As you drive through the city, note the many 19th century buildings and homes, including the Glenn House, 325 South Spanish (April - December).  This 1880 Victorian style house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered to be one of the most authentic restorations along the Mississippi River.

In the Historic Downtown District, stop by the Missouri Wall of Fame mural, capture the magnificence of the mighty Mississippi River as it rolls along Riverfront Park, or view the entire downtown area atop the hillside of the old Common Pleas Courthouse. 

Old St. Vincent's Church, Main and William, dates to 1833 and is a fine example of Renaissance architecture built in the Gothic style. 

Old Lorimier Cemetery, which was set aside by city founder Don Louis Lorimier in 1808, is the oldest man-made landmark in the city.  On a hilltop overlooking the river, people of many races and backgrounds are buried here.  Markers written in German, Latin, French and English date back to Post-Revolutionary War times. 

Spend some time learning about Cape's past with a visit to the Cape River Heritage Museum (March - December), 538 Independence.  The museum features a special display on the Missouri State Flag, which was designed and created in Cape Girardeau. 

You may want to search out the city's Civil War heritage.  Four forts were built in Cape Girardeau from 1861 to 1864.  The largest of the four, Fort D, is located in the south part of town on a low bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. 

The Battle of Cape Girardeau was fought and won by the Union Forces in 1863.  The building located at 19 North Water Street, currently housing Port Cape Girardeau Restaurant, was used by General Grant as his head quarters when he was stationed here.

Cape Rock Park, the site where Jean Baptiste Girardot established his trading post in 1873, offers a breathtaking view of the river and a beautiful scenic overlook.  A bronze marker commemorates the site of the only inland cape in the world. 

The northwest corner of Capaha Park is home to the Rose Display Garden, which features over 188 varieties of roses.

Don't miss the campus of Southeast Missouri State University, which dates to the 1870's and offers its students a variety of experiences.  The University Museum features student artwork and traveling exhibits, while the Show Me Center is home to year-round concerts and sporting events.  Each winter, the University hosts the Cap't Crunch Gymnastics Invitational, which features the midwest's finest collegiate gymnasts.  In the spring, the University is home to the SEMOtion Relays.  Universities and Olympic hopefuls from all over the midwest are invited to this track and field event.

At the North Cape County Park, located between Cape Girardeau and Jackson, stop by the Conservation Center and explore the many interesting exhibits that display the natural habitat and wildlife of the area.

In Jackson, the County seat, visit the oldest Protestant church west of the Mississippi River.  The Old McKendree Chapel, established in 1809, is still used for various services and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. 

Tour the Oliver House, 224 East Adams Street, (Sundays, May - December), and experience the warmth and elegance of the mid-1800's.  Admire the many exquisite pieces of authentic period furniture, and listen to the whimsical music of the Edison Victrola.

History becomes fun when you take a steam train ride on the St. Louis Iron Mountain and Southern Railway; Highway 61 & 25, the only steam-powered tourist railroad line in the region.  Experience the sight and sounds of the locomotive as you ride in authentic 1920 passenger cars. 

Stand in awe at the Memorial to Veterans of All Wars in Brookside Park, an impressive 120 foot black-granite wall honoring the veterans of all the wars of the United States.

While you're near Jackson, take a side trip and visit a photographer's favorite site, the Bollinger Mill and Covered Bridge.  Located on the Whitewater River, the four-story, stone-and-brick mill is a state historic site and shares the setting with one of the four remaining covered bridges in the state. 

Visitors to Cape Girardeau County will be greeted with a variety of sights and experiences.  Trail of Tears State Park is situated in the northern part of the county on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River.  The 3,625 acre park was bought by the citizens of Cape Girardeau County and given to the state.  It offers natural beauty with a scenic drive along the limestone bluffs overlooking the river.  The name is derived from the federal government's massive forced march of the Cherokee Indians of 1838-39.  This route became known as the Trail of Tears and the park is one of the sites where the Indians crossed the Mississippi River.

The scenic park offers a backpacking trail, horseback riding, camping and fishing.  In addition, a 20 acre lake, Lake Boutin, offers boating, canoeing and a sand beach for swimming.

The Trail of Tears Interpretive Center, (open daily April - September, open weekends October - March), houses a display that tells the story of the Cherokee Indians.  A series of panels, which includes photographs, maps and other memorabilia, retrace the steps of the Indian nation's forced march.  The center also contains exhibits detailing the natural history of the park, including plant and animal life and geology.
 

The sights, sounds, and smells of barbecue will fill the air at the Arena Park in Cape Girardeau during the Annual Cape BBQ Fest, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.

Come one and all to the SEMO District Fair.  It's the oldest outdoor event in the state and the largest fair in southeast Missouri.  Held annually in September, this event includes carnival rides, livestock exhibits, and other traditional fair activities.  In the evening, fair goers can attend a demolition derby, tractor and truck pulls, plus the best of nationally acclaimed Country & Western music.

Weekend activities start at 9:00 a.m. with the parade, which begins at Capaha Park and travels down Broadway.  Football game starts at 2:00 p.m.

Held on the weekend before Thanksgiving,  arts  &  craft exhibitors from all over the midwest converge in the Cape Girardeau and Jackson area in six different exhibition halls.   In Cape Girardeau, visitors can take in the festivities at the Show Me Center, the Holiday Inn Convention Center, the A.C. Brase Arena Building, the Osage Community Centre, and the National Guard Armory, and in Jackson, the Bavarian Halle.

Historic Downtown Cape Girardeau comes alive each June with this celebration, which features a 5K run, carnival rides, and free entertainment on the Main Stage both Friday and Saturday night.

Up, up and away... in July, join the festivities at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, which includes air shows, military displays, sky diving and hot air balloons.

In mid-August, enjoy this week long event that celebrates the dedication of the Cape County Courthouse in downtown Jackson. Activities include mid-way rides and a beauty pageant.

Held in March, this indoor event brings the fun and excitement of  a world class rodeo and attracts the country's top cowboys.

Twice a year, take a step back in time to this 1870's replica village featuring traditional arts & crafts demonstrations.  Come and enjoy the Spring Craftfest and the Octoberfest.

Following a tradition that began years ago, the municipal band performs weekly at the Capaha Park Bandshell.  Performances are from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  Bring a lawn chair and sit back and enjoy the outdoors while you listen to some great music.