Feral horses, a divisive bluff, and citizen activism
Day Trips for Southeast Missourians
Events, trails, shops, restaurants, museums. All an easy drive away. In your inbox, every Thursday.
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I'd like to take a moment to thank everyone for politely—week after week— overlooking my typos. I see them, too. The thing is that I see them after I hit 'send'.
It's so sweet how often I do not receive emails pointing them out. You all are the best.
Someday, I'll stop waiting until the last minute to write this thing each week and put an end to those pesky little devils.
Day Tripping - Echo Bluff State Park
This weeks' destination has a controversial past that I won't get into here (for the sake of time, not controversy-dodging). I'll just let you read that link from 2016.
Fish or float in Sinking Creek, a tributary of the Current River
Wade/play in the water
Eat at the air-conditioned lodge, where you can also escape the sun
And browse the gift shop
Behind the lodge, a short walk leads to Sinking Creek and the famous Echo Bluff. This area is amazing. The creek is shallow, slow-moving, and clear. If there hasn't been a ton of rain, it's perfect for cooling off and taking any kids who, otherwise, scare the crap out of you in larger bodies of water. And the bluff creates a fun, eerie echo effect.
Small Beach Tips
With a small beach, space is limited. Get there early to grab a spot, or better yet, grab one of those PTO days you're hoarding and go on a weekday. Treat yo self. (Name that reference) That's what we did, and let me tell you, being there on a Tuesday was divine. Hardly any people at all.
Sinking Creek at Echo Bluff State Park, July 2026
Weekend Getaway - Camp!
If you live in the Cape G area like us, Echo Bluff is quite a haul...a 3-hour drive. That's flirting with not-too-day-trip-able for me. So, we stayed at the Echo Bluff campground called Timbuktu.
Not gonna lie, at least not to you dear reader... the main campground is a lot like a parking lot with some grass. We're budget-minded tent-campers and the sun exposure didn't sound like a rockin' good time. So, we made our reservation at one of the walk-in primitive sites in the woods to get some shade. From there, the bathroom was a bit of a hike, but we were happy with the decision. Fortunately, there were wheelbarrows available to help us haul our gear to our site.
If you're into tent camping, you might also consider Sinking Creek Campground, just outside the park.
Dark Sky Bonus
The great thing about camping anywhere along the Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR) - The incredible night sky viewing. I'd bet good moolah it's been a while since most folks have seen this many stars. It was a clear night when we stayed, and you could see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
Didja Know? - The Missouri Ozarks Free Roaming Horses
Did you know there are free-roaming horse herds trotting around Shannon County? Their exact origins are unknown, but the popular theory is that they are feral, descended from domesticated horses abandoned during the Great Depression. After all these years and generations of clip-clopping about without an owner, many people call them "wild". Which, be careful saying online. Apparently, people feel STRONGLY about the feral/wild distinction. Voice of experience, unfortunately.
Citizen Activism
ONSR management officials planned on removing them in the 90s. This resulted in a grassroots campaign with thousands of local folks saying, "hands off our horses". The demonstrations were effective, and the horses are still chilling in the Ozarks today.
I don't know enough to have strong opinions about the horses, but I love a good story about citizen activism.
Protection and Management
Today, they're protected by acts of Congress and managed by the Missouri Wild Horse League which provides veterinary services, field restoration, adoption services, and more. Because if they're gonna be there, they need to be healthy, and their impact on the environment needs to be monitored. The herd is kept at a limit of 50 individuals. And don't worry, no one is eating them (Facebook is a weird place, y'all). When I talk about population control, I mean adoptions and castrations.
For information on adoption of free roaming horses, please contact the league at (573) 226-3492.
How to See the Horsies (Spoiler - you might not)
It's very much a Cotton Eye Joe situation: Where did you come from where did you go?
Since the herds roam free, there's no guarantee you'll get to see them. But they tend to frequent some of the same spots. They're often spotted in large, grassy fields around Shawnee Creek, Broadfoot, Round Spring, and Echo Bluff State Park.
Don't Be a Dummy, Please
If you're lucky enough to see them, treat them as wild animals. Be respectful, keep your distance, and do not let your pets approach them...unless, of course, you want a fine...or a pooch with a dent in its head...or a mob of angry Ozarkers chasing you out of town with torches and pitchforks.
We got lucky and saw one of the herds outside of Echo Bluff State Park, July 2026. It IS possible.
This Week at Mesta Meadows
Life on a ranch is full of unexpected's.
When we started this summer series to get you closer to farm life, this is one update we didn't see coming:
A band shot a music video on the ranch.
Even I keep learning new ways to enjoy the farm.
That's all the ranchers can reveal for now. Follow Mesta Meadows on Facebook where they'll share the music video as soon as its live.
The highland cattle said the performance was moooo-ving.
Couldn't help myself.
*Sponsored by Mesta Meadows
Spotted in Scott City, Missouri (thanks to my suet feeder 💁♀️) on Sunday, July 19: The gray catbird. Slate gray with a little black cap, it's giving minimalist Parisian.
For the Road Trippers and Car Lovers
We've been talking a lot lately about Historic U.S. Highway 61, the legendary road that carried blues musicians north and south through our region. But here's a question:
When's the last time you actually drove it?
So, here's the day trip idea: Pick a direction. Roll the windows down. Put on your favorite playlist. And stop somewhere you've never stopped before.
Or better yet...plan that drive for next weekend.
On August 1-2, let Highway 61 lead you straight to Cape Girardeau for the Show Me Showdown, where hundreds of classic cars, custom builds, trucks, and motorcycles will fill the Show Me Center inside and out. Browse vendors, cheer on the Power Wheels drag races, admire automotive craftsmanship, and spend a day surrounded by people who dig engines.
*Sponsored by VisitCape
Want to share an upcoming event with 2,000+ 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, July 24
4th Friday Art Walk, Ste. Genevieve, MO - Check out the local art scene in historic Ste. Gen.
Jackson Homecomers, Jackson, MO - Live music, carnival rides, games, food, crafts, and vendors in Uptown Jackson.
Music in the Park, Sikeston, MO - It's Sikeston's downtown summer concert series. 6-8pm. Free.
Midwest Kayak & Outdoor Company Grand Opening Get Together, Cape Girardeau, MO - Celebrate the new space and check out the specials. Go support our locally owned, specialty outdoor store!! Thank you for helping Southeast Missourians get outside, Midwest Kayak & Outdoor Co!
Latin Salsa Lesson, Cape Girardeau, MO - "The evening begins at 7:00 p.m. with a 30-minute dance lesson, followed by dancing to mixed ballroom music. Line dances included." Cape Ballroom. 7-9pm. $5.
Open Mic Night at Roost, Cape Girardeau, MO - The Design Bar is sending out a call to arms, "Calling all musicians!! Are you working on new songs or just have the need to perform? Well, stop in and try it on stage in front of an audience ready to support and cheer you on!" 7-9:30pm
Sun-up Hike, Makanda, IL - Join a Giant City State Park naturalist for an early morning hike. Don't let the summer heat keep you from hiking. When summer gets rough, we wake up early. 6:30am-8am. Call to register. 618-457-4836.
Flowers & Donkeys at Rendleman Orchards, Alto Pass, IL - The peaches and flower fields are at their peak! Great photo opportunity. Since it is going to be hot, they've invited the Braying Bartenders (a couple of donkeys) to walk around, hauling water for all the photographers and models. 11am-2pm.
'Meet Me at the Lake' Sailboat Painting Class, Paducah, KY - "In this relaxing painting workshop, you'll use acrylic paint to capture the breezy charm of sailboats on the lake, guided step by step from blank canvas to finished piece." No experience required. All supplies included. 6-8pm. $40.
Wicked Paducah, Paducah, KY - A red light district, moonshiners, unsolved murders, and shady characters. Learn all about the city's unsavory past on this walking tour. 16+, $13, 7pm.
Sat, July 25
Occupy Bloomfield, Bloomfield, MO - "Experience Civil War history with reenactors, historical camps, 1860s activities, and local Civil War insights". All ages welcome. Free. 10am-4pm.
Cookbook Club, Jackson, MO - Each month, this club tries recipes from a featured cookbook and then gets together to taste the dishes. "Make new friends who love food as much as you do." Freakin' adorable. 18+ at the Jackson library.
Jackson Homecomers, Jackson, MO - Live music, carnival rides, games, food, crafts, and vendors in Uptown Jackson.
Trail Maintenance at St. Joe State Park, Park Hills, MO - It's that sweaty volunteer work that makes you feel GOOD. "Join the Park naturalist for three hours of trail maintenance at St. Joe State Park!"
Comedy Night with Will O'Donnell, Ste. Genevieve, MO- Stand-up lovers, the 2022 winner of St. Louis' Funniest Comedian contest is heading to Ste. Gen. $48
All-Request Piano Show ft. Joy Brooker, Cape Girardeau, MO - It's like a live-action jukebox. You name it, Joy plays it. Different every time but always a unique experience.
It's Only a Summer Thing, Cape Girardeau, MO - It's an outdoor summer concert on the Scout Hall Patio. Enjoy sweet tunes and a cash bar. "You can bring food in from Speck and Kenny's next door or pack a picnic lunch." Doors at 6. Music at 7pm. Free admission!
Summer Slaycation, Cape Girardeau, MO - "Six rippin rock bands" are putting on an all-ages show at the Cape Eagles Club. $15. 5pm. Party on, Wayne.
East End Market, Altenburg, MO - "This community market features local vendors, handmade goods, antiques, crafts, seasonal products, and more." 12-4pm.
Plan Ahead - The Fun You Can't Improvise
Full Moon Paddle, Ullin, IL - Paddle through the ancient wetlands of the Cache River at night, under the first full moon of the summer. Expert guides lead the way. $65. Tuesday, July 28.
The Subterranean Film Society presents Steel Magnolias, Cape Girardeau, MO - Scout Hall has partnered with the Book Rack to present classic films and good feels to the middle of your week, once a month. Doors 6:30. Movie at 7pm. All ages. Bring snacks. Buy a drink. Relax. $9. Wednesday, July 29.
Swampy Angling, Cape Girardeau, MO - Meet at the Cape Nature Center and shuttle to Duck Creek Conservation Area to explore remnant and restored swamps. Come catch some bass, sunfish, catfish, or even a bowfin. This is an opportunity to meet other anglers and expand your skills. Ideal for anglers who have some fishing experience and are looking to build on those skills. Tuesday, August 04.
Birds in Color, Sikeston, MO - Learn about this beautiful migratory bird native to southern Missouri. Then, learn how to draw it using oil pastels. No experience is required, and all materials will be provided. Tuesday, August 04.
Wild Edibles: Ice Cream, Cape Girardeau, MO - "Discover how nature can add flavors and toppings to your favorite frozen treat. Attend a naturalist-led presentation and learn about safe and common wild edibles that can enhance your ice cream. Then, try a delicious sample." Friday, August 07
Outdoor Preparedness - Topography, Cape Girardeau, MO - Learn to read topographic maps. Meet at the Cape Nature Center and shuttle to Tywappity Community Lake where you'll use maps to navigate the forest. No experience required. Saturday, August 8. Registration opens tomorrow, the 24th.
Intro to Wild Caving, Perryville, MO - A rare chance to learn the basics of caving and explore a real, wild cave with expert guides. These sessions only run a handful of times each year and spots are limited. No experience necessary. No tight spaces necessary. Info session August 13. Cave exploration August 15.
Shawnee Hills Trail Races, Ozark, IL - One of the Midwest's premier trail running events returns to Camp Ondessonk with distances ranging from a half marathon to 100 miles, passing some of Southern Illinois' best scenery. August 22-23. Registration closes August 15.
City of Roses 5k & Half Marathon, Cape Girardeau, MO - "This course takes you 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. Loop back to the Osage Center to a cheering crowd, food, water, Gatorade, and locally brewed beer." Sunday, September 27.
Tour 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.
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:SIKESTON
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