Overview of Cape Girardeau Discover the fascinating heritage and charm of Cape Girardeau, one of Missouri's earliest settled areas. Conveniently located in the heart of the nation, Cape Girardeau is the largest community in Southeast Missouri. It is located 110 miles south of St. Louis, Missouri, and 180 miles north of Memphis, Tennessee. Cape Girardeau is best known for being the home of Southeast Missouri State University and the well-known radio talk show personality Rush Limbaugh . It has also played a part in major historical events such as The Lewis and Clark Expedition, Trail of Tears and the Civil War. In 1908 the Missouri State Flag was designed and stitched in Cape Girardeau. The Cape River Heritage Museum contains information on these events as well as the role the Mississippi River played in the growth of our city. The Mississippi River has played a significant part in our city history especially the early commerce of the steamboats. Riverboats can still be seen docked along our riverfront. Cape Girardeau is frequently visited by the American, Mississippi and Delta Queens of the Delta Queen Steamboat Company. The River Explorer of the River Barge Excursions also make several stops throughout the spring and summer season. These majestic vessels still bring passengers to our shores, as they did a century ago to enjoy our sites and visit our downtown. Historic Downtown , nestled along side the Mississippi River, which is a designated Missouri Main Street program city. The downtown highlights include eclectic shops, restaurants, pubs, art galleries and seven outdoor murals, ranging from the expansive "Missouri Wall of Fame" to the colorful "Heritage of Music". In the downtown area you will also find several National Historic Register Sites, including the completely restored Glenn House and St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church built in 1853. Aside from the historic treasures Cape Girardeau also offers the modern amenities of a larger city. Cape Girardeau has more 1,000 hotel/motel rooms including bed and breakfasts, over 100 restaurants, and a state of the art 32,000 sqare foot arena. Family activities include 2 local theaters with 19 movie screens , a water slide, go-carts, ice skating rink, reptile zoo and many more. With our exceptional combination of significant historical attractions, lively entertainment, recreation for the entire family and warm hospitality, Cape Girardeau offers something exciting for everyone. Old Town Cape Bringing Historic Cape Girardeau to life is the goal of Old Town Cape, a Missouri Main Street Program. This volunteer-driven program uses the time-tested downtown revitalization approach developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Old Town Cape is made up of three distinct commercial districts, Riverfront, Upper Broadway and the Haarig district. Its boundaries are North Street, West End Boulevard, Highway 74 and the Mississippi River. Visitors are encouraged to join the community at the special events held in the District including;Tunes at Twilight, a Friday night concert series that starts in mid May, the Fourth of July Fireworks on the Mississippi Riverfront and the City of Roses Music Festival.

The City of Cape Girardeau is celebrating its 200th year in 2006. The community was first founded January 4, 1793, when Don Louis Lorimier was given a land grant by the Spanish government. The town was platted on February 3, 1806, when Don Louis Lorimier donated a tract of land to the District. Lorimier's secretary and surveyor Barthelemi Cousin presented the City with a plat map designating the new boundaries. Court Clerk Joseph McFerron signed, sealed and officially recorded the plat. In 1806, the town was incorporated. Today, Cape Girardeau serves as a regional hub for health care, shopping, dining, and education. We have a variety of attractions offering a multitude of things to see and do. Our many local industries provide a source of employment for the surrounding communities.

Rich in the heritage of the river region and its people, the story of Cape Girardeau continues to add exciting new chapters. Be a part of that excitement -- ESCAPE TO CAPE!

One of the greatest assets of any community is its people, and Cape Girardeau is no exception. Since the 1700s the residents of the Cape Girardeau region have been welcoming travelers. Dedicated to providing exceptional service and friendly welcomes, the citizens of our community never tire of smiling or offering a kind word. Spectacular natural vistas, new tourism developments and our historic past all blend together to offer the perfect solution for any visitor to the area. Entertaining attractions, hotels, bed and breakfast inns, specialty shops and restaurants are abundant. Thousands of hospitality partners are standing by to help make your "Escape to Cape" a memorable experience.

In his book Life on the Mississippi , author Mark Twain recorded his visual encounter with Cape Girardeau through his description of two grand educational institutions. Says Twain, " Cape Girardeau is situated on a hillside, and makes a handsome appearance . There is a great Jesuit school for boys at the foot of the town by the river