16 Best Things To Do In Perryville, Missouri

1. Pay tribute to the troops at Perry County Military History Museum

Perryville and the broader county are very proud of the contribution local citizens have made to the military efforts of America through the years, from the two world wars to more recent conflicts. At Perry County Military History Museum, you will get the chance to witness numerous tributes to Perry County veterans and those who served from far and wide. There are also several exhibits of uniforms, medals, and equipment from years past, underlining the sacrifices made by those who have put their lives on the line for the country.

Perry County Military History Museum

Address: 108 S Progress Dr, Perryville, MO 63775

Website: Perry County Military History Museum

Opening hours: Tue & Thu: 1pm - 3pm; Wed: 6pm - 8pm (closed Fri - Mon; closed on Wed in June - Aug)

2. Witness a natural wonder at Ball Mill Resurgence Natural Area

It’s hard to explain exactly what is so remarkable about Ball Mill Resurgence Natural Area, to the extent where it really needs to be seen to be understood. It’s well worth visiting though because the visual effect of a “resurgence"—which amounts to a rock formation that is carved out after the backing up of a sinkhole—is quite unlike anything else. In the case of this Perryville attraction, the rock has been carved by repeated rock collisions, causing a pleasing "polished” effect. This broadly replicates the process of a ball mill, hence the name of this rather wonderful piece of the world.

Ball Mill Resurgence Natural Area

Address: Perryville, MO 63775

Website: Ball Mill Resurgence Natural Area

3. Look back in time at the Historical Society of Perry County

Perry County has a long and storied history, dating back to the end of the 18th century and covering the county from Perryville itself to places like Duncannon and Shermansdale. The society preserves, and has maintained, a collection of ten historic buildings that include schoolhouses, taverns, and old churches. Most keenly recommended are charming old buildings such as Blue Ball Tavern Museum, the spooky Ludolph Church, or Green Park Schoolhouse. Make no mistake—these are attractions that are as interesting on the inside as they are beautiful on the outside.

Historical Society of Perry County

Address: 108 S Progress Dr, Perryville, MO 63775

Website: Historical Society of Perry County

4. Sleep by the lake at Perryville Campground

Like many towns, Perryville is located on a lake, and visitors will find that Lake Perry is a highly aesthetically pleasing body of water for a town to be centered on. Right on the banks of that lake, Perryville Campground is an ideal place to base yourself for at least an evening or two. Set among some of the prettiest scenery you could hope for, this site has space for tents and RVs, as well as offering on-site cabins with plenty of amenities, including free WiFi. With shops and restaurants nearby, as well as a lake plentifully stocked with fish, this is a worthwhile stop on your journey.

Perryville Campground

Address: 300 Lake Dr, Perryville, MO 63775

Website: Perryville Campground

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 9am - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 8pm

Price: From 27 USD

5. Get ready for Halloween at Perryville Pumpkin Farm

The simple pleasures offered by Perryville Pumpkin Farm really do bring home just how charmingly rustic the town can be. This is a full-on farm experience that includes plenty of kids’ activities, such as corn mazes and haybale forts, but also offers a lot for grown-ups—not least the Incredible Edibles event that happens every weekend in the lead-up to Halloween. Caramel apple sundaes, hot potato soup, and of course pumpkin spice cappuccino are all available. Plus, you can take a wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch to pick some of the famous veg yourself.

Perryville Pumpkin Farm

Address: 1410 Allens Landing Rd, Perryville, MO 63775

Website: Perryville Pumpkin Farm

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 0 - 6 USD

6. Appreciate the sacrifice of soldiers at Missouri's National Veterans Memorial

With tall black memorial walls for those who fell in past wars, and a veterans’ and military museum on-site, this memorial to the heroes who served America is one of Perryville’s most important destinations. The site has been specifically chosen for the privacy and silence that it affords, allowing all those who visit to pay tribute in peace. With a multi-faith chapel being finished on the site, it will soon also offer patriots of all religions the chance to remember those who were lost in battle.

Missouri's National Veterans Memorial

Address: 1172 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, Perryville, MO 63775

Website: Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 2pm; Sun: 11am - 3pm

7. Take in some peaceful moments at St. Mary of the Barrens

As well as its role as a Catholic church, St. Mary of the Barrens is of particular importance to those of the faith in Missouri because it represents a shrine to the Miraculous Medal—an object that devout Catholics consider as a representation of the Immaculate Conception of Jesus Christ. The chapel itself is spectacular from the outside, but the interior must be seen to be believed, offering stunning frescoes and ornate statues that really merit a close look. As a tribute to Mary, mother of Jesus, St. Mary’s is a site that deserves to be visited.

St. Mary of the Barrens

Address: 1805 W St Joseph St, Perryville, MO 63775

Website: St. Mary of the Barrens

Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)

8. Lie back and relax at Body Treats Massage & Spa

After a lot of time spent sightseeing, you are likely to feel like you could stand a bit of relaxation—and in Body Treats, Perryville has the perfect place. Whether you are looking to heat away the aches and pains in the innovative infrared sauna, or book some downtime with a hot stone massage—or any of a plethora of other treatments—you can be confident that after some time, you’ll feel refreshed and alert and ready to see Perryville in that new light.

Body Treats Massage & Spa

Address: 27 N Main St, Perryville, MO 63775

Website: Body Treats Massage & Spa

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5:30pm; Sat: by appointment (closed on Sun)

9. Set 'em up to knock 'em down at K of C Bowling Center

Any American town, big or small, will always be served by at least one bowling alley, and K of C Bowling Center is Perryville’s premier place to come for a few frames of action on the lanes. This is a destination that is dedicated to the simple pleasures, with affordable food and drinks and super-friendly staff—and kids, in particular, will have a blast whether they’re bowling or spending some time in the attached arcade. If one of your party is enjoying their birthday while you’re in the area, the center can also be rented out for private celebrations.

K of C Bowling Center

Address: 304 W South St, Perryville, MO 63775

Website: K of C Bowling Center

Opening hours: Tue & Thu: 6pm - 10pm; Wed: 6pm - 9pm; Fri: 5pm - 10pm: Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 9pm (closed on Mon)

10. Indulge in 'hunger games' at Mary Jane Burgers & Brew

Named for the founders’ grandmother, this eatery doesn’t leave you guessing as to what is on the menu—if you like burgers and beer, then you’ve hit the jackpot. Having said that, if you’re going to center your restaurant around burgers and beer, then they need to be pretty good, and thankfully, Mary Jane offers a wide range of choice in satisfying large patties with plenty of tempting toppings. The place doesn’t hold back on the beers either, with its exceptionally well-curated selection of lagers, IPAs, and stouts that are guaranteed to make a great meal into a perfect one.

Mary Jane Burgers & Brew

Address: 102 N Jackson St, Perryville, MO 63775

Website: Mary Jane Burgers & Brew

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 12pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 1:30am; Sun: 11am - 8pm

11. Swim, work out, or catch a movie at Perry Park Center

The multi-use Perry Park Center is a significant landmark in town, offering a focal point for Perryville where people can go for a number of activities. It has, for example, a wide range of options for visitors who want to get a bit of exercise; there is a swimming pool, a jogging track, and a free weight room. The center also has a large gymnasium, which may be rented out or used for sporting events, but also can be put into use as a movie theater and events room. All in all, it’s always worth checking the schedules to see what’s going on.

Perry Park Center

Address: 800 City Park Ln, Perryville, MO 63775

Website: Perry Park Center

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 5am - 9pm; Fri: 5am - 7:30pm; Sat: 7am - 7:30pm; Sun 11am - 7:30pm

12. Raise a glass at Pomajohns Bar

If you’re looking for a simple bar where the drinks are affordable, the atmosphere is electric, and there’s plenty of bar games to hold your attention, then Pomajohns will be one of the highlights of your trip. An extremely well-stocked bar means that whatever you’re in the mood to drink, the staff is sure to have it. Along with your refreshments, should you feel like a few frames of billiards, you’ll find that there’s an excellent pool room on-site too.

Pomajohns Bar

Address: N Jackson St. Perryville, MO 63775

Opening hours: 6pm - 1:30am (daily)

13. Sample an elegant bouquet at The Barrens Winery

Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed

Going out for a meal should always be a pleasant experience, and that joyous feeling can be helped along by a few glasses of good wine. By picking The Barrens Winery for your dining pleasure, you can be sure you’ll be well-served. The establishment has its own wine-making facilities and makes its own excellent wines, and the staff members are experts in wine and food pairing. At any given time, there’s usually a rotation of 10 in-house wine varieties—from full-bodied reds to crisp whites, making this a wining and dining adventure you’ll want to repeat.

The Barrens Winery

Address: 2815 N HWY 51, Perryville, MO 63775

Website: The Barrens Winery

Opening hours: Wed - Thu & Sun: 11am - 7pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 8pm (closed on Mon - Tue)

14. Play a round or two at Perryville Country Club

The stunning rural surroundings of Perryville make it an ideal place to take the most leisurely walk—or to put it another way, fit in a round of golf. At Perryville Country Club, you’ll find nine holes of well-manicured greens and beautifully kept fairways, making it a high-quality course for which keen players will happily make the journey. A challenging par-35 course, the location can be made into an 18-hole par-70 by turning around on Hole 9 and playing from the different tees as suggested. .

Perryville Country Club

Address: 1111 Big Spring Blvd, Perryville, MO 63775

Website: Perryville Country Club

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 6pm (closed on Sun)

15. Get your caffeine fix at Villainous Grounds

The popularity of coffee with something a little extra has grown over recent years, and there isn’t a single coffee chain that hasn’t followed the trend. The great thing about independent coffee shops like Villainous Grounds is that they can provide an experience that is entirely different from any multi-outlet chain. This is a store that’s filled with excellent comics, putting its own specials to the test without falling back on any cliches, and has an excellent pun in its name. What more could you ask for?

Villainous Grounds

Address: 26 N Jackson St #1334, Perryville, MO 63775

Website: Villainous Grounds

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6am - 7pm; Sun: 7am - 3pm

16. Get a glimpse of the past at Faherty House

As a window to Perryville history, there is no better place to visit than Faherty House, a four-room homestead built in brick and stone on what is now known as Spring Street. The house was built between 1827 and 1831 and—despite some changes made to the parlor in the 1870s by local clerk William P. Faherty—stands today pretty much precisely as it did back then. It’s a fascinating way to see the way Perryville residents lived just under two centuries ago and well worth a visit.

Faherty House

Address: 11 S Spring St, Perryville, MO 63775

Website: Faherty House

Opening hours: By appointment

Perryville is perfect for a relaxing break

Once you’ve taken a bit of a walk through the history of Perryville, you’ll be grateful for the modern conveniences of its excellent coffee shops and superb diners. You’ll soon notice that every day here involves that same kind of seamless movement between the intriguing past of the town and its comfortable present; and because this is a fascinating city where history and modernity live side by side, it’s all the more charming as a place to spend a relaxing break. And, the easiest way to explore the city will be to book a stay in Van Buren, a city which is barely a couple of hour’s distance from Perryville.