Charleston MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Charleston, Missouri.
1. Dogwood-Azalea Festival
SPECTACULAR SPRING CELEBRATION
The Charleston Dogwood-Azalea Festival is a beloved annual celebration showcasing the town's beautiful flowering trees and shrubs. Visitors can enjoy tours of historic homes, parades, craft shows, and various entertainment options during this springtime event. The festival has become a signature attraction that draws tourists from across the region to experience Charleston's natural beauty and small-town charm.
2. Historic Homes Tour
ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
Charleston's Beautiful Historic Homes offer visitors a glimpse into the architectural heritage of this Mississippi Delta community. The well-preserved homes feature various architectural styles from different periods, showcasing the town's rich history. Many of these historic residences are highlighted during special tours, particularly during the annual Dogwood-Azalea Festival.
3. Benny Hillhouse Memorial Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION SPACE
Benny Hillhouse Memorial Park serves as a central recreational area for Charleston residents and visitors. The park offers various amenities for outdoor activities and community gatherings throughout the year. According to Tripadvisor, it ranks as one of the top attractions in Charleston.
4. St. Henry's Catholic Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
St. Henry's Catholic Church stands as a significant religious and architectural landmark in Charleston. The church's historical importance and distinctive design make it a point of interest for visitors exploring the town. It is recognized as one of the notable churches and cathedrals in the area that tourists often visit.
5. Boomtown
LOCAL HISTORICAL ATTRACTION
Boomtown is listed as one of the main attractions in Charleston according to Tripadvisor rankings. This local point of interest offers visitors an opportunity to explore aspects of Charleston's history and development. It represents part of the cultural heritage that makes Charleston a unique destination in Missouri's Bootheel region.
6. Charleston Country Club
GOLF AND RECREATION
The Charleston Country Club provides golfing opportunities for both residents and visitors to the area. The golf course is highlighted as one of the key recreational attractions in Charleston. Visitors can enjoy the well-maintained grounds while experiencing a favorite pastime in this small Missouri town.
7. Mississippi County Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The Mississippi County Historical Society Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of Charleston and the surrounding area. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of this Mississippi Delta community. Visitors can learn about the agricultural heritage, community development, and notable events that shaped the region.
8. Big Oak Tree State Park
NATURAL WONDER PRESERVE
Big Oak Tree State Park is located near Charleston in Mississippi County, preserving some of Missouri's last remaining native bottomland hardwood forest. The park is famous for its champion trees, including massive oaks, cypresses, and hickories that tower over the landscape. Visitors can explore boardwalk trails through the swampy terrain and observe the diverse wildlife that inhabits this unique ecosystem.
9. Ten Mile Pond Conservation Area
WILDLIFE AND WETLANDS
Ten Mile Pond Conservation Area offers nearly 3,800 acres of wetlands and wildlife habitat near Charleston. This conservation area is popular for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and nature photography throughout different seasons. Visitors can experience the rich biodiversity of the Mississippi Delta region while enjoying outdoor recreational activities.
10. Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site
ANTEBELLUM MANSION EXPERIENCE
Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site preserves a stately 15-room mansion built in 1860, located in nearby New Madrid County. The home is furnished with period pieces, many original to the Hunter family, providing an authentic glimpse into upper-class life in pre-Civil War southeast Missouri. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the architecture, furnishings, and the family's history in this remarkably preserved antebellum home.
11. New Madrid Historical Museum
EARTHQUAKE AND RIVER HISTORY
The New Madrid Historical Museum chronicles the famous New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812, which were among the most powerful in U.S. history. Exhibits also cover the region's Mississippi River history, Native American artifacts, and the development of this historic river town. Located just a short drive from Charleston, this museum offers visitors fascinating insights into one of the most geologically significant events in American history.
12. Sikeston Rodeo
THRILLING WESTERN ENTERTAINMENT
The Sikeston Rodeo, officially known as the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo, is one of the premier rodeo events in the Midwest, held annually in nearby Sikeston. Professional cowboys and cowgirls compete in traditional rodeo events including bull riding, barrel racing, and calf roping, drawing spectators from across the region. The rodeo also features musical performances by country music stars, making it a major entertainment attraction in southeast Missouri.
13. Lambert's Cafe
HOME OF THROWN ROLLS
Lambert's Cafe, famously known as the "Home of Thrown Rolls," offers a unique dining experience where servers literally throw fresh, hot rolls to diners across the restaurant. Beyond the flying bread, the restaurant serves generous portions of Southern-style comfort food with waiters circulating to offer "pass arounds" of fried okra, black-eyed peas, and other side dishes. Located in Sikeston, about 30 minutes from Charleston, this nationally known eatery attracts visitors from across the country who come for both the food and the entertaining atmosphere.
14. Sikeston Depot Museum & Gallery
ART AND RAILROAD HISTORY
The Sikeston Depot Museum & Gallery is housed in a beautifully restored 1916 railroad depot that showcases the region's rich railway history. The museum features changing art exhibitions alongside permanent historical displays about Sikeston and southeast Missouri. Visitors can explore artifacts from the area's agricultural and industrial past while also enjoying works by local and regional artists in this cultural centerpiece of the community.
15. Beggs Family Farm
AGRICULTURAL FUN AND EDUCATION
Beggs Family Farm offers seasonal agritourism experiences with a popular fall festival featuring a corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayrides, and numerous family-friendly attractions. The working farm provides educational opportunities for visitors to learn about agriculture while enjoying outdoor activities. This rural attraction draws families from throughout southeast Missouri and beyond during its operating season.