Looking for things to do in Cape Girardeau, MO? This guide has got you covered. At first look, Cape Giradeau doesn’t appear to have much to do. Truth be told, this quaint city along the Mississippi River is not bustling with activities and attractions. Yet, it has its merits. The riverside atmosphere is ideal on a sunny day, and Cape Girardeau is a great city to base yourself to explore the nearby Trail of Tears State Park.
Cape Girardeau is a great stop along a Great River Road road trip. It is a lovely town to stop for a couple of hours or to spend the evening.
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Where is Cape Girardeau MO
Cape Girardeau is located in the Southeastern portion of Missouri. This river city is situated on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River and is just 12 miles south of Trail of Tears State Park.
How to Get to Cape Girardeau Missouri
The best way to reach Cape Girardeau, Missouri, is by car. You can drive up for the day if you are from the area. Or, if you are flying into Missouri for a road trip, including a stop in Cape Girardeau, your best option is to fly into St. Louis and rent a car.
If you are flying into the region, you should fly into the St. Louis airport and rent a car. Be sure to check flights using Skyscanner.
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport– 9.7 miles (13 min)
Don’t forget to book your rental car and pick it up at the airport when you arrive.
Best Things to do in Cape Girardeau MO
Check out this list of Cape Girardeau attractions. While there are other things to do in Cape Girardeau, these are the top things you cannot miss.
Trail of Tears State Park
Not too far from Cape Girardeau is Trail of Tears State Park. While visiting this park would constitute as a day trip, it is truly one of the best things to do in Cape Girardeau. This park spans 3,415 acres bordering the Mississippi River. There are plenty of hiking trails and stunning views of the Mississippi River. The best view can be found near the welcome center. A wooden boardwalk juts out over the river, offering incredible views.
Missouri Wall of Fame
Along the water, you will find the Missouri Wall of Fame. The Missouri Wall of Fame is a 500-foot-long mural depicting significant people from Missouri, including artists, writers, scientists, etc. Viewing the Missouri Wall of Fame is one of the best things to do in Cape Girardeau. Walking along this mural is a great way to learn more about the state.
Fort D Historic Site
Fort D Historic Site is a great place to learn more about the Civil War. This fort, located along the Mississippi River, was built by Union troops in 186. Visiting Fort D Historic Site is one of the top things to do in Cape Girardeau. In addition to seeing the fort, there are artifacts from the Civil War.
Crisp Museum
The Crisp Museum is a small museum located within Southern Missouri State University. This museum showcases art as well as archaeological and historical artifacts. The variety of things to see at this museum makes it quite interesting. Visiting the Crisp Museum is a great rainy-day activity in Cape Girardeau.
Glenn House
Glenn House is a local history museum in Cape Girardeau and is a great place to learn more about the area. Even if you don’t visit the museum, the victorian house it is located in is quite charming and worth driving by.
Riverfront Bridge Park
Riverfront Bridge Park is a lovely park overlooking the Mississippi River. From this riverfront park, you can see Emerson Bridge and the remains of the old bridge that once crossed the river. This park offers great views and is the perfect place for a picnic while in Cape Girardeau.
Gone Girl Filming Locations
For fans of the psychological thriller Gone Girl, you might be interested to know that the movie was filmed in Cape Girardeau. You can drive around town to see these film locations.
Where to Stay in Cape Girardeau MO
The best place to stay in Cape Girardeau is the Courtyard by Marriott Cape Girardeau Downtown. This hotel is located in a prime location in Cape Girardeau, within walking distance of most of the sites and restaurants in town.
Best Things to do in Cape Girardeau, MO: Wrap-up
This wraps up the guide to things to do in Cape Girardeau, MO. Cape Girardeau is a wonderful addition while on a Missouri road trip. An hour or two stop on a road trip or spending the evening in town before setting off to your next destination in the morning is plenty of time in Cape Girardeau. While I wouldn’t recommend planning a full weekend getaway just to Cape Girardeau, it can be combined with other great destinations in the state.
