Quirky cabins in the woods, a rare ecosystem, and food with a view

This week: The northern border of Scott County is not the desolate Mad Max no-man's-land you think it is.

Didja know?

Did you know Southeast Missouri is home to "one of Missouri’s rarest natural communities?" And I'm not talking about trailer parks. I'm talking about sand prairies. "Part prairie, part sandbar."

Sand prairie fun facts:

Sand prairies are basically sandbars left behind from old river channels.
For my hobby wildlife photographers: Sand prairies are great for birdwatching (hello, northern bobwhite) and a good place to spot rare plants, insects, and amphibians.
"Of the estimated 60,000 acres of sand prairie that once existed in Southeast Missouri, less than 2,000 acres remain."
Of the ~2,000 acres that remain (I think) only roughly 255 acres are under permanent conservation ownership.
Those 255 acres of protected sand prairie are in Sand Prairie Conservation Area in Scott County and Edgar W. Schmidt Sand Prairie in Scott County.
If you've seen prickly pear cactus on your land and think you might be sitting on remnants of a sand prairie, you can contact MDC's Private Land Conservation staff to ask about technical and financial assistance to help protect the land.
If you'd like to visit Sand Prairie Conservation Area, there is a small gravel parking lot on County Road 333. Google Maps will take you through a back door, down a gravel road which does NOT take you to the parking lot. So, I'd ignore that and use this pin instead.

When and if you go, lower your expectations. This isn't like heading out to a waterfall or a bluff with a view. It's...anti-climactic. Think flat land with sand and shrubby vegetation. Am I doing a good job selling it?

Things to do out here include:

Birdwatching - Which I think is pretty effing exciting, but I know not everyone shares my enthusiasm on the topic.
Outdoor/wildlife photography - Spring fills the prairie with some beautiful wildflowers.
Listening to a chorus of frogs - This pretty much only applies after a good spring rain...maybe I should have written this in the spring...
Building sandcastles - Just kidding.
Hunting - Check the area brochure for rules and regulations.

Important: There are no hiking trails! But you are allowed to leave the parking lot and roam around the conservation area.

And if you're thinking, "I'm not putting on pants just to go look at some sand," let me propose some other things to do nearby. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Day Tripping - Scott City & Commerce, Missouri

I wrote about Scott City & Commerce almost exactly a year ago. But at that point, I hadn't been to the Yule Log Cabin. And I just went to the Yule Log Cabin. Now I feel compelled to write about the Yule Log Cabin.

When you leave Route N, you wind down a shady gravel road in the woods. There, you'll find two cabins packed with 185 decorated Christmas trees. And each tree has a theme. They even had a Tiger King ornament, y'all.

Yes, I'm aware it's September. And I don't give an elf's ar$e. I had a magical time. Visiting so wildly out of season was what made it an oddly delightful summer detour. Besides, if you're not big on crowds, it's the perfect time to go.

This might blow your mind about the much underestimated Scott County, but you can build a whole day trip around this untimely outing.

Make it a day trip:

Eat - Coffee 'N' More - Breakfast or lunch at an adorable cafe. Just not on a Sunday. The Riverhouse - A riverside restaurant with a patio and a train trestle view. River Ridge Winery - Christmas in September kind of sounds like something a drunk person would do anyway. Politely ask your DD to take you out for a sandwich under the shade. Can you hear the live music drifting through the vineyard air? Pilot House at the Airport - It's fun to peep airplanes without the traveler's stress. Ice Cream Corner - If you hurry, you can also grab an ice cream before they close for the season.
Browse a niche retailer - The Yule Log Cabin isn't the only specialty retailer in the area. You can also browse a quilt shop at Bohemian Scrapsody and a motorcycle showroom at Lawless Harley-Davidson. Christmas, quilting, and Harleys. There are plenty of things you can call Scott City, but predictable isn't one of 'em.
Go for a walk - The Scott City park has a peaceful and well-maintained half-mile loop trail that is just hilly enough to wake up your calves. But if it's a nature trail you're looking for, take a little drive and check out the loop around Tywappity Community Lake in Chaffee, or head over to Benton's General Watkins Conservation Area for the Schlosser Loop Trail or the Cemetery Ridge Trail.

What do you think? Were you doubting my ability to prove you can spend a full, fun day in the northern rim of Scott County? For this is the very ethos of Backroad Weekly: digging up places most people speed right past and enjoying them in all their quirky, small-town glory.

SIGHTING: Likely the most adorable falcon you've ever seen. He's just a little guy: The American Kestrel. Spotted last weekend at Sand Prairie Conservation Area.

TRAVEL RADIO: Lon Sanders Canyon Conservation Area in Piedmont, Missouri (2-minute listen), in partnership with KRCU Public Radio.

TRAVEL VIDEO SHORT: Lon Sanders Canyon Conservation Area in Piedmont, Missouri

REVEALING MY SOURCES: This week, I'll keep it in Scott County. When building the events section of this newsletter, two of the sources I like to check are the Sikeston tourism Facebook page and the Sikeston Chamber's events calendar.

Announcement!: Perryville Pumpkin Farm has opened for the season! The Steve Miller Band was right: Time keeps on slippin' slippin' slippin' into the future.

Local Artists Work More Mural Magic on the Floodwall

If you don't voluntarily dance with lady luck, you might not drive by Cape Girardeau's Century Casino often. And therefore, you might not know the Red Star neighborhood floodwall is getting a facelift.

The ongoing project includes 43 new images highlighting Cape's manufacturing and innovation history, particularly through the 1800s and early 1900s.

After years of planning, local artists finally got the ball rolling and put paint to floodwall in May 2026. We tip our hats to the artists braving the heat to beautify Southeast Missouri. Thank you for transforming dull concrete walls into a vibrant landmark.

According to the Backroad Weekly Non-existent Scientific Digest, murals come with a 99% chance of improving your mood. Unless you're AI-generated, public art reduces stress, sparks imagination, and instills local pride by creating aesthetic spaces to be proud of.

I know when I'm in Cape, I'm going to start taking a detour to scope progress.

Source: The Arrow

*Sponsored by VisitCape

Want to share an upcoming event with 2,300+ 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, Sept 11

An Evening of Trumpet, Cape Girardeau, MO - Trumpet fans: First, you have niche tastes. I like that. Second, the SEMO Music Department has you covered with an event that is open to the public. Free. 7:30-9pm.

Tunes at Twilight, Cape Girardeau, MO - The last one this year! :( Head down to scenic Ivers Square for free live tunes...at twilight. Until next year!

Tim Convy + Sean O'Brien, Cape Girardeau, MO - An "evening of standup, storytelling, and music." These guys have been produced by Nate Bargatze! And Tim Convy's alt rock band, Ludo, has appeared on The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Acoustic Classic Rock Night, Cape Girardeau, MO - Cape's piano bar is passing the reins to the guitar for a night of nostalgia. 8-11pm.

Bikers on the Square, Perryville, MO - Motorcycle show in the downtown Perryville square with all proceeds going to veterans. There'll be bikes, music, and brews. Everyone welcome, with or without a motorcycle. Go forth, gather, and looketh upon the chrome. 6-11pm.

Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre, Arcadia, Missouri - A "4-course meal catered by Thee Abbey Kitchen. Includes hilarious mystery theatre! Chow down as you are entertained and become victims or suspects in a suspicious crime!" $45

Lantern History Tour, Arcadia, Missouri - "Walk the dark halls of the old Arcadia Academy with only a candle and a history tour guide."

Murphysboro Apple Festival, Murphysboro, IL - It's senior day! Over 70 vendors line the streets in an Arts and Crafts Fair, alongside the Appletime Market. The parade starts at 11am. Kiddie Parade at 3:30pm. And of course, the usual suspects: live music, food, and carnival rides.

Sat, Sept 12

Wine Festival, Sikeston, MO - Wine deserves celebrating. And tasting, a live band, hors d'oeurves, and a souvenir glass. Tickets are $30. 6-10pm.

Downtown Sikeston Farmers' Market, Sikeston, MO - every Saturday until October 24 from 7:30am to sellout (usually around 11am or earlier).

Paint Night at Carson's Restaurant, Sikeston, MO - All materials included. 6-9pm. $30 per person.

Fall into Arts Festival, Kennett, MO - Food, music, arts & crafts vendors, jewelry. 10am-4pm. Do you like when I just list words instead of writing a real event description?

Car Show, Kennett, MO - Classic cars, trucks, muscle cars, and hot rods on display at Jones Park. And food!

Birds & Brew, Puxico, MO - Grab some coffee and hit the trail for a guided birdwatching tour along the boardwalk trail at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge. 7-10am. One mile. Binoculars available. No experience required.

Madison Market, Fredericktown, MO - It's time again for the monthly growers, makers, and bakers market in downtown Fred-town. Get fresh produce, baked goods, and handcrafted goodies. There'll be an archaeology exhibit this month!

Bikers on the Square, Perryville, MO - Motorcycle show benefiting veterans with bikes, music, and a parade. 10am-4pm. The stunt show's at 12pm, pin-up girl competition's at 2pm at the Warehouse, and bike competition judging at 3pm.

Brewfest at the Warehouse, Perryville, MO - Located conveniently on the same square as the bikers on Saturday. Cold brews, craft brews, and local brews. Brews, brews, brews. Grab food, listen to music, and cheer at the pin-up girl contest at 2pm.

Horse Show, Perryville, MO - Whether you're a longtime horse enthusiast or just looking for something different to do, check out Perry County Saddle Club's Horse Show and watch different classes of riders compete in obstacle courses.

Cape Riverfront Market, Cape Girardeau, MO - Shop locally grown, homemade, and handmade goods to the tune of live music. 8am-12pm

SEMO District Fair, Cape Girardeau, MO - Parade at 9:30am. Dual demolition derby at 6pm.

Piano Bar feat. Josh Abrams, Cape Girardeau, MO - Welcome to the Piano Bar on Saturdays at The Bar in Old Town Cape Girardeau! For everyone who loved (or missed out on) dueling pianos, you'll enjoy this show, too. 8-11pm.

Chainmail Make & Take, Cape Girardeau, MO - Create your own basic chainmail. 1-4pm. Registration required. Give thy name to the herald.

Underberg House Concerts, Cape Girardeau, MO - It's the final show of the Underberg House Concerts season! Lojo Russo will be playing a funky, folky acoustic performance. 7-9pm.

Reptile Expo, Farmington, MO - "Whether you're looking for your first reptile, searching for a new addition, stocking up on supplies, or just looking for something to do, America's Reptile Expo has something for everyone!" 10am-3:30pm. $15.

Fall Open House, Farmington, MO - "Kick off the Fall Season! Each shop will be decked out, featuring seasonal clothing, decor, drinks & treats. 10am-5pm, individual store hours may vary."

Fly with the Hive Festival, Ste. Genevieve, MO - Bee vendors. Bee items. Music. Honey demos. Food. And putt-putt golf! 10am-6pm.

Benefit Concert for Abide in Love, Ste. Genevieve, MO - Ian Fischer grew up in Ste. Genevieve but now lives in Europe and is a full-time musician. He's back on his home turf playing in a special charity event.

Caledonia Apple & Bluegrass Festival, Caledonia, MO - Apple pie, bluegrass music, and some random celebrity appearances in a cute little historic village. Expect vendors, a cruise-in, food trucks, petting zoo, pony rides, apple desserts, and a shuttle to a corn maze and pumpkin patch. Free parking. Free admission.

Rowe Crop Farm Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch Opening Day, Caledonia, MO - The pumpkins are a-growin', so they're a-openin'.

Current River Cleanup, Van Buren, MO - "A few hours of your time can make a lasting impact on our community and our environment. Gather your family, friends, or coworkers and help us keep Current River clean and beautiful."

Starry Sky Night, Leasburg, MO - "Join an astronomy enthusiast at the Onondaga Cave State Park visitor center parking lot to view the cosmos with a high-powered telescope. Free and open to the public. A telescope is provided. Visitors also welcome to bring telescopes."

Burnin' at the Bluff, Belleview, MO - Race your mountain bike around Council Bluff Lake. Click the link to read solo and team categories.

Rocky Ledges Fun Run, Makanda, IL - 5K/10K run/walk on the trails. Open to all ages, abilities, and skills. Hosted by SIU's Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center.

Cache River Days, Ullin, IL - Flea market, farmers' market, and food vendors. The parade starts at 11am.

Cache River Days Canoe Trip, Ullin, IL - Take a free guided canoe trip at 9am. Must reserve a spot to participate - Call 618-713-8215 (no calls after 5pm) or email cacheoutfitters@gmail.com

Neighborhood Co-op Farm Crawl, Southern IL - If there are still tickets available, this is an excellent local agri-tourism opportunity. Meet farmers, see demos, and tour local farms. $20 per car for a one-day pass.

Bats of the Cache River Wetlands, Cypress, IL - Researchers will be sharing insights into bats unique to our region: Their ecology, cave systems, and ongoing research.

Murphysboro Apple Festival, Murphysboro, IL - Will you ever forgive yourself if you miss the fiddle and banjo contest at 5pm? The Arts and Crafts Fair will be set up, alongside the Appletime Market. And the usual: live music, food, and carnival rides.

The Last Boy Scout Race, Goreville, IL - This is a last man standing race inspired by the Big Backyard Ultra. Except this one takes place at Ferne Clyffe State Park. It's gonna be TOUGH.

Southern Illinois Made Expo, Marion, IL - Great opportunity to lay off Amazon for a day and support local. And you don't have to feel guilty because Bezos isn't paying his workers anyway.

Sun, Sept 13

Call for Musicians - Bootheel River Symphony, Sikeston, MO - The Bootheel River Symphony has openings for all instruments. Based in Sikeston, Missouri, fall rehearsals start on Sunday, September 13, at Malone Park Center for the Arts.

SEMO District Fair, Cape Girardeau, MO - Antique tractor pull at 9am. Garden tractor pull at 11am.

Onondaga Cave Photo Tours, Leasburg, MO - This is a slower paced cave tour designed for photographers to get to take their time and take great pics. $23. Ticket required.

Carbondale Vintage Fest, Carbondale, IL - 30+ vendors selling vintage clothing, jewelry, collectibles, and more. Free. All ages. 11am-5pm.

Plan Ahead - The Fun You Can't Improvise

Native Plants, Cape Girardeau, MO - Go hang out with a native landscape specialist. Walk around the Nature Center grounds with him and absorb all the facts and ask all the questions. Wednesday, Sept 16 at 5:30pm. And also on Saturday, Sept 19 at 10am.

Intro to Wild Caving, Perryville, MO - Last chance this year!!! 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 squeezing through tight spaces necessary. Info session Thursday, September 17. Cave exploration Saturday, September 19.

Wild Edibles: Wild Teas, Cape Girardeau, MO - Prepare (and sample) herbal tea using Missouri's native wild plants. You'll fill your own teabags with your favorite tea leaves to take home, too. Only registered participants 18+ may attend. Thursday, Sept 24, 6pm.

Harvest Moon Paddle, Ullin, IL - Paddle through an ancient cypress-tupelo swamp under the harvest moon. One of Southern Illinois' most unique guided tours, and it only comes around about once a month. Saturday, September 26.

City of Roses 5k & Half Marathon, Cape Girardeau, MO - "Run along a paved trail through residential Cape and into the county. Wind around paved roads, past farms, tree-filled woods, and beautiful homes." Sunday, September 27.

Historic & Primitive Skills: Making a Longbow, Cape Girardeau, MO - Use hand tools to make your own hickory longbow. 15 years and older. Woodworking skills recommended. You'll need upper arm strength. Oct 1, 2, and 3.

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.

Devil's Toll Race, Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park - A 13-mile event "across one of the most scenic & rugged landscapes Missouri's Ozark Trail has to offer" with a hike option and a run option. Proceeds benefit the Ozark Trail Association. Saturday, October 3rd.

Mississippi River Overnight Adventure, Cape Girardeau, MO - "A relaxed overnight adventure down the Mighty Mississippi River, including a stay on the beautiful grounds of The Riverhouse!" October 3-4.

Trapping 101: Trap Prep, Puxico, MO - Learn the basics, hands-on, no experience needed. Tuesday, October 6 at 5pm.

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.

This week, I'm excited to announce Backroad Weekly is also sponsored by 1440. I think they figured if you folks are into reading newsletters, you might like theirs too.

I wouldn't have said yes if I wasn't a subscriber myself. Read the ad they've prepared below and check 'em out.

WORD SCRAMBLE ANSWER: AIRPORT

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