The Hillsboro Farmers Market provides an opportunity for the community to buy and sell fresh local grown produce and a variety of other wholesome local foods Wednesdays from mid-May to mid-October.
Read moreAllée Allumée
Guides lead the adventurous through a twinkly path as children from colonial Ste. Genevieve bring gifts to a manger scene. Live music, cookies and cocoa, and a visit from Pere Noel help round out this seasonal event.
Read moreLebanon’s Winter Wonderland
This display at Horner Park is run by volunteers who crafted many the family-friendly, nostalgic look back in time with just a hint of modern day displays. The display is situated on a mile long road meanders past lighted scenes many of which are animated and set to music.
Read moreMusic at the Metter Concerts
Come enjoy a relaxing evening of music with your family and friends for this always popular Sunday Summer Concert Series in Metter Park. From songs of German American to the Vintage Country and upbeat Bluegrass, each Sunday will bring you a musical delight! Pack a lawn chair, gather the kids for a night of great music and delicious food.
Read moreVine Street Market
Welcome to the Vine Street Market, an open air, rain or shine farmers market nestled in the heart of the O'Fallon, IL Downtown District. Each Saturday you can shop for locally grown vegetables, flowers, fruits, eggs, cheese and meats. They also have a great selection of bakers and sweet treats along with coffee, craft brew beverages, and artisans.
Read moreOld Town Farmer's Market
The Old Town Farmer's Market serves the Belleville area from May through November. Everything is fresh at this farmer’s market and what’s on offer changes throughout the year. Come for the food but stay for the fun and experience the artists, musicians and others who make The Old Town Farmer's Market such a vibrant experience each and every week.
Read moreSouthwestern Illinois College Student Show
This annual exhibition highlights over 100 2D & 3D works by Southwestern Illinois College's own art students. SWIC has a pre-major program which instructs students on techniques in a variety of mediums including drawing and painting, photography, ceramics, graphics, sculpture and printmaking.
Read moreHigh School Student Show
This two-week exhibition at the Schmidt Art Center highlights the artwork of Southwestern Illinois College area high school students. Featured students hail from a variety of area high schools.
Read moreSte. Genevieve Living History Saturdays
History comes alive in historic Ste. Genevieve on Saturdays. Beginning in April, enjoy “Hands-On History” presentations, demonstrations and craft activities at historic sites. During June, July, and August, costumed strollers and various musicians and crafters will be on hand to greet visitors. Come interact with these special presenters!
Read moreSte. Genevieve Muny Band Concerts
Ste. Genevieve's Municipal Band performs a variety of favorites each week on Thursdays in June and July (except July 3). From polkas to marches, show tunes, kids' tunes, and popular melodies, you are sure to tap your toe to the beat. Sit in your car or bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy one of the few municipal bands still around, a Ste. Genevieve tradition!
Read moreBelleville’s Gingerbread Walk
Belleville's Gingerbread Walk is a self-guided tour through downtown where you can explore the art of many area residents who took the time to plan, create, and build award-winning gingerbread creations. These gingerbread creations are displayed in downtown merchant windows starting at the Square on East and West Main Streets.
Read moreOngoing Exhibits & Events - French Colonial Country
French Colonial Country plays host to a number of ongoing events. In the warmer months visitors can find the farmers market in Ste. Genevieve. During the winter holiday season Belleville’s Chriskindlmarkt is a place to visit. The Schmidt Art Center is located on the campus of Southwestern Illinois College holds exhibits and the Mascoutah Historical Society holds an annual Photography Contest.
Read moreBelleville’s Chriskindlmarkt
Recently, Chriskindlmarkt’s have begun to flourish throughout the United States. These open-air Christmas festivals are based on cherished Bavarian traditions. Belleville bases its version on its strong German heritage and will feature European vendors and traditional German food and refreshments.
Read moreSainte Genevieve Farmers’ Market
Enjoy a weekly fresh selection of locally produced vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey, canned goods, vinegar, jams, jellies and freshly baked goods.
Read moreSchmidt Art Center Art Exhibits
Located on the campus of Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, Illinois The Schmidt Art Center hosts rotating art exhibits throughout the year.
Read moreBIrd Watching in French Colonial Country
French Colonial Country offers birders a number of beautiful natural places to indulge in their hobby. Hawn State Park, Washington State Park, and Pickle Springs Natural Area are considered excellent places to spot an abundant number of species.
Read moreWashington State Park
This 1,875-acre park features prehistoric petroglyphs, rock carvings, from the Mississippian Native American culture that inhabited the area around 1,000 years ago. The park is noted for many stone structures that were built by the CCC during the depression and for the natural beauty of the eastern Ozarks and features swimming, fishing, camping, rental cabins, and hiking trails.
Read moreSandy Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site
Sandy Creek Bridge is one of only four covered bridges remaining in Missouri. The bridge was restored to its original appearance in 1984 and the site features 205 acres of natural lands, an interpretive kiosk, and picnic facilities.
Read moreMastodon State Historic Site
The 425-acre Mastodon State Historic Site preserves the Kimmswick Bone Bed, an important paleontological and archaeological site. A museum tells the natural and cultural story man's interaction with prehistoric megamammals. The park is the oldest Native American Indian site one can visit in the Missouri State Park system.
Read moreGovernor Dunklin's Grave State Historic Site
Governor Daniel Dunklin, Missouri's fifth governor and often called the father of Missouri's school system, is buried at this site atop the limestone bluffs that overlook the Mississippi River. Interpretive signage explains the role of Dunklin in Missouri's history.
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