A fall foliage hike, a book, and a really big boat
Day Trips for Southeast Missourians
Events, trails, shops, restaurants, museums. All an easy drive away. In your inbox, every Thursday.
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Happy Halloween!
Don't miss Thriller on Themis tonight at 6pm, where sea of zombie dancers will lurchingly dance their way around downtown Cape Girardeau.
The Lake Tywappity Trail Loop Tywappity Community Lake in Chaffee, MO.
I'd like to propose a new geographical adjective: Chaffenese. It's pronounced like Japanese and we'll use it for people and things from Chaffee, Missouri.
This week's getcha-outside-for-lookin-at-yellow-leaves destination is a Chaffenese Conservation Area, Tywappity Community Lake.
There's only one trail here and it's one of my favorites (because it's 15 minutes from my house and convenience is my love language... And it's a great trail)
Lake Tywappity Trail Details:
The trail is a 2.5-mile single-track loop with a dirt surface and some short wooden bridges.
It mostly follows the edge of the lake. It's lovely in the fall with autumn colors reflected on the water, but also nice in the winter when you have a more unobstructed view.
This is a moderately difficult hike due to uneven terrain and some hills. But you've got a walking stick and a can-do attitude! I recommend water and a trail snack for when the attitude runs out.
Amenities/facilities include a boat ramp, fishing dock, vault toilet, picnic areas, pavilion, and a big, paved parking lot.
Lake Tywappity Trail Loop, October 2026
Make It a Day Trip
Trails and tacos are a match made in hiker heaven (The title of my memoir?). Grab a bite at Don Carlos Mexican Restaurant before or after your walk.
Time your hike just right to finish around dusk and hit up the Rock 'N' Roll Drive-in theater. They serve food, too! This weekend, they're doing the scary movie thang for Halloween. When you're in your own car, nobody cares that you smell like sweat and bug spray.
And if you're all like "Ding-dong Halloween is dead! Bring on the tinsel." Well, this trail is only about a 20-minute drive from the Yule Log Cabin. Read about our time at this Christmas lovers' paradise here.
All October, I'm running local lore for your spectral enjoyment. This is one of my favorites from last year which I read aboutin KRCU’s Archives (2015; originally aired in 2010).
New Madrid’s Restless Courthouse
On Christmas Eve, 1933, two drifters, Eddie Gayman and Roy Hamilton, tried to rob a gas station outside New Madrid. The attempt went sideways, and attendant Arthur Cashin was killed. Caught by a local posse, the men were offered a plea deal: If they pled guilty, they'd get life in prison rather than the noose. They agreed, but when the verdict came down, the same judge who had offered leniency sentenced them to hang.
The gallows went up just a few blocks from the jail, and the entire town turned out to watch. As legend goes, something went terribly wrong that day. "The executioners may have been drinking...It took them [Gayman and Hamilton] quite a long time to die."
The New Madrid County Courthouse, where they were betrayed and condemned, is still said to bear their presence. Custodians and staff have reported phantom footsteps, whispers, and the uneasy feeling that someone else is there, so much so that some custodians have refused to work in the building alone.
Source: KRCU Archives (2015; originally aired in 2010), “Ghosts of the Mississippi: The Executioners May Have Been Drinking” by Jacob McCleland & Joel Rhodes, with interviews from Christina McWaters.
SIGHTING: A cute little conehead: the tufted titmouse. Spotted at the feeders at the Cape Nature Center on Saturday.
TRAVEL RADIO: A 2.5-hour drive from Cape that is worth every gas station bathroom you have to brave: Rocky Falls (2-minute listen) in partnership with KRCU Public Radio.
VIDEO SHORT: Video evidence of why Rocky Falls is worth the drive. *Disclaimer*- the strength of the falls depends on rain.
REVEALING MY SOURCES: One of the blessings of being Se/MO-based is that we're so close to Southern Illinois's Shawnee National Forest. The Southernmost Illinois website is a fantastic resource. I check their event calendar every week.
ANNOUNCEMENT 1: Campers will now need permits to camp on MDC areas starting in March. Read more.
In Cape Girardeau, a trolley car once clanged down Broadway. A crowd roared in a wooden grandstand where horse hooves thundered around a racing track in Capaha Park. John Denver crooned "Take me home country roads" in concert at Southeast Missouri State University.
Isn't it fascinating how we'll watch history documentaries about lands halfway around the world without knowing much about where we stand?
Local author and Cape native, Tom Neumeyer, brings Cape Girardeau and Jackson history to your coffee table with a beautiful hardback history book--Cape Girardeau & Jackson: Past & Present--covering the interesting people, places, and events that have shaped these Southeast Missouri towns.
But what brings it to life are the photos: Folks in the 1940s lined up to board a passenger train to St. Louis; men on john boats pulling in catfish on Main Street after a flood in the 1920s; and women in trumpet skirts with little umbrellas cruising through Uptown Jackson in a horse-drawn buggy in 1908.
The Cape Heritage Museum is hosting a presentation and book signing this Saturday, October 31 at 11am. Go meet the author, grab a copy, and get it signed.
For more information, contact the museum at 573-334-0405.
Can't make the event but want a book? Email the author at tomneumeyer@sbcglobal.net.
You're Living in a Destination, Baby: Go See a Big Boat That Proves It*
Before interstates, cities thrived beside waterways: Mound building cultures, Spanish conquests, the French fur trade, the displacement of native groups, the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, the explosion of trade and travel via steamboat, the rise of the Blues from the South, and rough-and-tumble brothels and saloons of the wild frontier… There aren’t many chapters of U.S. history that Cape Girardeau, Missouri hasn’t seen.
And presently, Cape is on the Missouri Antique Trail, offers a beautiful state park, and includes a world-class theater and museum at the River Campus.
So, while you're over there daydreaming about bear-filled Alaskan rivers and the sunny blue Caribbean, there are people paying literally THOUSANDS of dollars to cruise the Mississippi River and stop in exotic port towns like Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Pick your jaws up off the ground. I keep telling you we're cool. You gotta start believing me.
Go see for yourself. One of the famous Viking River Cruise ships will dock at Cape's Riverfront Park tomorrow, Friday, October 30, 10am-6pm. A massive cruise ship sitting on our big muddy river is quite the sight.
Want to share an upcoming event with 2,300+ Southeast Missourians looking for things to do? Read more about how to add an event to Backroad Weekly's 'This Weekend's Happenings'.
This Weekend’s Happenings
Fri, Oct 30
Halloween Underground, Cape Girardeau, MO - Scout Hall will fling the doors open at 7pm, so you're ready to rock at 8. Lineup includes K111 Cam, Static Hour, Emaciation, and Spellblade. $7 minimum donation.
Rock n' Roll Costume Karaoke Contest, Cape Girardeau MO - 15 contestants dress up as their favorite performer and sing a song by them. 21+. 8pm. No cover.
The Play That Goes Wrong, Cape Girardeau, MO - "Wait... was that supposed to happen? Broadway's funniest smash hit is bringing a night of glorious misfortunes to the Dobbins Conservatory." 7:30pm, $27+
Friday Night Dance Lesson - Bachata, Cape Girardeau, MO - Uy dios mío, si ustedes aún no saben bailar bachata, qué están haciendo con sus vidas, por dios? Vayan y aprendan.
Boots, Boos, and Brews, Cape Girardeau, MO - Halloween-themed line dancing. Free! 21+. 8-10pm.
Haunted Hall of Horror, Cape Girardeau, MO - I'm less afraid of a floating Victorian woman with her head in her hands than this attraction.
Graveyard Shift: T-Ravs After Dark, Jackson, MO - For one night only, T-Ravs is staying open after hours to host a public Halloween party with cocktails, a live DJ, snacks, and a costume contest. 9pm-1am. 21+
Dawn of the Dead Drag Race, Benton, MO - In addition to the ghoulish drag racing, there will be a zombie shootout (does anyone know what this means?), a karaoke contest, and a costume contest! $15. Gates open at 5pm. Racing 'til midnight.
Walls of Terror, Dexter, MO - Are you brave enough for Dexter's haunted house?
The Haunted Grotto, Poplar Bluff, MO - If you haven't been to a haunted house yet this season, here's another option!
Free Winery Tour, Ste. Genevieve, MO - Walk through the vineyards at Chateau Sainte Genevieve, where you can see the winemaking process up close and sample wines along the way. Scenic, relaxed pace, and no wine knowledge required. 21+
Halloween Bash, Perryville, MO - Who doesn't love drinks, eats, and a costume contest? 6-11pm
Coffee on the Cache, Cypress, IL - "It’s part conversation, part idea-swap, and part “show-and-tell,” with free coffee and time to connect with each other and the Wetlands Center." 9-10am
Haunted Harvest Festival, Cape Girardeau, MO - Cape's Riverfront Market kicks it into autumn overdrive. "Stroll through the market filled with pumpkins, gourds, seasonal produce, and handcrafted goods, all surrounded by spooky décor and festive fall vibes." 8am-12pm
Dresses to Die For, Cape Girardeau, MO - Learn the customs and traditions of the Victorian-era funeral and mourning experience at Cape's historic Glenn House. $5 donation recommended. 1-4pm.
Annie Laurie's 20th Birthday Bash, Cape Girardeau, MO - Everyone's favorite eclectic emporium is celebrating a big anniversary with food, drinks, games, sales, vendors, and music. 10-2pm. Come dressed for the costume contest.
The Play That Goes Wrong, Cape Girardeau, MO - "With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), this accident-prone cast battles against all odds to make it to their final curtain call." 2pm and 7:30pm. $27+
Haunted Hall of Horror, Cape Girardeau, MO - It's a long maze of freak shows, asylum prisoners, dolls that come to life, creepy clowns, and more.
Walls of Terror, Dexter, MO - Fear lives here! I guess. That's what the Facebook page says. Go for some haunted house fun.
The Haunted Grotto, Poplar Bluff, MO - Some people enjoy not knowing what waits around the corner. If that's you, here's another local haunted house.
Hell Harvest Haunted House, Potosi, MO - Quote from the owner Jeff Sengheiser on haunted house attractions: "For anyone trying to muster the courage to go to a haunt I would say just do it. It’s all for fun. No one is really going to harm you and you’ll be proud of yourself for getting through it."
Night Hike to the Max Creek Vortex with Hiking with Shawn, Johnson County, IL - A free group hike led by the famous Southern Illinois hiker, writer, and guide, Shawn Gossman. He'll be leading you to one of the most paranormal hot spots in the Shawnee National Forest. Bring your own flashlight.
Funerary Practices of the Past, Murphysboro, IL - Visit the General John A Logan Museum for interesting coffins, old embalming equipment, memento mori, mourning jewelry, and entertaining obituaries. 1-3pm
The Holy Boulders Competition, Pomona, IL - The Illinois Climbers Association presents a day of climbing, community, and conservation at "one of the Midwest's premier bouldering destinations." There are spectator tickets for $40!
Trek N' Treat at Giant City State Park, Makanda, IL - I don't usually cover kids' stuff, but this is adorable: "Hike the Post Oak Trail for an easy hike through the beautiful forest. Meet creature characters that call Giant City home! Treats for all the hikers! Trail is roughly 1/3 of a mile, 20-30 minutes. Arrive at the Post Oak Trail anytime between 1 and 2:30. No registration required."
Sun, Nov 1
The Play That Goes Wrong, Cape Girardeau, MO - "Prepare for a hilarious evening of physical comedy and falling scenery!" 2pm
Tours at the Jackson Oliver House Museum, Jackson, MO - See how daily life was lived in the mid-1800s in Jackson. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for kids. 1-4pm
Plan Ahead The Fun You Can't Improvise
What's for dinner? Wild Game, Cape Girardeau, MO - Get hands-on experience and learn to prepare venison. There will be taste testing! Wednesday, Nov 4
Herb Gardening, Jackson, MO - "Learn about the basics of herb gardening from a master gardener. Register at the Main Branch or call 573-243-8141. For ages 18+"Thursday, Nov 5.
Felting Workshop, Cape Girardeau, MO - "Learn to create beautiful works of art using the unique process called Felting, which is also known as Painting with Wool." 9am-4pm. $15. Friday, Nov. 6.
Cape Con, Cape Girardeau, MO - It's Cape's comic convention. Voice actors, vendors, artists, cosplay, gaming, and more! Nov 6, 7, and 8.
Backyard Winter Bird Photography, Marion IL - "Program with Professional Nature Photographer Richard Day. Learn how to create and use a "bird studio" in your own backyard. Tips on how to attract birds; and recommendations for basic bird photography, etc. Call 618-997-3344 Ext 1 to register." 1-3pm. Saturday, Nov 7.
Birds & Brew, Puxico, MO - Drink some coffee and go on a short birding hike with a naturalist! No binoculars, no problem. Beginners welcome. Saturday, Nov 7
Horseshoe Lake Eagle Tour, Miller City, IL - "Offered only twice a year when abundance of eagles is at its greatest. Up close encounters with eagles are common as they swoop down from cypress trees and catch fish." 12pm. Sunday, Nov 8.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet, Cape Girardeau, MO - The largest Nutcracker production in North America featuring world-class international dancers, gravity-defying acrobatics, magnificent costumes, and towering puppets. $53+. Wednesday, Nov 11
Paint Night: Colorful Fall, Cape Girardeau, MO - "Follow step by step to create your colorful sky and add a tree with fall leaves that are swirling all around." 6-9pm. $10. Thursday, Nov 12.
Resting Grinch Face, Cape Girardeau, MO - As part of the Pour Decisions series hosted by SEMO Continuing Education. Create a mini seasonal painting, sip some wine or a mocktail, and enjoy a light bite. Beginners welcome. $49. 6-8:30pm. Thursday, Nov 12
Chinese Brush Painting, Cape Girardeau, MO - "Participants will learn the Four Gentlemen techniques—plum blossom, orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo." Beginners welcome! 2-day event. Nov 13 & 14
Tunnel Hill 100/50, Vienna IL - Maybe you're not an ultrarunner but you're fascinated by the women and men of steel who run ultras, and you want to volunteer to witness the spectacle. This race, right across the bridge from us, is the home of 5 world records! Nov 14
Finding Your Civil War Ancestors, Bloomfield, MO - "Have a name, a photo, or a family story? Learn how to trace your ancestors' Civil War service." 10am-2pm. Register by Nov 1. $20. Bring a laptop. Saturday, Nov 14
Hoaxes, Humbugs & Historical Scams, Cape Girardeau, MO - As part of the Weird Wednesdays after dark series, hear about some of the most spectacular frauds, cons, and hoaxes. Hosted by SEMO's Continuing Education. $25. Wednesday, Nov 18
The Meandering Turkey, Jackson, MO - ~5.5 miles of hilly, rooty single track. $45 if you sign up before Oct. 31. Limited to 100 runners and fills up fast! Nov 22. 1:30pm.
The Frozen Chosin Challenge, Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park - I'm going to quote Terrain Magazine's description of this one, "The Challenge consists of 3 events: A 3-day, 40-mile ruck; a 2-day, 17-mile hike; or a family-friendly 4-mile course." This endurance event honors Korean War veterans and today's service members. December 4-6.
For each event, you’ll find more info at the link. *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.