Ste. Genevieve is the oldest city west of the Mississippi
Established in 1735 by French-Canadian pioneers, Ste. Genevieve is the oldest settlement west of the Mississippi. As a result, this city of 5,000 is steeped in its mother culture, including French Colonial architecture, celebrations and historic sites. Tourism plays a significant role in the local economy. "It has a perfect mix of history, culture and natural scenery," says Kathryn Jewell, a Realtor with Re/Max Results who has served the area for over 20 years. Despite the area's nearly 300-year-old story, modern amenities are also available. "It's got a great nightlife for such a small town," says Zachary Naeger, an agent with Steiger Properties. "Some music venues and a handful of restaurants have become institutions to the city." But if residents are eager for the full metro experience, Ste. Genevieve is about an hour's drive from Saint Louis .
Historic homes are downtown, with modern builds farther out
Historical homes from the turn of the 20th century and earlier are typical around the city center. Lots here are snug, rarely reaching a quarter acre. Narrow sidewalks connect residential areas to the downtown, increasing walkability. Victorian, colonial and other traditional styles are typically priced from $210,000 to $360,000. Farther away, areas like Grayhawk offer gated communities with modern construction and water views. Midcentury-style homes with cottage and farmhouse accents typically cost $140,000 to $420,000, depending on size and features.
Museums and monuments highlight centuries of local history
Filled with preserved examples of French Colonial architecture and monuments, Ste. Genevieve's Historic District was named a National Historical Park by the National Park Service in 2020. Visitors can learn about 18th-century life in sites like the Green Tree Tavern, the Jean-Baptiste Valle House and the Bequette-Ribault House. Built as a movie theater in the 1930s, the Orris has a full calendar of live music, themed parties and a lecture series from the Ste. Genevieve Museum. The Ste. Genevieve Museum Learning Center features exhibits on the region's history that go as far back as the Mesozoic Era. The Ste. Genevieve County Community Center is a hub for local events and recreation, hosting sports leagues, fitness opportunities and live entertainment for kids. It's also the home of the River Rapids Waterpark, which has waterslides, a lazy river and a rock-climbing wall.
High school athletics and theater thrive in local schools
Area students are served by the Ste. Genevieve County R-II School District, which has an A-minus from Niche. The district's performing arts center hosts theatrical productions from all grade levels in a 700-seat auditorium. Ste. Genevieve High School has a proud tradition in athletics, with its wrestling, girls' volleyball and girls' track and field teams making it to the state playoffs between 2022 and 2025. Private education is also available through institutions like Valle Catholic School, St. Joseph Catholic School and Hope Christian Academy. Niche gives Valle a B-minus, but has yet to score St. Joseph or Hope.
Annual festivals feature music, food and historic French flair
Ste. Genevieve's most popular event is probably the French Heritage Festival, which attracts visitors from all over the Midwest for a day of live music, local food and guests in historic dress. The Jour De Fete is a festival held the second weekend of August. Vendors fill the streets with Francocentric artwork and food, while family friendly activities take place in the surrounding parks.
Downtown dining includes buffets, biergartens and saloons
Most shopping is along Fourth Street and state Route 32, including locally owned stores, eateries and grocery stores like Save A Lot. In addition to being a seven-room boutique hotel, Audubon's is a hotspot for live performances and local events. Its outdoor biergarten gives visitors a view of downtown's historic architecture with fine dining options for lunch or dinner. Established in 1855, the Anvil Saloon and Restaurant offers a relaxed steak and seafood menu with an Old West atmosphere. The Old Brick House is a homestyle family restaurant known for its all-day buffet.
Major highways connect residents to St. Louis and beyond
The area's main thoroughfares are state Route 32 and U.S. Route 61. Commuters can reach St. Louis in about 60 miles via U.S. 61 and Interstate 55. Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital offers emergency services, oncology care and occupational therapy.
