About Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park
Established by 1750, Ste. Geneviève was the first permanent European settlement in Missouri. Early French Canadian settlers were drawn here by the rich agricultural land known as Le Grand Champ (the Big Field). After the flood of 1785, the town relocated to its present location on higher ground approximately three miles to the northwest of its original site.
Plan a Visit
Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.
Weather & Conditions
The weather in Ste. Genevieve is typical of a midwestern climate. High heat and humidity, severe thunderstorms, snow and ice, and extreme cold are all possible depending upon the season. The average high in July is 88 degrees and the average low in January is 22 degrees. The area averages…
NPS Reference Location
Park state / territory membership: Missouri. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.
Operating Hours
Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park and the Ste. Genevieve Welcome Center is open daily with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. For program information and access to historic structures, please check with staff at the Ste. Genevieve Welcome Center, 573-880-7189.
Activities
Current Alerts
The Janis-Ziegler House (Green Tree Tavern) building is currently closed, due to unsafe conditions. Other park buildings and grounds are open according to regular schedules. For program information, please check with park staff at the Ste. Genevieve Welcome Center, 573-880-7189.
Getting There
From north of Ste. Genevieve (e.g. St. Louis), take I-55 South to exit 150. Follow MO-32 East for about 4 miles. Turn right on Market Street. From south of Ste. Genevieve (e.g. Cape Girardeau), take I-55 North to exit 150. Follow MO-32 East for about 4 miles. Turn right on Market Street. From southern Illinois, you can also take the Ste. Genevieve - Modoc Ferry across the Mississippi. Please visit http://stegenmodocferry.com/ for hours and rates.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Visit the Jean Baptiste Vallé House
Built in 1794, the Jean Baptiste Vallé House was home to the last Commandant of Ste. Genevieve. Jean Baptiste Vallé…
Visit the Bauvais-Amoureux House
Built in 1792, the Bauvais-Amoureux House stands as an architectural gem with a rich past. Here, Pélagie Amoureux, a woman…
Visit Green Tree Tavern
As the oldest building still standing in Ste. Genevieve, Green Tree Tavern has had a rich history. It has served…
Walk Around The Jean Baptiste Vallé Gardens
The rose gardens are open daily to visitors year round. Through many generations, and different families, the rose gardens have…
Making a Home
Learning Wellness Challenge: A home is more than the material of which it is made. Learn the story of one…
Houses of History
Learning Wellness Challenge: Learn about an unusual style of architecture and the many people who called these houses home.
More Things to Do
Additional activities and experiences from the National Park Service.
Take the Wellness Challenge at Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park
Personal wellness is well within reach. Learn more about the National Park Service Wellness Challenge located at Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park.
Stretch Outside
Physical Wellness Challenge: Take a stretch break.
Levee Trail Adventure
Physical Wellness Challenge: Roll along the river following the Levee Trail.
Move Through History
Physical Wellness Challenge: Craft your own tour by visiting local businesses and landmarks in the Historic District.
Embrace Your Creativity
Mental Wellness Challenge: Get creative, get inspired.
Stop and Smell the Roses
Mental Wellness Challenge: Take a moment to check in with yourself and your surroundings.
Revisit the Past
Mental Wellness Challenge: Reflect on the past and the idea of legacy.
Ask a Ste. Genevieve Ranger
Learning Wellness Challenge: What do you want to know more about? Ask a park ranger about what you are most interested in!
Visitor Centers
Ste. Genevieve Welcome Center
66 South Main Street Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670 For additional information, call 573-880-7189.
Nearby National Park Service Sites
These sites are ordered by straight-line distance between NPS reference coordinates. This is useful for comparison, but it is not road mileage. Trails, parkways, rivers, and distributed units may extend far from their reference point.
Nearby Cities for Trip Planning
These cities are ordered by straight-line distance from the NPS reference coordinate. They are comparison starting points, not official park gateways or road-distance estimates. Trails and other distributed units may extend far beyond this reference point.
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