Events, trails, shops, restaurants, museums. All an easy drive away. In your inbox, every Thursday.
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Son, it's time we had a talk. If you're becoming recreationally active, you need to use protection...from ticks.
Jokes aside, I know I preach DEET every week, but a friend just shared she's been laid up sick with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever after a float trip. Tick-borne illness is real. Take all the necessary preventative precautions, back roaders. Read the safety checklists. Make the effort. It's worth the tedium.
Practice safe treks.
Get Outside - Legion Lake, Perryville, MO.
If you haven't noticed, Perryville has been climbing the ranks as an outdoor recreation destination in Southeast Missouri. You may remember last fall when we covered the day hike at Perry County Community Lake. Or you may recall how often we rant and rave about the wild caving excursion put on by the Perry Park Center. (Which I will continue to gush about. Can't stop. Won't stop)
But this week's Perryville-loves-the-outdoors fun spot is Legion Lake.
Some guy doing the thing we'd rather be doing at Legion Lake, Perryville, MO. June 2026
Things to do at Legion Lake:
Hiking/trail running/rucking the inner loop i.e., Victory Trail (1.22 miles)
Hiking/trail running/rucking the outer loop i.e., Freedom Trail (2.87 miles)
Mountain biking! Ride the inner & outer loops, as well as the pump track, flow trails, and skills trails with obstacles like MTB bridges
Dock/bank/kayak fishing, and if I understand this page correctly, boating is permitted with electric motors. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong and about to unleash boating hell onto Legion Lake.
Birdwatching & wildlife photography. I grant thee permission to make your own little nature documentary. You're an adult.
Picnicking. Eating a sandwich and looking cute in the outdoors is always an option.
Things that might be useful to know:
You can trust Google Maps. I thought I couldn't. It wasn't showing a lake, and it looked like we were heading straight into the Perryville Country Club. But it IS the right location.
Internet, if I give my honest opinion, do you promise to be kind? My first impression was, "meh. underwhelming.", But the longer I stayed and explored, the more it grew on me.
The trails are single track and there are parts where they're lined with thick underbrush. As usual, watch where you step and take allllllllll the necessary tick precautions.
Legion Lake, Klaus Park, Shepherd Mountain, St. Joe State Park (to name a few). We have the places to mountain bike. Now, I just need lessons.
This Week at Mesta Meadows
Kids are out of school and summer road trip season has arrived. That means the Mesta Meadows crew is busier than a one-legged sheep in a grass-eating contest.
The busy rancher bees are priming the petting zoo, training guard dog puppies, and stocking freezers and shelves at The Mason Jar Storewith beef, jams, honey, eggs, ice cream, and other farm-raised freshness.
Not to mention, sheep still need feeding, fences still need mending, and the annoying newsletter lady is still asking for weekly updates.
Day trip recommendation:
If you're out for a weekend drive, go say hello to the animals, grab some ice cream, and pat a farm hand on the back. While you're in the area, make a day of it with lunch at the famous EC Reeds, a stroll through the antique and consignment shops along First St. in Marble Hill, and a stop at Ava Craft Center in nearby Burfordville. Sponsored by Mesta Meadows.
Spotted at Legion Lake last weekend, singing in the treetops of the inner loop trail: The Northern Parula. A teeny warbler with a song that sounds like a zipper.
Some local news that deserves repeating:
Remember the Removal
It's that time of year again. If you noticed a group of cyclists passing through yesterday, you saw the Cherokee Nation's annual Remember the Removal Bike Ride.
Follow along on Facebook and share some words of encouragement as Cherokee youth retrace the Trail of Tears northern route, covering ~950 miles from Georgia to Oklahoma by bike.
Remember You Need Tacos
You already know the story. This is your reminder. Go get tacos from Miguel's Tacon Madre. Miguel (aka selfless hero) deserves to sell out in the first hour for the rest of the year.
Picture It
Terrain Magazine's amateur photo contest is live. Get on this. I wanna see a Southeast Missourian on that podium. In exchange for this valuable information, I simply ask for all of the credit for your win.
Big Announcement from Midwest Kayak Co
James Faught, owner of Cape's Midwest Kayak Co, announced via Facebook Live today that he's moving! To a larger building! Right next door! That means a larger show room and more get-out-on-the-water gear to drool over.
He also announced Midwest Kayak Co will start carrying gear for hiking, backpacking, and long-distance through-hikes!!!
In related news, yuh girl is about to be broke.
Teaser Announcement from Backroad Weekly
Backroad Weekly has been toiling away with a talented local graphic designer and a lovely local screen-printing company to bring you something rad. More breadcrumbs next week.
Foraging in the Midwest - Tonight!
I'm so excited about this that it gets its own section. Appalachian Folk Herbalist and Founder of 573 Hiking & Foraging, Leigh Ludolph, is bringing Cape Girardeau an immersive, beginner-friendly class on how to identify local edible and medicinal wild plants. Until now, I've just been eating anything I find in the woods. Jk jk.
It's TONIGHT, Thursday, June 11 at 6pm, at Midwest Kayak Co. This is the first in Midwest Kayak's new speaker series, Tales from the Trip.
An insider heads up from our sponsor, VisitCape: You might want to keep June 20 open.
Cape Girardeau's annual Citywide Juneteenth Celebrationreturns to Ivers Square on Saturday, June 20, with live entertainment, food vendors, artisans, community organizations, kids' activities, and more.
Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced freedom for the enslaved people there. The news had finally reached Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
The Cape location of this event also carries significance. Long before it was known as Ivers Square, this area was a site where enslaved people were bought and sold. It later became a place where Black men from the region enlisted in the Union Army, fighting for the freedom that Juneteenth now celebrates.
The celebration is free, family-friendly, and runs 11am-4pm.
This Weekend’s Happenings
Fri, June 12
Music for the Mind Music & Camping Festival, Wappapello, MO - Two nights of live music, camping, and lakeside hangs kick off Friday at The Camp. This year's lineup includes Maggie Rose, The Jack Wharff Band, Paul McDonald & The Mourning Doves, Funky Butt Brass Band, Mattie Schell, and Maggie Thorn. One-day tickets $32.50, two-day passes $52.50. Gates open at 5pm.
Tunes at Twilight, Cape Girardeau, MO - Hope you still have that lawn chair in the trunk. It's time for another evening of live music at Ivers Square. 7pm. Food vendors on site.
Cape Ballroom Dance with Latin Cha Cha Lesson, Cape Girardeau, MO - Learn the basics of the Cha Cha, then stick around for an evening of ballroom dancing, and line dances. $5. 7-9pm.
Forgotten Spirits: Paducah's Contributions to Bourbon, Paducah, KY - This guided downtown walking tour explores Paducah's surprising connections to the bourbon industry, from the entrepreneurs behind famous brands to the African American, Jewish, and Italian communities that helped shape the business. The wheelchair-accessible route covers about 0.7 miles through downtown and the riverfront. $13. 7pm.
Sat, June 13
Music for the Mind Music & Camping Festival,Wappapello, MO - Day two of this lakeside music festival features another full evening of performances, camping, food, and music near Lake Wappapello.
Sam A. Baker 100th Anniversary Celebration, Patterson, MO - One of Missouri's most beloved state parks turns 100. Celebrate with bluegrass music, historic exhibits, old-fashioned games, self-guided tours of the CCC Lodge, and van rides to Mudlick Mountain Fire Tower, then, hike the 2.5-mile route back down past waterfalls, bluffs, and CCC landmarks. Free. 9am-3pm.
Summer Open Studio,Millersville, MO - Free Spirit Studio is celebrating 10 years with a gathering of local artists, live music, food, sweet treats, and handmade creations. 10am-3pm.
Veterans Black River Float, Poplar Bluff, MO - Team River Runner is hosting a beginner-friendly float on a wide, gentle section of the Black River from Hilliard Public Fishing Access to Sportsman Park. Kayaks and gear are available for those who need them. Bring a sack lunch. Registration requested.
Birds of Prey Program, Malden, MO - Get an up-close look at live raptors with Raptor Rehab of Central Arkansas. 1pm. Included with museum admission; free for Bootheel Youth Museum members.
French Heritage Festival,Ste. Genevieve, MO - Missouri's oldest town celebrates its French roots with live music, historic reenactors, folk dancing, artisan demonstrations, traditional food, and family activities set among some of the country's rarest French colonial architecture. Free. 11:30am-5:30pm.
KoernerHaus Open Field Night, Burfordville, MO - A monthly social hour for dogs and their humans featuring off-leash play, agility equipment, and plenty of opportunities to make new four-legged friends. Proof of current vaccinations is required. $15 for one dog and one human, $5 for each additional dog. 5-7pm.
2nd Saturday Cruise-In, Piedmont, MO - Classic cars, motorcycles, live music, and frozen custard, all celebrating Gooch's 5th anniversary of serving frozen custard on your summer road trips to Clearwater Lake!
Starry Sky Night, Leasburg, MO - Explore the night sky with the help of a high-powered telescope and local astronomy enthusiast Joe Parish. Bring your own telescope if you'd like, but equipment will be available for anyone who shows up and looks up. Free. 9pm.
Onondaga Cave Photo Tour, Leasburg, MO - This tour is for anyone who ever wished the regular tour would slow down, so they could take better pictures of one of Missouri's most impressive caves. BYOC - bring your own camera. $23. Tours at 9am and 1pm.
Bottle Crafts with Tatum,Cape Girardeau, MO - Turn an ordinary bottle into something decorative, artistic, or completely unexpected during this laid-back crafting session at The Bar. $25. 12-1pm. Ages 21+.
Karaoke for a Cause Vol. 7, Cape Girardeau, MO - $5 donation gets you through the door, and you're ready to sing. I don't usually enjoy karaoke, but this special Cape venue makes everything (and everyone) look cool. 21+. 7pm.
Crafternoon: Book Bedazzling, Cape Girardeau, MO - Turn a favorite book into a sparkly work of art during this adults-only crafting session at the library. Participants provide the book; the library provides the gems and supplies. Registration required. 2-3:30pm.
Orchids & Lilies of Southern Illinois,Cypress, IL - Naturalist and conservationist John Schwegman shares the stories behind some of Southern Illinois' most fascinating native wildflowers, including the orchids and lilies that thrive in the Cache River region. Free. All ages welcome. 10-11am.
Annabelle Festival, Anna, IL - Downtown Anna packs a lot into one Saturday: vendors, kids' activities, a pet carnival, car show, flower show, pie contest, live music, foam party, free swim, historic walking tours, and more.
Shawnee Hills Trail Races Group Run, Millstone Lake - Join fellow runners for a social out-and-back run to Millstone Lake. The route is about 10 miles round-trip, but all paces are welcome and no one gets left behind. Coffee, donuts, water refills, and trail miles included. 7am.
Horsepower Happy Hour, Cape Girardeau, MO - PARC Motor Club is opening the lot for an afternoon of cool cars, food trucks, cold beer, and conversations with fellow gearheads. Free. 1:30-4:30pm.
Cape Pride Festival, Cape Girardeau, MO - A community celebration featuring food trucks, local vendors, and live entertainment, throughout the day at Capaha Park.
Tea Talks: David Cantrell, Cape Girardeau, MO - Grab a cup of tea and hear from retired Navy Captain David Cantrell, a local leader involved in everything from the Avenue of Flags & Memorial Plaza to city government and historic preservation. Free admission; donations accepted. 2-3pm.
America 250 Community Celebration, Kennett, MO - Celebrate Flag Day with live music, food trucks, games, mini golf, face painting, vendor booths, and family activities at Jones Park. Free. 2-6pm.
Plan Ahead - The Fun You Can't Improvise
Come See Our Gardens: Flower Favorites, Cape Girardeau, MO - Curious about native plants but not sure where to start? Join the Cape Nature Center's native landscape specialist for a guided walk through the gardens to learn ways to incorporate native flowers into your own landscape. Ages 16+. Tuesday, June 16. 10:30-11:30am. and again 5:30-6:30pm. Registration required.
Introduction to Wild Caving, Perryville, MO - This two-part program starts with a classroom-style introduction to cave safety, equipment, geology, and conservation before heading underground for a guided cave exploration. You must attend both. Information session June 18 at 5:30pm; cave exploration June 20 at 9:30am. Registration required.
Wild About Watercolor, Puxico, MO - Learn about ruby-throated hummingbirds and paint your own watercolor opus inspired by one of nature's tiniest speed demons. No painting experience required. Ages 12+. Wednesday, June 24. 9-11:30am. Registration required.
Tour de Corn, East Prairie, MO - One of the flattest, friendliest, and paved-iest rides around with 15-, 30-, 63-, and 100-mile routes through the Bootheel. The hometown support and rest stops are legendary. June 27. Ride starts 7:30am.
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.
Strawberry Moon Paddle, Ullin, IL - Cache Bayou Outfitters is hosting another guided full moon paddle through the cypress swamp of the Cache River Wetlands - this time under June's Strawberry Moon. Saturday, June 28. $65 adults, $25 kids.
Miner Tough Trail Run & Mountain Bike Race, Park Hills, MO - One of Southeast Missouri's premier endurance weekends returns to St. Joe State Park with trail running on Saturday and mountain bike racing on Sunday. Choose from a half marathon, 5-mile run, fun run, XC mountain bike categories, or tackle both days for a shot at the overall weekend title. July 11-12.
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. Runners tackle rugged singletrack through the Shawnee National Forest, passing sandstone canyons, waterfalls, creek crossings, and some of Southern Illinois' most spectacular scenery. August 22-23. Registration closes August 15.
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.