A rocky lake beach, a tree-climbing skunk, and a catfish po'boy
Day Trips for Southeast Missourians
Events, trails, shops, restaurants, museums. All an easy drive away. In your inbox, every Thursday.
Join the 1,350+ SE Missourians reading the local guide on things to do.
SHARE
If I had a dime for every time someone on Facebook said, "BuT tHeRe ArE sNaKeS oUt ThErE"...WE KNOW GREG.
Call me clairvoyant, but I tend to assume that when I go outside, the outside is gonna be there. So I Google some snake aware safety tips for hikers and carpe the frickin' diem.
Now watch this rant come back to bite me, literally. Is my hubris showing?
Get Outside: The Asher Creek Trail at Lake Wappapello State Park
For this week's episode of "Places we feed ticks", we blundered about Lake Wappapello State Park. I have a strong suspicion you've been here, dear reader. Every red-blooded local knows somebody who has made this lake their escape home. Maybe it's you. Most associate it with camping and fun on the water. But have you hiked the trails?
Of the four trails the state park offers, we put the Asher Creek Trail on trial:
Star info: A 2.6-mile lollipop loop of moderate difficulty on rocky terrain with only a couple of steep climbs (*smiles maniacally). Those couple are more than enough.
Of note: Lake views, lake shores (including one little rocky beach), valleys, and hilltops. Great variety in a short distance. A really fun trail.
How to not get lost: Grab a trail map at the trail head OR take a picture of the map before you get started. Do it. There isn't a great signal out there. This trail runs counterclockwise and follows the red blazes with a couple of shortcut options. As of April 12th, the trail was still under a lot of leaf cover, but even when you can't see the trail under your feet, you can see the trail if you look up. There are plenty of red blazes. Clearly marked.
Avoid surprises, enjoy the critters, don't be a dummy and/or jerk: This trail is a good one to observe wildlife. We saw snakes, turtles, lizards, frogs, and a white-breasted nuthatch. Wear bug spray (we ran out halfway through a spray down and picked up eight ticks between the two of us...not our best. Probably should have just sprayed the Off directly onto my breakfast, I guess), leave no trace, make sure someone knows where you're going and when you'll be back, and all the other safe, responsible tips for a day hike that I pray you know.
Getting there: This is one of those rare cases where Google Maps didn't have an answer when I typed in "Asher Creek Trail trailhead". But I'm resourceful, gosh darn it. I got the trail head coordinates from the MO State Parks PDF. Type this GPS location into Google Maps: 36.94372, -90.34293 and it will take you straight there. And in case convenience is your love language, here's the link.
Along the Asher Creek Trail at Lake Wappapello State Park
Eat Here - Speedy Cone
If you're like me, you think that surviving any hike merits a catfish po'boy, potatoes in some form, and a milkshake. Would it really be a Backroad Weekly day trip without something fried? The answer is no, so you can stop hovering over the unsubscribe link. I got you: Speedy Cone is nearby for all your battered, gloriously greasy, and frozen lactose needs.
Didja know? - Skunk Edition
One of the beautiful things about human language is that despite existing for hundreds of thousands of years, it's still possible to string together sentences that have (likely) never been uttered, like, for example,
"I'm going to machine gun skunk facts at you."
Not just any skunk, though. I'm gonna brrrrrrrt, trrrrrrr, rrrrrratatatatatá facts about the plains spotted skunk:
They perform a handstand as a warning display. Can you imagine if we did that when threatened?!
They’re smaller than the striped skunk, about the size of a squirrel. Adorbs.
Unlike the striped skunk, they're adapted to climbing trees.
They’re elusive and primarily nocturnal. Same, girl, same.
"Skunks are good mousers and help control insects. Thus, they are an asset around farms...as scavengers, skunks help clean up the woods." So they basically show up at your farm like, "I have a job to do!" 🥹🥹🥹
A species of conservation concern in Missouri, listed as endangered in our state. "The decline is potentially due to farming practices that eliminate the brushy cover this species prefers."
Stinky gymnast Cruella de Vil squirrel pictured here:
THREE easy ways to show up for the city this Saturday
Parks are one of the few places in the world where we can exist for free. We all benefit when they're clean and taken care of. If you’ve got a couple hours this Saturday, here are three easy ways to show up for parks in one of the local cities we love:
Friends of the Parks Day & Great Cape Clean Up, Cape Girardeau, MO - A citywide volunteer day planting flowers, mulching playgrounds, painting equipment, and sprucing up local parks. Can you imagine taking your kid to a playground that you helped repaint??? Or you could do it for the free lunch and t-shirt. Whatever motivates your boat.
3. Bashin’ Trash, Cape Girardeau, MO - A creek cleanup event along Cape LaCroix Creek helping restore the area between Walden Park and Shawnee Sports Complex. Meet at the Nature Center for supplies, then head out to your assigned spot. 9am-11am. Free (registration required).
Backroad Weekly is 100% free to read, independently owned, and locally operated (heck, there's just two of us). Your contributions go toward recon, research, outreach, and the tools and platforms that keep this thing running online. I appreciate any and all support my backroad buds! - Caitlan 🦝
Dogwood-Azalea Festival, Charleston, MO - Vendors, art, and food across town all day! Visit the arts and crafts bazaar, pop-up gallery, do the home tour, fish fry, a truck parade at dusk, and carnival rides in the evening. For tour info, maps, eateries, lodging, a vendors list, and a detailed schedule of weekend events, visit the website.
Spring Wildflower Walk - Giant City State Park, Makanda, IL - A guided hike along the Trillium Trail to view spring wildflowers accompanied by a naturalist. It's a moderate 2-mile hike with some stairs. 1-3pm.
Wicked Paducah: A Walk Through Paducah’s Unsavory Past, Paducah, KY - A guided downtown walking tour exploring Paducah’s darker history, from its former red-light district to unsolved murders and Wild West show lore. A 60-minute, half-mile tour with five stops. 7pm. $18. Recommended for ages 16+.
Sat, April 18
Dogwood-Azalea Festival, Charleston, MO - The biggest day of the annual festival. Parade at 11am! Enjoy a car show, quilt show, downtown vendors, events, a candlelight tour at dusk, and a full day of carnival rides. For tour info, maps, eateries, lodging, a vendors list, and a detailed schedule of weekend events, visit the website.
Robinson Bluff Festival 2026 Competition + Climber Celebration, Cadet, MO - Rock climbing, climbing clinics, and a competition at one of the largest limestone climbing areas in East Missouri. Get top rope sessions, tie-dye, a live band, and a bonfire. Check-in starts 9am. Live music 8-11pm.
Old Greenville Rendezvous Encampment, Wappapello Lake, MO - Historic reenactors, vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities at the Greenville Campground on Wappapello Lake. 9am-5pm.
Klaus Park "Dig & Ride" Trail Day, Jackson, MO - Help rebuild a few downhill sections on this beloved local trail. Bring a shovel, buckets, or a wheelbarrow, and your bike if you want to ride after. Picnic lunch encouraged. 8am-12pm.
Food Truck Friday, Kimmswick, MO - Food trucks, live music, family-friendly fun in town, and face painting. 5-9pm.
Cape Anime, Cape Girardeau, MO - A weekend anime convention at the Show Me Center with panels, gaming tournaments, cosplay events, guest Q&As, cosplay karaoke, drawing contests, voice actor appearances, etc. 10am-7pm.
SEMO Softball vs Lindenwood, Cape Girardeau, MO - A weekend softball series at the Southeast Softball Complex with multiple chances to catch the Redhawks in action. Saturday 1pm and 3:30pm. (Sponsored)
Kayak Chaos Cup, Dexter, MO - Dexter’s first-ever kayak races hit the city pond with divisions for singles, doubles, and kids 12 and under. 10am
Spring Tree Walk, Caruthersville, MO - Two guided walks through England City Park exploring local tree species, including some unique to the Bootheel. Family-friendly and open to all. 10am-12pm AND 1-3pm.
Ghost Hunt at Mine Au Breton Historical Sites, Potosi, MO - Spend the night investigating 3 historic buildings and nearby cemeteries with Paranormal Task Force X. Check-in 7pm. Event runs 8pm-2am. $50.
Ranger-Led Levee & River Walk, Ste. Genevieve, MO - A guided 1.5-mile walk along the levee and river trail exploring the role of the Mississippi River in local history. Family-friendly and free to attend. 9:45am-11am.
Missouri OUTLAW Gravel Race, Ste. Genevieve, MO - A 45-mile gravel ride that’s “flat and fast…until it’s not,” with aid stations, swag, and a race-day atmosphere. Starts downtown and rolls through scenic backroads.
Gettin’ Sauced BBQ Competition, Perryville, MO - BBQ, live music, local vendors, and pitmasters competing as guests sample the goods, all supporting veterans. 11am-4pm.
Great Cardboard Boat Regatta, Carbondale, IL - A long-standing and much-loved SIU tradition: Watch teams race handmade cardboard boats across Campus Lake at SIU for the 51st year. I'm guessing it goes about how you think it's gonna go. Races begin at 1pm.
Paducah Homegrown Farmers’ Market - Opening Day, Paducah, KY - Love farmers' markets, will travel? Cross the state line for fresh produce, handmade goods, local vendors, and live music. Let us know how it compares to the veggies on your home turf. 7:30am-1pm.
Sun, April 19
Dogwood-Azalea Festival, Charleston, MO - Start the day with a 5K, then enjoy vendors, games, youth races, a dog show, and one last chance to catch the festival. For tour info, maps, eateries, lodging, a vendors list, and a detailed schedule of weekend events, visit the website.
Old Greenville Rendezvous Encampment, Wappapello Lake's Greenville Campground, MO - Another day of historic reenactors, vendors, demonstrations, live music, and exploring the encampment. 9am-3pm.
Cape Anime, Cape Girardeau, MO - More panels, tournaments, fan events, idol performances, bingo, and a ramen eating contest. 10am-4pm.
SEMO Softball vs Lindenwood, Cape Girardeau, MO - A weekend series at the Southeast Softball Complex with multiple chances to catch the Redhawks in action. Sunday 12pm. Free. (Sponsored)
On the Path - Hike + Yoga, Jackson, MO - A guided 3.5-mile hike with yoga and mindful movement. Meet at the trail or carpool from Amity Yoga. 9am. $22.
Beginner/Intermediate Whitewater Clinic, Fredericktown, MO - weekend-long whitewater skills clinic on the St. Francis River designed for paddlers with some experience, covering Class II techniques with instruction, river time, and a catered dinner. Saturday/Sunday, April 25-26. $100-$125.
SEMO MS Community Walk, Cape Girardeau, MO - A community walk around the Capaha Park pond to raise awareness and funds for Multiple Sclerosis research. Saturday, Apr 25, 9am at Capaha Park Shelter #1.
The Ozark’s Mountain Challenge, Sam A Baker State Park, MO - A 12-hour endurance hiking challenge that dares hikers to climb Mudlick Mountain eight times, totaling 7,980 feet of elevation gain - the same height as Mount Olympus. Saturday, May 2.
The Bluffs Trail Run, Eminence, MO - A trail running event set in Echo Bluff State Park and neighboring Current River State Park. Distance options range from a half-marathon down to a 5K, plus a kids’ 1-mile fun run. Wooded trails & bluff views. Saturday, May 2.
Berryman Trail Races - Marathon & 50 Mile, Potosi, MO - A rugged trail race through the Mark Twain National Forest with marathon and 50-mile options on a hilly, single-track course. Saturday, May 16.
Tour de Tunnel Bike Ride, Vienna, IL - A scenic, non-competitive bike ride on the Tunnel Hill State Trail featuring route options of 10, 20, or 40 miles. Saturday, May 23.
Run for Heroes Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Vienna, IL - A late afternoon race on the Tunnel Hill Trail with multiple distances, a free kids run, and a community-focused atmosphere supporting local heroes. Saturday, May 23.
Red Cedar Trail Races - 5K, Half Marathon & 40K, Makanda, IL - A trail race through Giant City State Park with multiple distances on rugged, single-track terrain with hills, creek crossings, and forest views. Saturday, May 30.
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.
WORD SCRAMBLE ANSWER: DETOUR
Find Us on Social
Or don't...
In all honesty, your inbox is where I want to be, so if you're reading this, I'm happy. No further action required. BUT you can also find Backroad Weekly on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok (where I feel kind of like a hostage in the modern business content machine).
Despite that, I still post pictures and videos of all the weird, fun, fascinating, and bee-you-tee-full local places I visit. So follow your local content hostage.
Know Southeast Missourians who love day trips? When your friends subscribe with your unique referral link (below), you earn points toward merch: stickers, magnets, mugs & shirts.
Copy the link below and send it to your friends. Or share it on your Facebook page!
Your friends must use YOUR link to subscribe, or else we can't keep track. And then you'll just be up a creek without a turtle.
This program is retiring April 30, 2026. So go on now, git!
.png)