Cape Girardeau is a small city in Missouri situated along the western bank of the Mississippi River. It has over 250 years of history along with several intact historical landmarks to visit like Fort D and the Trail of Tears Trail. As for shopping, there is a large indoor mall, and lots of antique stores and specialty shops. Families can stop by one of the many playgrounds and adventure parks. The downtown features art murals a musical theater, plus some highly acclaimed restaurants you can dine at.
Trail of Tears
The Trail of Tears is a 3,415-acre State Park. The name was chosen for this trail to pay tribute to the Cherokee Indians who lost their lives here almost 200 years ago during a forced relocation. Although not a happy piece of history, the trails history today is much more peaceful and joyful. Visitors travel here from all over to enjoy the park's many hiking trails, many of which are named in the Cherokee Indians native language. Other recreational activities include picnicking, fishing, backpacking and camping. Besides campsites, other accommodations can be found such as cabins and an Inn.
429 Moccasin Springs Rd, Jackson, MO 63755, Phone: 573-290-5268
West Park Mall
West Park Mall opened in 1981 by a company called May Centers. This indoor shopping center features five anchor stores. They are Macy's, Barnes & Noble, JCPenney, Old Navy, and Ashley HomeStore. In addition to these anchor stores, the mall has a variety of shopping options to offer its customers. There are several stores that sell children’s apparel, jewelry, shoes, health and beauty supplies, eyewear, women’s and men’s apparel as well as a handful of specialty shops. Furthermore, shoppers can delight in a tasty sweet treat at Kacie’s cookies, or visit a Creole, Burger, or Mexican restaurant for a heartier meal.
3049 William St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703, Phone: 573-339-1333
Fort D Historic Site
Fort D was built during the Civil War to defend the Union troops against the Confederate troops. In 1861, General Ulysses Grant came to Cape Girardeau to take command of the Union troops. Several battles occurred between this time before an attack by Confederate forces fell upon the troops in Cape Girardeau in 1863. Fort D did not fall under attack and the Union forces were able to ward off the Confederate troops. In the years that followed the war, Fort D went through many transitions. Then in 2005, the site underwent significant improvements where interpretive signs were placed, along with a Civil War living history.
920 Fort St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, Phone: 573-335-1631
Old St. Vincent's Catholic Church
Before becoming Old St. Vincent's Catholic Church, the church was known as the Red House. The first Mass was celebrated in 1833. Several years later, a tornado left the church in ruins. So, a new church was constructed by Joseph Lansmon, a native of Cape Girardeau. He completed St. Vincent’s Church in 1853. Many decades passed and by 1976, the church was no longer in service and its fate was unclear. A group of 15 locals vowed to restore the church and received permission from the bishop and the Vincentian Fathers. They helped preserve much of the interior and exterior along with several artifacts.
119 S Spanish St, Cape Girardeau, MO, Phone: 573-651-3433
Levi's Adventure Trail
Levi's Adventure Trail is an ADA-accessible playground that opened in 2017. It’s a fun and adventurous space where children can laugh, play, and interact with other kids. There are a few climbing structures, some water and sand areas, several swings, and perhaps the most popular feature, a zip line. During the evening hours the park lights come on, so kids can play even as the sun goes down. Besides the lights, the park is equipped with full-service bathrooms, a water fountain and a filtered water station to refill bottles and thermoses. This park honors, Levi Collom, a local boy who died unexpectedly on March 18, 2012.
2400 County Park Dr, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, Phone: 573-450-9415
36 Restaurant and Bar
36 Restaurant and Bar is owned by husband and wife, John and Vanessa Klein. They met as coworkers at a local restaurant and wanted to become restaurant owners themselves. So, after they celebrated their wedding and honeymoon, they immediately started working on a business plan. One of the key components of their plan was to hire friend and colleague, Chef Houston Sutton. He was thrilled to take on the position as head chef and remains a key part of the operation. 36 Restaurant and Bar provides patrons a warm and welcoming environment paired with fine dining cuisine and numerous wine offerings and a generous selection of beers.
36 North Main Street, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, Phone: 573-803-2333
The Crisp Museum
The Rosemary Birkel and Harry L. Crisp Museum is an arts museum which forms part of the Southeast Missouri State University. The Crisp Museum has a large permanent collection of archaeological, historical and fine arts and hosts regular exhibitions to showcase the work of local artists, both established and emerging, offering visitors the opportunity to observe changing trends in art. Exhibitions and poetry nights are hosted to give exposure to the artists and inspiration to those who might like to test their own artistic talents. Should you like to expand your artistic skills you can join an art classes – there is something to suit all ages.
The Crisp Museum, 175 Cultural Arts Center, 518 S. Fountain, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, 573 651 2260
Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center
Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center provides a splashing good time to visitors of all ages from the last week of May to Mid August each year. The facility has something for everyone including a splash-pad for toddlers and younger children, a zero depth entry pool ideal for all ages and a variety of 8 fun slides for older children and adults. There is also a lazy river to drift around and a food concession. You can enroll your children for vital swimming lessons on a private or group basis and aqua-fit classes are also available. Cape Splash is open from 11am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and noon to 6pm on Sundays.
Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center, 1565 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, 573 339 6343
Century Casino
The Century Casino is located on the banks of the Mississippi River, where it offers visitors a great selection of gaming and entertainment opportunities under one roof. Those who enjoy gambling will be pleased to find around 800 of their favorite slot machines on the slots floor, in addition to 19 table games which include Blackjack, Craps, Baccarat and 3-card Poker. There are two on-site restaurants including the fine-dining Beacon 53 and the popular Red Star Grill which hosts live music entertainers every Saturday night. There are plans in the pipe-line to add an on-site hotel (opening in early 2024) and a lounge and bar.
Century Casino, 777 Main St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, 573 730 7624
Discovery Playhouse
Intended to educate while entertaining, the Discovery Playhouse is a treasured Children’s Museum which opened in 2010. Providing hours of educational fun for children (and their parents), the playhouse is spread across 2 floors and is home to no fewer than 29 exciting and inspiring exhibits. Ideally suited to children under the age of 11, the exhibits are both fun and educational and will teach your children about many everyday tasks and how they occur. For example, children can learn how to take care of pets, find out how a fire engine, grocery store, bank and bakery work and explore the inside of a real aircraft.
Discovery Playhouse, 502 Broadway Street, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, 573 335 7529
The Glenn House
The Glenn House is a historic museum which dates back to 1883, when it was built to be the residence of the David Glenn family. Beautifully restored, the Glenn House provides an intimate glimpse of everyday life during the Victorian era, showcasing the architecture of the period as well as the lifestyle. The stately home is filled with period antiques, examples of clothing and décor, which accurately paint a picture of the daily lives of the former inhabitants. During the summer season visitors are invited to book a tour of the house, led by knowledgeable docents who will bring the history back to life.
The Glenn House, 325 S. Spanish Street, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703, +1 573 587 4248
Cape River Heritage Museum
The Cape River Heritage Museum is located in an historic building which was once the police and fire station. The building is over 100 years old and provides a home for a collection of interesting exhibits which offer visitors the opportunity to step back in time and learn about what everyday life was like on the Mississippi River, more than a century ago. There are many historic photographs on display as well as model replicas of early river boats and buildings. In addition, there are many nautical artifacts as well as an old fire engine and various examples of vintage fire-fighting equipment.
Cape River Heritage Museum, 538 Independence St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703, 573 334 0406
Arena Golf at the TeeHouse Complex
Loved by golfers of all ages and abilities, the TeeHouse Complex is your go-to venue for golf practice and fun. It all starts with a fun mini-golf course for the younger golfers to enjoy, while older players can hone their game at the only lighted driving range in the area. Their unique Toptracer Driving Range offers a computer assisted driving experience which gives players accurate feed-back about their shots and allows them to play several world-famous courses without leaving the complex. When the weather is uncooperative you can have fun on the indoor TrackMan Golf Simulator. You can stock up on golfing requisites at the Pro Shop and enjoy a drink and meal at the Bar and Lounge.
Arena Golf, 2901 Hawthorne Dr, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, 573 332 0860
