Our mild climate allows visitors as well as local residents to enjoy many outdoor activities, ranging from spectator sports to participant games all year around.

Throughout the year, Cape Girardeau hosts soccer tournaments attended by hundreds of young people and adults. Most soccer events are held at the new Shawnee Sports Complex, which also plays host to various baseball and softball tournaments.

Summer finds all of the 26 softball and baseball fields humming with activity every night. Little league, girls' softball and adult co-ed leagues keep the residents of our area entertained during our long summer season. During the autumn months, high school and university football games capture the interest of many.

Basketball reaches a fevered pitch, warming fans during the winter season. Many die-hard fans enjoy both high school and college level hoops. The Southeast Missouri State University Redhawks participate in the Ohio Valley Conference and ignite the fuel that will keep local basketball fans going strong through the winter.

Other sports such as runs, race-walks, roller bladeing, volleyball and tennis offer alternative activities.

Visitors can find a golf course to suit their playing level with two driving ranges, one 3-par golf course, one 18-hole regulation golf course, one private course in the city and one semi-private course in the area. Construction is complete at Dalhousie Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus designed course.

Other outdoor recreation includeing fishing, hiking and camping can be enjoyed at the Trail of Tears State Park just north of the city.

Cape Girardeau has joined the growing trend of other cities in providing a walking/running/roller blade trail for all to enjoy. Ours is a 4-mile paved trail connecting the Osage Community Center to the Shawnee Sports Complex.

With 24 city parks, two county parks and one State Park, the activities are varied and plentiful.