Cape Girardeau area
Around Cape Girardeau area
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Greater area · Missouri · 148k people
Cape Girardeau area
Locals say The Cape · “The Cape”
Where the river meets the heartland
SEMO Red
Welcome to The Cape, where the Mississippi meets the bluffs and the Redhawks rule. Get ready for river sunsets, barbecue smoke, and a friendly community that knows how to gather. Whether you're here for school, work, or just passing through, you'll find your spot along the riverfront.
Clubs for Cape Girardeau area
No clubs for Cape Girardeau area yet.
The room
Cape Girardeau area is big: its rooms are its areas'. This is Cape Girardeau's; the others are below.
One room for everyone around Cape Girardeau. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Cape Girardeau area. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Trail of Tears State Park State park with hiking trails, overlooks, and a historic route.
- Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center Free nature center with wildlife exhibits and trails.
- Show Me Center Arena on the SEMO campus hosting sports and concerts.
- Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge Iconic cable-stayed bridge crossing the Mississippi.
- Cape County Park Large community park with sports fields and a lake.
- Discovery Playhouse Children's museum with hands-on learning.
- Outdoors Hike the trails at Trail of Tears State Park
- Outdoors Fish the Mississippi River
- With kids Discovery Playhouse
- With kids Cape County Park
- Evenings Live music at downtown bars
- Evenings Riverfront patios
- Locals love Riverfront parks
- Locals love Barbecue joints
Through the year
- SEMO District Fair September The region's big county fair with rides, livestock, and food.
- Riverfest September Music and food festival along the Cape Girardeau riverfront.
- Cape Girardeau Farmers Market May-October Weekly market with local produce, baked goods, and crafts.
- First Friday Art Walk Monthly, first Friday Downtown galleries and shops open late with art and music.
- Redhawks Homecoming October SEMO's fall celebration with a parade, tailgating, and football game.
Humid subtropical with four distinct seasons. Hot, humid summers and cool winters. Spring and fall are the sweet spots. Best: Spring and fall are the best times to be out, with mild temps and low humidity.
Talk like a local
- “The Cape”
- Shorthand for Cape Girardeau.
- “SEMO”
- Southeast Missouri, often used for the university or region.
- “The river”
- The Mississippi River.
- “Bluff City”
- Nickname for Cape Girardeau, referencing its bluffs.
Getaways
- Sikeston Home of Lambert's Café, the 'throwed rolls' place, and a classic small-town square.
- Carbondale College town with SIU, the Shawnee National Forest, and the Crab Orchard Lake.
- Paducah River city known for its National Quilt Museum and lively downtown.
- Farmington Gateway to the St. Francois Mountains and Elephant Rocks State Park.
Local flavour
Teams
- Southeast Missouri State Redhawks NCAA Division I
Eat and drink
- Fried catfish A Mississippi River staple, often served with hush puppies and coleslaw.
- Barbecue Slow-smoked meats, a Missouri tradition.
- Hush puppies Cornmeal fritters, classic side for fried fish.
- Sweet tea Southern-style sweetened iced tea, common in the region.
Where people go
- Mississippi River riverfront Parks, trails, and views of the river and bridge.
- Bluffs and scenic overlooks The river bluffs offer dramatic views and hiking.
- Historic downtown Brick streets, old buildings, and local shops.
- University campus Southeast Missouri State University adds a youthful energy.
Heritage and traditions
Cape Girardeau is proud of its Mississippi River heritage, its blend of German and French roots, and its role as a cultural and educational hub for the region. The area celebrates its history, from the Trail of Tears to its riverboat past, and values its small-town charm with a strong sense of community.
This time of year in Cape Girardeau area
- Foliage Fall The Shawnee National Forest and river bluffs offer colorful autumn views.
- Jackson Fall Festival October Fall celebration with crafts, food, and family activities.
Say it like a local: “creek” — pronounced 'crick'
Festivals
- Perryville Heritage Days September Celebrates German Catholic heritage with food, music, and crafts.
- Eagle Days January Watch bald eagles along the Mississippi at the Conservation Nature Center.
- Trail of Tears Commemorative Walk September Honors the Cherokee removal with a walk along the historic route.
- Jackson Fall Festival October Fall celebration with crafts, food, and family activities.
Landmarks with a story
- Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal A major Catholic pilgrimage destination in Perryville, home to the Vincentian order.
- Old St. Vincent's Church One of the oldest churches in Cape Girardeau, with a rich history.
- Cape Girardeau County Courthouse Located in Jackson, this courthouse dates back to the 19th century.
- Glenn House A Victorian-era home overlooking the Mississippi, now a museum.
- Fort D A preserved earthwork fort from the Civil War, part of Cape Girardeau's defenses.
- Old Lorimier Cemetery Final resting place of early settlers, including the city's founder.
Food traditions
- Lenten fish fries Fridays during Lent, churches in Perryville and other communities host fish fries, a tradition from the Catholic German settlers.
- German sausage and sauerkraut At heritage festivals, German sausage and sauerkraut are staples, reflecting the strong German influence in Perry County.
- Persimmon pudding A sweet dessert made from wild persimmons, popular in the fall.
Music and arts
- Blues and gospel music The area has a rich tradition of blues and gospel, influenced by its river and Southern connections.
- SEMO theater and music Southeast Missouri State University's arts programs bring performances to the community.
- German folk music At heritage festivals, German folk music is played, reflecting the area's roots.
A little history
- late 18th century Founded by French settlers
- 1861-1865 Civil War stronghold
- 1811-1812 New Madrid earthquakes
- 19th century German immigration to Perry County
- 1830s Trail of Tears crossing
Rivalries
- SEMO Redhawks vs. Murray State Racers Ohio Valley Conference basketball battle.
- SEMO Redhawks vs. SIU Salukis Cross-state rivalry in football and basketball.
- Cape Girardeau vs. Jackson Local high school football showdown.
- Game day SEMO Redhawks football and basketball games
- Game day High school football rivalries
- Outdoors Hike in Shawnee National Forest
- Outdoors Fish for catfish on the Mississippi
- With kids Attend a SEMO Redhawks game
- With kids Visit the Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
Locals speak with a Midwestern accent with a touch of Southern drawl. Common phrases include 'y'all' and 'pop' for soda.
Only here
- The confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers at Cairo, IL.
- The Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is a major pilgrimage site.
- The Trail of Tears route passes through the area.
- The Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge is a distinctive cable-stayed bridge.
New here? A few tips
- Learn to pronounce 'Cape Girardeau' as 'juh-RAH-doe'.
- Be prepared for hot, humid summers and cold winters.
- Explore the riverfront, especially at sunset.
- Try the local catfish and BBQ.
- Be aware of state lines: Missouri and Illinois are separated by the river.
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Areas in Cape Girardeau area
Nearby
Every areaAnnaIllinoisHills, hollows, and hospitalityBootheelMissouriDeep soil, wide skies, and the river's pull.CarbondaleIllinoisWhere the hills meet the prairie and the Salukis roamPerryvilleMissouriWhere the river meets the orchardReelfoot LakeTennesseeWhere the cypress meet the water and the fishing is always good.Union CityTennesseeHome of Reelfoot LakeMarionIllinoisWhere the hills and lakes meet the coal countryPoplar BluffMissouriWhere the Ozarks meet the river
Cape Girardeau-Sikeston, MO-IL CSA. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.