Founded in 1735, the community was settled by lead miners, farmers and fur traders and the French influence is visible everywhere you look.  Visit the Great River Road Interpretive Center, 66 South Main Street, or tour the historic Church of Ste. Genevieve to learn about the areas fascinating history.  The Ste. Genevieve Museum contains varied collections of local memorabilia, including prehistoric Indian relics, old documents and Spanish land grants.

The historic homes provide a glimpse into the pioneer spirit of the city's earliest settlers.  Guibourd-Valle House was built about the 1784's by a pioneer French settler.  Handsomely restored, it is the most elegantly furnished museum house in town.  The Felix Valle State Historic Site, built in 1818, was home to one of Ste.Genevieve's premier colonial families.  This important Federal style limestone building features the authentically restocked mercantile store of the historic trading firm of Menard & Valle.  The Bolduc House, built in 1770, is regarded as the first, most authentically restored creole house in the nation. 

For a unique river ride, drive to the north end of Main Street - it ends at the river - and you can catch the Ste. Genevieve-Modoc Ferry across the river to the Illinois side, where some interesting historic sites can be found. It runs during daylight hours every fifteen minutes or so.  In western Ste. Genevieve County, relax in the natural beauty of Hawn State Park, one of Missouri's most beautiful and unspoiled landscapes. The 4,592 acre park contains lush stands of native pines and hardwoods, and a generous understory of dogwood, redbud, and wild azalea.  The ten mile Whispering Pine Backpacking Trail leads visitors along Pickle Creek and River Aux Vases.  The park also offers camping and picnicking.

Nearby Pickle Springs Natural Area is a special place and has been designated a National Natural Landmark.  The geologic features and plants found here occur in few other places.  Over millions of years, water, ice, rain, wind and plants have worn away the sandstone creating fantastic formations and deep, cool canyons. The area is named for William Pickles, a settler from Illinois who owned the land until, according to local legend, he was shot by Sam Hildebrand and a band of renegades during the Civil War.

Further south, visitors can enjoy historic Kaskaskia Island in Illinois with crossing the Mississippi River. In 1881, the Mississippi River cut a new channel through the village of Kaskaskia, creating the 14,000 acre island which is part of the State of Illinois. 

Enshrined at the Mission Church of the Immaculate Conception is the famous Kaskaskia Bell.  Eleven years older than the Liberty Bell, the bell was a gift to the people of Kaskaskia from King Louis XV in 1741.

This near 300 year old ball is held annually in February at the VFW Hall on Memorial Drive, to choose the king & Queen of Ste. Genevieve.  Period dress is encouraged, but not required.

This 3 day French cultural heritage event starts in St. Louis, continues to Ste. Genevieve and ends in Cape Girardeau in May.

During the middle of August, experience the French and German heritage with tours of historic homes dating back to the 1700's.  See artists and colonial crafters at work at the area's largest craft fair, featuring over 500 booths.

The Fall Harvest Festival is held in October each year.  It features various arts and crafts, live entertainment and local foods.

Kick-off the Christmas season by welcoming  Mr. & Mrs. Santa   Claus, listening to Christmas carolers, lighting the city's Christmas tree and enjoying a live nativity scene.