Cedar Lake is a 1,750-acre reservoir created by the damming of Cedar Creek, a tributary of the Big Muddy River. The lake is located south of Murphysboro and southwest of Carbondale, Illinois. Although the lake was constructed for the purpose of supplying tap water to the residents of Carbondale it provides fishing, swimming, and active recreation purposes.

Towosahgy State Historic Site preserves the remains of a once flourishing Native American community. The site was the location of a once-fortified village and ceremonial center between 1000 and 1400 A.D. Today, all that is visible are the remains of the earthen mounds within the village area.

Ten Mile Pond Conservation Area is a 3,755-acre area that was once a lowland hardwood forest intermingled with cypress sloughs. Most of the area is flooded seasonally and was an important habitat for wintering waterfowl, furbearers, eagles, and other wildlife species.

The Moore House is a two-and-one-half story red brick building and is a fine example of the Colonial Revival style of architecture. The Moore House was occupied continuously by family members from 1899 to 1977. The house became is the home to the Mississippi County Historical Society and is open for special events and functions.

Located in Henry S. Whipple Park this Lewis and Clark monument consists of six columns supporting four murals that were from the 1903 Mississippi County courthouse that burned in 1997 and the flags of the nations once claiming this land, Spain, France, and the United States.

Big Oak Tree State Park is an oasis of forests located in the abundance of farmland of southeast Missouri. The park features a boardwalk that winds its way through the park past some of the park's largest trees and gives visitors a chance to view a variety of wildlife. An interpretive center explains the forest and swamp ecosystem in the park. Big Oak Lake provides 22 acres of fishing.

A historical marker marks the approximate site of the Battle of Belmont that on November 7, 1861. It was the first combat test in the Civil War for General U. S. Grant. Grant landed troops on the Missouri side of the Mississippi River opposite the Confederate fortifications at Columbus Kentucky - known as the “Gibraltar of the West.”

Tywappity Community Lake consists of 147 acres of woodland and 37 acres of surface water. A large grassy area near the lake has a pavilion, four picnic tables and two BBQ grills. Outdoor activities include bird watching and hiking along the 2.5 mile Tywappity Trail. The lake has good populations of bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish. There is a concrete boat ramp with an adjacent floating courtesy dock with a fish cleaning station.

A marker in the small river town of Commerce interprets the visit of Lewis and Clark to the area known as Tywappity Bottom on November 22, 1803.

The Southeast Missouri Agriculture Museum boasts the state´s largest collection of antique farm machinery. Located behind Granny’s Antiques is a 250’ by 100’ foot museum with more than 6,000 pieces of machinery most of which are capable of performing their original tasks.

Built as the Iron Mountain Railroad Train Depot in 1916, Sikeston Depot became a museum and cultural center in 2000. The Depot features dozens of permanent and rotating exhibits depicting the area's history and art.

The General Watkins Conservation Area contains a forest type more closely resembling Appalachian than Missouri forests. The area has five defined primitive campsites and two picnic facilities. The area offers fishing opportunities on 9 lakes, one with a boat ramp. Hunting opportunities include deer, quail, and turkey. There are two hiking trails

Trail of Tears State Park is a memorial to the members of the Cherokee tribe that lost their lives during their forced relocation in the winter of 1838-39. The peaceful, serene setting and the abundance of recreational opportunities of the 3,415-acre park are in sharp contrast to the tragic history that gives the park its name.

The Red House Interpretive Center is a replica of a French Colonial style home built for the Cape Girardeau Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commemoration. The Center also interprets different aspects of life at the turn of the 19th century.

Old St. Vincent's Church was built in 1853 on the original site of the Louis Lorimier's Red House. Old St. Vincent's Church Renaissance architecture, referred to as English Gothic Revival style, is a rare example of this style of church in America. The church was slated for destruction but restorations have included both interior and exterior renovation.

In the summer of 1928 a bridge was built across the river and was hailed as “The Gateway to the Ozarks.” This portal has since been incorporated into a river overlook as part of the new River Campus of the Southeast Missouri State University. This overlook includes a viewing scope that provides a commanding view of the Mississippi River and there is access to the River Campus Trail.

The Old McKendree Chapel, a national Methodist shrine, was the second meeting house constructed by the Methodists in Missouri and is regarded as the oldest Protestant church structure standing west of the Mississippi River.

The Glenn House is a vernacular farmhouse style house that was completed in 1883. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places the house is currently owned by the Historical Association of Greater Cape Girardeau. The house has been faithfully restored and has many original architectural features. Authentic period furniture graces its restored rooms depicting late Victorian life around 1900.

Cape Girardeau was one of the most fortified cities in the United States during the Civil War. Today all that remains of Cape Girardeau’s fort system is Fort D overlooking the Mississippi River. Major stabilization and improvements to the site began in 2005 with new interpretive signs and the fort being used as a site for Civil War living history.

The Cape River Heritage Museum located in an old police and fire station and is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the unique character of southeastern Missouri. The museum hosts ever-changing exhibits, educational programs, special tours, community, and social events that are open to families, school groups, organizations, tour groups and the general public.