Cape Girardeau was recently named #4 for 2025's Best US Cities for New College Grads. Here are some ways to make the most of living in Cape Girardeau. 

Explore Local Attractions 

The City of Cape Girardeau has events for everyone from foodies, to crafters, to music lovers! With all of the events that take place in Cape Girardeau throughout the year, there is never a dull moment.  

There is always something scheduled at Scout Hall. They hold weekly events, such as concerts, plays, and book fairs. With the variety of things they put on, there’s something you’re bound to like each month. Get a group of friends together or go meet new people! 

Farmer’s markets are a big deal in Cape. This is a great way to join your community and support local business. People come from across Southeast Missouri to shop for fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, organic body products, enjoy live music and so much more. You are bound to find something to enjoy!  

• The Cape Farmer's Market takes place in the back parking lot of West Park Mall every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., starting in April and running through the Thursday before Thanksgiving. 

• The Cape Riverfront Market takes place at 35 S. Spanish Street, every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. 

The Show Me Center is always having events. They’ll host concerts, comic cons, touring sporting events, comedians, and more! Sometimes students are lucky enough to get tickets at a discounted price when they show their student ID. Be on the lookout for that. 

There is so much history all over Cape Girardeau. In 1861, four Civil War forts were built around the city. Of the four forts, only Fort D still exists, and it is now a city historic site people can visit and learn more about the town's part in the war. 

The Mighty Mississippi!  

• Head out behind River Campus to the Riverfront Bridge Park. Have a picnic on the hill that overlooks the river.  

• Take a walk along the riverfront to see the murals and scenic views. 

The Glenn House is another Cape Girardeau attraction that immerses you in the past. The Glenn House is a restored historic museum where visitors can tour and learn more about earlier generations. It is also said to be haunted and was featured on the show Ghost Hunters.   

Support Local Businesses 

Cape Girardeau is home to a wide variety of small businesses and restaurants. Checking out these places is a great way to feel like a Cape local! 

Some community restaurant favorites: 

• Burrito-Ville is a fast-food Mexican restaurant. They are known for their dirty fries, milkshakes, and large souvenir soda cups. 

• At Top of the Marq, you can see the whole town. Sit on the rooftop patio for great views of the Mississippi river. 

• El Mezcal is a popular sit-down Mexican restaurant within walking distance from campus. They have great taco Tuesday deals.  

• Feel like you're in Europe at Speck Pizza. At Speck, they import their flour, pizza oven, and more from Italy.  

• Port Cape is full of history and good food. They also have live music on Sundays at 6 p.m. 

• If you’re looking for great barbeque, head to Mary Janes. Get your school spirit on; they typically have their windows painted with a SEMO theme. 

• Kenny’s Flippin’ Burgers has twenty-two different unique burger combinations, from a basic bacon ranch burger to their Srawpeño, which has cream cheese, jalepeños, and strawberry jam. They also have over-the-top milkshakes with fun toppings! 

Thrifting and antiquing are very popular in Cape Girardeau. Here are some popular spots:  

• Annie Laurie’s is an antique store that features vintage finds and new merchandise. They also have a wide selection of fresh plants and a bargain basement.  

• Indy House is a collaborative retail space featuring independent businesses including Better Days Studio, Fudio, Pluck Boutique, Megan Kathleen Boudoir, Harlow Creative, and El Kolibri Coffee and Curiosities. This unique business is located at 605 Broadway. You never know what you are going to find! 

• Spanish Street Mercantile is a two-story antique store that houses an ice-cream shop that has been operational since 1927.  

• Pastimes Antiques has over 10,000 square feet of antiques for you to peruse and buy. They have over 50 vendors who sell all sorts of unique items.  

• Plato's Closet is a retail store that adheres to your buying and selling needs! Full of trendy secondhand clothing for teens & young adults. 

Travel and Exploration 

Explore the location of your college town, and nearby cities during weekends or breaks. Cape Girardeau is located right between St. Louis and Memphis. Take a weekend trip and do some sightseeing!  

If you’re a nature lover and you’re looking for about an hour away (or closer), check out these spots: 

• Trail of Tears State Park – They have lots of hiking trails, a lake with a beach, camping, fishing (if you have a fishing license), horse trails, boating, and more. This park is located right in Cape Girardeau County! 

• Shawnee National Forest – Want stunning views and gorgeous waterfalls? Drive out to this National Forest in Illinois. Here you can go hiking, swimming, biking, horseback riding, camping, partake in watersports, etc.  

• Crystal River Underground – Go kayaking and canoeing through caves! Tours are held year-round.  

• Castor River Shut-Ins – Missouri’s only known pink granite shut-ins. Enjoy the waterfalls and rock structures by hiking, swimming, and fishing.  

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