River Ferry Rides, a Meteor Shower, and National Park Status
Discover what's good in Southeast Missouri
Day trips, events, trails, history, community, and more—Every Thursday.
Join the 850+ SE Missourians reading the weekly guide to local travel.
SHARE
This week's events list is so full, I did not even get a chance to get all silly with my event descriptions. I'm all straight to Christmas business. What a cool problem to have.
Bundle up and get out there and do the things. No one can say there's "nothing to do around here". At least not this weekend.
Didja know? Meteor Shower Edition
The Geminid Meteor Shower is about to light up our sky with as many as 75 meteors an hour at its peak. These “shooting stars” are extra weird and wonderful because they come from an asteroid (3200 Phaethon), not a comet.
Peak viewing: Overnight Sat, Dec 13 into early Sun, Dec 14, best after 10pm on Saturday.
How to watch: • Head somewhere dark. Find a list of Missouri's darkest skies here. (Might I suggest some of our state parks? A few will be hosting events). • Look anywhere in the sky - meteors streak all over. • Bring warm layers, blankets, snacks, and patience. Your eyes need ~20 minutes to adjust. • No telescope needed. Just you + the universe.
While you're in the Bootheel testing out Backroad Weekly's day trip itineraries for Charleston,New Madrid, and East Prairie, keep in mind you can also ride the waves of the Mighty Mississippi.
Set your favorite navigation app to the Dorena-Hickman Ferry in East Prairie, MO., and float on over to Kentucky for $20 one way and $30 round trip.
When you arrive at the Missouri landing, you’re going to think you’re in the wrong place. There’s no building, no booth, nobody waving you in. It’s a ramp, a gravel lot, and a pole with a faded sign written in Sharpie... There's also a button.
It says: "Push button for the ferry. Cash only. Do not park on the ramp. Wait here."
Here’s How It Works
(It’s confusing if you’ve never been. The website design from 2003 makes you wonder if this is even still a thing)
FIRST, check the Facebook page before you even think about putting pants on. Low water levels, fog, wind, crummy weather, and general river moodiness close the ferry fairly often. It's closed today, for example...
Second, check your wallet for cash. The ferry is cash only.
There's no set schedule. It runs on demand during daylight hours - right now, around 7am to 4:30pm. That means you just go and see what's up.
If the ferry is sitting on the Missouri side when you arrive, great! Drive down the ramp, pay the dude, drive aboard, and off you go.
If the ferry is on the Kentucky side when you arrive, you won’t see it. This is the moment most people think they’re lost. You’re not. Just push the button on the post, pull off to the side, and wait. She's a'comin'.
And yes, when you're on board, you can get out of your car and walk around.
Why ride?
We all have our reasons. In my case, I'm a Mississippi River superfan. But maybe you wanna slap on a walrus mustache and pretend you're Mark Twain. Or maybe you just want to visit Kentucky.
It’s not a long trip, but it is a unique way to experience Old Man River: slow and steady, with nothing between you and the river but a railing. And if you have some kind of "weird places to use an outhouse" bucket list, I have great news for you.
If you zoom in on the pic, you can see the outhouse.
Did you know Ste. Genevieve is a National Historical Park??
A national park. Like… the kind with rangers, and badges, and a brown NPS sign.
Photo not mine! Photo credit: NPS/Tucker Blythe. Public domain image sourced from Wikimedia Commons.
Our toddler was fighting a nap last weekend, so we took her for a drive. We decided to turn around in Ste. Gen. I hadn't been in 18 years. My husband, never. Imagine our surprise when we saw the big, official NPS signage on the Visitor Center and a dude wearing a flat-brimmed hat walked out.
Ste. Gen is the 422nd unit of the National Park Service. Authorized by Congress in 2018. Officially established in 2020. (Hmmmm...What was going on in 2020 that might have overshadowed this?)
People of Ste. Genevieve, we applaud you for preserving French colonial history, early frontier farming, and some of the coolest 1700s architecture this side of the Mississippi. And we're thrilled that now you get to do it in dark green pants.
I’m overflowing with pride. C'est trop cool. I gotta get over there.
Y’all showed up. This event booked fast! And when they opened more slots, you packed it, again! This is honestly the best kind of “problem” to have. It’s a huge win for our community and a clear signal that we love seasonal magic.
If you're hoping to skate, don’t lose heart! Cancellations happen. You can keep an eye on the registration page to snag a last-minute opening. Check for openings here.
And even if you don’t skate, it’s still worth heading downtown. Go soak up the lights, grab a cocoa, and watch your neighbors twirl, wobble, and occasionally summon the grace of baby Bambi. It’s joyful, it’s communal, and it’s exactly the kind of event your enthusiasm helps bring to life to our area.
Keep showing up, Southeast Missouri!
And while we’re in a festive mood, don’t forget Breakfast with Santa at the Osage Centre this Saturday! Donuts, muffins, bagels, biscuits & gravy, juice, milk, and face time with the big guy himself. Santa arrives at 9am; bring your camera and a kiddo (or two). Tickets required for everyone in attendance.
What do you get the Southeast Missouri explorers in your life?
We're on week 4 of listing ideas:
National Park Merch - The Ste. Genevieve Visitor Center has the merch the national park nerds crave.
Local Art - Not hating on Hobby Lobby wall art because we all have a right to purchase mass-produced cute crap. BUT, anyone who is Se/MO proud would love to receive a beautiful framed photo from a local photographer or unique work of art to decorate their home. Check out Free Spirit Studio's event this Saturday in Millersville, MO.
Trekking Poles - A little extra support on those tricky trails. Or just in case someone accidentally throws your walking stick on the fire. My hesitation here is, I don't know any "shop small, shop local" places to send you in Southeast Missouri to get trekking poles...so I'll whisper this tip - I saw some at Sierra's Cape location, and hope I don't get struck by lightning. If you know a local speciality store with trekking poles, send their name my way!
Handmade Jewelry - You're going to regret ever reading about MNTN Meadow Jewelry Co because this local silversmith's wearable art will haunt your dreams until you own a statement piece. Too bad it's Christmas and you have to buy the beautiful jewelry for someone else.
The 2026 Scout Pass - For the friend who loves exploring town as much as they love a good deal. The Scout Pass is a discount book: 62 local offers worth over $500, good all year long. Flash the pass, get the perk, and discover new spots (or revisit old favorites). It’s $35 with free shipping.
For more gifts Se/MO explorers will love, check out our issues from the last 3 weeks here.
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 Weekend’s Happenings
Fri, Dec 12
Candlelight Tour, Cape Girardeau, MO - Follow the candlelit path down the rabbit hole at the Glenn House as each room takes on its Wonderland transformation. Glenn House. I couldn't find time or costs on the event flier. Give the Glenn House a call if interested.
"The Twelve Days of Christmas in Southeast Missouri" Exhibit, Jackson, MO - Christmas exhibit putting a Southeast Missouri spin on the classic carol, plus forest animal artwork by Patricia Littlefield. 10am-4pm. Cape Girardeau County History Center. Free.
Polar Strut 5K / Glow Run & 1-Mile Walk, Jackson, MO - Run (or strut) through the Christmas Lights Display at Cape County Park South and support local Special Olympics athletes. Meet Santa, say hi to Shiver the Bear, and soak in the lights before the crowds. 7-8pm. Cape County Park South. $30–$40 depending on registration.
Winter Traditions: An Exploration of Celebrations, Ste. Genevieve, MO - Exhibit exploring winter celebrations from Haiti, Italy, Indigenous cultures, and more. 10am-4pm. Shaw House, 200 Merchant St. Free.
Elf Dinner & A Movie at Charleville, Ste. Genevieve, MO - Cozy Elf-themed movie night with a chef-crafted, holiday-comfort dinner at Charleville Brewery & Winery. Movie 6pm, dinner 6:30pm. Charleville Brewery & Winery, 16937 Boyd Rd. $40 per person (drinks extra).
Candlelight Open House, New Madrid, MO - Experience an 1860s Victorian Christmas at the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site, glowing with oil lamps, candles, trees, and fresh greenery, with staff in period clothing. 5:30-8:30pm.
Downtown Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, Farmington, MO - Free holiday carriage rides through historic downtown Farmington with views of lights, decorated shop windows, and historic architecture. 4-8pm. Jefferson Street Plaza. Free.
Christmas Tours at the Historic Long House, Farmington, MO - Tour the oldest building in Farmington all dressed up for Christmas with music, caroling, Santa visits, and hot cocoa. 4-7pm. Historic Long House.
Farmington Christmas Church Tour, Farmington, MO - Self-guided evening tour of local churches (LDS, Christian, Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran) decorated for Christmas. 4-8pm. Free.
Snow at the Square: Elf Sing-Along, Poplar Bluff, MO - Free community screening of Elf (sing-along version) at the Historic Rodgers Theatre, with Buddy the Elf there to spread cheer. Movie 6:30pm. Free.
A Krampus Carol, Carbondale, IL - A dark-comedy twist on A Christmas Carol. It's Holiday mischief, humor, and chaotic cheer at the Varsity Theater. 7:30pm.
Sat, Dec 13
Christmas in Chaffee, Chaffee, MO - A full day of small-town holiday fun: P.E.O. Parade of Trees 9am-5pm, craft fairs at Chaffee High School Activity Center & Elks Lodge 10am-5:30pm, cookie walk and passport stroll starting at 12pm, cookie and candy bake-off, downtown shopping and dining, and the Parade of Lights at 6pm. And to cap off the night, Rock ’N’ Roll Drive-In is showing its final double feature of the season: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Red One. Gates 5:30pm, first movie 7pm, $20 per car. For event details visit the Chaffee Chamber of Commerce page (Sponsored).
Geminid Meteor Shower Viewing Event at Elephant Rocks State Park, Belleview, MO - After-dark Geminid viewing at Elephant Rocks State Park, with staff guiding visitors to safe viewing spots and reminders to pack warm layers and chairs. 5pm-midnight. Free.
Geminid Meteor Shower at Echo Bluff State Park, Eminence, MO - All-day and evening Geminids event at Echo Bluff State Park: gingerbread classes at 1pm and 3pm (fee applies), live music 5-7pm in the lodge, s’mores and hot chocolate 6:30-7:30pm at the fire pit, and late-night meteor viewing behind the lodge. Echo Bluff State Park Lodge.
Holiday House Tour, Ste. Genevieve, MO - Self-guided evening tour of seven homes plus the Guibourd-Vallé House, all festively decorated with natural greenery. 3-6pm (check-in ends at 4pm). Tour begins at Guibourd-Vallé House, 1 N 4th St. $20 general public; $15 Foundation members.
Candlelight Open House, New Madrid, MO - Second night of candlelit Victorian Christmas at the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site with period decorations and interpreters. 5:30-8:30pm.
Christmas on the Current, Van Buren, MO - Holiday market 10am-4pm, food trucks, kids' activities at 3pm, and a lighted parade at 6pm. Historic Carter County Courthouse.
Downtown Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, Farmington, MO - Cozy up in a horse-drawn carriage and trot through downtown for a festive Saturday outing. 12-4pm. Jefferson Street Plaza. Free.
The Bank of Missouri Winter Arts and Crafts Fair, Perryville, MO - 100+ booths of handmade gifts, art, décor, holiday items, baked goods, and more, plus Santa visits 9-11am. 9am-2pm. Perry Park Center.
"The Twelve Days of Christmas in Southeast Missouri" Exhibit, Jackson, MO - Southeast Missouri-themed “Twelve Days” display with forest animals, ballerinas, calling songbirds, feather trees, and more. 10am-4pm. Cape Girardeau County History Center. Free.
See the Gems at Giant City, Makanda, IL - A late-night Geminid meteor shower viewing program with astronomy guidance under the dark skies of Giant City State Park. 9:30pm-1am. Free.
Christmas Stroll at the General John A. Logan Museum, Murphysboro, IL - Decorated-home tours, hands-on holiday crafts, live music from the MHS Brass Ensemble, and festive refreshments (mulled wine, hot chocolate, cider, and more). 10am-4pm. General John A. Logan Museum.
Guided Hike: Cedar Lake Spillway, Jackson County, IL - Moderately difficult 7-mile thru-hike led by the River to River Trail Society, for experienced hikers in good health. Meet 10am. Lirley Trailhead. Free (bring your own water/snacks; no dogs).
Arrival Event at Lewis and Clark State Historic Site (Day 1), Hartford, IL - Reenactors, vintage tools and firearms, 18th-century medicine, military demonstrations, artillery, and a visit from St. Nicholas, all marking the Corps of Discovery’s arrival. 10am-4pm. Lewis & Clark State Historic Site, 1 Lewis and Clark Trail. Free.
Christmas with the Alpacas, Makanda, IL - Final-weekend festivities at Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch: Melissa’s Place food truck, Crown Brew coffee, cookie decorating, Heartland Ropemakers Guild demos, alpaca ornament craft, feed cups, pasture walks with female alpacas and babies, and Santa 10am-2pm. 10am-3pm.
DIY Holiday Wreath Workshop, Makanda, IL - Free wreath-making workshop with Master Gardeners at Giant City State Park. 1:30-3pm. Free. Check the link for any registration details.
4th Annual Community Christmas Celebration, Paducah, KY - All-day, totally free community Christmas bash at Bob’s Drive-In with Santa photos, games, inflatables, face painting, live music, Touch-a-Truck, photo stations, vendors, and more. Donations are collected for Cooperative Ministry to support local families. Bob’s Drive-In. Free. 11am-7pm
Sun, Dec 14
December Tea Talk, Strengthening the Place We Call Home -Talk with Christy Mershon, Cape Girardeau, MO - A cozy, holiday-season conversation about Cape’s past, present, and future, and how residents, businesses, and organizations can help create a more connected, walkable, welcoming community. Mana Tea will be on-site with optional tea service. 2-3pm. The James Reynolds House, 623 N Main St. Free.
Jackson Oliver House Museum Christmas Tours, Jackson, MO - The historic Oliver House is fully decorated for Christmas; stop by for a tour and Santa visits. 224 E Adams St. Donations appreciated.
Christmas with the Alpacas, Makanda, IL - Final day of Christmas at Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch with alpaca walks, boutique shopping, crafts, and holiday photo ops. 10am-3pm.
Old Tyme Christmas, Metropolis, IL - Historic open house at Fort Massac State Park with 17th- and 18th-century decorations and music, hot spiced tea, cookies, and snacks, plus Massiac Marines interpreters sharing early holiday history. 1-4pm. Fort Massac State Park Visitor Center. Free.
Arrival Event at Lewis and Clark State Historic Site (Day 2), Hartford, IL - Day two of the Lewis & Clark winter encampment event with interpreters, artillery, and displays of early 19th-century life, plus another visit from St. Nicholas. 10am-4pm. Lewis & Clark State Historic Site, 1 Lewis and Clark Trail. Free.
A Krampus Carol, Carbondale, IL - Final performance of this mischievous holiday parody where Krampus embraces being bad and Marley tries his best to intervene. 2pm. Varsity Theater.
When you click a response, this poll will open in another window. That is totally normal internet behavior. Do not panic. You're probably more scared of it than it is of you.
What's your go-to restaurant scene when you're day tripping?
Looking to reach more locals? Get in front of Backroad Weekly's 700+ subscribers. We offer low-cost ad spots for small businesses, events, artists, and sellers. Click to see what fits.
Don't have a business, but you want to support the newsletter? You can support the work directly with a one-time contribution. Chip in here.
Welp, (*slaps knees), we better get goin'.
Once again, we want to thank VisitCape for everything they do for Southeast Missouri travel. Their sponsorship helps us "test" new destinations, so you don't have to spend a weekend trial-and-erroring the unknown.
Catch you down the road.
Caitlan Hester Publisher, Backroad Weekly
Refer a Big Muddy Buddy
Know Southeast Missourians who love day trips? When your friends subscribe with your unique referral link (below), you earn points toward merch: stickers, magnets, mugs & shirts.
Copy the link below and send it to your friends. Or share it on your Facebook page!
Your friends must use YOUR link to subscribe, or else we can't keep track. And then you'll just be up a creek without a turtle.
.png)