Cape Girardeau, MO
From historical sites to nature reserves and parks, Cape Girardeau has a lot to offer for a fun family reunion.
Relax, eat, shop and explore! Cape Girardeau has fun reasons for the entire family to get together and bond.
Cape Girardeau, Missouri has everything to make your family reunion a memorable one. With over 24 different parks and nature preserves, families can go hiking and biking and have a picnic and cookout. With an array of amenities and activities, kids will especially love Capaha Park with a lagoon where you can feed ducks and a ballpark where the entire family can enjoy some sporting action at a Cape Catfish baseball game. The Dennis Scivally Park has a treehouse themed playground and Winnie the Pooh stone bridge. Not to be missed is the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center where the rich cultural history and diverse natural resources of southeastern Missouri are showcased. Enjoy nature trails, wildlife viewing areas, freshwater aquariums and interactive exhibits. There’s even a kids-only fishing pond and play area.
Check out historic Downtown Cape Girardeau with the Renaissance- Revival style architecture of Old St. Vincent’s Church dating back to 1853 and the Glenn House that is an old 1900s mansion. Other interesting sites are Cape Girardeau’s numerous murals, including the Cape Girardeau River Tails Mural along the Riverfront wall on the Mississippi River.
Sit down for a family meal at one of the many eateries in Cape Girardeau ranging from cozy coffee houses to local taverns. For a taste of authentic comfort food, try Port Cape Girardeau, Katy O’ Ferrell’s, Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine and Sands Pancake House.
Year-Round Family Time
Action-Packed Adventure
From the great outdoors with views of the Mississippi River to safaris and water parks, a family reunion in Cape Girardeau promises fun for everyone.
During your family reunion, camp out in the great outdoors at any Cape Girardeau’s three different camping locations including the RV-only Landing Point RV Park and the Trail of Tears State Park, which has RV and basic tent sites. Trail of Tears offers laundry and shower facilities, ice and RV site views of the Mississippi River while at Cape Camping & RV Park, families can enjoy miniature golf, a game room, a swimming pool and access to the Cape LaCroix Recreation Trail.
For some wild fun, stop by the Lazy L Safari Park, a walk-thru zoo with exotic animals housed in different habitats where you can feed the animals. Other attractions at the park are a Parakeet Jungle exhibit, gemstone mining and a petting zoo. Families can cool off at the Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center where there’s a zero-depth entry pool, and lazy river along with several water slides.
Video Tour
The First Giboney/Bollinger Family Reunion was held in Cape Girardeau, MO 5/24/2019. We had over 125 family members participate in this three-day event, most of whom had never been to Cape before.
These two families have been intertwined since slavery and beyond and this was the first time, we had a reunion together. So, this was a big deal for us. Visiting Shady Grove Cemetery and getting a history lesson from Louise Cardwell was one of the highlights. Also going to The Bollinger Mill and seeing where other ancestors were buried gave us an expanded view of our roots.
A meet and greet pool party, family picnic and fellowshipping at St. James Church gave us a chance to share stories and learn how we’ve been able manifest the dreams of our forefathers.
– James C JR Bell, Giboney/Bollinger Family Reunion
Browse below for some family-friendly additions to your itinerary
Things to do in Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Highlights
- Easily drivable from several major American cities including St. Louis, MO, Memphis, TN, Nashville, TN and Louisville, KY
- Over 24 parks and preserves with lots of amenities and activities for all ages
- Historic downtown and buildings dating back to the early 19th century
- Antique and boutique shopping and a vibrant food scene
- Accommodations for all styles and budgets including campgrounds, RV parks, rental by owners and hotels
Family-Friendly Dining Experiences in Cape Girardeau, MO
Port Cape
Doc Cain, a native of Southeast Missouri, opened Port Cape for visitors to enjoy authentic barbecue and fine cuisine in one of Missouri’s most ancient structures. The site, which was once an office of Ulysses S. Grant, functions as a joint restaurant and bar as well as a concert venue.
Website: portcape.com
Bella Italia
Enjoy Happy Hour every day at Bella Italia. This trattoria is a family-owned business located in the historic downtown Cape Girardeau. Bella Italia has kept Missourians satisfied with fine Italian cuisine for 10 years and it invites visitors to enjoy classic Italian dishes in the heart of Cape Girardeau.
Website: bellaitaliacape.com
El Sol
Recently voted Southeast Missouri’s No. 1 Mexican restaurant, El Sol is a casual restaurant & bar with a patio that serves all your favorite burritos, tacos and even seafood. Between the fresh and quality flavored dishes and the old-world Mexican decor with contemporary undertones, guests will have a dining experience like no other.
Website: eatatelsol.com
The Southerner
Come enjoy some of the American South’s finest cuisine. The Southerner uses the freshest ingredients to recreate traditional American dishes such as Dirty Cajun Fries, Blackened Red Fish Poboy, Bread Pudding, and much more. At the heart of the Southerner’s dishes are the Blankenship’s family recipes.
Website: thesouthernerbytractors.com
Ready to find out more about how Cape Girardeau can help plan your family trip or reunion?
Mary Jane Bourbon and Smokehouse
Mary Jane’s will have you falling in love with its generous hospitality and tasty selection of fine American cuisine. The bourbon and smokehouse located in downtown Cape Girardeau serves smoked meat dishes and handcrafted bourbon cocktails. Mary Jane’s also supports local markets, and revitalization of the community.
Website: mjbsmokehouse.com
Family-Friendly Attractions in Cape Girardeau, MO
Crisp Museum
Schedule your next tour here. Located inside Southeast Missouri State University’s River Campus in the Cultural Arts Center Building, this destination allows visitors to get an idea of college life in Missouri. The Crisp Museum covers 35,000 years BC to the current day and it also offers various activities such as art workshops and events.
Website: nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/cape-girardeau-conservation-nature-center
Bella Italia
Enjoy Happy Hour every day at Bella Italia. This trattoria is a family-owned business located in the historic downtown Cape Girardeau. Bella Italia has kept Missourians satisfied with fine Italian cuisine for 10 years and it invites visitors to enjoy classic Italian dishes in the heart of Cape Girardeau.
Website: bellaitaliacape.com
Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center
If the sun is out and the skies are blue, then this may just be your opportunity to go to Cape Splash. This outdoor waterpark features a splash pad, zero depth entry pool, lazy river, swirl pool and eight water slides, otherwise known as the tallest is a 265-foot-long free fall slide in the city.
Website: cityofcapegirardeau.org/departments/parks/Facilities/cape_splash_family_aquatic_center
The Glenn House
This historic house was completed in 1883. Visitors will notice the Victorian decor by way of architecture, furnishings, fashion and more gems of the Victorian period. The Glenn House provides guests an opportunity to view an earlier American generations way of life. Guided tours are offered to those who want to learn more about this historic site.
Website: glennhouse.org
Ready to find out more about how Cape Girardeau can help plan your family trip or reunion?
Century Casino Cape Girardeau
Feeling lucky? Take a chance on Century Casino Cape Girardeau. Excitement abounds with every spin as Century Casino has an almost endless choice of your favorite games. The gaming and entertainment floor is a sure bet with hot zones that make for a fun experience. Century Casino also offers a full range of table games in a lavish and friendly surrounding. Take advantage of 19 hot tables offering you a choice of blackjack, craps and mini baccarat.
Website: cnty.com/cape-girardeau
Family-Friendly Accommodations in Cape Girardeau, MO
Drury Plaza Hotel & Conference Center
Travelers will love their stay at Drury Plaza Hotel & Conference Center. This hotel is just minutes away from your next outdoor adventure at the Trail of Tears State Park or at the Bollinger Mill State Historic Site. A stay at the Drury includes a free breakfast, clean rooms, friendly service and a great night’s sleep.
Website: druryhotels.com/locations/cape-girardeau-mo/drury-plaza-hotel-cape-girardeau-conference-center
Courtyard by Marriott
The Courtyard by Marriott offers spacious rooms which feature free high-speed internet access and a flat screen TV. At the center of the hotel is The Bistro, a place for guests to enjoy breakfast, drinks, or an early dinner. The lounge area can be a place of work, or relaxation. Can’t miss leg day? No problem. This destination has a gym equipped with some of the finest workout machinery.
Website: marriott.com/hotels/hotel-rooms/cgicy-courtyard-cape-girardeau-downtown
Auburn Place Hotel and Suites
Have a comfortable stay in any one of Auburn Place’s 133 rooms featuring flat-screen televisions and a mini-fridge. Auburn Place offers all guests free wi-fi and complimentary breakfast and also houses a 24-hour business center, suite shop and more. The hotel also features an indoor pool and whirlpool and an on-site health and fitness center.
Website: midamcorp.com/hotels/apcap
Drury Inn & Suites
Located directly off I-55, Drury Inn and Suites, Cape Girardeau is the perfect stop for family reunions. At the heart of Cape Girardeau, the hotel is just minutes from the Bollinger Mill State Historic Site or the Trail of Tears State Park.
Website: druryhotels.com/locations/cape-girardeau-mo/drury-inn-and-suites-cape-girardeau
Ready to find out more about how Cape Girardeau can help plan your family trip or reunion?
Hampton Inn
For travelers looking for a place to rest their heads, Hampton Inn by Hilton offers favorable rates and a comfortable stay. This inn offers guests the luxuries of a five-star hotel: free wi-fi, free breakfast, quietness, and peacefulness. Not only is this destination favorable for its stellar rooms, but also for its proximity to West Park Mall shops and Restaurants.
Website: hilton.com/en/hotels/cgicghx-hampton-cape-girardeau-i-55-east
Family-Friendly Venues in Cape Girardeau, MO
Recreation Park Shelters
Looking to reserve a shelter in one of Cape Girardeau’s city parks for a family gathering? The city has 21 great shelters that can be reserved for a small fee with most of them offering a playground for the kids, permanent restrooms, electricity and a grill.
Drury Plaza Hotel & Conference Center
When planning an event, Drury Hotels makes hosting your reunion easy. Along with its fabulous amenities including a free hot breakfast, free wi-fi, a free rotating menu of dinnertime snacks, cold beverages, beer and wine, their team is ready to accommodate you and your budget.
Website: druryhotels.com/locations/cape-girardeau-mo/drury-plaza-hotel-cape-girardeau-conference-center
Century Casino Cape Girardeau
Try your luck at the Century Casino Cape Girardeau. This gambling house is the home of 19 table games, 900 slot machines, four live-action poker tables, and more. A good night’s rest is only minutes away from the casino at any one of these locations: Courtyard by Marriott, Auburn Place Hotel & Suites, Drury Plaza Hotel or the Pear Tree Inn.
Website: cnty.com/cape-girardeau
Osage Community Center
Perfect for conventions, meetings, special events and sports activities, the Osage Community Center’s 16,677-square-foot main floor can be transformed to befit any occasion. Looking for a space of wellness? The center has a fitness room with an indoor walking/running track, updated cardio equipment and a classroom area. Wondering what to eat? The concession area and caterer’s food prep area can help you with whatever you are craving.
Website: cityofcapegirardeau.org/departments/parks/Facilities/osage_centre
Ready to find out more about how Cape Girardeau can help plan your family trip or reunion?
Shawnee Park Sports Complex
The Shawnee Park Sports Complex is the largest outdoor sports venue between St. Louis, Western Kentucky, Western Tennessee and Northern Mississippi. This sports complex offers eight softball/baseball fields, six lighted and eight unlighted soccer fields, and two regulation football fields. This park is the perfect place for competitive tournaments as it offers lighted fields, concession and restroom facilities and convenient parking.
Website: cityofcapegirardeau.org/departments/parks/Facilities/shawnee_park_sports_complex
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Alyssa Phares-Fee
Senior Director of Sales & Strategy
