Hey there history buffs, planning a summer getaway….what about a weekend in Cape Girardeau, where history comes to life?  From Civil War sites to Mississippian pottery to Victorian mansions and covered bridges, Cape Girardeau’s rich history is yours to experience at one of our many historic sites, museums and attractions.  

Kick off your weekend first thing Saturday morning with a tour of Bollinger Mill State Historic Site, home to a Civil War era four-story mill that grinds wheat and corn into flour and mill.  One of the only four remaining covered bridges in the state of Missouri stretches across the Whitewater River at this site, and the picnic tables under tall stately maple trees are a perfect spot for a snack.  

Saturday afternoon, step inside the heavy, hand-carved doors of Old St. Vincent’s Church and learn about the unique architecture and spiritual significance of this “most holy place”.  

Just down the street from Old St. Vincent’s is Crisp Museum, where archaeology, history and fine art come together.  The museum has several collections of prehistoric Native American artifacts, which illustrate aspects of the daily and ceremonial lives of the indigenous peoples who lived in southeastern Missouri from 13,500 B.C. to 1400 A.D., as well as exhibits detailing life along the river through the years and a gallery with an every-evolving selection of art to enjoy.  

After perusing Crisp Museum, stroll along the riverfront and check out the storyboards in front of each section of the Mississippi River Tales Mural, which brings Cape Girardeau’s history to live in vibrantly colored murals along the flood wall.  

On Sunday morning, step back in time to a country divided, and experience the Civil War in our river city when you follow our Civil War Driving Tour and the southeast segment of the U.S. Grant Trail, both available for download or for pick up 24/7 in the vestibule of the Convention and Visitors Bureau at 400 Broadway.  

Sunday afternoon, see what the life of a well-to-do Cape Girardeau merchant during the turn of the century was like at the Glenn House.  This handsomely restored Victorian home is filled with period furnishings and the latest and greatest in Victorian tech.  

Only 11 miles north of downtown Cape Girardeau, Trail of Tears State Park features over 3,400 acres of breathtaking scenery including an overlook with incredible views of the Mighty Mississippi.  The Visitors Center provides a high-quality film and exhibits detailing the forced removal of the Cherokee nation who crossed the river at this site in the winter of 1838 and 1839. 

We’ve put this historic weekend into a handy, print-and-go PDF available for download here.  Tag your pictures with #visitcape to share the fun!