Quick Summary:

  • 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.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Trail of Tears ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Trail of Tears | Things to Do in Cape Girardeau, Missouri
© Maksim/stock.adobe.com

2. West Park Mall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
West Park Mall | Things to Do in Cape Girardeau, Missouri
© bluraz/stock.adobe.com

3. Fort D Historic Site

Category: Activities
Fort D Historic Site | Things to Do in Cape Girardeau, Missouri
© BillionPhotos.com/stock.adobe.com

4. Old St. Vincent's Catholic Church

Old St. Vincent's Catholic Church | Things to Do in Cape Girardeau, Missouri
© Old St. Vincent's Catholic Church

5. Levi's Adventure Trail

Tours
Levi's Adventure Trail | Things to Do in Cape Girardeau, Missouri
© Levi's Adventure Trail

6. 36 Restaurant and Bar

Category: Food & Drink
36 Restaurant and Bar | Things to Do in Cape Girardeau, Missouri
© 36 Restaurant and Bar

7. The Crisp Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
The Crisp Museum | Things to Do in Cape Girardeau, Missouri
© Pink Badger/stock.adobe.com

8. Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center

Category: Kids & Family
Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center | Things to Do in Cape Girardeau, Missouri
© mrcmos/stock.adobe.com

9. Century Casino

Category: Entertainment
Century Casino | Things to Do in Cape Girardeau, Missouri
© Tomasz Zajda/stock.adobe.com

10. Discovery Playhouse

Category: Entertainment
Discovery Playhouse | Things to Do in Cape Girardeau, Missouri
© Discovery Playhouse

11. The Glenn House

The Glenn House | Things to Do in Cape Girardeau, Missouri
© The Glenn House

12. Cape River Heritage Museum

Category: Activities
Cape River Heritage Museum | Things to Do in Cape Girardeau, Missouri
© Cape River Heritage Museum

13. Arena Golf at the TeeHouse Complex

Arena Golf at the TeeHouse Complex | Things to Do in Cape Girardeau, Missouri
© Nadzeya/stock.adobe.com

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