Where the earth vomits rocks, and a kitschy roadside attraction

Come meet us this Saturday! Details below.

Get Outside
Ball Mill Resurgence Natural Area in Perry County

Google Ball Mill Resurgence and you might think it's just a bluff and a sinkhole in the woods. The name is about as exciting as the 5-step skincare routine we're all pretending to do.

Now that I've gone, I can confirm that even though the name is as unappealing as spending time on LinkedIn, the geologic feature is pretty neat.

It just needs a rebrand. Something like, "The Devil's Sphincter", "Hell's Backwash" , or...oh!...I got it!..."Burp Hole Bluff...Where the earth vomits rocks". You'd wanna go see that, right?

What is Ball Mill Resurgence?

You know how, when it rains, a sinkhole will drain water underground? Kind of like the storm drain on your city street.

Well, sometimes, during heavy rains, water gets backed up in a sinkhole, and the sinkhole overflows. That's a resurgence.

When a sinkhole fills with water, the rocks inside get tumbled around in the churning underground current. These beat up rocks get pretty polished. And when the sinkhole overflows, it oozes out a bunch of round and oval rocks.

But is it cute?

Approaching the bluff, you walk along a dry creek bed that's a cobblestone road of rounded rocks.

As you draw closer, and your view of the sinkhole grows larger, it creates an effect of the bluff growing taller, and the rock face's curve becomes more notable. It's a little disorienting. It's cool, man.

If you can push away the intrusive thought that the earth is going to fall away and sweep you into an underground river, you can creep toward the sinkhole's edge and stare into...whatever you see. On our visit, the hole was dry. It was filled with a pile of rocks, and at the bottom was a tiny opening to a black pit. But after reading every blog post online, I've discovered this ever-changing place gives everyone a different experience. Sometimes, when people arrive, there is water in the sinkhole. Sometimes, there's no black pit visible. Some visitors report hearing water underneath and the clacking of rocks roiling around.

Google images taught me that this geologic feature does not photograph well: A point that we also prove here. But it should be lived in person, anyway, so go!

Ball Mill Resurgence Natural Area. August 2026

The Good-to-Know's (Trail Details):

The trail is a lollipop loop and a little less than a mile round-trip.
The trail is not wide nor regularly maintained, so even though it's an "easy" walk in terms of distance, elevation, and technicality...It is single-track with many overgrown spots. Wear pants and lots of bug spray. I bet it's amazing in the fall when the overgrowth chills out and you don't feel like you need a machete.
If the thought of driving to Perryville "just" to walk a mile doesn't turn you on, don't forget you can also visit the Legion Lake Trails and the Perry County Community Lake's Shoreline Trail. Perryville is a great place to day trip with lots to do. You should totally get some Whirl-a-Burger.
The field beside the trailhead is a fun spot to bird. Take binoculars and your Merlin app.

I have an idea for a scary movie called "The Resurgence" in which something horrifying crawls out of the depths of Perry County.

Or maybe that'll be my new word for a toilet overflowing when I'm in polite company. "Um, excuse me, maître d'...there is a resurgence in les toilettes. Might wanna send a guy."

Come Meet Us and Buy a Shirt!

Maybe you've been interested in a western alligator snapping t-(urtle) shirt, BUT it's hard to commit before trying one on.

The solution is in Perryville, MO.

This Saturday, we'll be at the Downtown Perryville Outdoor Expo 9am-3pm at the American Legion.

Admission is free. Shirts are $30. Turtles are cool. And supporting small local business makes you attractive.

Can't make it Saturday? Shopping online is still an option.

SIGHTING: Although I often see killdeer, last weekend was the first time I saw 20+ gathered together. Is fall migration starting?!?! Spotted at a campground in Owensville, Missouri. I love the killdeer's double choker 90s look. The most famous killdeer fun fact is they will fake a broken wing to distract predators away from their nests and young'uns.

RADIO: The Tunnel Hill State Trail (2-minute listen), in partnership with KRCU Public Radio.

REVEALING MY SOURCES: Since this week's trail is in Perryville, I might as well reveal a Perryville resource. When preparing the newsletter's events section each week, I always check the calendar on the Visit Perry County page.

VIDEO SHORT NEAR YOU: Perryville, MO

Made Around Here - Laurel Haven Home & Lifestyle

I recently met a lovely local woman with a gift for interior design using thrifted items. I know Se/MO loves antiquing.

Just a few weeks ago, she started sharing some of her tips on social media. But you don't have to be decor-challenged to enjoy her content. Anyone who enjoys decorating, home-based how-to's, and repurposing thrifted STUFF, should give her a follow!

Look at how easy this home upgrade is. Mind blown. She even has a solution for remotes that are lying around and killing your vibe...there are so many easy-to-apply ideas in her videos.

Check her out on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Over here endlessly impressed with the talent and creativity in the 573.

Favorite Kitschy Thing in Cape

As someone who adores stopping at cheesy (glorious?) roadside attractions on road trips, I LOVE that we have one in Cape Girardeau, Missouri: The giant fountain soda cup at the Rhodes Convenience Store on South Mount Auburn.

Y'all, don't forget, it holds a Guinness World Record.

If you haven't selfie-d that s.o.b. yet, now is the perfect time to selfie because it has recently been refurbished.

The rest of the world is stopping for a photo when they drive through. You should get one, too. And tag us on Facebook.

I ask you this my countrymen and women: Is there a better cultural symbol to represent Southeast Missouri than the fountain drink? New Orleans might have the fleur-de-lis. New York, the Statue of Liberty. LA has the Hollywood Sign. We have the fountain drink.

Tattoo idea, maybe?

Want to share an upcoming event with 2,200+ Southeast Missourians looking for things to do? Read more about how to add an event to Backroad Weekly's 'This Weekend's Happenings'.

This Weekend’s Happenings

Fri, Aug 28

4th Friday Art Walk, Ste. Genevieve, MO - Imagine it's a summer evening and you're strolling around a downtown so historic, it's now a National Historical Park. There are 10 art galleries and studios you can visit with art by local, national, and international artists. And it's free!

Tunes at Twilight, Cape Girardeau, MO - Take your picnic baskets and somewhere to put your butt (like a chair or blanket). And settle in for free live tunes at scenic Ivers Square in downtown Cape-y G.

Coffee on the Cache, Cypress, IL - A monthly Friday morning get together where you get free coffee and hang out with other nature lovers for an hour. 9-10am.

Fall Migration & Birdie Movie Night, Cypress, IL - "A fun evening exploring birding, fall migration, bird identification, and citizen science at the Cache River! Then, watch The Big Year, a birding comedy-adventure starring Steve Martin, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson." Free popcorn. Movie rated PG. 6-8pm.

Union County Fair, Anna, IL - A carnival and a demolition derby. Who could ask for anything more?

Off the Rails Concert Series, Carbondale, IL - Downtown Carbondale offers five nights of free live music from August through October 2026. 6-9pm

Forgotten Spirits: Paducah's Contributions to Bourbon, Paducah, KY - A "downtown guided walking tour that focuses on Paducah's connections to the bourbon industry." $13. 7pm

Sat, Aug 29

Downtown Outdoor Expo, Perryville, MO - Browse indoor and outdoor vendor booths, watch live demonstrations, and connect with local businesses focused on hunting, fishing, camping, biking, conservation, and outdoor recreation. Free. 9am-3pm. Afterward, catch the catfish weigh-in on the town square.

Perryville Catfish Showdown Fishing Tournament, Perryville, MO - Perryville is welcoming Twisted Cat Outdoors and over 60 teams of competitive anglers to fish local waters this Saturday. Everyone is invited to head to the town square at 3pm for weigh-in. Be there when the teams arrive downtown with their catches from the Mississippi River. 3-6pm. Bring a lawn chair!

Crisp Museum Open House, Cape Girardeau, MO - Check out local history and fine art. There will also be dinosaur bones excavated by SEMO students from the Bad Lands. 1-4pm at the River Campus. Free and open to the public.

Cape Riverfront Market, Cape Girardeau, MO - "Find a wide variety of vendors selling hot breakfast & lunch foods, farm-fresh produce, meats & cheeses, baked goods, jams, honey, flowers & plants, arts & crafts, and natural wellness products locally grown, handmade, and homemade." All set to the tunes of live music. 8am-12pm.

Illuminating Hope Glow Walk, Jackson, MO - Take an evening walk and take everything you own that glows. I imagine it's magic to see lights in motion all around this Jackson pond in support of suicide prevention. Activities 5-7pm. Walk at 7pm.

Downtown Farmers' Market, Sikeston, MO - "Every Saturday until October 24 from 7:30am to sellout (usually around 11am or earlier)."

Washington County Homegrown Farm Tour, Potosi, MO - "Explore local farms, ranches, and growers through a self-guided tour"

Cathedral Cave Night Tours, Leasburg, MO - Take a guided hike along a trail under the stars before stepping into the cavern into a new "night". $15

Union County Fair, Anna, IL - More carnival. More demo derby.

Dragon Boat Festival, Paducah, KY - Races begin at 9am! The festival will run all day with food vendors, a beer garden, and a kids' area.

Sun, Aug 30

Fall Plant Walk: Pawpaw Shake, Cape Girardeau, MO - 573 Hiking & Foraging has put together a foraging event to find pawpaws!!! Free and open to the public. Read the details at the link so you can dress appropriately and know what to expect when going off trail. This is a great way to meet other local hikers and foragers to team up with for future outings.

Food Truck Fest and Fall Market, Farmington, MO - "A fun community mash-up of great food and local shopping" 10am-4pm

Plan Ahead - The Fun You Can't Improvise

Fishing Lessons 1&2, Cape Girardeau, MO - Learn about fishing equipment, casting, baiting a hook, and fish handling. Ages 7 and up. You're not required to have a fishing license to participate. Thursday, Sept 3, 5:30-7pm

Cathedral Cave Off-trail Tour, Leasburg, MO - Go beyond the traditional cave tour. Go no-rails and no-trails on a wild caving excursion hosted by Missouri State Parks. Led by an experienced guide. You'll climb, crawl, and get muddy. $75. Must register. 10am. Saturday, Sept 5

Cathedral Cave Night Tours, Leasburg, MO - Take a guided hike along a trail under the stars before stepping into the cavern into a new "night". $15. Saturday, Sept 5.

Archery for Beginners, Cape Girardeau, MO - Learn the basics of shooting a compound bow. Get the rundown on mechanics and safety and then start practicing your aim! 5-6:30pm. Tuesday, Sept 8.

Rocky Ledges Fun Run, Makanda, IL - 5K/10K run/walk on the trails. Open to all ages, abilities, and skills. Hosted by SIU's Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center. Saturday, Sept 12

Birds & Brew, Puxico, MO - Grab some coffee and hit the trail for a guided birdwatching tour along the boardwalk trail at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge. 7-10am. One mile. Binoculars available. No experience required. Saturday, Sept 12

Intro to Wild Caving, Perryville, MO - Last chance this year!!! 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. No squeezing through tight spaces necessary. Info session Thursday, September 17. Cave exploration Saturday, September 19.

Harvest Moon Paddle, Ullin, IL - Paddle through an ancient cypress-tupelo swamp under the harvest moon. One of Southern Illinois' most unique guided tours, and it only comes around about once a month. Saturday, September 26.

City of Roses 5k & Half Marathon, Cape Girardeau, MO - "Run along a paved trail through residential Cape and out into the beautiful county. Wind around paved roads, past farms, tree-filled woods, and beautiful homes." Sunday, September 27.

Historic & Primitive Skills: Making a Longbow, Cape Girardeau, MO - Use hand tools to make your own hickory longbow. 15 years and older. Woodworking skills recommended. You'll need upper arm strength. Oct 1, 2, and 3.

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.