Tunnel-trekking, festival-hopping, and myth-busting
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Pumpkin patches, fall festivals, and haunted tours are about to take over. Yay! But...
You'd better go put your toes in a creek before the summer clock strikes midnight and your river shoes turn into fuzzy boots.
Get Outside
Sorry to have to call them out like this, but your cycling friends are holding out. Southern Illinois' Tunnel Hill State Trail is famously a gravel/mountain biker's good time. But adventurers who hoof it can have a little tunnel fun too. If you like to walk, run, sightsee, or live for the Gram, just head an hour and ten minutes NE of Cape Girardeau.
July 2025
This rail line turned recreation trail is gloOoOoriously flat and SHADY. You’ll stroll (or roll) across tall wooden trestle bridges while peepin' creek, bluff, and ghost town views. The star is the historic 543-foot tunnel, originally built in 1872. It's dark, drippy, cool, a little muddy, kinda spooky, and a lot echo-y.
There are many trailheads along the 45-mile stretch, so if you definitely want to see the tunnel, here's where you go: Park at Tunnel Hill Trailhead at Tunnel Hill, Illinois. The tunnel is only about a quarter mile from here.
Cyclists, if you haven't been, this is your nudge.
You've probably observed that our Semo skies are bird busy in the spring and fall. That's 'cause, once again, for yet another reason, we're... 💫✨🪄SPECIAL🪄✨💫, *insert cute little arrogant hair flip.
Southeast Missouri sits smack-dab in the Mississippi Flyway, one of North America's busiest bird migration routes. Every year, hundreds of bird species (around 325 species) use the "sky I-55" to travel between breeding grounds up north and wintering grounds down south.
The Mississippi River’s wetlands, floodplains, and bottomland woods are like the Rhodes 101 Stops for wings instead of wheels. Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, for example, serves hundreds of thousands of birds every year.
When you look up and see a V of geese honkin' overhead this fall, just know you’re living under one of the busiest migratory superhighways, and you’re witnessing one of nature’s greatest road trips.
Friend, you know I know that you know Sam A. Baker is a go-to spot in Southeast Missouri: ancient hills, clear water, cabins tucked into the woods, and trails that almost make you forget our next president will be AI-generated.
But on days when life’s been a little too loud, it's good to remember that Sammy A is right there...walkable, floatable, bikeable, fishable, horseback rideable, eatable, and deeply soothing. So consider this your reminder.
You don’t have to stay the night (though you could). Maybe you just want to drive over, dirty your boots, dip your little piggies in a creek, and finish off with a grill meal at the Mudlick Mountain Grill. It's right there - a full reset in one day.
Your publisher's fave features:
Five hiking trails for all abilities, ranging from ~1 mile to ~11 miles - from short, easy, and paved to long, hard, and rugged.
Historic, Civilian Conservation Corps architecture: Sam A. Baker is one of the oldest state parks in Missouri. The 1930s craftsmanship in the cabins and other buildings gives the park its rustic feel.
Amenities & Creature Comforts: A baby changes things. Roughin' it is a little rougher with a critter on your hip. I gotta admit that I quite enjoy the luxury of picnic shelters, toilets, a nature center, a store, and a restaurant.
I like the place, but my baby was not impressed. Aug '24
You can get a lot out of a day here. Sweat, pause, and peace. Hike hard if you want; find an easy path if you don’t. Browse the nature center. Splash in Big Creek. Plot your empire by the St. Francis River. Eat. Fish. Float. Ride. Shop. Fill up on nature without needing fancy or faraway. Treat yourself to a Sam A. Saturday, baby bear. Put it on the calendar.
Clue:
Back Before Walmart
You’ve heard of Cahokia, the ancient city just outside St. Louis. It's the largest pre-Columbian site north of Mexico. "At its peak, around (the year) 1100, this metropolis stretched over 4,000 acres, encompassed about 120 earthen mounds, and hosted a population of nearly 20,000 individuals."
To put that into perspective, Cahokia's population was larger than London's in the year 1100. London was a walled town of around 15,000 people, still in the early years of the medieval period. While the Tower of London was under construction, here in the Mississippi Valley, thousands were gathering at Cahokia’s Grand Plaza.
And just south? Semo wasn't an empty wilderness. The Mississippian mound-building culture and its diverse groups of people stretched across your backyard. Southeast Missouri was thrumming with mound towns such as Towosahgy State Historic Site in Mississippi County, the Campbell Archeological Site in Pemiscot County, and the South Cape Site in Cape Girardeau County, among many others.
I find it fascinating that more than 900 years ago, this area’s nearest big city was still St. Louis. Do you think the Mississippian peoples also went all the way to the Lou for a concert?
And here’s a myth worth busting: if you’ve found artifacts in your back forty, reporting it does not mean government-funded archaeologists are going to kick in your door and burn your deed. The Missouri State Historic Preservation Office keeps a confidential register so archaeologists know sites exist. But ownership stays with you. You keep the farm. The archaeologists just sleep better at night.
Better on the Road with Cape Bicycle
Once upon a time, when I returned from a college study abroad, I thought I’d keep that wannabe-French-girl energy going. Why couldn’t I pedal around SEMO’s campus with a baguette in a basket like I did in Pays de la Loire? So I bought a bike at Walmart. In hindsight, how UN-French was that? After a few rides, the chain was jumping, and I was going to class with greasy fingers. Between a crummy bike and zero support, the whole thing flopped faster than you can say "au revoir, euro-girl dreams."
Fast forward 15 years, and I’m back in Capey G, ready to jump on the gravel-bike craze. This time, I couldn't be seduced by Wally World. I needed a bike shop: Cape Bicycle. The staff welcomed me in and walked me through the mechanics of my new fancy gravel bike (so the chain will stay where it's supposed to be). But when I run into trouble, I know where to take it for help. They even gave me recommendations on fun places to ride. And now, I'm sticking with it. Funny what a support system can do for your follow-through.
*This is sponsored content. It's also my honest testimonial based on my experience.
Think Pilot House meets Los Boys...but pizza. No frills. No putting on airs. No $18 cocktails with rosemary sprigs. Just cheesy masterpieces. You'll probably run into your cousin under a neon light, and there'll be a rock cover band in the corner, turning up to Copperhead Road.
Spots are limited, so grab your guitar (or borrow one) and get signed up for the next class on Sept. 25.
Help Out & Pitch In
The Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence (SEMO-NASV) provides free, confidential services (advocacy, counseling, medical exams, forensic interviews, etc) for children and adults who have experienced sexual violence or abuse. They serve eight counties in our region: Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Mississippi, New Madrid, Perry, Pemiscot, Scott, and Stoddard.
How you can help: you can volunteer, donate, or simply help spread the word so people in those counties know they’re not alone. Every act of awareness helps. Visit semonasv.org to get involved or donate.
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, Sept 19
Blues, Brews & BBQ, Farmington, MO - 🎶These are a few of my favorite things🎶
Stoddard County Fair, Dexter, MO - If you're not all fair'ed out, just keep fair-ing on.
Current River Heritage Days, Doniphan, MO - Time travelers, sound off. Watch blacksmiths hammer, fiddlers jam, and quilt-makers stitch like it’s gonna be a harsh winter.
Fall City-Wide Yard Sale, Scott City, MO - Maybe you'll finally find that rare collectible you can take on Antiques Roadshow.
Praise the Lard BBQ Cook-off, Murphysboro, IL - One of the only tri-sanctioned BBQ contests in the nation! Chow down at the $30 Grand Champion Meal & Fish Fry, then kick back with free live music. There will be teams and judges from over 20 states, Canada, Costa Rica, and Switzerland.
World Championship Mule Jumping Competition, Altenburg, MO - It's the Olympic high jump... for mules. I don't care if you have plans. You cancel those plans. This is the World Championship Mule Jumping Competition.
Music on the Mississippi, New Madrid, MO - New Madrid is bringing multi-time Grammy-nominated artist and member of the Grand Ole Opry, Jamey Johnson! Click the link to peek at the riverside venue. It's PURTY.
Antiques Evaluation Fair, Jackson, MO - "Ever wondered what that old vase, painting, quilt, or pocket watch might be worth? Take your treasures for a professional evaluation. Jewelry will be evaluated by a certified GIA appraiser." Cost: $10 per item.
Day on the River, Cape Girardeau, MO - Family-friendly event featuring live river animals (wonder which ones?!) and offering free boat rides on the Mississippi with MO Dept of Conservation river experts. Boat rides are first-come, first-served.
Jeep Show, Cape Girardeau, MO - I finally have a Jeep event for the Jeep fans! I'm just sorry it had to fall on the same day as the Mule-jumping competition. Rough competition. Tough break.
Pets & Petals, Cape Girardeau, MO - Wiener dog race!!! Well-behaved furry buddies are welcome. Products, activities, treats, photo ops, giveaways, etc.
Blues, Brews & BBQ, Farmington, MO - Featuring award-winning blues-rock artist, Nick Schnebelen, on September 20th!
Stoddard County Fair, Dexter, MO - Fair fiends, get your fair fix before festival season takes over.
Current River Heritage Days, Doniphan, MO - Rail-splitters, log cabins, and storytellers in period costumes. Add in live music and country eats, and you’ve got yourself a frontier-flavored Saturday.
Frontier Fest, Patterson, MO - Head 'em off at the pass! Craft fair. Pie-eating contest. Hay maze. And a water gun quick draw. Upgrade to a wristband for pony rides, petting zoo, hay rides, and a calf roping lesson.
Bikers on the Square for Veterans, Perryville, MO - Bike show, stunt show, burnout contest, food vendors, live music, and ceremonies to recognize veterans.
Bandy's Pumpkin Patch Opening Day, Johnston City, IL - And another pumpkin patch opens its doors. Open your orange Halloween hearts and let the fall flow in. This place has wheelchair-accessible hayrides!
Praise the Lard BBQ Cook-off, Murphysboro, IL - More than 30,000 pounds of meat. It's a full BBQ spectacle. Stroll among the competing teams, browse vendors, and soak up the delicious smoke as judges crown the champions.
Sun, Sept 21
Well, this is awkward. Wonder what I overlooked.
Plan Ahead
The Fun You Can't Improvise
Fishing Fin-atics: Fly Tying, Cape Girardeau, MO - Tie flies for fly fishing with an opportunity to learn to cast a fly fishing rod.
Ghost Adventure, Potosi, MO - Join Paranormal Task Force on Sept. 27 for an overnight ghost hunt through historic Potosi sites.
SxS Trail Ride to Benefit the Miracle-Ear Foundation, Scott City, MO - Family-friendly SxS ride for a good cause on paved and gravel county roads through Scott City, Commerce, Oran, Kelso, Chaffee, Rockview, and New Hamburg.
Underground Jazz, Cape Girardeau, MO - Scout Hall and SEMO's Director of Jazz Studies, Dr. Felipe Brito, are bringing Jazz musicians from St. Louis, Memphis, Nashville, Chicago, Kansas City, and beyond to Southeast Missouri.
Golf Leagues for All Skill Levels, Jackson, MO - Tee'ed Off Golf & Performance announced two upcoming golf leagues for all skill levels starting on the 22nd. Go to their Facebook page and look for the post from September 13.
*With so much going on, we can’t include everything. We hand-select picks that match the mission, and include events from all over the area to encourage you to explore towns you don’t usually visit. If you’re looking for more in Cape or Carbondale, here are some more sources: The Southeast Missourian, the Missouri Department of Conservation, The Scout, KFVS12, Southern Illinois Tourism, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and Southernmostillinois.com.
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