The Devil's Honeycomb, a Scottish village, and a ton of fireworks
Day Trips for Southeast Missourians
Events, trails, shops, restaurants, museums. All an easy drive away. In your inbox, every Thursday.
Join the 1,900+ SE Missourians reading the local guide on things to do.
SHARE
The Fourth of July is nigh! Which means I'll be using this Jim Gaffigan joke on repeat:
"Mostly we use holidays so we can eat more. I normally don't have a burger, a brat, and a steak... but it is the fourth of July...
And I need the energy if I'm going to start blowing crap up."
Get Outside - Hughe's Mountain Natural Area
While you're blowing crap up in honor of the land of opportunity, remember it is also the land of amazing landscapes.
Hughe's Mountain Natural Area is one of those spots that I get really excited about sharing. It's guaranteed to make some of you scratch your sunburnt scalps and go, "Huh...that's near ME?!"
⬆️ Footage of Se/MO faces discovering the Devil's Honeycomb ⬆️
The Devil's Honeycomb
After hiking a mile uphill, the forest suddenly opens into a clearing of ancient volcanic rock. That rock has formed in a cluster of short, blocky columns, earning it the local nickname of The Devil's Honeycomb 🤘.
Located near Irondale (about a 30-minute drive west of Farmington), it is without a doubt, one of the most unique geologic features in the state. And on a clear day, it offers panoramic views of the Washington County countryside.
The Devil's Honeycomb at Hughe's Mountain Natural Area, June 2026
The roads to get there are paved. The parking lot is gravel. And there is room for several cars. But no facilities. Pee before you leave.
The hike is a mile-ish uphill and a mile-ish back down. How do you like those precise distance estimates?
Much of this out-and-back trail is dirt, a little rugged, sometimes muddy, pretty rocky (obvi), and it's single-track through the woods. Let's call it moderate difficulty.
Half the trail is shaded, but the peak—and main attraction—is sun exposed. Pack your hat, water, hand fan, and sunblock.
If you have an oops-where-did-the-trail-go moment, the answer is either up or down. That's the great thing about climbing a hill.
Watch where you step. And not just because of the usual slithery suspects. You don't want to get too close to ledges. And rocks along the trail may be loose and/or slick.
Activities you can enjoy here include hiking, bird watching, foraging, outdoor photography, and hunting (be hunting season aware). Not permitted: horseback riding, cycling, camping. And keep your doggies on a leash. Official MDC info here.
And maybe be a little more temperature conscious than we were. We hiked it in a heatwave at noon while packing camera equipment and a 30-lb toddler. To quote Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, "Big mistake. Big. Huge." But if we could still genuinely enjoy it in those conditions, just imagine a breezy sunset.
You Don't Have to Take My Word for It
If you need some more convincing, check out what these travel bloggers and YouTubers have had to say about Hughe's Mountain:
Turn your Devil's Honeycomb voyage into a day trip.
The bonus destination: a stroll down Main Avenue in the historic village of Caledonia. It's the perfect stop for a side quest because it's only ten minutes from Hughe's mountain and it's bitesize. Very day-trip doable. One of the smallest incorporated towns in the state with a population of around 130 folks, you'll find a few eateries and some shops to browse souvenirs and antiques.
Laid out in 1819 by Scottish immigrant, Alexander Craigshead, "There are (over) twenty-five buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including Craighead House".
The Old Village Mercantile, June 2026
The town's must-see stop is the Old Village Mercantile. Built in 1909, it still serves customers from the same historic storefront, offering artisan ice cream, coffee, candy, gifts, and antiques.
The best part: The village doesn't shut down on a Sunday like a lot of small towns. So, there's none of that must-explore-on-Saturday pressure.
This Week at Mesta Meadows
The parking area is filling up!
Summer visitors are finding their way to the ranch, and the Mesta Meadow critters are settling into their seasonal red-carpet weekend routine: little hands passing out feed, head scratchins, and posing for photos.
It's officially summer and the ranch is at its liveliest.
Besides manning the Saturday petting zoo, the Mesta Meadows crew is busy acting as tour guides. There's the feed the animals tour, the ranching in the Ozarks tour, and the creamery tour.Tour info here.
Saturday petting zoo is free. Must call ahead to schedule a tour.
This week's ranch update is sponsored by Mesta Meadows.
Photo courtesy of Mesta Meadows' Chief Ranch Hand, Ed Crowley
One of my all-time faves was hanging out at Hughe's Mountain Natural Area last weekend: the Red-bellied woodpecker. Apparently, I have a thing for dudes with mohawks.
The snapper has landed! shirts are in!
There are still some things to work out before opening sales...like testing out the online store and shipping. MINOR DETAILS.
The goal is still to launch on July 09 here in your inbox, via the newsletter.
Info Time
Fit note: These are unisex tees which basically means that they're made for men. As you all know, men tend not have boobs and slender shoulders. So, ladies, the size you usually wear in women's might feel a little snug. But if you size up, it means the shirt is going to be longer. UGH! For reference, I'm 5'4" and 144 pounds. I usually wear a women's medium. The medium fit a little more sausage casing than I usually like, BUT the large was too long. So, I went medium. I'm wearing a medium in the photos. Click here for more shirt specifics and a size chart.
Price note: The shirts will be $30, plus shipping and tax. I wanted to make them as affordable as I could while still using Comfort Colors and keeping the entire project local, from design to printing. If you decide to snag one, thank you!!! Every sale helps keep this weird little newsletter alive.
Question: Should I abandon the newsletter for a career in micro-business t-shirt modeling? Because, I mean, those pics. Nailed 'em.
Southeast Missouri's Largest 4th of July Celebration - Riverfest
The U.S. of America only turns 250 once, and if you're looking for somewhere to celebrate, Cape's throwing one big riverfront birthday party.
Starting at 3 p.m., the downtown will fill up with live music, food vendors, cold drinks, lawn chairs, and kids with sticky faces. Then, when it gets good and dark, everyone turns toward the river for one of Se/MO's favorite fireworks shows.
If you're making a day of it, start at Fort D Historic Site for Fourth at the Fort. Living history reenactors will be firing the site's 1861 Civil War cannon, giving you a chance to celebrate Independence Day the 1860s way before heading downtown.
The only thing left to figure out is where to park. Fortunately, the wonderful event organizers have already done the homework for you with a parking map and info on the free shuttle.
This week's Featured Event is brought to you by VisitCape.
Want to share an upcoming event with 1,950+ Southeast Missourians looking for things to do? Read more about how to add an event to Backroad Weekly's 'This Weekend's Happenings'.
Freedom Fest 2026, Cape Girardeau, MO - "Join us for a free, family-friendly evening of fun, food and fireworks from 7-9pm at Cape County Park South!"
Music in the Park, Sikeston, MO - It's Historic Downtown Sikeston's summer concert series. 6-8pm. Free.
Sat, July 04
Happy 250th Uncle Sam
4th of July Celebration, Scott City, MO - Swim at the pool, jump in the inflatables, catch the live music, play some cornhole, and stay for the fireworks.
America's 250th Birthday Bash, Jackson, MO - Jackson is pulling out the big guns with a car show, mud volleyball, a biergarten, food trucks, vendors, kids' attractions, POLE VAULTING, live music, a BEARD CONTEST, and a big, bold fireworks show.
Historic Railroad Tunnel Hike, Marquand, MO - "Join a guided hike along a portion of the old Missouri Pacific Railroad bed to a tunnel that dates back to the 1800's on the beautiful trails of Castor River Ranch Campground." 8am. Free. Must call to reserve your spot: 573-783-4061 - You might also be able to reserve a float trip for after the hike! Ask when you call.
Riverfest,Cape Girardeau, MO - See the "Featured Event" section above.
Take on the Mississippi with a Paddle!, Trail of Tears State Park ➜ Cape Girardeau, MO - "This scenic Mississippi River paddle begins at Trail of Tears State Park boat ramp and follows the river downstream to Cape Girardeau's Riverfest celebration. Paddlers will enjoy towering bluffs, expansive river views, and abundant wildlife along this historic stretch of the Mississippi." Space is limited. Must register to participate.
Fourth at the Fort, Cape Girardeau, MO - Celebrate the birth of our nation with local living history reenactors at Fort D.
Advance 4th of July Fest, Advance, MO - "Ring in America’s 250th with 5 bands, food, fun and fireworks!"
Chaffee 4th of July Celebration, Chaffee, MO - "Celebrate 250 Years of Freedom with an evening of family fun, food trucks, craft vendors, bounce houses, games for kids, cornhole, 50¢ bingo, selfie booths, live music, and fireworks."
4th of July Fireworks Show, Kennett, MO - The Kennett fireworks show will take place at the Kennett Memorial Airport. Be there by dusk.
July Cruise In, Perryville, MO - "Stroll through rows of classic cars, hot rods, trucks, and custom rides while enjoying live music."
The 56th annual Patriotic Ceremony at Kaskaskia Bell, Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site, IL - There will be live music, entertainment and community groups at Fort Kaskaskia and Pierre Menard home for America’s 250th birthday.
I've probably overlooked a ton of other 4th of July celebrations. Check your town's website and Facebook page to see how they're celebrating the holiday!
Sun, July 05
Tours at the Jackson Oliver House Museum, Jackson, MO - "Tour the beautiful Jackson Oliver House Museum and see how daily life was lived in the early 1800s in Jackson." Lawn admission is free; museum admission is $5 for adults, $3 for kids.
Discover Oak Hickory Forests, Cape Girardeau, MO - Learn how to identify oaks and hickory, how to harvest and prepare the nuts, and then, take to the trails to test your skills. Thursday, July 9 at 5:30pm.
Nature & Health: Meditation and Breathwork, Cape Girardeau, MO - "Take a short pause with gentle chair yoga, breathwork, and meditation to restore focus and connect with a supportive community." No experience required. 18+. Registration required. Saturday, July 11.
Native Plants: Dyeing with the Sun, Cape Girardeau, MO - "Sun dyeing is the process of using solar radiation as your heat source to transfer colors from plants to fibers."There was only one seat left in this class when I checked this morning! Saturday, July 11
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 - A 4-week immersive workshop all about grindhouse cinema. Each session explores a different era from the '50s to the '80s. Classes run July 11 to August 1, Saturdays, 1-5 PM. $59.
Intro to Wild Caving, Perryville, MO - A rare chance to 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. Info session July 16. Cave exploration July 18.
Birds in Color: The Painted Bunting, Puxico, MO - Visit Mingo National Wildlife Refuge's Visitor's Center where you'll learn all about this gorgeous Missouri bird, the painted bunting, and then learn to draw one with oil pastels. CUTE. Thursday, July 23
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. Tackle rugged singletrack through the Shawnee National Forest, passing some of Southern Illinois' best scenery. August 22-23. Registration closes August 15.
City of Roses 5k & Half Marathon, Cape Girardeau, MO - "This course takes you along a paved trail through residential Cape Girardeau and out into the beautiful county. Wind around paved roads, past horse farms, tree-filled woods and beautiful homes. Loop back to the Osage Center to a cheering crowd, good food, water, Gatorade, and locally brewed beer." Sunday, September 27.
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.
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.