See a two-headed black rat snake and explore the woods at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center in southeast Missouri.
Located on the north side of Cape Girardeau, Mo., and has numerous short hiking trails along with nature-related exhibits.
NATURE CENTER
We first checked out the nature center where the star is the two-headed snake. Exhibited near the front. To the right of the tank, is the center’s information desk where you can ask questions about the snake or trails.
Two-Headed Snake
These snakes are unique because they are conjoined twins. Found in 2005 as juveniles near Delta, Mo., and probably would not have survived long in the wild. They like to climb trees and eat rodents, eggs, baby birds, and even other snakes.
More Exhibits
Next, we checked out Paul Corbin’s collection of Native American artifacts.
My son tried at the tree seat used in hunting. The exhibit points out the need to always wear an orange vest for safety during hunting season. This is also important when hiking during that period.
Then he learned about the different turkey calls.
You can learn about the different scat you might find on the trail including deer, rabbits, foxes, and raccoons.
A large window in the center looks out over numerous bird feeders where you can spot a cardinal or wren.
My son enjoyed going inside a recreated beaver den with the outside composed of branches and logs.
Towards the back, there are aquariums with one having fish with the upper section reserved for turtles.
A red milk snake with orange, white, and black stripes curls up by its water dish. It feeds on lizards, small snakes, and small mice, killing its prey by constriction.
Another aquarium holds an alligator snapping turtle, the largest turtle found in Missouri. Its shell can measure up to 26 inches and its weight ranges from 35-150 pounds.
The nature center has a children’s play center and numerous other hands-on exhibits.
TRAILS
Next, we went outside the center to walk along the trails. We did a short .4 mile hike with 62 feet of elevation gain that includes a swamp. There are two miles of nature trails in the park.
Our Hike
From the center, we headed east on the Tulip Popular Hill Trail.
Next, we crossed a wooden bridge over a brook.
Then we made a left onto the Wood Duck Swamp Trail.
Cross a long wooden bridge over a stream.
Next, we came to Wood Duck Swamp.
We walked around the east bank and headed to a boardwalk.
It leads to an island in the middle.
Then we came to a sign that talks about what lives in a swamp habitat such as ducks, frogs, muskrats, and dragonflies.
Next, we made a left onto the Cottonwood Crossing Trail. If you go right, you can do a longer hike on the Maple Hollow Trail.
Then we were back at the nature center.
Final Thoughts
I like that the nature center trails include woods, ponds, and streams to explore. The nature center has plenty of different hands-on displays and animal exhibits to check out. If you like nature and hiking as a family this is a good place to checkout.
DETAILS
Drive: Take Interstate 55 south of St. Louis. Then in Cape Girardeau, M0., take Exit 99 and make a left onto I-55 Business Loop/U.S. 61 and then make a left onto N. County Park Road and you will first pass the Southeast Regional Conservation Office before the drive ends at the lot for the nature center.
Admission: Free
Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday- Saturday; Closed, Sunday-Monday
Address: 2289 County Park Dr, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Cape Girardeau County Park
Across the road is Cape Girardeau County Park.
This park has a playground that includes a seated zipline which my son enjoyed doing.
The playground includes slides, a treehouse top, along with climbing structures.
At the front of the park is an informational sign on the history of Cape Girardeau.
Address: 2400 County Park Dr, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
MORE SOUTHEAST MISSOURI ATTRACTIONS
Hiking In a Swamp at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge
Hiking on a boardwalk in a swamp along with Ozark mountain views is in the mix at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge.
See Dinosaurs at Ste. Genevieve Museum Learning Center
Check out dinosaur fossils and explore the oldest town in Missouri as part of a day in Ste. Genevieve, which is about an hour south of St. Louis.
Kade’s Playground in Herculaneum Has a Volcano
My son had an awesome time at a playground that includes a volcano surrounded by lava at Kade’s Playground in Herculaneum, Mo. Yet, the story of how it came about is inspirational.
SNAKES IN THE WILD
Larue-Pine Hills and Snake Road
Larue-Pine Hills has inspirational views and below its bluffs what is known as Snake Road for snake migration in the spring and fall. This area is part of the Shawnee National Forest and has a diverse habitat to explore.
