Cape Girardeau Attractions

Jean Baptiste Girardot established a trading post on this site in 1733. The town, Cape Girardeau, was named for him and settled by Spanish immigrants. The city contains many scenic parks, cultural sites, museums, recreational activities and antique stores.

Cape River Heritage Museum

Exhibits at Cape River Heritage Museum include Missouri History (state flag, mule, and state motto), the Mississippi River, and the early history of Cape Girardeau.

Facilities

Gift shop

Cape Rock Park Lookout

Cape Rock marks the supposed location of Ensign Jean B. Girardot's trading post in the 1730's. It offers a scenic lookout over the Mississippi River.

Southeast Missouri State University Museum

Fine art, archeological and historical collections are on display at the Southeast Missouri State University Museum. Mississippian and Mound Builder pottery are noted pieces on exhibit.

Hours

	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
Open	Closed	10:00	10:00	10:00	10:00	13:00	13:00
Close		16:00	16:00	16:00	16:00	16:00	16:00

Trail of Tears State Park

The Cherokee, one of the Five Civilized Tribes, were forced to relocate from their native homeland. Many of the Indians left their homeland voluntarily but 13,000 who refused to leave were forced to march 1,200 miles to the Indian territory in the west, during the winter of 1838-39.

The park contains both a natural area and a wild area. There are horseback riding, backpacking and hiking opportunities.

Hours

March 1 to April 30

	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
Open	Closed	Closed	Closed	Closed	Closed	10:00	12:00
Close						16:00	16:00

May 1 to September 30

	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
Open	Closed	Closed	9:00	9:00	9:00	9:00	12:00
Close			17:00	17:00	17:00	17:00	17:00

October 1 to October 31

	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
Open	Closed	Closed	Closed	9:00	9:00	9:00	12:00
Close				17:00	17:00	17:00	17:00