When it comes to the Great Outdoors, Cape Girardeau is a natural! Parks throughout town each have their own unique attributes and amenities.
Looking for great views of the Mississippi River?
Check out Cape Rock Park, the site of the original trading post that gave Cape Girardeau it’s start. The scenic overlook here offers views of the river from the observation area above and the river level below. Map it.
Riverfront Park is found on the river side of Cape Girardeau’s flood wall and has terraced seating, lots of benches, a walking trail and excellent views of the barges making their way up and down the Mighty Mississippi. In almost any weather, you’ll find folks enjoying the river, especially in the evening. Map it.
The very best views of the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge can be found at the Old Bridge Overlook and Park at the intersection of Spanish and Fountain streets. The portal of the old bridge, completed in 1928 and hailed as the Gateway to the Ozarks, has been preserved. At this park you can check out an up close view of river traffic from the viewing scope, watch trains and barges go by, walk the River Campus Trail and rest under the shade of Missouri’s largest American beech tree. Map it.
Searching for a fun spot for your little ones to play?
The oldest park in Cape Girardeau, Capaha Park features a lagoon where you can feed the ducks (find out what they love to eat here), interactive activity prompts that follow the trail ringing the lagoon, disc golf and two playgrounds, one set aside specially for toddlers and a brand new woodland themed playground! Map it.
Dennis Scivally Park is a smaller neighborhood park with a treehouse themed playground and Cape Girardeau’s iconic “Winnie the Pooh” stone bridge. The bridge arches over a shallow creek perfect for your young explorers. Map it.
Cape County Park North is home to Melaina’s Magical Playland, a public playground designed to allow children with special needs to play on the same equipment as typically-developing children. This brightly colored playground has all kinds of features that make this playground all-inclusive and accessible. The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center is also located in this park. Cape County Park South just across the road offers a large play area. Map it.
Need a place for your dog to stretch their legs?
Dogtown in Kiwanis Park is a fully-fenced off-leash dog park with separate areas for smaller and larger dogs. Each area has a tunnel, a dog water fountain, fire hydrant, picnic tables and handy waste disposal containers. Map it.
Hoping for colorful blooms?
The Rose Garden inside Capaha Park was established in the mid 1950’s and has been providing a peaceful place to enjoy a wide selection of rose varieties ever since. This garden has been certified as a Rose Test Garden by the All-American Rose Selections and is one of only 10 certified as such nationwide. Volunteers from local garden clubs maintain the garden, and there are also azalea and butterfly gardens enhancing the entrance. Roses are blooming on and off at the Rose Garden from mid-spring to fall. Map it.
In need of sporting facilities?
Capaha Park features a 9-hole disc golf course and a basketball court (Map it). Arena Park has sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, softball and baseball fields (Map it). Cape County North offers a challenging 12-hole disc golf that includes a variety of terrain (Map it). Toss a line in the fishing ponds at Capaha Park (Map it) or Cape County Park South. Map it. Missouri Park has a skateboarding park (Map it) and the Shawnee Park Sports Complex includes softball and soccer fields (Map it).
On the hunt for park space to host your family reunion, birthday party or get-together?
Cape County Parks North and South both have a large range of pavilions that can host different size affairs. The City of Cape Girardeau offers information on shelter reservation and rentals here.
