Discover Cape Girardeau: Top things to do 

Cape Rock Park

Located on East Cape Rock Drive, Cape Rock Park features 21.3 acres of sprawling land beside the Mississippi River. This location was the original trading post established by Ensign Girardot, who the city of Cape Girardeau is named for.

According to the City of Cape website, most of the park remains in its natural state.

“The park is mainly undeveloped in an effort to promote the natural area located on the west side of the property,” the website states.

The Ground-A-Bout

Just down Broadway from the entrance to main campus sits the Ground-A-Bout, a café popular among students. Manager Caleb Baker, a Southeast Missouri State University alum, said that the Ground-A-Bout partners with SEMO for a lot of activities, including offering their signature Redhawk Roast.

“Here at the Ground-A-Bout we try to provide a welcoming, inclusive space for anyone and everyone to come and enjoy coffee at its best. We want to give a really cool space for students to come hang and do homework, study, and kind of have an escape from campus if they need,” Baker said.

Missouri Wall of Fame and the Mississippi River Tales

Nestled along the Mississippi River on North Water Street, the Missouri Wall of Fame is a must-see photo op for students.. According to the Accidental Ozarkian website, the floodwall has been standing since 1956.

“Construction on the almost 1.3 mile, 16-foot tall floodwall started construction in 1956 and finished in 1964 at a cost of $4 million,” said the description.

Students can take photos alongside the murals inside of the floodgates, and enjoy a leisurely walk alongside the river.

Rosemary Berkel and Harry L Crisp II Museum

Currently featuring exhibits from artists Thomas Mangelsen and Lexie Millikan, the Crisp Museum features an array of artworks and historical artifacts that tell the story of this college town.

According to the SEMO website, students have free admission to see the carefully preserved artifacts and art.

“The museums’ Beckwith collection is carefully preserved archaeological and fine art pieces in stone and ceramics, some estimated to be around 15,000 years old,” the website states.

Burritoville

Located less than a mile from main campus, Burritoville is a fan-favorite. The menu features unique options like the Chicken and Waffle Burrito and a BLT Burrito, along with their famous dirty fries, piled high with toppings and slathered in cheese.

SEMO Recreation Center

On main campus sits the student Recreation Center offers not only a pool fitted with rope swings and rock walls but also 40 pieces of cardio equipment, three 800-square-foot studio rooms, five basketball and multipurpose courts, and an indoor track.

The SEMO website states that students seeking any kind of athletic activity will find something in the Recreation Center.

“If you’re looking to lift weights, run the track, get an aerobic workout, or take group classes, you can do it at Southeast’s Recreation Center,” the website says.

Annie Laurie’s

Annie Laurie’s Eclectic Emporium, housed in an old funeral home on Broadway Street, features a constantly rotating inventory of niche vintage pieces. If you love shopping, this is your place.

According to Annie Laurie's website, their team is constantly searching for new pieces to display.

“Our team is dedicated to sourcing treasures from countless consignors, and carefully curating displays of vintage furniture, clothing, plants, accessories, and all sorts of fascinating odds and ends,” the website states.

Whether you’re looking to get a workout in, explore nature, or grab a bite with friends, Cape Girardeau has something to offer everyone.