Just north of Thebes along Route 3 and parallel to the Mississippi River, this small park has a…read morehistorical marker and the parking available to appreciate it. You can also access the river from here for a fabulous view. The marker reads, "In 1817 the Zebulon M. Pike reached St. Louis, the northern-most steamboat port on the Mississippi River. The western steamboat of later years was a credit to the frontier American mechanic who drew upon experience to build a large craft (eventually over 300 by 40 feet) which would carry heavy cargoes in shallow water against the strong Mississippi current. Owners boasted that steamboats could run on heavy dew, but in fact seasonal variations in river depth limited their use - medium sized steamboats needed at least four feet of water. The influence of the steamboat spread far and wide in the Mississippi Valley and hastened the development of the region. "Snags, explosions, collisions and fires sank many steamboats. An 1867 investigation recorded 133 sunken hulks in the Mississippi between Cairo and St. Louis, a stretch rivermen called the 'Graveyard.' "Even as the north-south river trade flourished in the 1850's transportation lines running east and west developed. Railroads, which followed a more direct route than winding rivers, began to haul freight to and from the Mississippi valley. Steamboats aided the North in the Civil War, but the reorientation of civilian commerce foreshadowed their decline. Although they continued to churn the Mississippi for the rest of the nineteenth century, they were eventually replaced by strings of barges guided by a single steamboat or later by a diesel boat which transported the cargoes individual steamboats had once carried." The marker was erected in 1986 by the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Historical Society. [Review 1248 of 2024 - 202 in Illinois - 22271 overall]

After enjoying two beers at nearby Many Good Things Brewing, I walked a bit along the riverside. No…read morebarges passing this time but it was still an amazing view that goes north around the bend and south to see the beautiful Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge. Some seating here and a few captions, don't miss the "high water" marks on the floodwall. Holy smokes! [Review 1252 of 2024 - 354 in Missouri - 22275 overall]

I am very impressed with Cape's new public library. I grew up going to this library, and it is…read moreunrecognizable! The children's section is awesome for my toddler, and me, who is able to relax on one of the comfy chairs. I can sit back and chillax, knowing he is safe. There are also so many programs offered for children and adults. All seem to be free of charge, I might add. Can't get better than that. In addition to the wide selection of books on the grounds, they offer ebooks, audio books, and e-magazines accessible on my home computer. I will always make sure before I spend money on an ebook, that I can't simply download it free. If I had to complain about one thing, it would be that the computers are too easy to get to. I come to the library hoping to get my son to love books. I find myself having to fight to keep him from wanting on the computer. Overall, I love this place, and am very grateful that the community of Cape Girardeau has this resource.

The wall's primary purpose is to hold back the flood waters of the mighty Mississippi River, which…read morefloods often. Most recently (Jan. 2016) the river crested over flood stage (32 feet) at 48.86 feet, which was pretty close to the top of the wall which is 53 feet high. The wall spans 500 feet and is covered with murals painted by various artists depicting the lives of 45 famous people who were born in Missouri or achieved fame while living there. Great way to take in some history as you stroll and so much better than a plan ole wall!

Great day to see the Missouri Wall Of Fame In Cape Girardeau, MO. Only 12 degrees and still worth…read morethe New Years Day drive! Ice on the Mississippi and the art on the wall to enjoy. Amazing artwork and history. Perfect for a nice long walk to enjoy!

More of a piece of art than a bridge, the Thebes Bridge crosses the Mississippi River and joins…read moreIllmo Missouri with Thebes Illinois. It is owned by a subsidiary of the Union Pacific company and it was designed by Ralph Modjeski (1861 to 1940) who is responsible for some forty major bridges including the Huey P. Long Bridge near New Orleans, the Ben Franklin Bridge (Philadelphia) and the international Blue Water Bridge (Port Huron Michigan and Point Edward Ontario). The bridge took three years to complete, somewhat delayed by legal proceedings with the right of way. It completed in 1905 with a total length of 3959 feet. It's worth noting that the Thebes Bridge is a "continuous truss bridge" that is very similar to the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. Though it seems that the piers are better protected here. Truly a work of art. [Round number review 200 in Illinois - 1246 of 2024 - 22269 overall]

Worst postal service. Package was suppose to be delivered yesterday and I received a notice that my…read morethe mail carrier couldn't get to my driveway. I have a wide driveway. There were 2 trucks parked in the driveway with enough room for 1 more (I know this because my kids are able to park between them when they come over). There are times when I don't even receive my package and I get a text stating that it had been delivered and when I get outside there isn't anything.

Anytime I'm in Cape and need to mail some packages this is my go to Post Office. They have a drive…read morethru on the backside of a gas station. They do have a counter inside the gas station as well if you would rather go in. I prefer the drive thru so I don't have to bring in all my boxes and struggle with that and my daughter. The staff has always been super nice.

They are very good at what they do!...;-) The wait time was less than I expected. The good lady…read morealmost read my mind in knowing what I was about to ask next. Give them a raise...;-) I am an old 69 year old who gets confused rather easily. Her patience was over the top. I renewed my plates for 2 years because I am optimistic in my longevity.

I've been to a lot worse. At least these people know what they are doing. This office was moved…read morefrom downtown and is a lot more spacious. I am sitting down instead of standing which is a great improvement! Plenty of parking. It's my fault I waited till the last day.

Useful county office. Seems like I'm always in a hurry when I come in. Bare bones Government style…read morebuilding. I think they keep employees a long time here. Staff are businesslike and efficient. It always amazes me how reasonable personal property taxes are. I have to wait this time because of my reporting error. They are working feverishly to fix the issue. Good folks here in this office.