Scott County: Mississippi Landscapes, Nature and History

Scott County offers plenty for travelers who want to focus on nature observation, Mississippi landscapes and regional history. Its conservation areas reveal different sides of the landscape, while historic sites and recurring events add other highlights.

The Mississippi, Habitats and Landscapes

At the Cape LaCroix Bluffs Conservation Area, visitors can observe the Mississippi’s historic and present-day channels. The area includes natural wetlands, limestone bluffs and beech-mesic forests, which are unique to eastern Missouri. It also provides habitat for the Spring Cavefish, one of Missouri’s rarest fish. River channels, habitats and wildlife come together in one place.

The Sand Prairie Conservation Area also combines a nature experience with special ecological significance: visitors can learn about one of Missouri’s rarest natural communities. The area is part of the Great Missouri Birding Trail, making it a great option for travelers interested in birdwatching. Its focus on nature is distinct from Cape LaCroix Bluffs, where the two Mississippi channels and diverse habitats stand out.

The General Watkins Conservation Area on Crowley’s Ridge offers a different perspective. This geological formation rises several hundred feet above the surrounding floodplain, which makes up a large part of Scott County. The view of Crowley’s Ridge adds a striking geological contrast to the river and wetland landscapes.

History and Collections

Historic Downtown Sikeston features early 20th-century buildings housing retail stores, restaurants and other businesses. St. Augustine Catholic Church was built in 1878. Together, these sites offer a glimpse into different chapters of local history, from historic commercial buildings to a structure with a specific year of construction.

The Sikeston Depot Museum opened to the public in March 2000. In December of that year, the Sikeston Depot was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Two other museums focus on different subjects: The Southeast Missouri Agriculture Museum has the largest collection of agricultural machinery in the state of Missouri. The Sikeston Rodeo Museum presents more than 72 years of Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo history, along with artifacts and memorabilia.

Recurring Events and Seasonal Experiences

In June, the three-day Kelso Classic Men's Fast-Pitch Softball Tournament draws teams from six states. It takes place on the second full weekend of the month; exact dates may vary from year to year. Check the dates for the year of your visit before traveling. In Scott City, Railroad Day celebrates railroad heritage every September; its exact date may also vary. The PRCA-sanctioned Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo takes place every August, though dates and programming may change.

Fall brings another seasonal attraction: Begg's Family Farm and Pumpkin Patch west of Blodgett offers a 12-acre corn maze. At Christmas, the Yule Log Cabin is filled with 165 decorated Christmas trees. It has been a family tradition for more than 35 years during the Christmas season; seasonal operations may vary. These events and attractions offer different reasons to plan your trip around your interests.

Regional Highlights and Getting Your Bearings

River Ridge Winery is nestled in the scenic hills along the Mississippi near Commerce and features the Fermentation Room Café on site. Sikeston is another useful point of reference for getting your bearings: it lies at the intersection of I-55, US 60 and I-57. When planning your hotel stay, first consider whether nature, history or a seasonal event is the main focus of your trip. This can help you choose a place to stay that suits the themes important to your itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Sikeston, Chaffee, Scott City, Barton County, Marion County, Mississippi County, Camden County, Franklin County.

For the broader travel overview: Missouri.