Cape Girardeau, as a whole, is home to well over 20 parks and natural, green areas. Can you venture a guess on how many of these fabulous public spaces are in or near downtown?

Twelve. Yep, 12. That's about half of the city's most interesting public spaces and parks in a highly-concentrated, walkable, bike-able and fabulously historic area with tons of eclectic shopping and dining options.

Maybe you're one of the throngs of folks that already know and love downtown Cape Girardeau and are diligently following Old Town Cape's latest blog posts. Or, maybe you're one of the few stumbling upon the great things Cape Girardeau has to offer via Google. Whether visiting our gorgeous downtown is a favorite pastime or part of a planned future excursion to Cape, you'll not want to miss some of these free outdoor treasures that add sparkle to the historic district and surrounding area.

Boardman Pavilion
The Boardman Pavilion is conveniently located in one of downtown's largest parking areas along Main Street, across from Hutson's Fine Furniture, making it an excellent place for a break between shops. Grab a snack from one of downtown's restaurants, and then pull up a spot on one of the pavilion's picnic tables.

City Hall Park
This park, located behind Cape Girardeau's City Hall at 401 Independence Street, is a quaint green space with benches and flags.

Common Pleas Courthouse Gazebo
The site of the popular Tunes at Twilight during spring and fall, this park encompasses the grounds of the Common Pleas Courthouse, which wsa completed in 1854.

Indian Park
Indian Park is located at William Street and Lorimier Street. The park contains one shelter, two basketball courts and a play area. Several summer basketball tournaments are held at this park.

May Greene Garden
Tucked behind the former Federal Building, May Greene Garden is located in the heart of downtown at the intersection of Fountain and Themis Streets. Many varieties of flowers and plants grow in this "pocket park." Wooden benches in the park allow for a leisurely rest or a quiet spot to scan the pages of a good book.

Murtaugh Park
Murtaugh Park is a small green space located on a median across from the old St. Vincent's Catholic Church and the Red House Interpretive Center. Named for Rev. James A Murtaugh, C.M., the park was dedicated in 1928. A small section of Aquamsi Street once bordering Murtaugh Park was recently removed, nearly doubling the park's size.

Old Mississippi River Bridge Scenic Overlook and Park
Some of the area's most gorgeous views of the Mississippi River and the recently-constructed Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge have been photographed from the Old Mississippi River Bridge Scenic Overlook and Park, located at 100 Morgan Oak Street. Nestled next to the overlook is a small park and trail adjoining Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus, which incorporates the grounds of St. Vincent's College and Seminary. The seminary was founded in 1838.

Riverfront Park
While strolling down Broadway or Water Street, check out Riverfront Park. Riverfront Park is the docking site for the Mississippi River paddle boats and features a mile-long riverfront walking and biking trail. Murals depicting Cape Girardeau's history dot both sides of the flood wall bordering this park.

The following parks and historic areas are nearby downtown and worth a short walk to drive or visit:

Fort D
Constructed in the summer of 1861 by Union troops under the leadership of John Wesley Powell, Fort D is the only remaining one of four Civil Wat forts that protected Cape Girardeau from the Confederate attack. The earthwork walls remain intact, and historical signage throughout the fort's grounds bring its storied past to life. The Fort D site also contains a limestone building that was constructed in 1937 as a federal WPA project. Fort D is often the site of re-enactments and holiday celebrations. Self-guided tours are available daily from dawn through dusk. The fort is located at 920 Fort Street.

Missouri Park & Old Lorimier Cemetery
Missouri Park and Old Lorimier Cemetery are in close proximity to downtown. Missouri Park, at the corner of Fountain Street and Park Drive, is home to Cape Girardeau's skate park, a half basketball court, and a large green space perfect for outdoor fun. Adjoining Missouri Park, Old Lorimier Cemetery was established in 1808 on a five-acre plot of land set aside by founding father Louis Lorimier as the first public cemetery in Cape Girardeau. There are about 1250 gravestones marking burials at the cemetery, including gravestones associated with prominent family members to Cape Girardeau's history and potentially thousands more burials attributed to Civil War soldiers and unmarked gravesites.

Washington Park
Washington Park is a 3.3-acre neighborhood park located at Washington Lane and Middle Street containing a pavilion and large playground equipment. The park is about one block west of Missouri Park and adjacent to Old Lorimier Cemetery.