Nestled along the Mighty Mississippi River, Cape Girardeau is surrounded by stunning natural areas just waiting to be explored.
Whether you prefer hiking or biking, you’ll find a variety of parks and trails to suit your adventurous spirit. Spend a weekend exploring!
We’ve done the planning for you – embark on an outdoor adventure in Cape Girardeau! View a custom map of all the outdoor spots in Cape Girardeau that you can navigate directly on your phone here!
Your Weekend Tour Starts Here:
Friday
Welcome to Cape Girardeau! Our places to stay page offers a comprehensive listing of lodging options, including a detailed breakdown of campgrounds – ranging from primitive sites to RV parks packed with amenities. Don’t miss out on delicious dining options while you’re here; our food & drink page is your ultimate guide to local restaurants and eateries!
Saturday Morning
Head over to the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center and engage with nature through hands-on experiences at the animal print tracing station, wildlife viewing areas, and aquariums. Explore the White Oak Trace, a charming trail system that offers a variety of terrains and interconnected paths, ensuring a fresh experience with each hike – be sure to check out the Maple Hollow loop! And if you enjoy disc golf, don’t forget to bring your discs, as an 18-hole disc golf course is conveniently located just steps away.
Saturday Afternoon
Rent a bike and hit the trails! The LaCroix Recreation Trail winds through the heart of Cape Girardeau, offering numerous access points. You can easily bike downtown and connect to the Riverfront Trail, which runs alongside the Mighty Mississippi. Trails are open daily during daylight hours, and bike rentals are available at Cyclewerx.
As the day ends, make your way to the Old Bridge Overlook Park for stunning views of barges navigating the river, all framed by the art deco portal of the 1928 “Gateway to the Ozarks” bridge.
Sunday Morning
Just 11 miles north of downtown Cape Girardeau, Trail of Tears State Park showcases some of Missouri’s most breathtaking scenery. Don’t miss the fully accessible overlook that provides stunning views of the Mississippi River. For those looking for shorter hikes, the Sheppard Point Trail and Lake Trails are great options. For a more immersive experience, the Peewah Trail weaves through the expansive 1,300-acre Indian Creek area, offering picturesque river views at multiple points along the way.
Sunday Afternoon
Walk across one of the last four remaining covered bridges in the state at Bollinger Mill State Historic Site. This scenic location, just a 30-minute drive from Cape Girardeau, provides a delightful picnic spot beneath mature trees along the banks of the Whitewater River. Explore the four-story mill and take a short hike to the Bollinger family cemetery, nestled in the forest, for a touch of history and tranquility.
Thanks for exploring!
Thank you for spending time with us in Cape Girardeau! We hope to see you again soon.