Day trips, events, trails, history, community, and more—Every Thursday.
Join the 850+ SE Missourians reading the weekly guide to local travel.
SHARE
Hope your Christmas was cozy and exactly what you needed.
This week’s issue is a short and sweet one, suggesting a good trail to stretch your holiday legs; a roundup of events to ease you into the weekend; and a few unconventional New Year's celebration options.
Get Outside
I'm going to make a bold claim backed by zero data: This trail is one of the most, if not THE most, loved hiking trails in Cape County. Again, no data, just hearsay and unfounded confidence. It's The Shepard Point Trail at Trail of Tears State Park. Even my grandma has hiked it.
So, why feature it if everyone and their grandma has hiked it? Because maybe you haven't seen it naked. The trail is naked. Not you. And by naked, I mean leafless. Leaves, I love you, but river views are better when you can actually see them.
Jonathan on the Shepard Point Trail in December 2023
Do you really know a trail if you haven't hiked it in every season?
Distance: ~3 miles total (1.5 out, and 1.5 back) Terrain: Steep hills, ridges, natural (unpaved) trails with rocks, roots, and bluff-side drop-offs. But you don't have to get near the drop-offs to complete this trail. They're avoidable. Difficulty: Moderate, due to a few steep hills. If you have a walking stick or a trekking pole, pack that sucker. Don't be a hero. Time: 1.5-2.5 hours, depending on how often your legs file a complaint. Nearby burger: Los Boys Hideaway! Don't pass it up thinking, "That's just a bar." The burgers are legit. No frills. Just good food and stiff drinks.
Remember, my backroad buds, in the winter, the leaves might be dead, but the views are alive.
Find Your People
Whose new year's resolution is to get serious about kayak fishing (especially the tournament side of things)? And if it isn't, shouldn't it be? I present: the Southern Illinois Kayak Club (SIKC). Based in Southern Illinois, this club brings together kayak anglers for competitive bass tournaments and events that span the season.
The club's calendar offers opportunities to get on the water, meet other anglers, and see what competitive kayak fishing looks like close to home.
🎉✨ Happy New Year from VisitCape! ✨🎉
As another year begins, we’re excited to celebrate something special: the 100th anniversary of Highway 61, the legendary Blues Highway.
This historic road has carried music, stories, and travelers through our region for a century, shaping the culture and character that still make Cape Girardeau a meaningful place to visit and call home.
Keep an eye on VisitCape’s events calendar as we head into 2026. Plans are in the works to mark this milestone with memorable events this year.
Wishing you a new year filled with good music, joyful experiences, and open roads.
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 26
Jammies + Jingles in Uptown Jackson, Jackson, MO - Wear your Christmas pajamas (don't let this warm weather inspire you to go too risqué), wander Uptown Jackson, and support local shops. Browse. Linger. Spend that Christmas cash. Breathe a sigh of "Christmas craziness is over" relief. Fri, Dec 26. Shop hours vary by store.
Nature Center @ Night: Winter Candlelit Walk, Cape Girardeau, MO - Wander the woods by soft candlelight on a luminary-lit evening walk at the Cape Girardeau Nature Center along the Cottonwood Trail. 5-7pm. Free.
Sat, Dec 27
Ian Ferguson at Hubble Creek Brewing Co, Jackson, MO - Live music at Hubble Creek Brewing Co., Ian Ferguson closes out the 2025 Mantel Session series. An intimate set to wrap up the year with good tunes and good beer. 7pm.
Christmas at The Glenn House, Cape Girardeau, MO - This weekend is your last chance to see the historic Glenn House dressed up for the holidays. Wander through the Victorian home and its Alice-in-Wonderland-inspired Christmas décor before it all comes down for the season. Don't say I didn't warn you. 1-4pm.
New Year's Paint & Sip, Alto Pass, IL - A relaxed night in the tasting room. Sip, snack, and leave with a finished painting. A local artist walks you through the process. No experience needed. Ages 16+ welcome; 21+ to drink. Food and wine not included in ticket price. 3-5pm.
Sun, Dec 28
Christmas at The Glenn House, Cape Girardeau, MO - The final opportunity to experience The Glenn House’s Christmas transformation, from candlelit rooms to whimsical holiday touches woven through this historic home. 1-4pm.
Wedn, Dec 31 Ring in the New Year
La Guiannée (La Guignolèe), Ste. Genevieve, MO - Every New Year’s Eve in Ste. Gen, the historic district does something you don’t really find anywhere else in Missouri: La Guiannée. A troupe of costumed singers makes the rounds from place to place, performing old French begging songs and stirring up enough mischief to feel like you’ve traveled into a frontier-era New Year’s Eve - but with better lighting and less smallpox.
Noon Year’s Eve, Cape Girardeau, MO - A daytime New Year’s celebration for anyone who’d rather party before lunch. Scout Hall hosts a family-friendly morning with games, crafts, a cereal bar, and a countdown at noon. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase. Wed, Dec 31. 9am-1pm. Tickets: $15 (13+), $10 (ages 6–12), $5 (ages 3–5), free for kids 2 and under.
Thurs, Jan 01
First Day Hikes, Southeast Missouri - Kick off 2026 with a guided First Day Hike at Missouri State Parks. Celebrate the New Year outdoors with ranger-led hikes across the state. Jan 1, 2026. Free. Check the link to see which stake park is guiding a hike near you.
First Day Hikes, Southern Illinois - The same thing, but So/ILL! Celebrate the New Year on a trail.
Shepherd Mountain Lake Trail Grand Opening, Ironton, MO - Celebrate the opening of the new Community Trail and Cross Country Trail at Shepherd Mountain Lake. Be among the first to explore the freshly cleared routes, then join the annual First Day Hike led by the Mayor and community members. The hike covers about 2.2 miles on a gravel surface and is family-friendly. 1pm.
Annual Kick-Off Dive at Mermet Springs, Metropolis, IL - Divers gather for the annual New Year’s Day kick-off, with crystal-clear water, warm changing rooms, hot showers, and complimentary coffee and hot chocolate. The site opens at 9am, with the official dive beginning at noon. 9am-3pm.
Plan Ahead - The Fun You Can't Improvise
Henry N. Barkhausen Cache River Wetland Center Grand Re-Opening, Cypress, IL - Mark your calendar for the grand re-opening of the Cache River Wetland Center. Explore the updated center and trails, enjoy family-friendly nature crafts, learn from conservation partners, and take part in self-guided winter hiking and birding. Food truck on site. Sat, Jan 10. 10am-2pm.
Snow Goose Spotting, Cape Girardeau, MO - Travel through Southeast Missouri to observe snow geese near Otter Slough Conservation Area, with binoculars and spotting scopes provided. Jan 17, 2026. 6-11am.
Want your event in Backroad Weekly? Our event slots are discounted for the holidays - $15! Backroad Weekly has 750+ subscribers across Southeast Missouri and a 53% open rate. Get an ad slot here.
WORD SCRAMBLE ANSWER:OZARKS
Welp, we better get goin'.
Backroad Weekly and VisitCape wish you a Happy New Year! See you in your inbox on January 2nd.