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Bringing you more relaxing places to enjoy pretty things without an entrance fee.
How lucky are we in Missouri to have so many enchanting national parks, state parks, conservation areas, national forests, etc., where we can revel in nature at no cost?
Even if you think that's how it should be, we must recognize that's not the reality everywhere we go. So, we count our lucky cypress swamps.
Day Tripping - Rocky Falls Shut-ins, Winona, MO.
If you're on the Easternmost side of Southeast Missouri like us (in the Cape G area), this one is a long haul...about a 2.5-hour drive. But holy Ozarks, is it worth every gas station bathroom you have to brave.
At Rocky Falls Shut-ins (do not be fooled by the National Park Service's unflattering photo), you'll find an impressive waterfall, a perfect swimming hole, and gravel beaches where you can lay in the sun like a lizard and let the sound of the roaring waterfall wash away all those thoughts of piledriving Greg from accounting.
Rocky Falls Shut-ins, May 2026
Everything depends on rain, folks: too little = less cascade in the falls, and too much = not so swim friendly, and um, where did the beaches go?
Tips: Leave early to grab your favorite spot on the beach (as soon as it's hot, this place is packed) and pack a picnic lunch. There are picnic tables on site (and vault toilets, woo!)
And now, a word from the National Park Service:
"It (Rocky Falls) formed as molten rock deep within the earth and flowed onto the surface about 1.5 billion years ago. At the time, no living thing existed to see the awesome flow of glowing hot lava slowly advancing over the barren landscape."
My husband, a Costa Rican, has seen many gorgeous jungle waterfalls. And thus, is not easily impressed by Midwestern waterfalls. But even HE uttered "whoa" and admitted it was the catfish's pajamas. If you're from Missouri, it's a must-see.
BONUS STOP - Falling Spring Mill
Not really a swimmer and won't be spending a ton of time at Rocky Falls? Let's do some activity stacking. Hop back in the car and head to Falling Spring Mill for another Instagrammable smorgasbord homesteaded in the 1850s.
There's a mill with 1920s roots, a waterfall that springs from the bluffs, and a marshy pond teeming with birds and other pond-loving wildlife. Just another relaxing place to enjoy pretty things without paying an entrance fee.
Falling Spring Mill, May 2026
Spotted at the corner of south West End Blvd and Southern Expressway in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, this week: A flock of western cattle egret, all decked out in their pale salmon feathers for breeding season.
Anyone have plans in Van Buren, Missouri this summer to camp, float the Current River, or weep silent tears of awe and wonder at the banks of Big Spring, one of the crown jewels of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways?
While you're over there this summer, don't forget to support local!
Here are a few Van Buren Main Street recommendations to add some dilly to your trip's dally:
The Ranch House & Coffee Shop - Made from scratch, farm to table. If the food got any fresher, it would still be alive. A very welcoming, make-yourself-at-home thing going on here. And the coffee was amazing.
Current River Trading Post - Right next door, you'll find an antique shop. One side gives off, "Ozarks trading post in the sticks in the 1880s" (complete with pelts and cast iron), while the other side of the store says, "trendy, lightly used home decor, puzzles, and cute clothes". I'm still mourning the blue heron throw pillow I didn't buy.
Jolly Cone on the Current - Catty corner from the quirky trading post, there's a picnic-table, order-at-the-window ice cream stand. I bet you can hear the sliding window right through this email. Ahhhh that summer nostalgia.
On May 28, Scout Hall, with the support of VisitCape, launches a new concert series, Broadway Blues, with acclaimed blues musician Doug MacLeod.
MacLeod is a two-time 2026 Blues Music Award nominee and one of the most respected acoustic blues artists working today. Known for his storytelling, guitar work, and deeply human songwriting, he has spent decades carrying forward a tradition rooted less in performance and more in lived experience.
Moving, meaningful music in an intimate venue...this is going to be a powerful experience for live music fans, especially as part of a series focused on the musical legacy of Highway 61 and the broader blues tradition tied to our Mississippi River corridor.
Doors open at 6pm at Scout Hall. Show starts at 7. Ivas John and Jason Heeter get things started. Tickets start at $15.
Tunes at Twilight, Cape Girardeau, MO - The free summer concert series returns to Ivers Square. Bring a lawn chair, pack a cooler, and settle in for one of Cape's classic warm-weather traditions. 7pm. Free.
Kennett Jaycees BBQ Cook-Off, Kennett, MO - Day #3 of carnival rides, BBQ, live music, and small-town fair fun in the Bootheel. Friday features fish plates and BBQ favorites at the food hut. Admission $5.
Perryville Mayfest, Perryville, MO - Downtown Perryville fills up with carnival rides, food stands, a parade, and a Friday night concert. Parade starts at 6pm. Carnival open 5pm-11pm.
The Sheep Detectives + Project Hail Mary at Rock ’N’ Roll Drive-In, Chaffee, MO - This weekend's drive-in double feature includes sheep-themed mystery, sci-fi adventure, and actual live sheep on site from Mesta Meadows Ranch. Get sheep's milk ice cream, local jam, and an odd couple movie pairing. Gates open 6:30pm. Movie starts 8:15pm. $20 per carload.
Swamp Rabbits of the Cache River Watershed, Cypress, IL - Learn about one of Southern Illinois' weirdest and most elusive native animals - the swamp rabbit. A wildlife biologist with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will cover habitat, behavior, and conservation in the Cache River wetlands. 10am. Free.
Lower Town Arts & Music Festival, Paducah, KY - An art festival takes over Paducah's historic Lower Town district with live music, artist booths, food vendors, and family activities. Free.
Sat, May 09
Cape Riverfront Market, Cape Girardeau, MO - Fresh produce, handmade goods, local vendors, and live music return to the riverfront for this year's 2nd Saturday market morning.
Mike Zito Live at Scout Hall, Cape Girardeau, MO - Award-winning blues rocker brings gritty guitar work and a new album tour to downtown Cape. Doors 7pm. Show 8pm. $35.
Kennett Jaycees BBQ Cook-Off + Bootheel Banger Demolition Derby, Kennett, MO - Day 4 of 4 of the longtime BBQ festival brings competition cooking, carnival rides, tacos, and smoked meat. The Bootheel Banger Demolition Derby starts at 6pm. General admission $5.
Women Owning Woodlands - Spring Tree Identification Hike, Park Hills, MO - Learn how to identify Missouri trees on a guided hike through St. Joe State Park. There will be a relaxed pace and lots of trail-side stops. 10am-12pm. Free.
Farmington Reptile Expo, Farmington, MO - The traveling reptile expo slithers into the Farmington Civic Center with vendors, live animals, and reptile gear galore. 10am-3:30pm. General admission $15.
Beggs Berry World Strawberry Festival, Benton, MO - A strawberry-themed roadside festival with wagon rides, bounce houses, pony rides, camel rides, face painting, and food trucks. Admission $10. Kids 9 and under free.
Perryville Mayfest, Perryville, MO - More Mayfest! Check out a craft fair, car show, tractor show, mullet contest, patriotic costume contest, bed races???, live music, and carnival rides. Carnival open 1pm-10pm.
World Migratory Bird Day Bird Walk, Perryville, MO - Join Riverside Regional Library for a morning bird walk through the park celebrating migratory birds and citizen science. 9am-10am. Free.
River to River Trail Society Horse Creek Trail Hike, Alexander County, IL - "This will be a very difficult loop hike for experienced hikers, very hilly, approximately 6 miles in length, 3.5 hours hiking time." There will be multiple creek crossings and steep hills. 10am. Free.
Coffee ’N Dirt Roads, Jonesboro, IL - Jeeps, lifted trucks, coffee, and Shawnee backroad chatter at this monthly meetup at Hebrewz Coffeehouse. A trail ride through Southern Illinois follows afterward, all 4x4 vehicles are welcome. 10am.
Lower Town Arts & Music Festival, Paducah, KY - Spend the day in Paducah’s Lower Town Arts District for live music, local art, handmade goods, food vendors, and family activities. Free.
Paducah Hiking Club: Lake Glendale Trail Hike, Paducah, KY - Join Paducah Parks & Recreation for a beginner-friendly group hike around scenic Lake Glendale. The 2.9-mile trail loops around the lake and is open to hikers of all experience levels. Pre-registration and waiver required. Check-in 9am.
Sun, May 10
For the love of God, do not forget to make a Mother's Day reservation at your mom's favorite local restaurant. Do not make mama wait an hour for her annual mimosa.
Plan Ahead The Fun You Have to Register to Have
Come See Our Gardens: May Flowers, Cape Girardeau, MO - Tour the Cape Nature Center gardens with a native landscape specialist and learn how to identify blooming native plants and start incorporating more natives into your own yard. 5:30pm-6:30pm. Free, but registration required. Wednesday, May 13.
Intro to Wild Caving (Two-Part Program), Perryville, MO - A rare chance to learn the basics of caving and then explore a real cave with expert guides. These sessions only run a handful of times each year and spots are limited. No experience necessary. Info session May 14. Cave exploration May 16.
From Hide to Sling: Build Your Own Hunting Gear, Cape Girardeau, MO - Learn traditional hide tanning techniques and turn deer leather into your own handmade gun sling. 9am-5pm. Registration required. Saturday, May 16.
Open Archery for Beginners, Cape Girardeau, MO - Curious about archery? This beginner-friendly session covers bow safety, shooting basics, and hands-on practice with compound bows. 5pm-7pm. Free. Tuesday, May 19.
Woods & Water at St. Joe State Park, Park Hills, MO - Hike 2 miles on the Hickory Ridge Trail through pine woods and glades, then paddle Monsanto Lake Water Trail. Led by the MDC's Cape Girardeau Nature Center. No paddling experience needed, and gear is provided. Registration opens May 8 (tomorrow) and the event is on Friday May 22. 9am-3:30pm.
Ozarks Edge Endurance Mountain Bike Race, Poplar Bluff, MO - Endurance racing returns to Wolf Creek Trail with 3-, 6-, and 12-hour events for adults and junior riders, with relay options over rugged Ozark loops. Your sign up supports the Poplar Bluff Hellbenders youth team. Building future mountain bikers! May 23. First race starts 10am.
Tour de Tunnel Bike Ride, Vienna, IL - A scenic, non-competitive bike ride on the Tunnel Hill State Trail featuring route options of 10, 20, or 40 miles. Saturday, May 23.
Run for Heroes Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Vienna, IL - A late afternoon race on the Tunnel Hill Trail with multiple distances and a free kids run. Saturday, May 23.
Red Cedar Trail Races - 5K, Half Marathon & 40K, Makanda, IL - A trail race through Giant City State Park with multiple distances on rugged, single-track terrain with hills, creek crossings, and forest views. Saturday, May 30.
Tour de Corn, East Prairie, MO - One of the flattest and friendliest rides around returns with 15-, 30-, 63-, and 100-mile routes through the Bootheel. The hometown support and rest stops are legendary. It is corny AF in all the best ways. PAVED. June 27. Ride starts 7:30am. I can personally vouch for what a fun experience this is and will be there again this year.
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.
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.