Location: Cape Girardeau
Top Things to do in Cape Girardeau
What to do and see in Cape Girardeau, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Cape Girardeau (/ˈkeɪp dʒɪˈrɑːrdoʊ/, French: Cap-Girardeau [kap ʒiʁaʁdo] ( listen); colloquially referred to as "Cape") is a city in Cape Girardeau and Scott counties in the U.S. state of Missouri. It is located approximately 115 miles (185 km) southeast of St. Louis and 175 miles (282 km) north of Memphis. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the city's population was 37,941, making it the 16th-largest city in Missouri, and the largest city in Southeast Missouri. An emerging college town, it is the home of Southeast Missouri State University.
Restaurants in Cape Girardeau
1. Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Located within Cape Girardeau's North County Park, the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center is a place where families can have fun while exploring the rich cultural history and wildlife of Southeast Missouri. Admission is always free at the Nature Center because the nature center is operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation, a state agency supported by fishing and hunting license revenues and the statewide 1/8-of-one percent "Design for Conservation" sales tax. Inside the Nature Center, visitors will find a 160-seat auditorium, three classrooms, and hands-on exhibits for all ages, a scientific research laboratory, freshwater aquariums, and an indoor wildlife viewing area. Exhibits begin with Paul Corbin's collection of Native American artifacts including primitive tools that were used to harvest plants and animals hundreds of years ago. Interactive exhibits encourage exploration of the forest, marsh, swamp, and big river habitats of Southeast Missouri. Visitors can learn where to go in the region to experience these unique natural features and gain insight into local opportunities for camping, hunting, and fishing. Outside, "White Oak Trace" features two miles of nature trails allowing visitors to traverse rolling river hills with sinkholes, deep hollows, and ravines covered with prominent stands of poplar and oak. Native plants featured in the Nature Center's landscape provide habitat for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other wildlife species. These examples of native landscapes make the Nature Center a great place to get ideas for your own landscaping plans. The nature center also has a gift shop, with a wide variety of educational books, videos, and nature-related items. Final sales must be made by 4:30 pm.
Reviewed By Butterflydays - Cape Girardeau, Missouri
We enjoy taking our dog on nice long walks on your pet-friendly hiking trail. (We always take waste disposal bags to pick up after our pet, but have noticed that some do not). A simple solution would be to have a pet waste station at...MoreThank you so very much for your kind words. Just a reminder that only the Maple Hollow Trail (behind shelter 3) is open to dog walkers. We appreciate your support in trying to keep our trails waste-free.
2. Missouri Wall of Fame
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
Mural depicting 45 famous Missourians.
Reviewed By Butterflydays - Cape Girardeau, Missouri
We enjoyed walking along The Missouri Wall of Fame today on our way to see the "Nina" and the "Pinta" replica's of Christopher Columbus' ships. They were docked just past this wall, along the mighty Mississippi River.The Columbus Foundation has scheduled stops for these ships eleven months out of the year. Everyone should see these beautiful ships! We took a self-guided tour on each one, and found them to be truly fascinating! There is always something going on in the historic downtown district of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. It's usually happening along or near The Missouri Wall of Fame.
3. Riverfront Bridge Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By Butterflydays - Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Riverfront Bridge Park is a nice place for a walking tour. Take Shawnee Parkway to the last street, (South Fountain Street) turning left before you cross the bridge over into Illinois. Keep to the right on (Morgan Oak Street) at the roundabout. You will see The River Campus parking lot on your right, and then this park is just ahead of you. Parking lot is on the street just to the left of the overlook. (Mapquest has it pinned too far to the west). It overlooks the Mississippi River.
4. Lazy L Safari Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Lazy L Safari Park is a walk-thru zoo featuring animals from around the world. Visitors can walk through the zoo grounds in their own time and at their own pace. Stroll along the creek to watch the zebras or antelope play. Don't miss our Petting Zoo, Animal Nursery, Gift Shop, or Snack Shack. Get up close & personal with our animal friends as you....Take a Walk on the Wild Side!
Reviewed By Lora M - Paris, TN
Took our 3 year old grandson. He was excited about seeing the animals. He had a blast. I would recommend buying more than one bird stick to feed the parakeets, that was his favorite part.Everybody "loves" the Parakeet Jungle Exhibit - if you like birds that is! We are so glad your grandson had such a good time. Thanks for visiting and we hope to see you again soon!
5. Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By Sally C
My friends and I go to this water park every chance we get! Lots to do - several slides, whirlpool, splash pad, regular pool, and a lazy river. The food served at the concession stand is quite good, especially the French fries! Lockers are available for 50 cents - you definitely want to have one.
6. Isle Casino Cape Girardeau
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 170 reviews
Isle Casino Cape Girardeau is a state of the art gaming and entertainment destination located in historic Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The casino offers approximately 900 slot machines and 21 table games including roulette, craps, blackjack and poker. Extend the action with exciting promotions, entertainment, and five restaurants to tempt your palate. Get winning!
Reviewed By mommermom - Los Angeles, California
While in the area we spent a few hours at this casino. Very beautiful, clean, and inviting atmosphere. Met family for the buffet lunch which honestly was one of the worst we had ever experienced. Food was not hot and the salad bar had meager selections. Very few desert choices. Little payout on slots. All right, I admit we have been to many casinos and this one just did not measure up. Perhaps for the area it is good but we would be in no hurry to return.
7. The Red House Interpretive Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Chris H - Bristol, England
We visited The Red House as part of a tour operating from the American Queen steamboat, when we landed in Cape Girardeau.
Because of the expected number of visitors, there was a special display with a guide and some delightful local music.
We enjoyed our visit and the opportunity to see artifacts from the area and hear about local history. It was all excellent.
We would like to thanks all who participated to make our vist so interesting.
8. Discovery Playhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
The Discovery Playhouse, inspires the child in everyone and provides an entertaining family experience. Through the love of play, the 7,500 square foot museum offers a world of opportunities to learn through hands-on exhibits.Shop at the grocery store, get play money from the bank's ATM, and drive a fire truck! The Discovery Playhouse also offers workshops, educational programs and events incorporating science, art, math and other focus areas. Birthday parties in the fun and spacious party room and private events can be arranged by contacting the museum.
Reviewed By Mandy I
We've been several times. It's a similar concept as the Bootheel Youth Museum in Malden. Except they have had the same exhibits since it has opened. Nothing new. It's boring unless you are under the age of 3. Staff is nice, place is clean, but it is definitely overpriced. They make every adult pay, which is ridiculous to me.
9. The Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Randall8152 - Saint Louis, Missouri
I like the fact that the owner is there most of the time. They have really decent food coming out of the kitchen and most of the time the drinks are spot on. Try the pizza, it's modeled after the original IMO's of St. Louis but I think The Library's pizza is better.
It's not your typical Cape Girardeau college bar. You can go there even if your not a kid!! It stays quiet till around 10:30. Overall a good experience.
10. Annie Laurie's
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By AZrover41 - Phoenix, Arizona
This is another spot we always visit when in the Cape. Annie's is a tall old house with many rooms, all crammed with goodies. We love snooping here, plan a meeting place, & never go out empty handed. Staff is friendly, prices fair. You never know what you'll discover. Be aware that there are many steps in front; if this is a problem, park in back & come in the back door.
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