A chill trail, a meteor shower, 100+ semis, and a mystic market
Day Trips for Southeast Missourians
Events, trails, shops, restaurants, museums. All an easy drive away. In your inbox, every Thursday.
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When staring out the window and daydreaming at work, I'm some kind of outdoorsy-endurance-athlete, running a 50-mile race up a mountain. But as soon as it's time to plan my weekend in reality, I'm looking for something chill with birding potential.
If you can relate, you'll like this week's outing-near-you. It's the mellowest trail, with a stinky twist.
Get Outside - The Greenway Trail, Paducah, KY
Maybe someday, when my daughter is not a toddler and I'm well-rested, I'll be motivated for big miles. But at the moment, it's all about fun and scenery.
We were looking for some new backdrops for a bike ride, so we tried out the Greenway Trail in Paducah, KY.
It's flat, wide, and easy (πΆ these are a few of my favorite things πΆ) and it takes you along the northern edge of town.
Part of the only shady bit along the Greenway Trail, August 2026
The Good-to-knows
If you're on a bicycle and want to do the full 10 miles of the trail, end-to-end/round trip, I'd recommend you start here, on Campbell St, because there is plenty of parking at the Shroeder Expo Center.
The trail is paved for about 3.5 miles (7 round trip). The rest is gravel.
The gravel is crushed limestone. It's so fine, we didn't have any issues riding it on our road bikes (πΆ Oh gravel you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind πΆ...why is my brain like this?), but next time we go, we'll probably take our gravel bikes, so that's what I'll recommend.
The gravel portion will take you to the McCracken County Trail Loop around a pond, which we also decided to ride.
If you're on foot and looking for something shorter, I'd recommend parking here to jump straight on the loop, or at the Noble Park Skatepark. The trail is hidden behind the skatepark.
Don't trust anything online (including the city of Paducah's pages) that say you can get on the trail at Stuart Nelson Park!!! They're doing a lot of construction over there and those trail access points are closed.
Wear sunblock. Most of the trail is sun exposed.
Here's the stinky bit I promised: The easternmost side of the trail VERY BRIEFLY runs parallel to Paducah's wastewater treatment facility. Yay! Pedal fast and hold your nose! It's a tiny part of the trail but not recommended for a first date.
If you're looking for shade, nature, and scenery, the Tunnel Hill State Trail in Southern Illinois is still the heavyweight champion, but the cool thing about the Greenway Trail is it's in Paducah, a UNESCO Creative City! After your ride, go mosey around the historic downtown and riverfront. Day trip potential coming out of the ears over there.
To sum it up for the cyclists: Shroeder Expo Center Parking β‘οΈ Trailhead on Campbell St β‘οΈ Paved trail β‘οΈ Gravel trail through the woods β‘οΈ Gravel loop around a pond β‘οΈ And back to your car at the Expo Center. Round trip, it's close to 10 miles. But here's a secret to make the ride longer if you so choose...lean in closely...*holds my hand up beside my mouth and whispers, "Do it again."
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SIGHTING: A personal favorite, the indigo bunting. I've been seeing these blue beauties everywhere this summer. But the last time I saw a few was Sunday in Commerce, MO.
TO THE SOURCE: Ever wondered where I get all my info? I'm sharing my not-so-secret sources. Did you know that you don't need a subscription to the Southeast Missourian to browse their events calendar?
Cape Girardeau was just named the prettiest town in Missouri by Architectural Digestβ
We're BLUSHING.
Here's what those nice folks with impeccable taste had to say:
"You may know Cape Girardeau from the Gone Girl movie, but itβs also a sweet little town on the banks of the Mississippi River with a uniquely designed suspension bridge, antique clocks in its downtown area, and beautiful hiking spots."
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Want to share an upcoming event with 2,200+ Southeast Missourians looking for things to do? Read more about how to add an event to Backroad Weekly's 'This Weekend's Happenings'.
This Weekendβs Happenings
Fri, Aug 14
βPerseid Meteor Shower Viewing Event at Elephant Rocks State Park, Belleview, MO - "To mark this summer's biggest meteor shower, the Perseids, Elephant Rocks State Park will be open to the public for a rare after-dark event. Youβre invited to view this spectacular phenomenon from 8 p.m. to midnight. So, if you like stargazing...and are able to brave the bugs and heat, join us."
βDowntown Cruise-in, Poplar Bluff, MO - Head to downtown Poplar Bluff for cool car stuff. 6-8pm.
βDowntown Block Party, Farmington, MO - A free outdoor concert in historic downtown Farmington. 7-10pm. That lawn chair in your trunk better be RAGGED by the time this summer is over. You hear me? RAGGED.
βLaid Back on I-55 Truck Show, Perryville, MO - This unique event "features a lineup of impressive semi-trucks filling downtown streets." The light show at dusk is going to be something to see. When you get there, tell 'em Large Marge sent you.
βDance East Coast Swing, Cape Girardeau, MO - Learn an upbeat partner dance derived from the Lindy Hop. $5. Cash only. 7-9pm.
βTunes at Twilight, Cape Girardeau, MO - Head to the Ivers Square Gazebo for some live tunes...at twilight.
βSinger/songwriter Chris Welch Live, Cape Girardeau, MO - Music "influenced by the storytelling traditions of Americana and roots country". No cover. 21+. 8-11pm.
βFlower Pounding Art Workshop, Cape Girardeau, MO - "Learn how to transfer the color and pattern of plants onto paper or fabric." All supplies provided. Family friendly. 6pm. $25
βLaid Back on I-55 Truck Show, Perryville, MO - Walk through a downtown display of over 100 massive trucks and sparkling chrome, ad meet drivers. "Admire the craftsmanship and creativity that goes into these powerful machines."
βTurkey Creek Jamboree, Jackson, MO - An "All-ages, positive-vibed music festival with camping, hiking, food, ice cream, creek hangs, bon fires, henna tattoos," and loads of tunes. $20.
βUnderground Comedy, Cape Girardeau, MO - Just click the link and read these comedians' bios. It's gonna be a fun(ny) night. $15. 21+
βCape Riverfront Market, Cape Girardeau, MO - Pay some local sellers and vendors a visit on the banks of the mighty Miss.
βMystic Market of SEMO - Summer Edition, Cape Girardeau, MO - Day 1. "This popular metaphysical and spiritual vendor market is now UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP and operated by MMM (Mystical Magical Market). Its roots run deep in the mystical, oddities, fairy, and spiritual worlds." 10am-5pm.
βFlower Pounding Art Workshop, Cape Girardeau, MO - "Learn how to transfer the color and pattern of plants onto paper or fabric." All supplies provided. Family friendly. 2pm. $25
βDowntown Farmers' Market, Sikeston, MO - "Every Saturday until October 24 from 7:30am to sellout (usually around 11am or earlier)."
βMuseum Series: Japan, Sikeston, MO - Malone Park Center for the Arts is setting up ramen tastings and cultural activities for all ages. 9am-12pm. No cost.
βStarry Sky Night, Leasburg, MO - Join an astronomy enthusiast "to view the cosmos with a high-powered telescope"
βSasquatch Festival Jeep Poker Run, Harrisburg, IL - Help support the upcoming Sasquatch festival in October by participating in a Jeep poker run this Saturday. $25 per Jeep, $5 per hand.
Sun, Aug 16
βMystic Market of SEMO - Summer Edition, Cape Girardeau, MO - Day 2. Special guests, classes, vendors, food. 10am-4pm. What's the name of the place where Hagrid takes Harry Potter to buy all his school stuff? That's how I'm imaging the AC Brase Arena this weekend.
βHeartland Writers' Guild Monthly Meeting, Cape Girardeau, MO - Working on the next great American novel? Get some encouragement from folks who know the struggle.
Plan Ahead: The Fun You Sign Up For
βShawnee Hills Trail Races, Ozark, IL - One of the Midwest's premier trail running events with distances from a half marathon to 100 miles, passing through some of Southern Illinois' best scenery. August 22-23.Registration closes THIS SATURDAY.
βMario Kart Broadway Cup, Cape Girardeau, MO - It's a Mario Kart bar tournament! Race this Super Nintendo classic on the big screen. 18+. $7 entry fee to the tournament. Free to spectate and cheer. Thursday, August 20.
βCathedral Cave Off-trail Tour, Leasburg, MO - Go beyond the traditional cave tour. Go no-rails and no-trails on a wild caving excursion hosted by Missouri State Parks. Led by an experienced guide. You'll climb, crawl, and get muddy. $75. Must register. 10am. Saturday Aug 22 and Sept 5
βTrees: Aw Nuts! Cape Girardeau, MO - Walnuts, hickory, pecans...join Cape MDC for a foraging lesson, and then put what you've learned into practice. Tuesday, August 25. 5:30pm.
βGreen-Corn Moon Paddle, Ullin, IL - Join kayak guides for a nocturnal excursion on the water. "Set out from the docks and paddle out to Button Land Swamp and enjoy the peace and sounds of Illinois' hidden bayou under moonlight." $65. Wednesday, August 26.
βOutdoor Skills: Using Trees to Find Your Way, Cape Girardeau, MO - Examining trees for fullness, branch structure, and root growth can be used to find info. Orienting yourself and finding a good campsite is just the beginning. Thursday, August 27, 5:30pm
βHarvest Mood Paddle, Ullin, IL - Paddle through an ancient cypress-tupelo swamp under the harvest moon. One of Southern Illinois' most unique guided tours, and it only comes around about once a month. Saturday, September 26.
βCity of Roses 5k & Half Marathon, Cape Girardeau, MO - "Run along a paved trail through residential Cape and out into the beautiful county. Wind around paved roads, past farms, tree-filled woods, and beautiful homes." Sunday, September 27.
βTour de Cape, Cape Girardeau, MO - A charity ride that takes off from downtown Cape Girardeau, MO with 15, 30, and 60-mile routes. Saturday, October 3rd.
βDevil's Toll Race, Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park - A 13-mile event "across one of the most scenic & rugged landscapes Missouri's Ozark Trail has to offer" with a hike option and a run option. Proceeds benefit the Ozark Trail Association. Saturday, October 3rd.
For each event, youβll find more info at the link.β β*Because these events are upcoming, they have not been vetted. That would require a time machine, and we don't have the funds. Party at your own discretion.