Cape Girardeau Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Cape Girardeau, located in the southeastern part of Missouri, is a charming city that offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and modern amenities. Known as the "Cape" by locals, this picturesque town is nestled along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, providing visitors with stunning river views and a tranquil atmosphere.

One of the main attractions in Cape Girardeau is the historic downtown area. Stroll along the beautifully preserved streets and admire the well-preserved 19th-century buildings that house a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries. The Old St. Vincent's Church, a Gothic Revival masterpiece that dates back to 1853, is a must-see for history enthusiasts.

For those seeking outdoor adventure, Cape Girardeau offers numerous opportunities to explore the natural surroundings. The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center is a great place to start, with its extensive network of trails that wind through forests, wetlands, and prairies. Birdwatchers will delight in the diverse species that call this area home, while hikers and bikers can enjoy the picturesque landscapes.

History buffs will find plenty to discover in Cape Girardeau. The Cape River Heritage Museum showcases the city's rich history through interactive exhibits and artifacts, while the Red House Interpretive Center offers a glimpse into the daily lives of early settlers. Don't miss the Fort D Historic Site, a Civil War-era fort that played a significant role in the region's history.

Cape Girardeau is also home to a vibrant arts and cultural scene. The River Campus, located on the scenic banks of the Mississippi River, is a hub for the arts, featuring a state-of-the-art performance center, galleries, and studios. Catch a live performance by the Southeast Missouri Symphony Orchestra or explore the latest exhibition at the Crisp Museum.

When it comes to dining, Cape Girardeau offers a wide range of culinary delights. From upscale restaurants serving farm-to-table cuisine to cozy cafes offering homemade treats, there is something to satisfy every palate. Be sure to try the local favorite, "Cape Girardeau-style" pizza, known for its thin crust and unique toppings.

Alternative names: Founded: 1793 (231 years ago)Population: 39.5 thous.Area: 29.04 mi²Elevation: 384 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°18'15"N, 89°32'41"W

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MissouriUnited States

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Cape Girardeau Top Attractions

Cape Girardeau Attractions - What to See and Explore

Cape Girardeau offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, Cathedral of St. Mary of the Annunciation, Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge, The Crisp Museum. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Church • Sacred and religious sites • Greek Revival architecture
St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church
The St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau, Missouri is a historic church at 131 South Main Street. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Church
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Annunciation
The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Annunciation, also known as St. Mary's Cathedral, is a Catholic cathedral in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, United States. Along with St. Agnes Cathedral in Springfield, Missouri it is the seat of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau.
Bridge
Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge
The Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge connecting Missouri's Route 34 and Route 74 with Illinois Route 146 across the Mississippi River between Cape Girardeau, Missouri and East Cape Girardeau, Illinois.

Specialty museum • Museum • Art museum
The Crisp Museum
The Crisp Museum, formally the Rosemary Berkel and Harry L. Crisp II Museum is a U.S. museum located on the River Campus of Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. It features displays and exhibitions of archaeological and historical artifacts, as well as paintings and other artworks.
Museum • History museum
Glenn House
The Glenn House is a historic home located at Cape Girardeau, Missouri. It was built in 1883, and is a two-story, Late Victorian style painted brick dwelling. It is topped by cross-gabled and pyramidal roofs. It features a verandah with Tuscan order columns, turret, and oriel window.
Church
Hanover Lutheran Church
Hanover Lutheran Church is a Lutheran congregation in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, that is a member of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.
View point
Mississippi River Tales Mural
The Mississippi River Tales is a mural containing 24 panels covering nearly 18,000 square feet of the 15-foot-high downtown floodwall in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Park
Fort D
Fort D is a Civil War-era fort alongside the Mississippi River in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA.
Monuments and statues
Confederate War Memorial
The Confederate War Memorial is a memorial to Confederate soldiers located behind the Common Pleas Courthouse in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. It was erected by the Cape Girardeau United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1931. It was moved to its current location in 1995.
37°18'24"N • 89°31'26"W
Discovery Playhouse
Children's museum • Museum
Synagogue
B'Nai Israel Synagogue
B'Nai Israel Synagogue is a historic Jewish synagogue at 126 S. Main in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. It was erected in 1937 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. It is located in the Courthouse-Seminary Neighborhood Historic District.
37°18'35"N • 89°31'40"W
Oliver-Leming House
Oliver-Leming House, also known as the Home of the Missouri State Flag, is a historic home located at Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Gambling • Nightlife • Casino
Century Casino Cape Girardeau
Century Casino Cape Girardeau, formerly Isle Casino Cape Girardeau, is a casino in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. It opened on October 30, 2012, as Missouri's 13th and final facility. It is owned by Vici Properties and operated by Century Casinos. Century Casino has over 900 slot machines and 21 table games.
Cemetery
Old Lorimier Cemetery
The Old Lorimier Cemetery in Cape Girardeau, Missouri was established between 1806 and 1808 by Louis Lorimier. The cemetery is located at 500 North Fountain Street overlooking the Mississippi River. There are believed to be more than 6,500 graves in the cemetery, most of them unmarked.
Neighbourhood
Broadway Commercial Historic District
Broadway Commercial Historic District is a national historic district located at Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau County, Missouri. The district encompasses 35 contributing buildings and 1 contributing structure in a predominantly commercial section of Cape Girardeau.
Concerts and shows • Theater
Esquire Theater
Esquire Theater is a historic movie theater located at Cape Girardeau, Missouri. It was built in 1946–1947, and is a two-story, brick building with a colorful Art Deco facade. The building measures approximately 100 feet by 60 feet.
Concerts and shows • Theater
Broadway Theatre
Broadway Theater, also known as the New Broadway Theatre, Fox Broadway, Kerasotes Broadway Theatre, was a historic vaudeville house and movie theater located at Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Church
St. James A.M.E. Church
St. James A.M.E. Church, also known as the St. James Chapel AME Church and St. James Chapel, is a historic African Methodist Episcopal congregation in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. It is noted for its historic church, a one-story, stucco-covered brick building with a rectangular plan and a front facing gable built in 1875.
Greek Revival architecture
Colonel George C. Thilenius House
Colonel George C. Thilenius House, also known as Longview, is a historic home located at Cape Girardeau, Missouri. It was built between 1870 and 1873, and is a 2+1⁄2-story, painted red brick dwelling with Greek Revival style design elements.

Day trips

Cape Girardeau – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Cape Girardeau, it's worth seeing attractions such as: University Museum (Carbondale), Magnolia Manor (Cairo), Old Custom House (Cairo).

34 milesNE
Museum
University Museum, Carbondale
The University Museum at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is part of the College of Liberal Arts, and is housed in Faner Hall on the SIUC campus.
29 milesSE
Historical place, Architecture, History museum
Magnolia Manor, Cairo
Magnolia Manor is a postbellum manor located in Cairo, Illinois, located in Alexander County. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since December 17, 1969.
29 milesSE
Architecture, Historical place, History museum
Old Custom House, Cairo
The Old Custom House is a historic government building in downtown Cairo, Illinois. Built from 1869 to 1872, the building served as a customs house, post office, and courthouse. Alfred B. Mullett, the U.S.
31 milesSE
Park
Fort Defiance, Cairo
Fort Defiance, known as Camp Defiance during the American Civil War, is a former military fortification located at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers in the city limits of Cairo, in Alexander County, Illinois.
46 milesN
Bridge
Mary's River Covered Bridge, Chester
Mary's River Covered Bridge is a covered bridge which crosses Marys River 4 miles northeast of Chester, Illinois. The Burr truss bridge is 86 feet long and 17 feet 8 inches wide.

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Best Time To Visit Cape Girardeau

Learn when is the best time to travel to Cape Girardeau weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June, July and September are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in April and May.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in January, February and October. Most of it rains in March and May.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Cape Girardeau?

The top attractions to visit in Cape Girardeau are:

What is the best time to visit Cape Girardeau?

June, July and September are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in April and May. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.