First came the Mississippian Mound Builders, from around 900 to 1450 AD. American settlers arrived in the late 1700s. The county was founded in 1821, the same year as our state, and Germans flooded in starting around 1839. Perry County is on the banks of the Mississippi River and offers plenty to discover, including geological features and modern-day attractions.
Stay at Eggers & Co. General Store Bed & Breakfast where three rooms are offered. The Drummer Room got its name from traveling salesmen who lodged there and “drummed up business.” Walt’s Room features a king-size bed and a full bathroom with a clawfoot tub. The Girls’ Room features a queen-size bed and its own bathroom. The home, on the National Register of Historic Places, also off ers an attic game room, a parlor perfect for reading, and a summer kitchen with a hot tub for its guests. For a more rustic experience, Perryville Campground offers more than eighty pull-through sites, tent sites, and cabins for rent. You can also enjoy the swimming pool, a 4.4- mile hiking trail, playground, private fishing pond, and more.
Dine at Mary Jane Burgers & Brew where mouthwatering meals made with the freshest ingredients are served to patrons. Of course the menu is full of delicious burgers, but street tacos, seafood, steaks, a kids menu, and small plates also satisfy every craving. Jackson Street BrewCo offers pizza, craft beer, sandwiches, and cocktails. We recommend the Original Gooey Butter Cake or any of the mini cheesecakes at The Cheesecake Ninja for dessert.
Visit the Perry County Museum at the entrance of Perryville City Park. Here, you’ll see children’s toys and school, church, and medical artifacts, among other noteworthy pieces. You can also spend the day at Lutheran Heritage Center & Museum where you can see rotating exhibits and learn about the first settlers in the county. Take a trip to the edge of the Mississippi River to see Tower Rock, a large rock that is a result of Mississippi River channel shifts. It is composed of limestone and was formed some 400 million years ago, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. The rock has been the subject of many legends, including one about a tragic wedding held at Tower Rock on April 9, 1839. After the ceremony, the wedding party’s boat got caught in a current and they perished. William Clark marked the rock on his map during his exploration. Now it’s your turn.
Visit YouTube.com/MissouriLife to watch the Missouri Life TV episode on Perry County.
