All Day Time in United States

Baetje Farms Just across from Chateau Ste. Genevieve winery on Jackson School Road in Bloomsdale, Baetje Farms has established itself as one of Ste. Genevieve County’s most remarkable agricultural success stories—a comprehensive agritourism destination where award-winning artisan cheese production, immersive farm experiences, and elegant event hosting come together to create something truly special. Important: Baetje Farms is a working farm. Tours and tastings require advance booking by phone. Do not show up without calling ahead to schedule your visit. Founded by Steve and Veronica Baetje and now operated by the Clement family (who also owns The Kozy and Dew Drop Inn), this is not just a farm that happens to make cheese—it’s a world-class artisan operation where white Saanen goats graze on-site, provide milk, and become central to an immersive experience understanding how exceptional cheese begins with happy, healthy animals producing the best possible milk. The award-winning cheeses—Bloomsdale (Super Gold World Cheese Awards winner inspired by Valencay), Miette (“small, sweet thing,” their most awarded honeymoon cheese), Coeur de la Crème, Vallée, and Amoureux—aren’t “good for a local product”; they’re legitimately world-class, standing alongside finest artisan products from anywhere in the world. One delighted visitor testified: “The tour was absolutely incredible—seeing Read more…

Centre for French Colonial Life – Gateway to America’s French Heritage At the corner of 2nd and Market Streets in the heart of Ste. Genevieve’s Historic District stands the Centre for French Colonial Life, an institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and sharing the remarkably rich story of the French colonial presence in the Mississippi River Valley. Your Journey Begins Here The Centre for French Colonial Life is designed to be your first stop when exploring Ste. Genevieve’s French colonial heritage. Inside this modern facility, you’ll find everything you need to make the most of your visit: thoughtfully curated changing exhibits that provide context and depth, a well-stocked gift shop offering books and items related to French colonial history, and friendly staff ready to answer questions and help you plan your exploration of the museum campus. This is where you’ll purchase tickets for the guided tours of the historic Bolduc and LeMeilleur Houses, learn about special programs and events, and get oriented to the broader story you’re about to experience. The Centre serves as the interpretive foundation that makes your visits to the historic houses more meaningful—providing background, context, and the big-picture understanding that transforms a tour of old buildings into Read more…

Jour de Fête – Ste. Genevieve’s Grand Celebration Every year on the second full weekend in August, the streets of Historic Downtown Ste. Genevieve transform into a vibrant marketplace and festival ground for Jour de Fête—southeast Missouri’s largest and most beloved outdoor crafts fair. This spectacular two-day celebration draws thousands of visitors who come to experience the perfect blend of artisan craftsmanship, delicious food, live entertainment, and the unique historic charm that only America’s oldest town west of the Mississippi can provide. A Feast for the Senses With over 150 vendors lining the historic streets, Jour de Fête offers an unparalleled shopping experience for lovers of handcrafted goods and unique artisan work. Stroll beneath the shade of century-old trees as you discover an impressive array of arts and crafts: hand-thrown pottery, custom jewelry, woodwork, paintings, textiles, metalwork, folk art, home décor, and so much more. Each booth represents the passion and skill of talented craftspeople, many of whom have been returning to Jour de Fête year after year, making it a beloved tradition for vendors and visitors alike. Whether you’re searching for a one-of-a-kind gift, looking to add to your art collection, or simply enjoy browsing beautiful handmade items, you’ll Read more…

River Rapids Waterpark at the Y Located at 1301 Progress Parkway in Ste. Genevieve, River Rapids Waterpark delivers family-friendly summer fun in Missouri’s oldest town—a welcome escape from history tourism and a reminder that water play, laughter, and splashing are just as much part of a complete vacation as exploring colonial homes and French heritage sites. This amazing facility includes several tubular tall water slides delivering genuine adrenaline, a lazy river offering relaxing floats around the park, a 6-lane lap pool featuring a zip line, climbing ropes, and diving board, and an exciting kids’ play area with 30 different activities. Operating daily from 11 AM to 6 PM from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, River Rapids Waterpark transforms summer afternoons into wet, wild celebrations perfect for families, friends, or anyone needing cooling-off relief from Missouri heat. Multiple Ways to Play: Every Thrill Level River Rapids Waterpark understands that water fun means different things to different people. The tubular tall water slides deliver genuine speed and excitement for thrill-seekers—you climb the tower, feel the anticipation as you position yourself at the slide entrance, then plunge through enclosed tubes toward the splash pool below. That closed-tube design creates additional thrills Read more…

Sainte Genevieve Art Center & Museum – Historic Legacy Meets Living Creativity Nestled comfortably in the shadow of the historic Sainte Geneviève Catholic Church at 310 Merchant Street, the Sainte Genevieve Art Center & Museum occupies a place of quiet significance in both the physical and cultural landscape of Missouri’s oldest town. This isn’t just another small-town art gallery—it’s a vital institution that illuminates Ste. Genevieve’s surprisingly important role in American art heritage while serving as an active, thriving hub for contemporary creativity. A Building with Its Own Story The Art Center is housed in a stately Norman-Revival stone building that itself tells a story of community pride and celebration. Built in 1934 in preparation for the city’s bicentennial celebration, the structure reflects the civic confidence and architectural ambition of Depression-era America. The choice of Norman-Revival style—with its solid stone construction, arched openings, and medieval European echoes—was particularly fitting for a town celebrating its French colonial heritage. That this beautiful building now serves as home to the Art Center creates a perfect synergy: historic architecture preserving and presenting both historic and contemporary art. The stone walls that once marked a bicentennial milestone now safeguard the legacy of artists who found Read more…