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It's Memorial Day Weekend. Make sure to pause for a moment between the milkshakes, trails, and yard sales to remember our fallen U.S. military personnel.
If you're staying in Southeast Missouri and having trouble deciding what to do with your extra day to adventure, remember you can browse previous issues for things to do at backroadweekly.com. Just keep in mind many local businesses, offices, and visitors' centers will be closed Monday, May 25.
Get Outside - Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
KERPOW! Smacked in the face (again) with a "how is this only an hour's drive from Cape Girardeau but I've never been here?" realization. Do I, as a Missourian, have Illinois-blindness???
Cruise the same wildlife drive on your bicycle or e-bike (or go for a run). It's a flat and easy 9 miles. You can do the whole loop on a road bike, but if you want to take a detour and ride out to the prairie overlook on the other side of the causeway, you'll ride some gravel.
Check out the Visitor's Center (closed on Sundays). As always, I recommend starting here. Ask the experts for their recommendations based on the activities that YOU enjoy.
Wolf Creek Causeway at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. May 2026.
Pay to Play
It's $2 for a day pass. If the Visitor's Center is closed, you can drop your payment in the drop box at the Woodland Trail trailhead at Pond 17. There's a self-service kiosk there.
Steal Our Tested Itinerary
This time around, our itinerary was not super sexy or athletic. But it was fun...We started by bathing in 3 gallons of bug spray and sunblock and then lugged a camera, tripod, and binoculars through the mile-long Harmony Trail. Short, sweet, easy, and scenic. In only a mile, you get pine forests, prairie, and wetlands.
After the Harmony Trail, we drove the wildlife drive auto tour, taking our time to snap blurry photos of every snake, turtle, turkey, deer, and warbler we saw.
And then...
Lunch & a Drink with Some Live Music
We abandoned our plan to ride our bikes in favor of BBQ and tunes. It's called balance. It's not every day you have a babysitter, right?
Just ten minutes from the refuge, you'll find Honker Hill Winery. They do this thing called Food Truck Sunday, so we got a pulled pork sandwich, split a wine slushie, and bopped our heads to a few acoustic covers before heading back across the bridge.
This Week at Mesta Meadows
It’s weaning season in Glenallen, MO!
How poetic is it that little local lambs are graduating from the barn to the pasture at the same time SEMO's graduates are tossing their caps? This officially marks the end of lambing season. After a whole lot of work from Farm Manager Jazmin, the support team Cam & Dustin, and an army of hard-workin’ mama sheep...SIXTY-FIVE lambs are headed out to pasture this year.
Farm Manager Magician, Jazmin
Ranch Hand Extraordinaire, Cam
Mesta Meadows is also introducing a new team member, Kevin McCormick, joining from Tennessee as Production Manager for Atelait Creamery. A former baseball player, this health enthusiast and pro scooper is already pitching new ice cream recipes.
It's the perfect time to visit the ranch to load up on lamb-y cuteness and try the ice cream. Open Saturdays 10am-5pm, and Sundays 1-5pm. Sponsored by Mesta Meadows.
Spotted at the Pigeon Creek Day Use Area parking lot at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Sunday May 17: the Summer Tanager.
The Little River Drainage District
What an odd name for what was once the world's largest drainage project.
We grew up around drainage ditches, canals, and levees. We heard our grandparents and elementary school teachers go on about the Little River Drainage District...but have you ever really stopped to think about how insane a feat it was?
Here it is in numbers: By 1928, after roughly 16 years of work, crews had dug nearly 1,000 miles of ditches, built more than 300 miles of levees, and drained roughly 1.2 million acres of the Missouri Bootheel...that's nearly the size of the STATE of Delaware. The goal was to drain swamp land and control flooding across the region to support agriculture. Historical accounts even say the project moved more earth than the Panama Canal.
Today, only a few major remnants of Missouri wetlands remain, including Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Otter Slough Conservation Area, Big Oak Tree State Park, and Allred Lake Natural Area.
Located smack in the downtown square, ViBean Coffee is a locally owned and operated coffee trailer slinging handcrafted espresso drinks, cold brews, energy fusions, dirty sodas, and all the small-town cozy your road trippin' heart desires.
And here's a cool local-business announcement (remember you heard it here first!): later this summer, ViBean is moving from its coffee trailer into Mabel's, a new restaurant opening in town. Instead of going the "everybody compete with everybody" route, the two businesses are teaming up. Follow ViBean on social for updates. Sponsored by ViBean Coffee Co.
Fun fact: Did you know Big Spring, just outside Van Buren, is one of the best places in Missouri to view the night sky?
Memorial Day Weekend at Fort D Sponsored by VisitCape
Built in 1861, Fort D was one of four forts that helped protect Cape Girardeau when Missouri sat at the center of a divided country. Today, it remains one of the few surviving Civil War earthworks in the region.
This Memorial Day weekend, local reenactors will bring a small piece of history back to life at Fort D. Visitors can explore the grounds, learn about military life during the era, and hear the original 1861 Woodruff cannon fire on Memorial Day. Admission is free.
Saturday, May 23 - Monday, May 25 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The Backroad Weekly recommendation: Take advantage of the occasion to do the full Cape Civil War Driving Tour. Itinerary here.
This Weekend’s Happenings
Fri, May 22
Tunes at Twilight, Cape Girardeau, MO - The free summer concert series at Ivers Square continues. This week Devin C Williams brings Delta blues with a modern edge. Rain or shine. The rain plan: the concert moves indoors to Gospel Life Church. 7pm. Free.
Underground Comedy, Cape Girardeau, MO - Scout Hall sports a lineup of regional comedians. Seating is limited. Doors 7pm. Show 8pm. 21+. $15 advance, $18 at the door.
Jackson City Park Concert Series, Jackson, MO - Free summer concerts are back in Jackson, too! This week is a Foreigner tribute band. Will the contents of your cooler be....Cold as Ice? Family and pet friendly.
Stained Glass Cone Flower Workshop, Dexter, MO - Learn the basics of stained glass and leave with your own colorful cone flower creation. No experience required, and all materials are provided. 6pm.
Farmington PRCA Rodeo, Farmington, MO - Rodeo returns to the St. Francois County Fairgrounds for two nights of PRCA action. Friday also doubles as Veterans Night, and younger cowboys and cowgirls can get in on pre-rodeo fun. Gates open 5:30pm. Rodeo starts 7:30pm.
4th Friday Art Walk, Ste. Geneviève, MO - Take an evening stroll through downtown and wander between galleries, studios, and creative spaces while local artists put their work on display. 6pm-9pm.
100 Mile Yard Sale, Southeast Missouri Region - Spend the day hopping between yard sales across the region. 6am-4pm.
Poplar Camp Beach Opening Day, Carbondale, IL - Cedar Lake opens for the season. Restrooms, picnic tables, and concessions are available. Open daily 11am-7pm beginning Friday. $2.50 per person. Free for ages 4 and under.
Night Moves Campground Night Hike, Makanda, IL - Join an interpretive night hike through Giant City State Park as day shifts to night. 8:30pm-10pm. Registration required.
Sat, May 23
Oran Cruise In, Oran, MO - Classic cars return to Oran. SEMO Shrimp Shack will be there serving food. 4pm-8pm.
Ozarks Edge Endurance Mountain Bike Race, Poplar Bluff, MO - Endurance racing returns to Wolf Creek Trail with 3-, 6-, and 12-hour events for adults and junior riders. First race starts 10am. Even if you're not racing, go watch the fun!
Farmington PRCA Rodeo, Farmington, MO - Night two brings another round of professional rodeo competition to Farmington with food vendors and everyone's best western gear. Gates open 5:30pm. Rodeo starts 7:30pm.
KRCU 50th Anniversary Celebration, Jackson, MO - Look, I know this isn't the usual "lawn chairs, funnel cake, and cargo shorts"-type event that I usually favor, but public radio deserves a lotta love. KRCU is celebrating 50 years with an evening of cocktails, dinner, dancing, a silent auction, and live music at Rusted Route Farms. Consider it a celebration of the first 50 years and a fundraiser for the next 50. 6pm-10pm. Dressy casual or cocktail attire. $75.
All-Request Piano Show with Joy Brooker, Cape Girardeau, MO - If you've never been to an all-request piano show, now is the time to have the experience. It's a high-energy, audience-driven show with requests and singalongs. 8pm-10pm. 21+. No cover.
Cape Splash Opening Weekend, Cape Girardeau, MO - Cape Splash kicks off its 17th season. This year brings a few updates, including improvements around the splash pad and pirate ship area for younger kids. Gates open 11am.
Baby Animal Day, Caledonia, MO - Spring on the farm means tiny goats and fluffy chicks. Meet farm animals and let the kids burn off steam on giant slides, swings, and play areas. Pony rides and some activities available for an additional cost. 10am-5pm.
100 Mile Yard Sale, Southeast Missouri Region - Another chance to fill your trunk with vintage finds and impulse purchases. Maybe you'll finally start that online resell business. 6am-4pm.
10th Annual Crawfish Feast, Olive Branch, IL - Cajun food and lake-day hangs at local favorite, Horseshoe Bar & Grill. Grab a lawn chair, claim a spot by the water, and go hungry because they're serving until they sell out. 12pm. $30 for a tray of crawfish and vegetables.
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.
Bear Branch Horse Camp Fun Show, Eddyville, IL - Barrel racing, pole events, buddy races, musical chairs, and other horse-show fun take over Bear Branch for Memorial Day weekend. Starts 11am. $5 per class to participate.
Sun, May 24
100 Mile Yard Sale, Southeast Missouri Region - Why is it so fun to look through stuff? Go convince yourself you need that weird lamp. 6am-4pm.
Plan Ahead - The Fun You Can't Improvise
Doug MacLeod: Blues on Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO - Scout Hall is introducing a new Broadway Blues series with internationally recognized blues artist Doug MacLeod, joined by Ivas John and Jason Heeter. Thursday, May 28. Doors 6pm. Show 7pm. All ages. $15 advance. (Sponsored by VisitCape)
Spring into Health: Outdoor Nature Zumba, Cape Girardeau, MO - The Cape Nature Center is hosting a family-friendly outdoor Zumba class. Designed for all ages and fitness levels. Registration opens Friday, May 15 for the May 30 event. 10am-10:45am.
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.
Archery for Everyone, Cape Girardeau, MO - Whether you're brand new or already have experience, the Cape Nature Center is hosting a beginner-friendly chance to test your skills and learn proper archery technique with help from staff. Tuesday, June 9. 10am-12pm. Free.
Historic Fishing, Cape Girardeau, MO - Learn how people caught fish before bass boats and fish finders. The Cape Nature Center will cover traditional methods like cane poles, hand lining, and fish trapping with hands-on opportunities to try them yourself. Ages 10+. Wednesday, June 10. 5:30pm-7pm. Free. Registration opens TOMORROW, Friday, May 22.
Birds & Brew, Puxico, MO - Coffee and birding are teaming up at Mingo. Take a relaxed 1-mile walk along the Swampwalk boardwalk to look for summer birds. Bring binoculars or borrow a pair. Saturday, June 13. 7am-10am. Free, but registration required.
Tour de Corn, East Prairie, MO - One of the flattest and friendliest rides around returns with 15-, 30-, 63-, and 100-mile routes through the Bootheel. The hometown support and rest stops are legendary. It is corny AF in all the best ways. PAVED. June 27. Ride starts 7:30am. I can personally vouch for what a fun experience this is and will be there again this year.
Klaus Park Klash Mountain Bike Race, Jackson, MO - From youth to adults, nearly 100 riders from 4-5 states gather to take on laps around a 5-mile course at Klaus Park in Jackson for awards and cash prizes. This is a major fundraiser for our youth mountain bike team, so if you want to see locals ride MTB in the Olympics someday, spread the frickin' word, sign up, and ride (or just donate). June 28.
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.