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The Red House Interpretive Centerlocated just off of Main Street in historic downtown Cape Girardeau commemorates the life of community founder Louis Lorimier, as well as the visit of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in November, 1803. The Interpretive Center houses an early 1800's exhibit that reflects the lives of the early settlers of the old Cape Girardeau district. In addition, a rendering of Lorimier's Trading Post displays authentic items that would have been sold at the turn of the 19th century. Open Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The cost of admission is only $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children. For more information about the Red House Interpretive Center visit their website. |
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Built in 1853, Old St. Vincent’s Church, is right across the street from the Red House. Simply stated Old St. Vincent’s is beautiful. The architecture, English Gothic Revival, is breathtaking and rare. Very few churches of this style exist in America. One unusual feature is the over 100 medieval design plaster masks portraying characters from the Miracle and Mystery plays. The pews are original as are the altars. The communion rail with its unusual wrought iron design, windows, frames and casings all date back to the 1850’s. The massive 3 ¼ inch thick doors are hand-carved. The cost of admission is only $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children. For more information about Old St. Vincent's Church visit their website. |
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The Historic Glenn House is just two blocks away from Old St. Vincent’s, located on Spanish Street. The Glenn House is on the National Register of Historic Places and provides visitors with a wonderful walk back in time. Restored rooms depict life in the late 1800's, reflecting life in an earlier society. In 1883, Edwin Branch Deane designed the Glenn House for his daughter, Lulu, and her husband, David Glenn. Mr. and Mrs. Glenn occupied the home with their family until 1915. Open Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The cost of admission is only $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. For more information about the Historic Glenn House visit their website. |
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The Cape River Heritage Museumis not far away, located at the corner of Independence and Frederick Streets. This museum features a number of fascinating permanent exhibits, including a display on the Missouri State Flag, which was designed and created in Cape Girardeau, a "hands on" area regarding life on the Mississippi River, popular with children, and an exhibit focusing on police and fire history which includes a full size working fire engine. Currently, there are also two special exhibits. One features the work of inspirational author Jean Bell Mosley. Over the course of fifty plus years, Mrs. Mosley wrote 5 books and was published in 81 magazines and 17 newspapers. The other special exhibit, "The Great Depression", is a collection of depression era memorabilia. Open Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The cost of admission is only $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children. |
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Historic Fort D:In the summer of 1861 at the beginning of the Civil War, four forts were built around the strategic city of Cape Girardeau on the orders of General John Frèmont. Fort D was designed by German-American engineers from St. Louis. The forts were built by soldiers of the 20th Illinois Infantry, Bissell's Engineers of the West and local militia under the direction of Illinois Lt. John Wesley Powell. Powell, who would later gain fame as the explorer of the Grand Canyon, was detached from his regiment by a newly appointed general... Ulysses S. Grant, in order to raise a local company to man the forts. This Powell did, and his new Battery F served the forts until leaving for the Battle of Shiloh. Fort D featured as many as five cannons, the largest of which could fire a 32-pound cannon ball. The fort was manned throughout the Civil War. Of the four earthen forts only Fort D still exists, an intact survivor thanks to civic action in the 1930's. Today owned by the city, Fort D is located 4 blocks south of the intersection of Missouri Rte. 74 and Sprigg Street in Cape Girardeau, just west of the Mississippi River Bridge. The fort grounds, featuring interpretive signage are open free to the public dawn to dusk.
Reflecting the area's appreciation of it's rich history and heritage, numerous muralscreate a beautiful backdrop for some of the city's most charming areas. The largest and most dramatic of the city's murals is the Mississippi River Tales Mural, located on the downtown floodwall. Covering nearly 18,000 square feet, this 1,100 foot long mural spans the length of the downtown shopping district, and features 24 panels that tell a portion of Cape Girardeau's stories. Descriptive markers provide a detailed explanation of each panel that is being viewed. Stroll along the Mississippi River Tales Mural and enjoy Riverfront Park and the River Walk as well. Other murals mostly in the historic Old Town area include the Southeast Missourian's Tile Murals, the Coca-Cola Mural, the University Mural, the Bicentennail Mural, the Heritage of Music Mural, the Missouri Wall of Fame Mural, and more.
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The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Centeris located within Cape Girardeau's North County Park and showcases the rich cultural history and diverse natural resources of Southeast Missouri. The Nature Center features a 160-seat auditorium, three classrooms, hands-on exhibits for all ages, a scientific research laboratory, freshwater aquariums, and an indoor wildlife viewing area. The "White Oak Trace" features two miles of nature trails, allowing visitors to traverse rolling river hills marked by sinkholes and deep hollows and to explore ravines covered with prominent stands of Tulip poplar and oak. The trails also connect to Wood Duck Swamp and Maple Hollow Trail. Native plants featured in the nature center's landscape provide habitat for hummingbirds, butterflies and other wildlife species. The nature center's gift shop features a variety of educational books, DVDs and nature-related items. Programs are offered for all ages, ranging from monthly age-specific programs to large special events. The nature center is free of charge and open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, and closed on Monday. For more information about the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center visit their website.
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Trail of Tears State Parkis located off of Highway 177 north of Cape Girardeau. This 3, 415-acre park is a memorial to the Cherokee Indians who lost their lives during the 1838-39 forced relocation, as well as a place for visitors to participate in a variety of outdoor activities. The park's Visitor's Center features exhibits that interpret the forced relocation, as well as the park's many natural features. Numerous picnic sites are scattered throughout the park and campsites are available. Anglers can cast their lines in either the Mississippi River or the 20-acre Lake Boutin, stocked with bass, bluegill and catfish. The park's numerous trails offer opportunities for hiking, backpacking, primitive camping and equestrian pursuits. In winter the bluffs and cliffs along the river are noted as roosting sites for bald eagles. An accessible overlook provides a majestic view of the Mississippi River. For more information about Trail of Tears State Park visit their website.
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Bollinger Mill and Covered Bridge State Historic Siteis located off of Highway 34 in Burfordville, west of Cape Girardeau. If you are intrigued by the mystique and lore of simpler times, then relive the days of yesteryear by a visit to Bollinger Mill State Historic Site. The 19th century mill and its neighboring covered bridge offer a glimpse of now-rare Americana that once might have been expected around many turns in a Missouri road. The present mill, dating back to the Civil War period, is a massive four-story stone and brick building where visitors can still observe corn being ground into meal by water power - just as it was done long ago. The Burfordville Covered Bridge standing alongside stretches its 140-foot span across the Whitewater River, which power the mill. Begun in 1858, it is the oldest of only four remaining covered bridges in Missouri. You can tour the mill, enjoy an outdoor lunch in the picnic grounds or laze away an afternoon. For more information call 573-243-4591. In Cape Girardeau County, turn off Hwy. 34 onto Hwy. OO. Take Hwy. HH to site. For more information about Bollinger Mill and Covered Bridge State Historic Site visit their website. |
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| The Rosemary Berkel and Harry L. Crisp II Southeast Missouri Regional Museumis located in the Cultural Arts Center at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus, 518 S. Fountain (at the intersection of Fountain and Lorimier). Southeast Missouri has a rich heritage of being a geological, cultural, and transportation crossroads. In the Crossroads Theatre, visitors can view a 17 minute video, which introduces the region's rich natural and human history. In the Crossroads Gallery, exhibits and kiosks highlight the history of southeast Missouri including: The Land and the Waters, First Voices, First Peoples, Frontiers and Empires, River and Rail, North and South, etc. Exhibitions in the Museum's 1,900 square foot art gallery feature works by local, regional, national and international artists. The Museum also offers a number of special activities including educational classes, family fun days, summer academy, etc. The Museum is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; on weekends from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. The Museum is also open on the First Friday of each month from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Admission is free. For more information the Rosemary Berkel and Harry L. Crisp II Southeast Missouri Regional Museum visit their website. |
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ART: ARound Town. Discover art venues in Cape Girardeau open from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. the First Friday of every month. Edward Bernard Gallery, WESTRAY, Garden Gallery, Gallery 1-2-5, The Artist Studio, Arts Council of Southeast Missouri, Visual Arts Co-op, Black Door Gallery, and the River Campus Art Gallery. For more information, call 573-334-9233 or visit www.capearts.org
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| The Old Missouri-Illinois Bridge Overlook. When the old bridge was completed in the summer of 1928, it was hailed as “The Gateway to the Ozarks” and provided an invaluable and vital link between the states of Missouri and Illinois. At the overlook there is access to a viewing scope that provides a commanding view of the Mississippi River. There is also access to the River Campus Trail which provides a leisurely walk along these historic grounds bordering the river. Interpretive signage scattered along the Trail also provides a great deal of insight into the rich history and heritage of this area. The magnificent Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge (named in memory and recognition of the former Southeast Missouri Congressman who helped lead efforts to secure funding for its construction) is a very impressive cable stay bridge that is lit at night. It is 100 feet wide (nearly 5 times the width of the Old Bridge) and some 4,000 feet long. The Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge was completed in December of 2003. |
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Cape Alternative Farmers Market. Join vendors from Cape Girardeau and the surrounding area at the Capaha Park Shelter #1, 8:00 a.m. - noon, every Wednesday April 29th through October 28th. The market will have Missouri fruits, vegetables, beef, pork eggs, fresh baked goods, hand-crafted goat milk soaps, lip balms and much more. For additional information contact Octavia Scharenborg 573-334-0287or visit their website.
Cape Girardeau Farmer's Market. The market will be held at 2:30 p.m., Thursdays, May - October in the parking lot at 2001 Independence. Items offered have been grown or produced within a 75 mile radius of Cape Girardeau. Seasonal produce and fruits, arts and crafts, baked goods, eggs, honey, cut flowers and plants available.
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For more information about Cape Girardeau, call the Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-777-0068, e-mail us at
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, stop by our Visitors Center at 400 Broadway or explore our website further. Cape Girardeau is where the river turns a thousand tales. We hope you'll have the chance to get away soon... and find yourself here!
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With a wealth of things to do and places to see in Cape Girardeau, choose from these lists to get started.
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