DIRECTIONS TO STE. GENEVIEVE AND FORT DE CHARTRES

From Cape Girardeau: Head north on Highway 61 to Ste. Genevieve's historic downtown.

From Ste. Genevieve to Fort de Chartres: Follow the signs north of town to the ferry landing. One way trip costs $6. Round trip is $10.

After crossing on the ferry, drive east to Modoc, Ill., turn left on the blacktop road and go north to Prairie du Rocher. The fort is four miles west of town.

If you've got the time, here's a few extras:

Ste. Genevieve boasts its own winery, the Sainte Genevieve Winery at 245 Merchant.

Headed from the ferry to Prairie du Rocher, notice the limestone bluffs. On the right side of the road, marked with an interpretive sign, is the Modoc Rock Shelter, a national prehistoric site. Archaeologists think this stone formation is the earliest human habitation east of the Mississippi River.

Prairie du Rocher is Illinois's oldest town, settled in 1722 and has several historic homes, including a Creole house dating back to 1800.

Heading home: Try a trip back along scenic Highway 3 in Southern Illinois. Visitors can stop at Fort Kaskaskia, Ill., and in Chester, Ill., home of cartoon character Popeye.