Mississippi River Valley Scenic Drive shows off area culture

With warmer weather and foliage in full bloom, spring is a favorite time for many to drive. The 23rd annual Mississippi River Valley Scenic Drive, to take place today and Saturday, highlights several historic, notable and favorite places in Southeast Missouri.

Some of the highlights are:

Lutheran Heritage Center and Museum, Altenburg, Mo.

The museum is on the National Registry of Historic Places and features a new exhibit hall, reception area and gift shop integrated into the original church built in 1845. New exhibits include baseball and softball history, the Mississippi River and "Postcards from home."

Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

573-824-6070, altenburgmuseum.org

Bollinger Mill State Historic Site, Burfordville

Bollinger Mill offers a look back to the area's pioneer days. The four-story brick building holds a 19th century grist mill with restored farm tools. Visitors can walk across the Whitewater River on the oldest covered bridge in Missouri. During the tour, Amanda Coonce will demonstrate wool spinning and weaving.

Free tours will be given from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday

243-4591

Cape Girardeau River Heritage Museum

The Old Fire Station No. 1 has stood since 1908 and is home to Cape Girardeau's River Heritage Museum. The museum is showing Marie Oliver's flag exhibit to commemorate the centennial of the Missouri State Flag. Also on display are 1950s fire trucks and riverboats. The curiosity shop is open with collectibles and antiques.

Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday

334-0405, caperiverheritagemuseum.com

Glenn House, Cape Girardeau

The Glenn House will celebrate its 130th anniversary Saturday. The celebration will include a cake cutting, live music and living history interpretations that will teach Victorian-era games and dress. The 1882 Victorian-style mansion features architecture, furnishings and clothing from the period.

Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

800-777-0068, glennhouse.org

Trail of Tears State Park, Jackson

Trail of Tears State Park is a favorite destination for many in the area. The 3,415-acre park is located where nine groups of Cherokee Indians crossed the Mississippi River during their forced relocation from 1838 through 1839. The park features Moccasin Springs Road, which was used by the Cherokee, and the Bushyhead Memorial in honor of the lives lost. There are hiking trails, picnic sites, fishing, views of bald eagle roostings and more.

Open daily year round

290-5268

Saxon Lutheran Memorial, Frohna, Mo.

The Saxon Lutheran Memorial is a log cabin village with original log homes and a farmstead built from 1820 through 1839. There will be living history farm activities, including baking bread, churning butter, blacksmithing, hand-hewing logs and animal care. Visitors will be able to try their hand at quilting.

Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday

573-824-5404

Massey Log House, Marble Hill

The Massey Log House is an original pioneer log cabin built circa 1869. It houses historic items of everyday life from the period.

Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

238-2750

St. Louis Iron Mountain and Southern Railway

St. Louis Iron Mountain Railroad, Jackson

The train is scheduled to depart at 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Visitors are asked to be cautious of the James Gang who have been seen in the area robbing trains. The train is at the intersection of U.S. 61 and Highway 25 in Jackson.

For hours, visit slimrr.com.

The Massey Log House in Marble Hill, Mo. was built in 1879. (Photo by Linda Refeffer)

Bollinger County Museum of Natural History, Marble Hill, Mo.

The museum is home of the Missouri Dinosaur. Exhibits include the Ice Age, Lewis and Clark, a T. rex replica and more. From 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, the museum will host pre-Revolutionary living history presentations by the Zenon River Brigade that will include demonstrations of flintlock weapons and early 1700s frontier living.

Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday

573-238-1174, bcmnh.org

Historic Bridge, Old Appleton

Visitors can walk across the oldest iron truss bridge on its original site in Missouri. Nearby is St. Joseph Church and Shrine 24 Church, built in 1828 and updated in 1998. The shrine has a waterfall, cave and statue of Mary, "Our Lady of Grace," on top of a cliff.

788-2330

Pinecrest Azalea Gardens, Oak Ridge

Winner of the Governor's Spotlight Award, the garden is home to more than 500,000 plants and spring flowers. The area is open for picnics, walking, pictures and more. Busses are asked to call ahead.

Open during daylight hours

979-1112

United Methodist Church, Sedgewickville, Mo.

The church celebrates its 100th anniversary. Tours will be given of the historic original rock building that was constructed in 1913 for a congregation of 150. A chicken and dumpling and ham dinner with all the trimmings will be served at 3 p.m. Saturday.

Open 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, 9:30 a.m. for Sunday school and 10:30 a.m. for worship service

573-866-2573

Other stops on the tour are:

* Tower Rock Vineyard and Winery, Altenburg

* Hemman Winery, Brazeau, Mo.

* Historic town and church, Brazeau

* Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center

* Lazy L Safari Park, Cape Girardeau

* Historic downtown Cape Girardeau

* River Ridge Winery, Commerce, Mo.

* Eggers & Co. General Store and Bed-and-breakfast, Farrar, Mo.

* Steele Crest Winery, Jackson

* Rothbrick Vineyard and Winery, Jackson

* Marble Hill Senior Citizens Center, Marble Hill

* Whippoorwill Lake, Marble Hill

* Apple Creek Studio, Old Appleton

* Appleton Mercantile Co., Old Appleton

* The Pie Safe Bakery, Pocahontas

* Historic Town and Churches, Pocahontas

* Country Charm Emporium, Uniontown, Mo.

* Byrd House, Jackson

apicar@semissourian.com

388-3648