27 Best & Fun Things to Do in Cape Girardeau (MO)

In search of the best and fun things to do in Cape Girardeau, MO?

The city of Cape Girardeau lies at the eastern border to the Mississippi River, and it is located in the southeastern area of Missouri in the United States.

Cape Girardeau County has a population of about eighty-one thousand, seven hundred and ten (81,710).

The city was founded in 1793 and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, with many companies and beautiful attractions.

Cape Girardeau County, mostly referred to as “Cape” by its residents, is a fascinating city with lots of exciting attractions and unique cultures. Are you considering a vacation in Cape Girardeau? Here are the top things to do in Cape Girardeau, MO.

Things to Do in Cape Girardeau

1. Fun time at Arena Park

Arena Park
Credits: City of Cape Girardeau / Flickr
Arena Park

Arena park is a number one family destination for families searching for fun things to do in Cape Girardeau.

The park is a ninety(90) acres establishment with many facilities like a steam train, slides, swings, and other playground materials for the kids to have fun.

Arena Park has many shaded pavilions and more than ninety (90) picnic tables for holding occasions like Wedding receptions, birthday parties, corporate events, and many others.

It also has a site where barbecues are perfectly prepared and other delicious meals. The park hosts the SEMO District fair every single year.

Arena park has other interesting games and carnival rides; the sports lovers aren’t left out as the park hosts local baseball and softball leagues competitions.

Make sure you add Arena park to your bucket list and get ready for an amazing experience.

Address:410 Kiwanis Dr, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, United States

2. Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center

One of the top things to do in Cape Girardeau County is paying a visit to the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center.

It has about one hundred and eighty-nine (189) acres of land containing Scenic ponds, nature trails, verdant Meadows, and rolling hills.

Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center is a habitat of hummingbirds, plants, butterflies, freshwater turtles, and many more.

It has a reserved facility where you will be taught more about the region & its wildlife and get an opportunity to see local artifacts and other presentations.

Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 8am-5pm, closed on Monday and Sunday.

Address: 2289 County Park Dr, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, United States

3. Missouri Wall of Fame

Missouri Wall of Fame
Credits: Dan Darling / Flickr
Missouri Wall of Fame

A visit to the Missouri Wall of Fame is one of the top things to see in Cape Girardeau, especially if you’re eager to know more about the history of Missouri.

If you’re looking for an interesting way to learn the history of Missouri, then a drive-by at the Missouri Wall of Fame is a great way to do it.

Missouri wall of fame brings many artists, media personalities, singers, scientists, and authors who have greatly impacted Missouri under one roof.

Missouri Wall of Fame has a five hundred(500) feet Riverside mural covered with paintings of well-known and important individualists.

The center gives a picturesque view of the Mississippi and is ideal for visiting with your family and friends.

Address: Water Street, Cape Girardeau.

4. Levi’s Adventure Trail

Levi's Adventure Trail
Credits: aounphoto / Shutterstock

Exploring Levi’s Adventure Trail is one of the best things to do in Cape Girardeau; it was established in 2017 and features many fun activities.

The park was named as a tribute to Levi Collon, who died suddenly in 2012 on the 18th of March.

It features sand and water areas, zip lines, climbing structures, numerous swings, and much more.

Levi’s Adventure Trail also features p ark lights used in the evening, a purified water station, and a water fountain.

The park provides neat washrooms for your convenience, bring your kids to Levi adventure Trail, and they will thank you for life.

Levi’s Adventure Trail is open from Monday to Sunday from 6:30am-10pm.

Address:2400 County Park Dr, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, Phone: 573-450-9415

5. Crisp Museum

Crisp Museum is a beautiful museum with a calm environment showing many incredible artifacts with historical meaning.

They showcase artifacts like vessels, stone tools with other historical items, and aged items from American cultures.

Crisp Museum also displays recent artifacts like firearms, military weapons, and hand tools to remember the past.

The museum teaches about the history and cultures of America. Crip museum is open from Tuesday to Friday from 9am- 5pm, Saturday& Sunday from 1pm-4pm, and Monday from 10am-5pm.

Address:518 S Fountain St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703, United States

6. 36 Restaurant and Bar

36 Restaurant and Bar
Credits: Valentyn Volkov / Shutterstock

36 Restaurant and Bar is a family-owned restaurant and one of the most popular restaurants in Cape Girardeau that offer great services.

The owners of the restaurants’ John and Venessa Klein, were once colleagues at the restaurant where they first met and later got married.

John and Vanessa had one dream of owning their restaurant, so they started working towards it and built a wonderful restaurant called 36 Restaurant and Bar.

36 Restaurant and Bar serves unique and tasty dishes, and these meals are prepared by their friend Chef Houston Sutton whom they employed as the head chef.

The full bar is filled with several kinds of beers and varieties of wines. Over the years, the story of these couples has served as a form of inspiration to locals and tourists.

36 Restaurant and Bar is open from Monday to Thursday from 5am-9pm, Friday and Saturday from 5am-9pm.

Address: 36 North Main Street, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701,

7. Cape West Cinema- Marcus Theatres

Cape West Cinema- Marcus Theatres
Credits: Jacob Lund / Shutterstock

If you’re searching for a great movie Cinema, CAPE WEST CINEMA is an excellent choice for you to have an amazing movie experience.

The Marcus Theatre is fully equipped with amazing sound equipment and a wide television to ensure that you enjoy your movie.

Cape West Cinema offers delightful popcorn and tasty drinks to go with it; the theatre is filled with comfortable seats for you to relax and enjoy your movie.

Students get in at a cheaper rate by presenting their student ID. If you are ready to enjoy that trending movie visit CAPE WEST CINEMA today.

Address: 247 Siemers Dr, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, United States.

8. Glenn House

Glenn House
Credits: Jonathunder / Wiki (public domain)
Glenn House

Glenn House is a house with a crucial historical position in Cape Girardeau’s records; Glenn house has the features and layouts built in the 1880s.

The house contains fashion collections, antique furnishings, and many other artifacts. The genuine fun is in the night when you can hear strange whispers, scary footsteps, children laughing, and other supernatural activities.

Glenn House is tagged as one of the most haunted houses in Cape Girardeau; hence that is the reason for the frequent visits of ghost hunters.

Address:325 S Spanish St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703, United States.

Are you planning a road trip to Missouri and wondering what to do? here is a guide on things to do in Rollathings to do in St. Charles , and fun things to do in Hermann for a memorable

9. Lazy L Safari Park

Lazy L Safari Park
Credits: Ernie Hounshell / Shutterstock

Lazy L Safari Park is one of the top things to do in Cape Girardeau, especially for animal lovers.

There are more than sixty (60) species of birds, reptiles, and mammals from different parts of the world in this park.

Lady L Safari park gives you the chance to see many wildlife like crocodiles, zebras, and others; you have access to get close to them and even feed them.

There are other animals like alligators and pythons convenient for you to see. The park features exciting activities like searching for treasures and gemstones in the mining sluice.

Adults pay a fee of $9.00, children from age two(2) to seventeen(17) pay a fee of $7.00, and it’s free for kids below age two(2).

Address:2763 Co Rd 618, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, United States

10. West Park Mall

West Park Mall
Credits: Mike Kalasnik / Flickr
West Park Mall

Shopping is one of the fun things to do in Cape Girardeau, and West Park Mall is your number one shopping center.

The West Park Mall has been in business for about Forty years (40years) now, and May Centers Company built this mall.

The mall consists of several shops for men’s and women’s outfits and children’s attire, shoes, jewelry, toiletries, and much more.

While shopping and you happen to get hungry, walk into the Mexican restaurant for a very delicious dish or visit the Creole Burger or Kacie’s cookies and many other options.

West Park Mall consists of five fixed or permanent stores: Ashley Homestore, JCPenney, Macy’s Barnes & Noble, and Old Navy store.

Address:3049 William St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703.

11. Riverfront Bridge Park

Riverfront Bridge Park is a small park with astonishing beauty surrounded by the amazing gifts of nature, an excellent location to take spectacular pictures.

You will find the remains of the old bridge that was abolished before the erection of the present one. It also has an open field perfect for a picnic.

The park offers picturesque views of the Mississippi River, and it also has park tables and benches for those that might decide to stop and have a meal.

Make sure you visit Riverfront bridge park for your insanely beautiful pictures and an amazing experience.

Address:Morgan Oak St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703, United States

12. Melaina’s Magical Playground

Melaina's Magical Playland
Credits: Melaina’s Magical Playland / Facebook
Melaina’s Magical Playland

Melaina’s Magical Playground is a unique fun center built specially for differently-abled kids.

The park was built by a couple named Jeff and Andrea for their daughter, who had a chronic disease and thus couldn’t play at local parks because of this illness, and they decided to build this playground.

The park was named after their daughter, Melaina Cunningham, and is open for children of all ages and abilities.

The park is magical and has brought joy to many kids with disabilities; they can now meet kids like them and have memorable moments together.

Melaina’s Magical Playground is open from Sunday to Saturday from 7am-9pm.

Address:N County Park Rd, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

13. Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center

Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center
Credits: Eric Cote / Shutterstock

Splash Family Aquatic Center is the kids’ favorite center, with many amusing water facilities like artificial rivers, slides, pools, and more.

Splash Family Aquatic Center is the best location, especially during hot days; you may decide to float quietly along the winding river.

The center offers Speed slides, splash pads, and a water playground for children to have an extraordinary experience.

Splash Family Aquatic Center is open only during the summer season, add them to your visit list, and you will not regret it.

Address: 1565 N Kingshighway St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, United States.

14. Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine

Broussard's Cajun Cuisine
Credits: AS Food studio / Shutterstock

Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine is one of the highly-rated restaurants in Cape Girardeau that serves delicious dishes.

Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine was built by Barron and Kathy Broussard in 1986 and has passed through several owners, and it now has Stephanie and Hunter Clark as its owners since 2004.

The cuisine is beautified using New Orleans flair, which gives customers a relaxing and comfortable environment.

Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine serves fantastic dishes like Cajun & Creole, Fried Gator, Spicy Popcorn Shrimp, and much more.

Address:114 N Main St., Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701.

15. Century Casino Cape Girardeau

Century Casino Cape Girardeau
Credits: clementetinin / Shutterstock

Gambling at Century Casino Cape Girardeau is one of the fun things to do when you visit Cape Girardeau.

Century Casino Cape Girardeau has a large space with a capacity of more than five hundred (500) visitors.

It contains about nineteen (19) table games, four(4) live poker tables, and more than nine hundred & five (905) slot machines.

Century Casino Cape Girardeau also features a restaurant that serves delicious American dishes and other food.

Their staff is well trained and friendly; their facilities are well maintained. Get ready for a remarkable experience.

Century Casino Cape Girardeau is open from Sunday to Thursday from 9am-4pm, Friday and Saturday from 9am-6pm.

Address:777 Main St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, United States.

16. Bella Italia Restaurant

Bella Italia Restaurant
Credits: El Nariz / Shutterstock

Having a meal at Bella Italia Restaurant is one of the best things to do in Cape Girardeau. This restaurant was wrecked by the fire many years back until absolutely nothing was left.

Due to his undying passion, Mark Dirnberger, the owner of the restaurant, rebuilt the restaurant and fit back into business within eight months.

Since then, it has grown tremendously and is now a popular destination for families and friends, including locals and visitors.

Bella Italia Restaurant offers delightful meals such as soups, pizza, paninis, baked pasta, and much more.

The restaurant also possesses outdoor seating for those who love outdoor dining, family reunions, and other small gatherings.

Bella Italia Restaurant also has banquet rooms and a full bar with varieties of great beer and wines.

Address: 20 North Spanish, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

17. Fort D Historic Site

Fort D Historic Site
Credits: Larry J. Summary, Cape Girardeau, MO [CC BY-SA 3.0], Wikimedia Commons
Fort D Historic Site
Fort D Historic Site is an educational site that showcases remarkable historical artifacts and is a popular destination for history lovers and tourists.

Fort D Historic Site was built in 1861 by union troops, and this site showcases lots of breathtaking historical artifacts used during the Civil War.

Fort D features gunpowder houses, rifle pits, Civil War-era cannons, and many more. This site also contains a limestone building built-in 1937.

Cape Girardeau Played a huge role during the Civil War; hence the site stands as a form of remembrance, and it affected the citco

Fort D Historic Site enlightens tourists and locals about The Civil War and how it ended. Fort D historic site is open every day of the week from 7am-9pm.

Address:920 Fort St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

18. Kiwanis Park

Kiwanis Park
Credits: Stock-Asso / Shutterstock

Kiwanis Park is one of the best places to visit in Cape Girardeau County, and it features lots of fun and exciting activities.

The park is a fifty-five (55) acre structure with several facilities, and there is a pond at the center of the park filled with different freshwater creatures for those who would like to go fishing.

Kiwanis Park offers picnic tables and covered pavilions for rental to families who want to hang out and relax in a pleasant environment.

The park features Swings, small tunnels, and slides; it also has a park for dogs where you and your pet can have a fun time.

Kiwanis Park is open from Monday to Sunday from 6am-11pm.

Address:2100 Rotary Dr, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, United States.

19. Cape Rock Park

Cape Rock Park is a beautiful park with a landscape of twenty-one (21) acres, and this park carries a lot of history.

The larger part of this park is more of natural amenities like grasses, beautiful flowers, and trees with just a few artificial amenities.

The standing rock in this park is an excellent spot to take fantastic pictures as a form of remembrance of the time you spent here and a visual way of sharing the memories with your family.

Cape Rock Park is the perfect location for you if you ever need a peaceful and alone time from all of the stress in a serene atmosphere.

Cape Rock is open every day of the week from 8am-6pm.

Address: E Cape Rock Dr, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, United States.

20. Cape Woods Conservation Area

The Conservation Area is a wonderful attraction in Cape Girardeau with many recreational activities.

Cape Woods Conservation Area is an excellent area for biking, jogging, and other exciting outdoor activities.

The facility has competent staff who try to ensure that the place and its amenities are in good form.

The area is the perfect place to experience the true beauty of nature or have a quiet time in a calm environment surrounded by wild trees and flowers.

Cape Woods Conservation Area is open from Monday to Sunday from 6am-10pm.

Address:1348 N Mt Auburn Rd, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, United States

21. Jaycee Municipal Golf Course

Jaycee Municipal Golf Course
Credits: S_Wassana / Shutterstock

Golf games are fun things to do in Cape Girardeau; Jaycee Municipal Golf Course gives you an awesome golf experience.

Jaycee Municipal Golf Course is open to beginners and experts, and it is an 18- hole golf course with a friendly atmosphere. Golf courses are closed if the temperature is below forty(40) Fahrenheit.

There is a pro shop where you rent all you need for the game, including balls; it also contains a food stand for quality and delicious meals.

The Jaycee Municipal Golf Course staff are welcoming and professional; their equipment is properly maintained.

Jaycee Municipal Golf Course is open from Monday to Sunday from 10am-5pm. Visit Jaycee Municipal Golf Course with your friends and family for an exciting game.

Address: 3280 Perryville Rd, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, United States.

22. Trail of Tears

Trail of Tears
Credits: Malachi Jacobs / Shutterstock
Trail of Tears

Trail of Tears is an enormous park made up of three thousand, four hundred and fifteen (3,415) acres.

The park is perfect for hiking, and people come from far and wide to hike on the hiking trails. The trail of tears park was dedicated as a form of recognition of the lives of the Cherokee Indians lost here.

Trail of Tears features energetic activities like fishing; the Park also has several campsites and other lodges for those interested in fishing.

The park had a reserved spot for picnics for families interested in having an amazing outdoor lunch or dinner.

The Trail of Tears is a very calm and relaxing area to visit with you and your family for an unforgettable experience.

Address: 429 Moccasin Springs Rd, Jackson, MO 63755,

23. Outer Edge Escape Games

Outer Edge Escape Games
Credits: Jerome.Romme / Shutterstock

Escape games are the top things to do in Cape Girardeau, especially if you are ready for an exciting adventure.

The Escape Games are basically about searching for clues, ideas, keys, and solving puzzles to find a way to escape the room before your time elapses.

At Outer Edge, the escape games are updated frequently with more challenging and mind-tasking games, so you will find something new and interesting whenever you visit.

Outer Edge is the best place to visit for couples, families, and friends to test their ability to work together as a team and have a wonderful bonding experience.

They are open from Wednesday to Friday from 4pm-9pm, Saturday from 12pm-9pm and Sunday from 1pm-6pm.

Address:1231 Broadway St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, United States.

24. Pastimes Antiques

Pastimes Antiques
Credits: ChiccoDodiFC / Shutterstock

Shop at Pastimes Antiques in Sunriver if you’re looking for a place that offers unique items.

 Pastimes Antiques is located in the middle of the ancient Cape Girardeau on Main Street.

There is a little of almost everything here as they browse through the property of 10,000 square feet featuring more than sixty vendors.

The store offers vintage apparel, quality china, military collectibles, and furniture for men and women. In addition, Pastimes Antiques offers a collection of clothing, including recent and classic styles.

They host fundraiser and fashion shows through their clothing collection across different historical periods.

Address: 45 Main St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, United States

25. Show Me Center

Show Me Center
Credits: Show Me Center / Facebook
Show Me Center

Are you in for an Amazing entertainment experience? If yes, include Show Me Center on your list of things to do in Cape Girardeau.

Show Me Center serves the Southeast Missouri State University, the residents of Southeast, and Cape Girardeau city.

The center has existed since 1987, offering athletic events, family entertainment, conferences, banquets, concerts, and meeting facilities.

The rooms are available for every event with air conditioners, carpets, and lighting.

26. A. C. Brase Arena

A. C. Brase Arena
Credits: Torsak Thammachote / Shutterstock

A. C. Brase Arena houses the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department, a multi-use building featuring a main floor of 10,000 square feet.

The center features a full-time kitchen with a prep room. It serves as a venue for wedding receptions, artisan fairs, dances, banquets, corporate gatherings, trade exhibits, and sporting events. Its main floor can contain two standard volleyball courts and basketball courts.

27. Discovery Playhouse

Discovery Playhouse
Credits: Anton Gvozdikov / Shutterstock

Discovery Playhouse is home to an intriguing collection of exhibits in their children’s museum.

The playhouse is focused on learning while also having fun with its display room of 7 500 square feet.

This place is perfect for children from 11 years and below. The center offers group discounts, memberships, and party packages.

The park is a reliable place to leave your kids whenever you want to have a free day or you’re busy.

Want more of Missouri attractions and activities? do check out our list of things to do in Bransonthings to do in Palm Joplin, and things to do in Kansas City for a memorable vacation.

Plan your trip to Cape Girardeau

Cape Girardeau is a well-recognized City in Missouri, known for its natural beauty, it is a city with great respect for its cultural heritage..

Cape Girardeau has several attractions that will make your stay an unforgettable one, such as Bella Italia Restaurant, Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine, Levi’s Adventure Trail, Splash Family Aquatic Center, Jaycee Municipal Golf Course, 36 Restaurant and Bar, Cape Woods Conservation Area, Fort D Historic Site, Riverfront Bridge Park, Conservation Nature Center, Lazy L Safari Park, and many more.

Start planning your trip to Cape Girardeau, don’t miss out on any of the fun places, and bring your camera along to capture all your golden moments.