ATTRACTIONS
Join us downtown for some of the best attractions in the region. There's something for everyone here! Ranging from great family fun spots to an eclectic nightlife scene and plenty of sites for history buffs, you're sure to find your niche.

The Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that provides a beautiful backdrop to downtown. The bridge was built in 2003 to replace the Old Cape Girardeau Bridge that lay just to the north. It has become a city-wide icon due to its beauty and bold presence.
|
In order to fully experience downtown Cape Girardeau, you have to see and breathe the Mississippi River. Step through the flood gates downtown, take a seat and enjoy the peaceful churn of the Mighty Mississippi.
Location: Head eastbound on Broadway to Water Street. Public Parking is available at Broadway & Water.
|
Over three blocks of murals cover the Mississippi floodwalls that stand between Water Street and the Mississippi River. Each scene on the Mississippi River Tales Mural tells a story of a past era in Cape Girardeau. The Missouri Wall of Fame honors Missourians who have left their mark on the world.
Location: The floodwalls run parallel to Water Street. Start at Broadway & Water and walk south on Water. |
The Discovery Playhouse is a (FUN!) hands-on learning center for kids. While inside kids have the chance to grocery shop, bank, go to the dentist, dress up as fire fighters and much more. The environment is built to engage kids in learning while playing. The musuem also has traveling exhibits that are regularly exchanged to keep things fresh and exciting, making this destination one to re-visit! For more information visit www.discoveryplayhouse.org.
Location: 502 Broadway |
The River Campus of Southeast Missouri State University is a state of the art school for those pursuing Art, Music and Theater degrees. While downtown stop by the campus to visit the Crisp Museum, Department of Art's Gallery or a show in one of the fabulous performance halls. For upcoming shows and events click here. Plus there's a great park on the campus grounds with a beautiful view of the Bill Emerson Bridge and Mississippi River. It's perfect for picnicking!
Location: Adjacent to the intersection of Fountain and Morgan Oak. |
The Glenn House is a historic downtown Cape Girardeau gem open for tours. It was built in 1883 by Edwin Dean for his daughter Lulu and her husband David A. Glenn. Originally built in a farmhouse vernacular style, the home went under an extensive renovation in 1900 to be converted to the then popular Queen Anne Style. The home has been faithfully restored and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit www.glennhouse.org for hours and more info.
Location: 325 S. Spanish Street |
The Cape River Heritage Museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the unique character of southeast Missouri through hands on exhibits, education and special events. Not to mention the building itself is a unique piece of southeast Missouri history. Built in 1909, it was originally a courthouse, jail, police and fire station. At the time, volunteer firefighters drove horse drawn wagons to put out town blazes. For more information visit www.caperiverheritagemuseum.com.
Location: 538 Independence |
The Scallywag Theater is open when you want it to be! Book a 45 minute lunch or dinner show to accomodate your group's agenda, and enjoy 'The Mighty Mississippi Melodrama' with a buffet from Port Cape. For more information view the Scallywag Brochure or call 334-0954.
Location: Port Cape Girardeau, 19 N Water |
The Red House Interpretive Center commemorates the visit of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in 1803. Today the Red House Interpretive Center houses a number of outstanding exhibits and interpretive panels which highlight Lewis and Clark's visit, Lorimer and his family, four members of Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery, French Colonial architecture, etc. For more information please visit their website.
Location: 128 S. Main |
The Old St. Vincent's Church is a beautiful example of 15th century Italian Renaissance Architecture built in 1853. The church is predominately built in Gothic style with some Roman influence, and features unusual medieval-design plaster marks portraying characters from the "Miracle and Mystery Plays." For more information please visit their website.
Location: 629 William |
 |
The portal of the old Mississippi River bridge was left standing after the bridge was demolished. This portal has since been incorporated into a river overlook as part of the new River Campus of Southeast Missouri State University. This overlook includes a viewing scope that provides a commanding view of the Mississippi River. There is also access to the River Campus Trail which provides a leisurely walk along the historic grounds bordering the river. Interpretive signage scattered along the Trail also provides a great deal of insight into the rich history and heritage of the area.
Location: Intersection of Morgan Oak & S. Spanish |
|
|