Perryville, located just eighty miles south of St. Louis, is a small town with deep roots and a strong dedication to God and country. These values shine brightly in two of the town’s main attractions: The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial.

Start with a visit to the historic National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. This beautiful place was founded in 1818 with the construction of a log church and Saint Mary’s of the Barrens Seminary. The Catholic seminary was the first institution of higher education west of the Mississippi River and today features the largest Rosary Walk in North America. Free guided tours of the nearly two-hundred-year old Shrine Church are available daily (excluding holidays). A visit to the National Shrine will leave you feeling blessed and inspired.

Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial (MNVM) is your next stop. This memorial features the only full-size black granite Vietnam Wall outside of Washington, DC, and was inspired by a soldier’s promise made to his friends who died in combat. The MNVM offers veterans, civilians, and active service members a place to reflect on the sacrifices of all service men and women in a peaceful setting — at no cost. The heroism honored here will leave you brimming with national pride.

Don’t leave without stopping at one of Perryville’s hometown restaurants. You will be glad you did

Points of Interest

1. National Shrine of Our Lady of Miraculous Medal
1805 W. St. Joseph St.
2. Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial
1172 Veterans Memorial Pkwy.