Cape Girardeau, MO Summary

This Mississippi River town, in the state’s far southeast, was founded as a French trading post in 1733. It was then settled by Spaniards lured to the area by cheap, tax-exempt land. After river trade diminished in the late 1800s, Cape Girardeau benefited from its position on the new railroad lines.

The town, which now has 34,400 residents, is dotted with parks, some of which overlook the river. Some of the best views can be had from Cape Rock, the site of the original trading post.

The 57-mile stretch of I-55 that connects Cape Girardeau with the town of St Mary in the north is also very scenic.

The Cape River Heritage Museum (open Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from March to December) interprets the area’s history and culture. The Southeast Missouri State University Museum (open year-round, except during school vacations) has artworks and historical artifacts from the region and elsewhere. The Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau has self-guided walking tour pamphlets of the historic downtown.

Ten miles north of Cape Girardeau along State Route 177 is the Trail of Tears State Park. It contains part of the route covered by the Cherokees on their forced march from the East Coast to Oklahoma.

Deer, turkeys, and foxes live in the park’s wooded hills and valleys; bald eagles can be seen there in the winter. Visitors can also venture out on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River.

The town is serviced by a municipal airport.