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The events section is already looking more patriotic than an eagle at a BBQ. Wasn't expecting that a week early. My mind is red, white, and blown.
Enjoy the fireworks!
Get Outside - To the Granite with a Thousand Names
Close your laptop and tiptoe away to an ancient place where a cool, clear river dances through pink boulders. Then, idle your way down into the canyon to soak in the shallow, gravel-bottomed wading pools.
This iconic Missouri swimming hole has no shortage of names: Amidon Memorial Conservation Area, Castor River Shut-Ins, Hahn's Mill, and Pink Rock.
Sunrise at Castor River Shut-Ins, June 2026
The Good-to-know's Before You Go's:
Though gorgeous every month, it's particularly popular in the summer, and extremely popular on summer weekends. If you're not big on crowds, plan a trip on a weekday, and get there as early as you can.
From the parking lot, you can expect about a quarter mile walk down a forested trail before you arrive at the shut-ins.
There's a porta potty at the trailhead and that's it for facilities. If you need to change your clothes, be prepared to get naked in your SUV.
Sunbathing with this kind of view is a luxe experience. Less luxe? A sunburn and dehydration. There is very little shade once you're out on the exposed granite. Remember your sunscreen and water.
Don't flip the flop. Water shoes or old tennis shoes are the way to go. Not only can the rocks in the stream be poke-y, but they can be slippery.
To reach the water below, you'll need to navigate a jumble of boulders. It's part of the fun, but it's probably not the best destination for anyone who struggles with uneven terrain or mobility issues.
There are some more general creek recommendations in this issue.
Didja know?
“The Castor River Shut-Ins are Missouri’s only known pink granite shut-ins. The pinkish granite is from a rock formation that is 1.5 billion years old.” - MO Dept of Conservation
So, go! Stand on this ancient crust at one of the handful of places in North America where it’s exposed and accessible. I dare you to try to wrap your mind around something formed long before animals, trees, or grass… back when the world was only rock, ocean, algae, and Cher. She's a vampire, right? 🎵Do you belieeeeeve in life after Pangea?🎵
Weekend Getaway - Hahn's Mill House
Eureka. Struck gold. We found something CooOOOoooOOOoool.
The haters who gripe I reveal all the local "secrets" are going to have to keep hatin'. For gate keep the good stuff, I shall not. And this is good stuff.
There is an Airbnb within walking distance of Pink Rock.
It's called Hahn's Mill House, and it's practically next door (keep in mind it's a rural definition of next door).
Who is this perfect for?
Anyone who can picture this:
You set your alarm for sunrise, roll out of bed, and you're the first person to arrive at the shut-ins. There's still a cool morning mist above Castor River and the sky is pale peach from the day's first light.
Or this: It's noon at the shut-ins. Dad's grumpy because it's hot and your toddler's probably had too much sun. Dad retreats to the A/C, that kid gets a nap, and dad starts lunch while he streams Top Gear. And everybody else can keep splashing.
We gave Hahn's Mill House a staycation whirl, and here were the results: 5,328 out of 10 stars.
Highlights:
It's a secluded country home with vintage cabin decor #cozy.
Birders, the bird feeders were full and bumping.
They've thought of everything. It's like a hotel with invisible staff. I'd think, "man, I wish I had some binoculars", and I'd turn around, and there they were...like a little elf had read my mind and delivered the thing I needed. That happened to me with a flyswatter, a weenie roaster, a child's lawn chair, a fire starter, and shampoo. I'd swear they have Ph.D.'s in hospitality.
There's a hot tub. 😎
**A great big shout out to Hahn's Mill House for the invitation. We had an amazing time and can't wait to take friends and family.
Support Local!
Even if you're not booking yet, help me give this local tourism business some love. Give them a follow on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
This Week at Mesta Meadows You don't always go to the ranch. Sometimes the ranch goes to you. This time of year, the Mesta Meadows crew spends plenty of hours on the road, hauling coolers of steaks, eggs, and ice cream, and occasionally a trailer full of four-legged entertainers. Two reasons: farmers' markets and a traveling petting zoo. For most of us, Glenallen isn't a stop on the way home, so the Mesta Meadows team has put togethera farmers' market circuit that keeps them moving this time of year. And then, there's the traveling petting zoo, destined for vacation Bible schools, birthday parties, and community events. Sheep, goats, guard dogs, and even the mini highland cow are making appearances around the region, giving kids a chance to meet farm animals up close, sometimes for the very first time. Book a traveling petting zoo here.
Oh God, last week I promised another t-shirt update, so now I have to think of one...
How about sizes?
As you know, Backroad Weekly is a pretty small operation (heck, there's just two of us, hi!) and this is all one big experiment. Therefore, I'm only printing 144 shirts. Here's the breakdown, so you know what to expect:
A Bruce Springsteen cover is blaring and you're grooving like a stiff white guy with a hot dog in one hand and a frozen lemonade in the other. You may or may not be wearing the American flag as a Cape. Electric green and orange fireworks explode overhead. The land you love has a birthday. She's turning 250.
At least that's how WE picture Riverfest this year. It's a riverfront 4th of July celebration. And they're going all out for the big 2-5-0 with live music, food, drinks, and family fun starting at 3pm. The famous Riverfront fireworks display starts at 9pm.
Parking concerns? Never fear, a parking map is here. Or leave your worries (and car) behind at the Show-me Center and take the shuttle. Read the instructions carefully though, so you're not just standing around like a ding-dong. I know that wouldn't be any of YOU. You guys read a newsletter! You're the last of a dying breed. You'll definitely read shuttle instructions.
So, if you don't have big plans for the big day (July 4th), Cape G has your lady-liberty-lovin' back.
*This week's featured event is brought to you by VisitCape
Want to share an upcoming event with 1,900+ Southeast Missourians looking for things to do? Read more about how to add an event to 'This Weekend's Happenings'.
This Weekend’s Happenings
Fri, June 26
Sweetcorn Festival Main Street Party, East Prairie, MO - East Prairie has built a community festival around CORN. There will also be a beer garden, live music, food, and craft vendors.
FreedomFest, Doniphan, MO - Mutton busting, steer riding, rodeo, and a 90's country dance party.
First Strike Tactics, Jackson, MO - A "hands-on, street smarts experience". The picture makes it look like you get to learn to kick some arse...in self-defense of course. 12+, $20. No experience necessary.
Live Acoustic Tunes with Jamie Gooch, Cape Girardeau, MO - Raise your hand if you were still unaware that The Bar (the one that was in the movie Gone Girl) had reopened. Anyway, their events list is always packed. Great place for music lovers. Not just movie buffs and Ben Affleck fans. No cover. 21+
Coffee on the Cache, Cypress, IL - It's a monthly conversation + idea-swap + show-and-tell at the Cache River Wetlands Center. A friendly, informal way to connect with other nature lovers. 9-10am.
Bubbles and Blossoms, Jackson, MO - Celebrate the 10th birthday of the Taylor Twins Memorial Garden with a free, family-friendly event. It's open-house style with refreshments, cake, and enjoying this special space. 9-11:30am
Rockin' the Rock Garden, Jackson, MO - If you're down with folk and the fiddle, grab a lawn chair and check it out.
BayouFest 2026, Jackson, MO - Music, food, fireworks. A triple victory. Hosted by the Bayou Cajun Smokehouse. Bar opens at 4. Music starts at 6. Fireworks start at 9-ish. Take a chair. Maybe that should be my new slogan, "Take a lawn chair." Just keep one in the truck, folks.
4C 4th of July Community Celebration, Oak Ridge, MO - And for those who like their early fireworks with a little less "party", the Cape County Cowboy Church will also be lighting up the sky. You should probably take a lawn chair.
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. Ride starts 7:30am.
Sweetcorn Car Show, East Prairie, MO - 10am-2pm. You might also try to win the sweet corn eating contest at 10:30am.
Fireworks on the Lake, Lake Wappapello, MO - Food trucks, a DJ, and family fun. Plus fireworks. There's gotta be fireworks. You'll probably need a chair.
Ste. Gen Farmers' Market, Ste. Genevieve, MO - "Every Saturday 'til the end of October. 7am-12pm."
Cape Riverfront Market, Cape Girardeau, MO - "From locally grown produce and handcrafted finds to artisan goods and live music from some of the area’s best local artists. There’s something for everyone to love." It's the Southeast's largest! 8am-12pm.
Downtown Sculpture Exhibition, Cape Girardeau, MO - Head to Cape's historic Ivers Square where new sculptures will be unveiled and art will be in the air, literally. There will be "plein air artists, working potters, live statues, wood carving, and other family-friendly activities." And it's not a party without music & food. 5-8pm.
All-Request Piano Show Featuring Joy Brooker, Cape Girardeau, MO - The recurring show that's quickly becoming a downtown Cape classic. It's all your favorite songs on the piano. An evening with the legendary internet sensation, Joy Brooker, is reason enough to attend.
Picnic on the Farm, Ullin, IL - It sounds so simple, but that's what's nice about it. Pack a picnic, grab a blanket, go for a drive, sit on said blanket, and eat said picnic...on a farm. For kids, there will be $10 horse rides and a bounce house.
Sun, June 28
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).
Barn Quilt Paint & Sip, Poplar Bluff, MO - "Create your own beautiful barn quilt on composite board designed for indoor or outdoor display"
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. $65 adults, $25 kids.
Plan Ahead - The Fun You Can't Improvise
Unearth Your Story, Oran, MO - Learn the basics of genealogy and how to research your family tree. June 29, 1:30-2:30pm.
Digging Up Facts, Cape Girardeau, MO - Join the director of the Cape County Archive Center for a presentation on the many Revolutionary War Patriots buried in and near Cape County. You know this whole "independence" thing? They helped do that. Tuesday, June 30. 6-7:30pm.
Birding by Season: Summer,Cape Girardeau, MO - A class for beginner birders to learn about our summer-resident feathered friends and then hit the trails with a naturalist. Free, but you must register. Wednesday, July 1 at 5:30pm.
Discover Oak Hickory Forests, Cape Girardeau, MO - Learn how to identify oaks and hickory, how to harvest and prepare the nuts, and take to the trails to test your skills. Thursday, July 9 at 5:30pm.
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. July 11-12.
Grindhouse Galore: From B-Movie Rebels to Cult Classics!, Cape Girardeau, MO - "In this four-week immersive workshop, you’ll step into the thrilling world of grindhouse cinema. Each session, you’ll explore a different era—starting with the atomic-age monsters of the '50s, moving through rebellious '60s biker films, and diving into the outrageous blaxploitation and slasher era of the '70s and '80s. Classes run from July 11 to August 1, Saturdays, 1–5 PM"
Horizon Summer Camps, Cape Girardeau, MO - For the future adventurers! Discovery Playhouse and Southeast Missouri State University are bringing back Horizons summer camps with three different one-week-long camps for the kiddos. Each week features separate camps for ages 6-8 (mornings) and ages 9-12 (afternoons). This year's themes are space (July 13-17), dinosaurs (July 20-24), and science (August 3-7). $135 per week includes all supplies and a camp T-shirt.
Journalism Summer Camp, Bloomfield, MO - Another one for the young-ins. Your 5th-8th graders can explore the world of reporting, writing, and media literacy with hands-on experiences. July 13-17, 10am-4pm.
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 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.
Who wore the hair better? The Great Crested Flycatcher or Billy Idol?
Great Crested Flycatcher photo by Andrew Weitzel viaWikimedia Commons(CC BY-SA 2.0). Billy Idol photo by possan viaWikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0). Both cropped from original.
The above was a rhetorical question.
Obviously, the answer was Great Crested Flycatcher.