Explore the bustling riverfront town of Cape Girardeau in the southeast corner of Missouri. Sitting on the banks of the Mississippi River, the town was established as a French trading post in the 1790s. Today, Cape Girardeau shares its rich history at museums, murals and historic sites. You’ll also find plenty of shopping, dining and family fun.
Attractions
Missouri River Tales Mural
Extending 1,100 feet along the storied river, the Mississippi River Tales Mural fills a 15-foot-tall wall that protects the city from flooding. The mural’s 24 panels represent the region’s rich history and connection to the major waterway. The other side of the wall pays tribute to 47 famous Missourians, from Mark Twain to Calamity Jane.
Gone Girl Self-Driving Tour
Cape Girardeau experienced a Hollywood connection in 2013 when the movie Gone Girl was filmed in the Missouri River town. Based on a novel by Missouri author Gillian Flynn, the movie was filmed in more than two dozen locations throughout the town. Download the free Gone Girl Self-Driving Tour to explore filming locations, cast and crew favorites, and other behind-the-scenes information.
Fort D Historic Site
The centerpiece of the Fort D Historic Site is a perfectly preserve Civil War fortification that overlooks the Mississippi River. The fort was built in 1861 to defend Cape Girardeau from Confederate attack during the war. Civil War reenactments are frequently held at the site.
Discovery Playhouse – A Children’s Museum
Designed for children age 11 and younger, the Discovery Playhouse – A Children’s Museum offers fun, educational and interactive experiences. More than two dozen exhibits include the Discovery Playhouse Planetarium and Kim’s Secret Water Garden where kids can play with boats, dams, spinners and pipes.
Red House Interpretive Center
The Red House Interpretive Center commemorates the life of Cape Girardeau’s founder Louis Lorimier as well as Lewis and Clark’s visit to the community in 1803. Exhibits highlight settlers of the area, Lewis and Clark’s visit and French Colonial architecture. The Red House is a recreation of Lorimier’s trading post and home.
Outdoors
Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center
The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center showcases the cultural history and natural resources of southeast Missouri. The center includes hands-on exhibits for all ages, freshwater aquariums, wildlife viewing areas and a kid’s fishing pond. Walking trails wind through oak and hickory forests, sinkholes and a small man-made swamp.
Trail of Tears State Park
Travel 12 miles north of Cape Girardeau to Trail of Tears State Park where an accessible overlook provides stunning views of the Mississippi River. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, fishing and swimming. The park’s visitor center includes exhibits about the Trail of Tears tragedy, resulting in the death of thousands of Cherokee people. During the forced march to Oklahoma, the Cherokee crossed the Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau during the winter of 1838-1839.
Bollinger Mill State Historic Site
Tour the Bollinger Mill State Historic Site, located about 21 miles west of Cape Girardeau, to see the massive four-story mill and the Burfordville Covered Bridge, one of just four historic covered bridges remaining in Missouri. Located on the Whitewater River, the stone-and-brick mill dates back to the Civil War era. The historic site has picnic areas and hosts special events.
Restaurants
Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine
Savor authentic Cajun specialties at Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine, and downtown staple decorated with Mardi Gras murals. The menu includes gumbo, etouffee, crawfish, po’ boys, oysters and gator, as well as steaks, burgers and chicken.
Mary Jane bourbon + smokehouse
Pair a handcrafted bourbon cocktail with and a selection of smoked meats and southern-style sides – collard greens, mac and cheese, and pit beans – at Mary Jane bourbon + smokehouse. For breakfast, try the chicken and waffles, a breakfast burrito filled with smoked brisket or apple pie French toast.
Places to Stay
Rockwood Inn
Located in downtown Cape Girardeau’s Boulevard District, the Rockwood Inn is one of the oldest buildings in the city. The boutique hotel offers seven bedrooms, a common/meeting area and a stylish lounge with a speakeasy vibe.