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A 20th century poet laureate once opined: "Holiday...Celebrate...Holiday...Celebrate". -Madonna
Mmmm. Profound.
Not to put a damper on the holiday weekend, but there might be a dampening on the holiday weekend: If you plan on hitting the outdoors, keep an eye on the skies, and check for event cancellations before you hit the road.
While we were over there, I thought, "Wonder what else is nearby that I can stick in Backroad Weekly". And voila, Silver Mines Recreation Area was right next door. Don't you love how elaborately planned this operation is? There is no spreadsheet, folks. It's all improvised. Travel writing jazz.
Our quick mission (because I was already sunburnt down to my soul) was to hike out to the remnants of the old dam, built in 1897.
Here’s what we did:
We parked in the lot on the east side of the St. Francis River and took the Silver Mines Trail out to the dam. It’s about a mile-ish, wooded, a little hilly, and lined with massive, ancient boulders.
The trail follows the river, and there are opportunities to pop off the trail to rock scramble and look out over the river and do a whole Lion King role-play thing. My husband, a Costa Rican, said he liked Silver Mines better than Elephant Rocks State Park (which might be sacrilegious in Missouri). His reasoning: it's a two for one. You get dramatic Precambrian granite boulders AND a river.
The St. Francis River from the low water bridge at Silver Mines Rec Area. March 2026.
When we reached the old dam, we lay on rocks like lizards; took a couple pics; remembered I forgot to wear bug spray; let the relaxing sound of rushing water wash away the horrors of my former corporate work life; and then turned around and called it a day.
Trail options (aka, what you're really here for):
Out-and-back Silver Mines Trail (what we did): Take the Silver Mines Trail (~2 miles round trip). River views, big boy boulders, and that dam ending.
Remnants of the dam built in 1897. Photo taken in March 2026 from the Silver Mines Trail.
Loop option - Connect both Trails: If water levels are low and you can safely cross the dam, you can connect the Silver Mines Trail to the Riverside Trail and make it a loop (~2 miles total).
Out-and-back Riverside Trail: Or just do the Riverside Trail out-out-and-back to the dam to explore the other side of the river. (~2 miles round trip). This side is a little rougher and rockier, and this is where you’ll see more of the old mining remnants from the late 1800s, including scattered stone foundations and the gated entrance to the old Einstein Mine.
Go big: Instead of crossing or turning around at the dam, you can keep following the river all the way up to Millstream Gardens Conservation Area via the Turkey Creek Trail. (~6.5 miles out and back)
It’s all along the St. Francis River, which is one of the only rivers in Missouri with whitewater sections.
*It's $5 per car for day use, so take some cash.
Other things you can do here:
Wade. There is no "official" swimming area (no lifeguards, no markers), so recreate in the water, carefully, at your own risk.
After Silver Mines, we rolled into Fredericktown for a healthy meal:
Fried pickles from The Pig BBQ (A classic diner serving Fredericktown since 1948)
Then a frozen custard shake from Scoops across the street
Exactly what I needed to soothe my sunburned soul. Even the tick I pulled off my leg later had a satisfied smile.
When visiting Silver Mines (or anywhere in the ancient St Francois Mountains of Madison and Iron Counties), I urge you to take a moment to think about what you’re standing on.
The boulders scattered along the river here are Precambrian granite and felsite, formed roughly 1.4-1.5 billion years ago, long before plants or animals.
Places like Silver Mines, Elephant Rocks, Johnson’s Shut-Ins, Pink Rock, and Taum Sauk Mountain all share this same ancient foundation. The St. Francois Mountains are essentially the core of what was once a mighty mountain range, worn down over an incomprehensible stretch of time.
Along the Silver Mines Trail. March 2026.
In many parts of the world, rock this old is buried beneath the surface. But here, these primordial stones are exposed. Making Southeast Missouri, once again, one of the coolest places you've ever chugged a PBR.
So go touch one of these "rocks". Tell it whatever secrets you want it to carry into the next million years, like, "NBC messed up big time when they lost Conan O'Brien".
To Patio Is Divine
It's patio time! You know the kind of day: chilly in the morning, but by lunch it's 75 and noice. You see sunshine and suddenly every fiber of your being vibrates, “We should sit outside.”
But where?: You're in luck, dah-lings, VisitCape rounded up some of the best Cape spots to indulge in your uncontrollable outdoor dining impulses:
*Sponsored by VisitCape - although they're not the ones encouraging day-time tequila. That's me.
We’re retiring the referral program (for now)... to make way for a new exciting thing
At the end of April, we’re officially retiring the referral program and its rewards. First of all, thank you to a wonderful 8 months of you all harassing your friends and family with referral links.
Seriously, thank you for spreading the backroad word far and wide. It has made a real impact. For example, just the 20 top referrers brought more than 100 new readers into my weird little corner of the internet!
But it's finally time to change things up.
So if you’re close to earning another reward, now is the time to make your move.
You have until April 30.
And if you have no idea what I'm talking about (what referral program, Caitlan??!!), that might mean you've never scrolled down to the end of these emails. Head on down!
New exciting thing will be announced, soon!
Thank you, again, for supporting my small local business.
This Weekend’s Happenings
For any outdoor activities - keep an eye out for weather-induced cancellations, especially Saturday.
Fri, April 3
Mix Tape Music Bingo, Scott City, MO - It's music bingo at the iconic Riverhouse. All supplies are provided. Free to play, but registration is required. 6:30pm-8:30pm.
First Fridays Art Walk, Piedmont, MO - Local businesses host artists and makers throughout downtown, with everything from fine art to handmade goods on display. Free. 5-8pm.
Wicked Paducah Walking Tour, Paducah, KY - A guided downtown walk through Paducah’s darker history, from its red-light district to unsolved murders and Wild West stories. $18. 7pm.
Sat, April 4
Cruise-In Kickoff, Perryville, MO - Classic cars, custom rides, and live music take over downtown for the first Cruise-In of the season. Live music, food, strolling, and cars. Free. 5pm-9pm.
Levee & River History Walk, Ste. Genevieve, MO - A ranger-led stroll along the levee and river trail exploring how the Mississippi shaped Ste. Genevieve’s history. Family-friendly, about 1.5 miles on gravel and dirt. Free. 9:45am-11am
Light It Up with Wheels Up Night Ride Series, Ironton, MO - A night ride at Shepherd Mountain Bike Park with lit trails for a different kind of downhill experience. Open to the community, helmets required. $10 donation encouraged. 7:30pm-9:30pm.
Joy Brooker All Request Piano Show, Cape Girardeau, MO - A high-energy, all-request piano show where the crowd helps shape the setlist. No cover. 7pm-9pm.
SEMO International Dance, Cape Girardeau, MO - A beginner-friendly group dance at SEMO’s International Center with guided steps. No experience needed, just show up and join in. Free. 6pm-8pm.
Badge of Hope Easter Event, Cape Girardeau, MO - Family-friendly Easter event with egg scavenger hunt, petting zoo, bounce house, games, music, and free food. 11am-1pm (Sponsored)
Butterflies and the Plants They Need, Cypress, IL - A short program on how native plants support different butterfly species, plus tips for creating your own habitat at home. Ends with a guided hike to spot butterflies if weather allows. Free. 1pm.
Crest Trail Group Hike, Saline County, IL - A 6.5-mile guided hike from the Tecumseh statue to Stoneface with River to River Trail Society. Moderate, about 4 hours. Free. 10am
Spring Wildflower Hike, Makanda, IL - A guided hike along the Trillium Trail with a park interpreter pointing out spring wildflowers along the way. Moderate 2-mile trail with some stairs. Registration required. 1pm-3pm.
Adult Easter Egg Hunt, Cobden, IL - Wine tasting + one egg hunt per person, with every egg a winner. One of StarView’s most popular spring events. 11am
Spring Easter Jeep Ride 2026, Marion, IL - A scenic group drive through Southern Illinois with stops at Bork Falls, Ferne Clyff, and Giant City State Park, ending with an Easter egg hunt for kids. No heavy off-roading. 9am-6pm
Sun, April 5
HAPPY EASTER!
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.
Welp, (*slaps knees), we better get goin'. A big thank you to our sponsor.
Catch you down the road.
Caitlan Hester Publisher, Backroad Weekly
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