Spend the day at Big Oak Tree State Park, a National Natural Landmark, and one of the last remaining virgin bottomland forest and cypress swamps in the nation. 

Walk the boardwalk through the swamp, spend the day fishing or watch the sky for the over 150 different species of birds known to exist there. 

In September, step back in time when Big Oak hosts Living History Day, a special event where modern artisans demonstrate a number of traditional crafts from days gone by.

Take a hunting or fishing trip to Ten Mile Pond Conservation Area or Number Seven Island Conservation Area.  These areas are wintering grounds for an abundance of waterfowl, including ducks and geese.  Deer and the rare swamp rabbit are also plentiful.

With 95 miles of Mississippi River frontage, you can sit on the bank of "Old Man River" and enjoy an uncommon look of the natural beauty of Mississippi County.  Take advantage of the many fishing opportunities offered by the Robert DeLaney Conservation Lake, Tom Bird's Blue Hole, Thirty-Four Corner Blue Hole, Big Oak Tree State Park Lake and a number of other chutes and bayous.

The Dorenal Hickman Ferry provides a panoramic view of Old Man River and a leisurely ride on one of the few remaining river boat ferries in the United States.  In addition, the Mississippi River Trail meanders its way through the county offering cyclists and motorists alike an opportunity to enjoy the natural bounty of the nation's heartland. 

History buffs will also enjoy a visit to Mississippi County where our  nation's Native American heritage is safeguarded at Towosahgy State Historic Site.  This 65-acre historic site, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserves the remains of a once-fortified Indian village, which was the home and ceremonial center of sophisticated Mississippian Era mound builders.  In addition to Towosahgy, there are six other archaeological sites in the county and nearly one thousand Indian mounds.

The Battle of Belmont was Brigadier General Ulysses S. Grant's first major battle of the Civil War.  The battle site is commemorated with a historic marker which provides a detailed narrative and pictorial of the battle.  It was at this site during the war a huge chain was stretched across the river from Mississippi County to Kentucky to stop river traffic.

Local, regional and state history are also preserved in Mississippi County at the Mississippi County Historical Museum, located in East Prairie and the Governor Warren Hearnes Museum and Mississippi County Historical Society Home & Museum, both located in Charleston.

For a different 4th of July, join the fun at this week long celebration of the local sweetcorn harvest.  Activities include a beauty pageant, street dance, barbecue and fireworks.

In October, high school bands from Southeast Missouri and the entire Tri-State Region compete for awards in Charleston at this annual event.

During the month of December, join the citizens of East Prairie and Charleston for parades, home tours, caroling, visits with Santa and an old style country Christmas.  See the twinkling lights as the cities celebrate the holiday season.

In April, step back to a time of buttons  and  bows  and  tour Charleston's fine Victorian homes and gardens.  Streets are lined with pink and white dogwoods and gardens are ablaze with multi-colored azaleas.  Activities include historical society home tours, guilt show, art show, piano concert, parade, surrey rides and a candlelight walk.