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Nearby Attractions

Explore Hannibal's museums, parks, attractions, local shops, eateries, and festivals, most within walking distance from the Blue Diamond Properties.

Jog along the river and through the paved Sodalis Nature Preserve or climb the steps to the Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse.
The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and WPA Old Museum/Gift Shop

The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum Properties

 

A short walk along Main Street is the boyhood home of Mark Twain. The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum properties includes 5 historic homes, Twain's home (a National Historic Landmark), Huckleberry Finn House, Becky Thatcher House, J.M. Clemens Justice of the Peace Office and Grant's Drugstore.  The complex also has 2 interactive museums full of the rich history of the beloved author Mark Twain, artifacts, first editions of his works, and original Norman Rockwell illustrations. 

Seasonally you can catch live performances by "Mark Twain" at the Museum Gallery and Tom & Becky strolling along Main Street on weekends. 

Gated entrance to cave/bat preserve

Sodalis Nature Preserve

 

The 185 acre park, Hannibal’s second largest, offers a paved walking and biking loop and the opportunity for woodland hiking. Sodalis is a 5 minute walk from Blue Diamond Properties. The trail leads you to the cavernous openings cut into the limestone bluffs within the top part of the park. It is home to 1/3 of all known myotis sodalis – an endangered species of bat and where the park gets its name. Bats are nocturnal so don’t worry! You can explore the preserve during the day! Access to the Nature Preserve is available off Ely Street, south of the Dempsey Dog Park and Bear Creek at 819 Ely St. A trailhead and parking lot are there, connecting it to the Bear Creek Trail ending at Ely Street. Only non-motorized recreational activity is allowed, such as hiking, running, and biking. The almost 2-mile loop trail is fully paved. Option for a rustic non-paved trail is also available by taking the Pirate Ridge Trail that is unpaved. 

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Mark Twain Riverboat

 

The Mark Twain Riverboat has been a unique feature on the Hannibal riverfront for more than 30 years. As a

family-owned business since 1997, they offer you a unique riverboat experience on the Mighty Mississippi.  You can choose between two daily cruise offerings: a Sightseeing Cruise or evening Dinner Cruise. Whether you are looking to spend the day on the river taking in the sights or dining on the river at sunset, the Mark Twain Riverboat has something for everyone.

Lover's Leap

 

Lover’s Leap is 5 acres of park atop a bluff on the south edge of town, and a short 3 minute drive from Blue Diamond Properties. Entrance to the drive up to Lover's Leap is posted off of Highway 79, south of town. Once at the top you'll find a shelter, barbecue grill, benches, historical information and a lighted flag. It offers a panoramic view of Hannibal, the Mississippi River and miles across into Illinois.  Legend says two Indians from opposing tribes fell in love and when the young brave and Indian maiden were cornered at the top of cliff, they jumped before the young brave and maiden were caught by her father's warriors. 

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