Tag: Family Fun in Sainte Genevieve

Ste. Genevieve Levee Wildlife Refuge – Where Mississippi River Bottomlands Meet Audubon’s Legacy Between downtown Ste. Genevieve and the Mississippi River, the Ste. Genevieve Levee Wildlife Refuge transforms flood protection infrastructure into wildlife habitat—more than 200 acres of river bottomlands, floodplain forest, wetlands, and open fields where deer browse at dawn, great blue herons hunt the shallows, meadowlarks sing from fence posts, and bald eagles perch in towering cottonwoods overlooking the great river. Dedicated in 2021 after seven years of collaborative planning between the City of Ste. Genevieve, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, both Ste. Genevieve Levee Districts, Missouri Department of Conservation, and Army Corps of Engineers, this refuge honors the historical connection between America’s oldest town west of the Mississippi and the river that shaped its destiny—while offering modern visitors the chance to walk the levee-top pathway, hike primitive trails to the riverfront, birdwatch along the Mississippi Flyway, fish the river’s edge, and experience rare undisturbed stretches of Mississippi River ecosystem recently transferred to federal wildlife management. The Urban Design Levee: Born from Catastrophic Floods Understanding the refuge requires understanding the levee itself—massive earthen barrier completed in 2001 after the devastating 1993 and 1995 floods that inundated Ste. Genevieve Read more…

Ste. Genevieve Trolley – Your Ride to Wine Country Adventure Since 2016, the Ste. Genevieve Trolley has been providing safe, friendly transportation that connects the charm of historic downtown with the scenic beauty of the county’s wineries. What began as a community transportation service has become an essential part of the Ste. Genevieve experience—especially for visitors wanting to enjoy local wines without worrying about driving. The Perfect Wine Country Solution Missouri wine country is one of the region’s hidden treasures, and Ste. Genevieve County is home to several excellent wineries producing everything from traditional varietals to distinctive local specialties. The challenge? These wineries are spread across the beautiful countryside, and responsibly enjoying wine tastings means having a designated driver. That’s where the trolley transforms your day from logistically complicated to blissfully simple. How It Works For just $20, you receive an all-day ride wristband that gives you unlimited access to the trolley service. This isn’t a rushed, schedule-locked tour—it’s flexible transportation that lets you create your own wine country adventure at your own pace. Board the trolley at one of the convenient downtown stops, settle into your seat, and enjoy the scenic ride through the countryside to the wineries. Once Read more…

Sweet Things Sweet Shop – “The World’s Okayest Candy Store” Where Nostalgic Treats Meet Hand-Dipped Chocolates in an 1860 Historic Building At 242 Market Street in downtown Sainte Geneviève, Sweet Things Sweet Shop occupies a two-room historic building dating to 1860, functioning as candy and toy store since the shop’s original founding in 1985—making it a 40-year Ste. Genevieve institution that’s survived multiple ownership changes, economic recessions, and the rise of online shopping through consistent quality, mother-daughter family operation (since late 2013), and self-deprecating “World’s Okayest Candy Store” branding that undersells genuinely exceptional hand-dipped chocolates, nostalgic penny candies, Jelly Belly selections by weight, novelty treats (bacon and cheese flavored crickets, anyone?), and carefully curated toys and children’s books. Sweet Things represents endangered species—the independent small-town candy shop where glass jars line shelves, chocolates are made on-site using traditional techniques, ice-cold Coca-Colas come in old glass bottles, and the owners (mother and daughter team who live in town) actually know customers by name, recommend favorites, provide directions to historic sites, and hand-deliver chocolate gifts within five miles of the store. Walking into Sweet Things triggers childhood memories for adults while creating new ones for kids discovering candy that tastes exactly as Read more…

Sainte Genevieve Museum Learning Center – A Collection Born of Passion The Sainte Genevieve Museum Learning Center offers visitors an extraordinary journey through natural history, ancient cultures, and local heritage—but what makes this museum truly special is a story that often goes untold. Behind the impressive displays, detailed dioramas, and remarkable collections lies the lifetime dedication of individuals whose passion for discovery and craftsmanship created something far greater than any institutional budget could have purchased. One Man’s Lifelong Quest: The Guy Darrough Collection At the heart of this museum beats the collecting passion of Guy Darrough, whose journey began as a boy combing the banks of the Mississippi River for fossils, artifacts, and treasures. What he found along those muddy shores became the foundation for something remarkable—not just a collection, but a lifetime of learning, trading, and building relationships with collectors and institutions around the world. Guy didn’t just collect; he created. The impressive dinosaur models that dominate the museum’s Hall of Giants? Guy constructed those himself, bringing prehistoric creatures to life with his own hands and expertise. His brother Fred contributed his own craftsmanship, building the museum cases and display fixtures that house the collections—a true family endeavor where Read more…

Weingarten Vineyard Winery & Wedding Venue – A New Chapter Begins in Ste. Genevieve Wine Country At 12323 Rottler Lane in the rolling countryside west of downtown Ste. Genevieve, Weingarten Vineyard Winery & Wedding Venue enters an exciting new era under new ownership—bringing fresh culinary vision, expanded wine offerings, and renewed energy to one of Missouri wine country’s most spectacular properties. Since its establishment in 2009, Weingarten has earned beloved status among visitors seeking sophisticated wine experiences combined with exceptional dining and event hosting. Now, with the recent reopening under new stewardship, this 20,000+ square-foot facility featuring dramatic three-story stone fireplaces, granite tasting bars, stunning countryside views, and luxurious bridal and groom suites welcomes guests to discover “the latest attraction in Sainte. Genevieve, Missouri”—where architectural beauty, viticultural passion, and hospitality excellence converge. Open Thursday through Sunday (Thursday 11 AM-8 PM, Friday-Saturday 11 AM-9 PM, Sunday 11 AM-6 PM), Weingarten offers wine tastings, full restaurant service, private events, and wedding experiences against the backdrop of some of Ste. Genevieve County’s most picturesque terrain. The New Ownership Vision: Bringing Fresh Experiences to an Established Destination “Under New Ownership!” isn’t just marketing copy—it’s genuine enthusiasm from owners committed to honoring Weingarten’s 15-year legacy Read more…