Ruma IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ruma, Illinois.
1. Gateway Arch National Park
ICONIC AMERICAN MONUMENT
Gateway Arch National Park is an iconic 630-foot stainless steel monument that symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top for spectacular views of the Mississippi River and the St. Louis skyline. The park also includes the Museum at the Gateway Arch which chronicles the story of Native Americans, explorers, pioneers, and rebels who made America possible.
2. Forest Park
URBAN OASIS AND CULTURE
Forest Park is a magnificent 1,300-acre urban park that hosted the 1904 World's Fair and offers numerous recreational activities for visitors of all ages. The park houses several major cultural institutions including the Saint Louis Zoo, Art Museum, History Museum, and the Missouri History Museum. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy paddleboat rides on the park's lakes, miles of walking and biking trails, or simply relax in the beautifully landscaped gardens.
3. Saint Louis Science Center
INTERACTIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE
The Saint Louis Science Center offers an engaging educational experience with over 700 interactive exhibits that make science accessible and fun for visitors of all ages. Highlights include a life-sized animatronic Tyrannosaurus Rex, the James S. McDonnell Planetarium, and the OMNIMAX Theater with its four-story dome screen. The center regularly hosts special exhibitions and events, making each visit a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of science and technology.
4. Grant's Farm
HISTORIC ESTATE AND WILDLIFE
Grant's Farm is a 281-acre historic farm and wildlife preserve once owned by Ulysses S. Grant and later acquired by the Busch family of Anheuser-Busch fame. Visitors can take a tram tour through the Deer Park to see bison, antelope, zebra, and other exotic animals, or enjoy a close encounter with goats, camels, and other domestic animals in the petting area. The farm also features the iconic Busch family's ancestral home, cabin built by Grant himself, and the famous Budweiser Clydesdales stables.
5. Archives of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ
RELIGIOUS HISTORICAL COLLECTION
The Archives of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ in Ruma houses a significant collection of historical documents dating back to the arrival of the sisters in 1876. The archives contain rich historical materials including early documents from Germany, house annals from schools and hospitals, and records of the sisters' missions in China, Puerto Rico, Bolivia, and Guatemala. Visitors interested in religious or local history can explore the collected writings of Sister-authors, artwork by Sister-artists, and artifacts from the community's early history.
6. Regulators Family & Friends Trail Ride
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE
The Regulators Family & Friends Trail Ride offers an exciting outdoor adventure for horseback riding enthusiasts in the scenic countryside near Cahokia. This family-friendly event combines the joy of trail riding with camping opportunities, creating a perfect weekend getaway in nature. Visitors can bring their own horses and equipment to explore the well-maintained trails while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow riders and the beauty of the Illinois landscape.
7. World Shooting and Recreational Complex
PREMIER SHOOTING FACILITY
The World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta is one of North America's premier shooting facilities, spanning 1,600 acres with multiple shooting ranges and competition venues. The complex hosts the Grand American World Trapshooting Championships and numerous other shooting sports events throughout the year. Beyond shooting sports, the facility offers camping areas, fishing lakes, and miles of hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
8. Kaskaskia State Historic Site
ILLINOIS' FIRST CAPITAL
Kaskaskia State Historic Site preserves the location of Illinois' first state capital and one of the oldest European settlements in the Mississippi Valley. Visitors can explore the Liberty Bell of the West, a gift from King Louis XV of France to the Catholic Church of the Illinois Country in 1741, housed in a special shrine. The site offers a glimpse into early American frontier history with informative displays about the French colonial period and early statehood.
9. Fort de Chartres State Historic Site
FRENCH COLONIAL FORTRESS
Fort de Chartres State Historic Site features a meticulously reconstructed 18th-century French fortress that was once the center of French colonial administration in the Illinois Country. The impressive limestone structure includes restored powder magazines, guardhouses, and a museum with exhibits on colonial life along the Mississippi. The site hosts several living history events throughout the year, including the popular Rendezvous in June where reenactors demonstrate 18th-century military and civilian life.
10. Randolph County Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Randolph County Museum in Chester houses an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits showcasing the rich history of one of Illinois' oldest counties. Displays include Native American artifacts, pioneer tools, Civil War memorabilia, and items representing the area's industrial and agricultural development. Visitors can explore the changing exhibits that highlight different aspects of local history and the diverse cultural heritage of the region.
11. Pierre Menard Home
HISTORIC FRENCH COLONIAL MANSION
The Pierre Menard Home is an impressive Federal-style mansion built in 1802 for the first Lieutenant Governor of Illinois and stands as one of the finest examples of French Colonial architecture in the Midwest. The two-story home features original furnishings, period antiques, and interpretive exhibits that tell the story of frontier life in early Illinois. Visitors can tour the house and grounds to experience the elegance of early 19th-century living along the Mississippi River.
12. Popeye Character Trail
CARTOON LEGACY WALK
The Popeye Character Trail in Chester celebrates the town's connection to Elzie Crisler Segar, the creator of the famous Popeye cartoon character who based many of his characters on local residents. Visitors can follow the trail to discover life-sized statues of Popeye, Olive Oyl, Wimpy, and other beloved characters positioned throughout the downtown area. The annual Popeye Festival held each September attracts thousands of cartoon enthusiasts who enjoy parades, character meet-and-greets, and spinach-eating contests in this charming river town.
13. Ruma Prairie Nature Preserve
NATIVE ILLINOIS PRAIRIE
Ruma Prairie Nature Preserve protects a rare remnant of the original Illinois tallgrass prairie ecosystem that once covered much of the state. Nature enthusiasts can explore hiking trails that wind through fields of native grasses and wildflowers, offering opportunities to observe prairie birds, butterflies, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The preserve is particularly spectacular in late summer and early fall when prairie flowers are in full bloom and grasses reach their impressive mature height.
14. Misselhorn Art Gallery
REGIONAL ART SHOWCASE
The Misselhorn Art Gallery displays a diverse collection of artwork by regional artists in a beautifully restored historic building in downtown Sparta. The gallery features rotating exhibits of paintings, sculptures, photography, and other media, providing a platform for both established and emerging artists from Southern Illinois. Visitors can attend opening receptions, artist talks, and workshops that enhance appreciation of the vibrant arts culture in this part of Illinois.
15. Trail of Tears State Forest
SCENIC WILDERNESS ESCAPE
Trail of Tears State Forest encompasses over 5,000 acres of rugged wilderness in the Ozark Hills of Southern Illinois, named for its proximity to the route taken by Cherokee Indians during their forced relocation in the 1830s. The forest offers extensive hiking trails that lead through deep ravines, along clear streams, and to scenic overlooks providing spectacular views of the forested landscape. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy camping, picnicking, hunting, wildlife watching, and horseback riding while experiencing one of Illinois' most biologically diverse natural areas.