct you to historic sites, the best eateries, and other attractions.

River Rapids Water Park

The summer months are for cooling down at River Rapids Water Park. Several towering water slides, a lazy river, lap pool, zip lines, and numerous other attractions make this an exciting way to spend a family-friendly day in Ste. Genevieve.

Ste. Genevieve Museum Learning Center

The Ste. Genevieve Museum Learning Center is a great place to pass the day with or without kids. Primarily a dinosaur museum, this Learning Center goes above and beyond what you might associate with a small town museum. With ancient artifacts from all over the world and hands on experience, this is one you won’t want to miss.

As an added bonus, if you visit the museum on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, you can watch in real time as paleontologists study bones from the Missouri Dinosaur (video) recently found just outside of Ste. Genevieve.

Bolduc House Museum

The Bolduc House Museum has been operating in the city since 1949. This must-see Sainte Genevieve museum tells the unique story of New France, a colonial history many U.S. citizens don’t learn about in school.

Walking tours of this historic home and grounds will take you back in time to 1792, while the knowledgeable staff tells tales of French colonial Americans, French African slaves, Shawnee and Delaware Indians, and more.

Felix Valle House State Historic Site

The Felix Valle House State Historic Site is another place to travel back in time. The Felix Valle House itself has been carefully preserved, offering a glimpse into life in the region throughout the late 18th and early 19th centuries. An authentic mercantile store and other historic homes are also on-site.

Braden & Friends Challenger Playground

Visit Braden & Friends Challenger Playground with your little ones. This massive playground is a great place for your kids to get their energy out and make some new friends while in town. What really makes this playground so special is that it’s been designed for children of all abilities to play side by side.

Baetje Farms

Head out to Baetje Farms for a day in the Missouri hills. Here you can not only spend some time with the farm’s residents and their goats, but you can also enjoy some of the best goat cheese you’ve most likely ever tasted. This is one of the best outdoor activities in the area.

Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary

Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary is a non-profit big cat rescue center and educational facility. They provide homes to abused, neglected, and unwanted big cats. Crown Ridge offers a handful of different tour options for you and your family to visit and learn about the big cats that call Ste. Genevieve home.

Vineyards

Ste. Genevieve is in the heart of Missouri’s wine country. There are more than a dozen wineries and vineyards within the town limits but here we’ve gone ahead and narrowed down our favorites for you to choose from. With tasting rooms and guided tours, you’ll get your fair share of great wine.

Cave Vineyard

The Cave Vineyard is one of the most exciting and unique vineyards on this list. Combine a wine tasting with sightseeing by taking a tram ride through the cave. Inside, you’ll find a cool atmosphere where live music is often playing, and picnic baskets are welcome.

Brix Urban Winery

For a winery located in the heart of downtown, look no further than Brix Urban Winery. This winery and market specializes in small batch mead and fruit wines that are made and bottled on site. If you’re looking for something different than your typical wine selection, head to Brix.

Chaumette Vineyards & Winery

For a luxurious experience, you’ll love spending the day at Chaumette Vineyards & Winery. Here, everything is down with your satisfaction in mind. Enjoy beautiful views of rolling Missouri hills, great service, excellent food, and of course, fantastic wine.

Crown Valley Winery, Brewery, Distillery

If you’re having trouble finding a place all of the adults in your group will enjoy, Crown Valley has something for everything. As a winery, brewery, and distillery all in one, everyone should be able to enjoy some drinks of their choice.

Weingarten Vineyard

Weingarten Vineyard is another great option for wine lovers visiting Ste. Genevieve. This vineyard is housed in an elegant home full of European style. Guests love heading to Weingarten for a few drinks and a meal.

Charleville Winery & Brewery

Another great local winery, that also doubles as a brewery, to check out while in Ste. Genevieve is Charleville. Charleville boasts great views of the Saline Creek Valley, so not only will you enjoy your drinks while there, you’ll enjoy the location, too.

Beauty & Spa

Ste. Genevieve is an ideal destination for a couple’s getaway or girl’s weekend. The town’s salons and spas can make these escapes even more relaxing.

Sacred Therapies Spa

Sacred Therapies Spa is a local favorite. Head to Sacred Therapies for a Thai massage or to relax in the private infrared sauna for ultimate rest and relaxation. Another great option is that you can book someone from this spa to come to you and host a yoga session at your vacation rental.

Le Techniques Salon & Day Spa

Ask a local for a salon recommendation, and they’ll likely send you to Le Techniques. This salon and spa is located right downtown, offering a variety of spa treatments, hair services, nails, and facials.

KT Nails

Pop into KT Nails if you’d like to get a manicure or pedicure while in Ste. Genevieve. This spot has long been a local favorite. Drop-ins are welcome but if you’re crunched for time, it might be best to call and schedule an appointment.

Local Parks & Nature

While there’s plenty to do between the Historic Downtown, local vineyards, shopping, restaurants, and spas, if you’re interested in spending more time immersed in nature, we highly recommend you check out these three nearby areas.

Hawn State Park

Located in western Ste. Genevieve County, this nearly 5,000-acre park offers a variety of experiences to all of those wanting to spend some time outdoors. From great trails to unique rocky landscapes and plenty of bird and wildlife spotting, you’re sure to enjoy your time at Hawn State Park.

Hickory Canyons Natural Area

Hickory Canyons Natural Area is another preserved park in Ste. Genevieve County. Full of beautiful canyons, unique plant life, and tranquility, this is a great place to visit to enjoy a walk through the woods. Although this area has fewer trails than Hawn State Park, it’s still a great option.

Pickle Springs Natural Area

Pickle Springs Natural Area has a really nice loop trail for you and your family to enjoy together. With a waterfall, canyons, and well preserved nature, this is a great place to relax and unwind while on holiday.

With this we’re certain you’re ready to enjoy a fantastic vacation to our Midwest gem, Ste. Genevieve, Missouri!