Overview
Southeast Region of Missouri.
2 things to do
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Southeast Missouri
Elephant Rocks State Park
Climb around on gigantic reddish granite boulders, or enjoy a picnic and the lovely walking trails (with braile signage) around the park. The monolithic rocks overlook an old quarry and abandoned firehouse. The park is o…
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
After being closed in 2009 by a disastrous flood, Johnson Shut-Ins is again open, and has a new boardwalk that overlooks the shut-ins. The shut-ins refer to a natural formation where the East Fork Black River has run ove…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 90°F; winter lows dip to about 24°F. Very hot (Jul) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Cold months (Jan) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Apr. (climate data from nearby St. Louis)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- CGI Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, Cape Girardeau — 73 mi away. Directions
- JBR Jonesboro Municipal Airport, Jonesboro — 80 mi away. Directions
- STL St. Louis Lambert International Airport, St Louis — 125 mi away (major hub). Directions
Sample 3-day trip
- Day 1: Cape Girardeau — Mississippi River Tales Mural, Fort D.
- Day 2: Alton — explore the town.
- Day 3: Mark Twain National Forest — Eleven Point Canoe Rental, Hufstedlers Canoe Rental, Richard's Canoe Rental.
Built from the best-covered destinations in this region; open each for its own day plan.
Photos
Places in Southeast Missouri
Cape Girardeau
City / town · 10 listings
Alton
City / town · 9 listings
Mark Twain National Forest
Park · 6 listings
Van Buren
City / town · 5 listings
Ste. Genevieve
City / town · 3 listings
Sikeston
City / town · 2 listings
Poplar Bluff
City / town · 1 listings
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Park · 1 listings
West Plains
City / town
Eminence
City / town
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Cities
- Alton
- Cape Girardeau
- Eminence
- Charleston — Hometown of former Governor Warren E. Hearnes. Visit in the springtime.
- New Madrid
- Poplar Bluff
- Sikeston
- Ste. Genevieve
- West Plains
- Van Buren
Other destinations
- Mark Twain National Forest
- Ozark National Scenic Riverways
See
- Big Springs Park — on the outskirts of Van Buren, it is one of North America's largest freshwater springs.
- Historic downtowns of Charleston and Cape Girardeau.
Do
Rivers
The Black, Current, North Fork of the White, and their tributaries are a major draw for recreational canoeing and kayaking. There are many outfitters in this region who can help you plan a trip.
State Parks
Do Elephant Rocks State Park
Climb around on gigantic reddish granite boulders, or enjoy a picnic and the lovely walking trails (with braile signage) around the park. The monolithic rocks overlook an old quarry and abandoned firehouse. The park is open year-round, but can get crowded on warm weekends. Camping is not allowed.
Do Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
After being closed in 2009 by a disastrous flood, Johnson Shut-Ins is again open, and has a new boardwalk that overlooks the shut-ins. The shut-ins refer to a natural formation where the East Fork Black River has run over igneous rock and eroded a maze-like series of channels, rivulets, and cascades. It is a sort of natural water park, and many people come to swim and play here during the warm months. Hiking, Camping, and a visitor's center are available in the park.
Nearby
Mountain View
City / town · 3 listings · 36 mi away
Thayer
City / town · 5 listings · 50 mi away
Pocahontas
City / town · 4 listings · 50 mi away
Mammoth Spring
City / town · 9 listings · 51 mi away
Hardy
City / town · 4 listings · 57 mi away
Salem
City / town · 5 listings · 59 mi away
Licking
City / town · 2 listings · 66 mi away
My experience
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