Southeast Missouri: Top Five Historic Sites

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We’ve been wanting to check out more of Missouri’s historic sites for a while. We’re big fans of history with a side of camping, and once we realized how close a handful of sites were to each other in Southeast Missouri, the idea of a road trip just clicked. We lined up dog-sitting with our wonderful Georgia (the real MVP), loaded up the motorhome, and hit the road with minimal planning and maximum curiosity.

Spoiler alert: We had no idea just how old some of these places were—especially New Madrid and Towosahgy. This part of the state is quiet, humble, and absolutely packed with fascinating history.

Here’s the time-traveling route we tackled in just one weekend:

A peaceful, riverside grain mill powered by water and surrounded by history. We’ve seen wool mills before, but this was our first deep dive into grain milling and water power. The tools, the setup, the preservation—it was like stepping into a history book with a creek view.

Tucked away in Cape Girardeau, this Civil War fort still has some bones to it—actual structure, not just a plaque! It’s a small site, but it carries big historical weight. We were grateful to walk through and reflect on its past rather than just read about it on a sign.

This Victorian-era mansion in New Madrid is impressive from the curb alone. If you’re into old houses, intricate woodwork, or imagining how people lived back in the day, this is your jam. Guided tours only, so plan to show up at the top of the hour.

Let’s just say this place would’ve been teeming with birds and life in the summer. We visited in the winter and got a quieter, sleepier version, but it was still beautiful in its own swampy, peaceful way.

Now this was a surprise. An ancient Mississippian-era site with earthen mounds that once held temples and homes. When we visited, it was the winter solstice—and as fate would have it, an archeologist was on site to witness the sun aligning with the mounds. Talk about timing.

If you’re planning to hit these spots in a day, here’s how we’d do it (especially in the winter):

1. 8:00 AM – Breakfast at Sands Pancake House

2. 9:00 AM – Walk through Fort D (small but worth it!)

3. 10:00 AM – Tour Bollinger Mill (takes about an hour in winter; more in warmer months)

4. 12:00 PM – Lunch somewhere casual in Cape

5. 1:00 PM – Guided tour of Hunter-Dawson House

6. 3:00 PM – Head to Towosahgy to catch golden hour at the mounds

Seasonal tip: Winter = no crowds, but limited access to some sites. Worth it for peace and quiet though!

You’ll need to brave a gravel road (especially fun in a 27-ft motorhome 😅), but Towosahgy is so worth it. It’s quiet, reverent, and deeply fascinating. Honestly, we didn’t expect to feel so moved, but the timing of our visit—with the solstice and that chance archeologist sighting—made it feel like the stars (or sun?) aligned.

• Bollinger Mill: Serene, fascinating, and beautifully preserved.

• Fort D: Small, but rich with history and a physical space to walk through.

• Hunter-Dawson: Massive home, ornate interiors, and fantastic guides.

• Big Oak Tree: Peaceful but sleepy in winter—on our list for a return trip in warmer months.

• Towosahgy: Calming and deeply humbling. Unexpectedly spiritual.

• Kevin’s favorite: The preservation at Bollinger Mill.

• My favorite: That winter solstice experience at Towosahgy. We knew it was the solstice but didn’t realize the significance until we met the archeologist on site. A true goosebumps moment.

Oh—and also learning the hard way that RV pipes can freeze overnight. Whoops.

The overall preservation of these sites was way beyond what we expected. Missouri’s doing an awesome job of keeping these places alive and accessible—big props to the folks behind the scenes.

Absolutely. If you love history, nature, and a bit of a slower pace, this route is a gem. It’s perfect for:

• Couples wanting a low-key adventure

• Solo travelers with a camera and a curiosity for the past

• RV folks and weekend warriors looking to avoid crowds

• Anyone who likes walking through history instead of just reading about it

• Check tour hours! Some sites (like Hunter-Dawson) require guided tours.

• Don’t expect full access in the off-season. But you will avoid the crowds.

• Bring layers in winter—and prep your RV if you’re camping.

• Have lunch planned! Historic sites are often far from food stops.

• Mind the gravel roads. Especially in big rigs.

• The Landing RV Park (Cape Girardeau):$55/night, decent spot, but no info for late check-in. Bring a flashlight.

• JT Lot by Lambert’s:Funky spot near the restaurant. Full 24-hour check-out window = nice. Dog poop at our site = not so nice.

Yes, that Lambert’s. The one with the flying rolls. It’s kitschy, chaotic, and definitely an experience. We’d never been before and figured, “Why not?” The food was decent, the vibes were wild, and yeah—we caught some rolls.

Stay tuned for more detailed posts on each of these locations, including photos, stories, and tips. Got questions? Drop them in the comments!