Experience eras ranging from Columbus’ seafaring days in the late 1400s to early days in our river city in the 1700s all the way to WWII and everything in between September 29th, 30th and October 1st in Cape Girardeau at a weekend packed with history of all shapes and sizes!

(Psst: This custom map covers all of the events happening this weekend, and has handy parking information. Check it out here!)

Sailing museums the ‘Pinta’ and the ‘Nina’ will be docked at Riverfront Park and open for tours Friday, September 29th – Sunday, October 8th from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. The ‘Nina’ was built by hand from top to bottom and is known as the most historically accurate Columbus replica ever built.

While you’re touring the ‘Pinta’ and the ‘Nina’ on Saturday, September 30th, take a (free!) boat ride on the Mississippi River with the Conservation Department’s Day on the River, with hands-on activities that bring to life the river and surrounding wetlands such as live river animals, Asian carp samples and more. This is a very popular yearly event that will be happening in conjunction with the ‘Pinta’ and the ‘Nina’ as both events will be docked at Riverfront Park,we are excited to see lots of activity at the river on that Saturday!

An American Hero will be performed at the River Campus Wednesday, September 27th – Sunday, October 1st, and centers on an Irish immigrant who joins the U.S. Army during WWII. This dramatic musical has unique local roots, as it has been written by a faculty member and student at Southeast Missouri State University, Dr. Kenneth L. Stilson and Cody Ole.

Historic attractions throughout downtown Cape Girardeau are celebrating Heritage Day on Saturday, September 30th. Crisp Museum has a Float your own Boat activity planned, and the Glenn House is hosting three full Victorian teas in addition to tours of the house; sign up for a tea here! The Red House Interpretive Center will have tomahawk and beehive cooking demonstrations taking place in the garden. Old St. Vincent’s Church, the Cape River Heritage Museum and Heritage Hall will all be open for tours and will have special exhibits and presentations to enjoy. Get the full schedule for Heritage Day here.

Rounding out the historic weekend is the Downtown Tailgate Flea Market on Sunday, October 1st from 8 a.m – 4 p.m. Two parking lots in downtown Cape Girardeau will be filled with vendors selling everything from A to Z.

It’s going to be an exciting, history filled weekend in Cape Girardeau at the end of September and beginning of October – we hope to see you there!

Share your adventures: tag your pictures with #VisitCape to show us Cape Girardeau through YOUR eyes.