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 visiting Cape, as the locals like to call it, can stop by one of the many playgrounds and adventure parks. The downtown features art murals a musical theater, plus some highly acclaimed restaurants. CDC information for travelers. Hours/availability may have changed.
1.Trail of Tears
The Trail of Tears is a 3,415-acre State Park. The name was chosen for this trail to pay tribute to the Cherokee Indians who lost their lives here almost 200 years ago during a forced relocation. Although not a happy piece of history, the trails history today is much more peaceful and joyful. Visitors travel here from all over to enjoy the park's many hiking trails, many of which are named in the Cherokee Indians native language. Other recreational activities include picnicking, fishing, backpacking and camping. Besides campsites, other accommodations can be found such as cabins and an Inn.
429 Moccasin Springs Rd, Jackson, MO 63755, Phone: 573-290-5268
2.West Park Mall
West Park Mall opened in 1981 by a company called May Centers. This indoor shopping center features five anchor stores. They are Macy's, Barnes & Noble, JCPenney, Old Navy, and Ashley HomeStore. In addition to these anchor stores, the mall has a variety of shopping options to offer its customers. There are several stores that sell children’s apparel, jewelry, shoes, health and beauty supplies, eyewear, women’s and men’s apparel as well as a handful of specialty shops. Furthermore, shoppers can delight in a tasty sweet treat at Kacie’s cookies, or visit a Creole, Burger, or Mexican restaurant for a heartier meal.
3049 William St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703, Phone: 573-339-1333
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3.Melaina's Magical Playground
Melaina’s Magical Playground is an all-inclusive and fully-accessible playground for children of all ages and abilities. The idea for this playground was inspired by Melaina Cunningham, and her parents Jeff and Andrea. Melaina faced a tragic disease called Nemaline Myopathy. Yet, even with the setbacks it caused, Melania was such a happy child. But, unfortunately, her physical limitations prevented her from enjoying the local parks. So, her parents and a Missouri State Representative helped design and create a park where children and adults with disabilities could play and have fun. This playground, just like Melaina’s spirit, is truly magical.
N County Park Rd, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, Phone: 573-986-9155
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4.Fort D Historic Site
Fort D was built during the Civil War to defend the Union troops against the Confederate troops. In 1861, General Ulysses Grant came to Cape Girardeau to take command of the Union troops. Several battles occurred between this time before an attack by Confederate forces fell upon the troops in Cape Girardeau in 1863. Fort D did not fall under attack and the Union forces were able to ward off the Confederate troops. In the years that followed the war, Fort D went through many transitions. Then in 2005, the site underwent significant improvements where interpretive signs were placed, along with a Civil War living history.
920 Fort St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, Phone: 573-335-1631
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5.Old St. Vincent's Catholic Church
Before becoming Old St. Vincent’s Catholic Church, the church was known as the Red House. The first Mass was celebrated in 1833. Several years later, a tornado left the church in ruins. So, a new church was constructed by Joseph Lansmon, a native of Cape Girardeau. He completed St. Vincent’s Church in 1853. Many decades passed and by 1976, the church was no longer in service and its fate was unclear. A group of 15 locals vowed to restore the church and received permission from the bishop and the Vincentian Fathers. They helped preserve much of the interior and exterior along with several artifacts.
119 S Spanish St, Cape Girardeau, MO, Phone: 573-651-3433
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6.Levi's Adventure Trail
Levi’s Adventure Trail is an ADA-accessible playground that opened in 2017. It’s a fun and adventurous space where children can laugh, play, and interact with other kids. There are a few climbing structures, some water and sand areas, several swings, and perhaps the most popular feature, a zip line. During the evening hours the park lights come on, so kids can play even as the sun goes down. Besides the lights, the park is equipped with full-service bathrooms, a water fountain and a filtered water station to refill bottles and thermoses. This park honors, Levi Collom, a local boy who died unexpectedly on March 18, 2012.
2400 County Park Dr, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, Phone: 573-450-9415
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7.36 Restaurant and Bar
36 Restaurant and Bar is owned by husband and wife, John and Vanessa Klein. They met as coworkers at a local restaurant and wanted to become restaurant owners themselves. So, after they celebrated their wedding and honeymoon, they immediately started working on a business plan. One of the key components of their plan was to hire friend and colleague, Chef Houston Sutton. He was thrilled to take on the position as head chef and remains a key part of the operation. 36 Restaurant and Bar provides patrons a warm and welcoming environment paired with fine dining cuisine and numerous wine offerings and a generous selection of beers.
36 North Main Street, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, Phone: 573-803-2333
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8.Broussard's Cajun Cuisine
Broussard's Cajun Cuisine first opened in 1986 by Louisiana locals, Barron and Kathy Broussard. When they arrived in Cape Girardeau, they wanted to bring traditional Cajun cuisine to the area. Not only that, but they decorated the restaurant with New Orleans flair to give customers the feel of being in Louisiana. They even went so far as to install an alligator tank along the bar’s wall. The Broussard’s sold the restaurant in 1991 and it was sold a few more times before current owners Stephanie and Hunter Clark bought it in 2004. The Clark’s still use the Barron’s original, authentic recipes and provide first-class service.
114 N Main St., Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701, Phone: 573-334-7235
9.Bella Italia Restaurant
Bella Italia Restaurant is a staple in the Cape Girardeau community. Sadly, Bella’s burned to the ground many years ago. Although this tragedy was felt the worst by the owner, Mark Dirnberger, he did not let his dreams die with that fire. Within eight months, he rebuilt and reopened his restaurant. All these years later, it’s still in business and serving delicious authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant features a bar, banquet rooms, and a separate outdoor dining space that can sit up to 25 guests. Menu items include baked pastas, pizzas, tossed pasta, old-world favorites, soups, salads, paninis, and more.
20 North Spanish, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, Phone: 573-332-7800
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9 Best Things to Do in Cape Girardeau, Missouri
- Trail of Tears, Photo: Maksim/stock.adobe.com
- West Park Mall, Photo: bluraz/stock.adobe.com
- Melaina's Magical Playground, Photo: Melaina's Magical Playground
- Fort D Historic Site, Photo: BillionPhotos.com/stock.adobe.com
- Old St. Vincent's Catholic Church, Photo: Old St. Vincent's Catholic Church
- Levi's Adventure Trail, Photo: Levi's Adventure Trail
- 36 Restaurant and Bar, Photo: 36 Restaurant and Bar
- Broussard's Cajun Cuisine, Photo: Broussard's Cajun Cuisine
- Bella Italia Restaurant, Photo: Bella Italia Restaurant
- Cover Photo: picsbylucynmike/stock.adobe.com
More Ideas in Missouri: Bellevue Bed and Breakfast
Set in a beautifully restored 1891 Queen Anne Victorian Inn in Cape Girardeau, the Bellevue Bed and Breakfast is an elegant and charming retreat in the heart of historic Old Town Cape. The retreat offers a luxurious alternative to regular hotel lodging and features beautifully appointed accommodations with contemporary décor and modern amenities and a gourmet breakfast every morning. The bed and breakfast is located within a few blocks of Old Town Cape’s best restaurants, a range of antique shops and boutiques, art galleries and museums and the mighty Mississippi River.
The Bellevue Bed and Breakfast features four appealing guest rooms that blend the timeless charm of yesteryear with the modern luxuries of today with plush, country-style décor and period furnishings, private bathrooms with showers, baths and Egyptian cotton towels, modern amenities. These include flat-panel LED televisions with cable channels, DVD players with DVD selections, CD player, and CDs, central air conditioning, hair dryers, organic toiletries, and complimentary wireless Internet.
The Girardot Room is decorated in soft hues of cream and chocolate silk and features a pillow-top king-size bed with luxurious Egyptian cotton linens, and a private bathroom with a step-in shower and a chandelier bath with oversized whirlpool for two. A spacious lounge area has plush Belgian rugs, comfy reading chairs, French antiques and books, and modern amenities.
Located on the second floor of the Inn, the Highlands Room is richly decorated in deep shades of burgundy and gold with silk tartan and Glen Rose fabrics that echo the nature of the Scottish Highlands. The room features a queen-size pillow-top bed with luxurious Egyptian cotton linens, a private bathroom with a steam shower and a whirlpool bath, Egyptian cotton towels and organic bath products.
The Yorkshire Room is a stylish and sophisticated room with a comfortable, relaxing ambiance. The room features English tapestries, an antique armoire, comfy wing recliners and Queen Anne dormer windows with beautiful views of a century-old maple tree. The room has a queen-size pillow-top bed with luxurious Egyptian cotton linens, and a private bathroom with a step-in shower, Egyptian cotton towels, organic bath products, and a Victorian pull chain toilet.
Decorated in tranquil shades of sea cove greens and blues, and rich creams, the Cove Room features a queen-size four poster bed with luxurious Egyptian cotton linens, and a private bathroom with an antique claw-foot tub, Egyptian cotton towels, and organic bath products. This room is located on the second floor of the Inn and offers a haven of serenity.
The Bellevue Bed and Breakfast serves a hearty gourmet breakfast each morning that includes hot and cold dishes, yogurt, cereals, fresh fruit, freshly baked scones, muffins, biscuits, and bread, juices and coffee and tea. Breakfast can be enjoyed in the dining room or in the privacy of the guest chambers.
The Bellevue Bed and Breakfast features an array of amenities to enhance guests’ stay, including a nightly turn-down service with homemade sweet treats, complimentary soft drinks, and bottled water, and two spacious parlors - a Ladies’ Parlor and Gentleman’s Parlor for relaxing. An early morning tea and coffee service can be requested, and a guest fridge is fully stocked with beverages and water for guests to enjoy. A Butler’s basket is available for any essentials that might have been forgotten at home, such as toothbrushes and the Inn provides a full range of concierge services, including printing, copying, and fax services. A beautiful back and front porch with folding chairs offer beautiful views over the gardens.
The Bellevue Bed and Breakfast provides a range of unique packages for all occasions. The Romance Package is ideal for a bride and groom or anniversary couple and features a seasonal bouquet of flowers or roses, a CD of love songs, chocolate-covered strawberries or gourmet chocolates, and an aromatherapy candle. The Spa Basket Package includes indulgent gifts like nourishing body lotion, relaxing bath sea salts, an aromatherapy candle, a soothing music CD, and fresh fruit.
The Sweet Dreams Package includes a chamomile or lavender shower/bath gel and lotion, an aromatherapy candle, a soft nature music CD, homemade, bedtime cookies, and a satin eye sleep mask. The Picnic Basket Package is filled with homemade goodies, including wines from the local wineries, homemade cookies, fresh fruit and other delights.
Back to: Best Missouri Weekend Getaways
312 Bellevue Street, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, Phone: 800-768-6822
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