Ferryboats, jazz music and St Louis-style barbeques is the easy-going lifestyle you’ll find here in the small city of Cape Girardeau, located in southeast Missouri and facing the Mississippi River. Its quiet and peaceful atmosphere is welcoming, which is why so many St Louis locals use Cape Girardeau as a pleasant weekend getaway from the bustling, big city crowds.
Cape Girardeau has a rich history from Lewis and Clark to the Civil War, to being the object of Mark Twain’s writings. Museums, art galleries and wall murals showcase the many historical accounts. The city also prides itself for offering modern updates such as the 2003 Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge and sporting activities, shopping malls and hotels are available.
The wineries here are a real treat. With three to choose from, all within a short driving distance of each other, you can easily make a delightful daytrip out of tasting. The River Ridge Winery creates their vintages in a 100-year old farmhouse and specializes in Chardonnays, while the Tower Rock Winery gives you the option of picnicking in their vineyard in the Ozark Mountains. The newest member, Hemman Winery, is headquartered inside a 150-year old general store and serves up sweet, semi-sweet and homemade fruit wines.
Highlights
Mississippi River: also known as ‘Old Man River’, is America’s second longest river with a length that spans 2,320 miles, dividing the country’s eastern and western states. Many ferryboat tours are given year round.
The Red House Interpretive Center: is dedicated to the Lewis and Clark Expedition and houses many exhibits and an authentic Louis Lorimier Trading Post that displays items that were sold during the 1800s.
The Cape River Heritage Museum: is housed inside the old City Fire Station along with historical exhibits of artifacts and antiques relating to the Mississippi River as well as the town.
Historic Glenn House: listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 1900s home displays the elegant lifestyle of the Glenn family during that time.
Old St Vincent’s Church: this ‘Chapel of Ease’ is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has a beautiful blend of Gothic-Roman architectural design with medieval masks depicting the ‘Miracle and Mystery Plays.’
Common Pleas Courthouse and Courthouse Park: this 19th century courthouse is perched on top of the hill and looks out over the downtown district.