All Things to Do in Sainte Genevieve

244 St Marys Rd Ste. Geneviève, MO 63670 Call us at 573-880-7189 The Green Tree Tavern is the oldest verified vertical log building in Ste. Geneviève. Officially dated to 1790 by dendrochronology studies, this “poteau sur sole” (post on sill) vertical log construction was built by the French Canadian Nicolas Janis. This impressive structure has also been used as an inn, a tobacco store, and the first Masonic Lodge in Missouri. The Green Tree is transferring to the Ste. Geneviève National Historic Park. Open seasonally. Read more…

History Conference – Foundation for Restoration of Ste. Genevieve Held annually at the Ste. Genevieve County Community Center, the Foundation for Restoration of Ste. Genevieve’s History Conference brings together historians, researchers, heritage preservation professionals, and history enthusiasts for intensive examination of Ste. Genevieve’s complex, layered past. Presentations span from pre-European settlement through the French colonial period, 19th-century development, and 20th-century evolution, providing comprehensive chronological coverage that transforms understanding of how this remarkable town developed. The event begins with continental breakfast, continues through full-day presentations featuring expert speakers addressing specialized topics, includes lunch, and concludes with Friday evening reception allowing attendees to engage directly with scholars, preservationists, and fellow history enthusiasts. Whether you’re a serious historian researching specific topics, a heritage preservation professional seeking professional development, a community member deepening knowledge of your town’s history, or simply someone fascinated by how American frontier settlements evolved, the History Conference delivers intellectual engagement grounded in scholarly research and professional expertise. Comprehensive Historical Coverage: Timeline Spanning Millennia The History Conference refuses the temptation to emphasize only the most colorful historical periods. Presentations span from pre-European settlement—indigenous peoples who inhabited this region long before French colonial arrival—through the French colonial period when Ste. Genevieve emerged Read more…

Sainte Geneviève Holiday Christmas Festival Two Days of Music, History, and Celebration in Missouri’s Oldest Town Every first weekend of December, Sainte Geneviève transforms into what AAA Magazine has recognized as one of the top two Christmas celebrations in the entire Midwest. The annual Holiday Christmas Festival fills Missouri’s oldest town with a remarkable two-day program that spans more than 700 years of holiday music—from Renaissance sacred works to contemporary jazz—all performed in historic churches, galleries, and gathering spaces throughout the downtown district. With one of the state’s largest parades, elegant historical receptions, hands-on craft experiences, and French colonial holiday traditions, this free community celebration has grown over four decades into an event that draws visitors from across the region while remaining authentically rooted in Sainte Geneviève’s unique cultural heritage. A Festival Built on Generosity and Community Spirit Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the Holiday Christmas Festival is what it costs to attend: nothing. Nearly every event across the entire weekend—from world-class musical performances to craft workshops, from the parade to Santa photos, from historical programming to art exhibitions—is completely free. This generosity reflects Sainte Geneviève’s community values and the festival’s purpose: sharing the town’s historic character and holiday Read more…

Celebrate the sweet bounty of Missouri’s beekeeping heritage at the annual Honey Festival + Market, a delightful community gathering sponsored by Harold’s Famous Bee Company. This beloved event transforms historic downtown Ste. Genevieve’s Market Street into a vibrant celebration of all things honey, bringing together families, friends, and honey enthusiasts for a day of discovery, flavor, and fun. Traditionally held the last weekend in June, this year’s festival was moved to the first weekend in October, offering visitors the chance to enjoy this sweet celebration amid the beautiful fall season along the Mississippi River. A Festival for the Whole Family Running from 10am to 4pm on Saturday in June or October, Market Street comes alive with the sights, sounds, and tastes that make this festival a highlight of Ste. Genevieve’s event calendar. Live music fills the air, creating a festive atmosphere as you explore everything this unique celebration has to offer. Honey in All Its Forms At the heart of the festival is, of course, honey itself. Discover the remarkable variety of local honey, from delicate wildflower varieties to robust buckwheat and everything in between. Learn about the subtle flavor differences that come from different nectar sources and seasons. Sample Read more…

Jean-Baptiste Vallé House – Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park Standing as one of the most architecturally significant and historically important structures in Ste. Genevieve, the Jean-Baptiste Vallé House represents both the architectural sophistication of French Creole building traditions and the political power that once resided in this Mississippi River community. Now part of the Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park and operated by the National Park Service, this imposing residence tells the story of colonial governance, architectural evolution, and the dedicated preservation efforts that saved it for future generations. Architectural Significance: Poteaux-sur-Solle at Its Finest The Jean-Baptiste Vallé House stands as a large and impressive example of “poteaux-sur-solle” (post on sill) construction—one of the distinctive French Creole building methods that make Ste. Genevieve architecturally unique in the United States. Unlike the rarer “poteaux-en-terre” (posts in earth) construction where vertical logs are set directly into the ground, the poteaux-sur-solle method places vertical log posts on a horizontal wooden sill beam that rests on a stone foundation. This elevation above ground level protects the wooden posts from moisture and rot, resulting in far greater durability—which explains why this particular house has survived for more than two centuries. The house’s size alone commands attention. Read more…