Cape Girardeau, Missouri · Published by Emberlight Studios
Updated October 2026 · 9 places · Cape Girardeau
Quick answer
Our top picks are Rosemary Berkel and Harry L. Crisp II Museum, Cape Rock Park and Riverfront Park.
These free, year-round options are all within Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and include parks, paved routes, public art, and museums. Museum schedules can vary; the Heritage Museum’s regular season is March through December, and the Red House Interpretive Center is open only May through October, so they are not included as year-round choices.
518 S. Fountain St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
The Crisp Museum is inside Southeast Missouri State University’s River Campus and has history and fine-art galleries, along with exhibits about the region. Its collections and displays are known for connecting local history and art with the Mississippi River region; admission is free.
Best for: regional history and art
Cape Rock Park, North Cape Rock Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO
Cape Rock Park is a 21.3-acre city park in the northeast part of Cape Girardeau. It is known for its view of the Mississippi River and for interpretation of the area’s early history.
Best for: river views
121 N. Water St., Cape Girardeau, MO
Riverfront Park is a small park on the river side of Cape Girardeau’s flood wall, with terraced seating and a paved walkway. The riverfront path and views of the Mississippi are among its main draws; the park may be inaccessible during high water.
Best for: riverfront strolls
Trailheads around Cape Girardeau, MO; one route runs from Shawnee Park to Osage Park
The Cape LaCroix Recreation Trail is a paved, multi-use route running through the city between Shawnee Park and Osage Park. It is known as a convenient way to walk, run, cycle, or skate through Cape Girardeau.
Best for: walking, running, and cycling
100 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
The Mississippi River Tales Mural runs along the downtown flood wall and consists of 24 panels depicting Cape Girardeau’s history and connection to the river. Visitors can follow the panels on foot and use the mural’s phone-accessible audio tour.
Best for: local history and a riverfront walk
Themis Street riverfront flood wall, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
The Missouri Wall of Fame is a series of mural panels along the downtown flood wall depicting well-known Missourians. Local tourism coverage describes it as a 500-foot display featuring 47 people.
Best for: Missouri history and public art
Broadway corridor between Lorimier and Fountain streets, Cape Girardeau, MO
Cape Girardeau’s Downtown Sculpture Exhibition places outdoor sculptures along a nine-block stretch of Broadway. The walkable public-art display is free, and the current 2026–27 exhibition is scheduled to remain on view through June 2027.
Best for: an outdoor art walk
2100 Rotary Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO
Kiwanis Park is a city park off Perryville Road and Lexington Avenue, and it contains the city’s Dogtown dog park. Dogtown is known for having separate areas for small and large dogs.
Best for: dogs and outdoor time
538 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
The Cape Girardeau Heritage Museum is in the historic Old Fire House, built in 1908, and presents stories, people, and events from the city and Mississippi River region. It offers free admission, but its regular opening season is March through December, so it is not open year-round.
Best for: local history