5 of the Best Picnic Spots In and Around Cape Girardeau

Soak in Spring on a checkered picnic blanket with tasty snacks at one of our favorite spots for a picnic in and around Cape Girardeau, Missouri!

1. Bollinger Mill State Historic Site

Relax at one of the many picnic tables under stately shade trees along the Whitewater River at Bollinger Mill State Historic Site. It’s so quiet out here, and the short trail that takes you to the Bollinger Family Cemetery and the 140 foot covered bridge – one of only four left in the state – provide some post-picnic entertainment.

2. Trail of Tears State Park

Grill up an outdoor feast at one of the picnic areas at Trail of Tears State Park overlooking Lake Boutin. A nearby playground will keep your little ones busy, and you can also toss in a line and hope for a bite! The Lake Trail trailhead is a short walk away, and this loop follows the shore of Lake Boutin and winds through the woods surrounding the campground area for a total of 2.25 miles.

3. Capaha Park

Roses bloom from spring throughout the fall at Capaha Park’s Rose Garden. Just outside the garden is a stone table surrounded by benches where you can picnic in the shade with views of the colorful blossoms. Afterwards, try your hand at a game of disc golf at Capaha’s 9-hole course.

4. Old Bridge Overlook Park

Picnic under the branches of the oldest American Beech tree in the state (this tree is huge!) at the Old Bridge Overlook Park, where you can watch barges head up or down river under the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge. The Old Bridge’s 1928 portal is preserved and has free binoculars to enhance the sites.

5. Tunes at Twilight

Pack a basket full of treats for Tunes at Twilight, a free outdoor concert series on the lawn of the Courthouse Gazebo that runs for 6 weeks every spring and fall on Friday nights. Tunes at Twilight kicks off May 15!

Where’s your go-to picnic spot? We’d love to discover a new favorite!