River Heritage Day

Cape Girardeau is rich with history, and thanks to several local groups and individuals, there are many opportunities to learn more about earlier times and visit historic attractions in Cape Girardeau.

One of these opportunities is taking place this weekend with the Cape Girardeau River Heritage Day. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, those interested can tour the Glenn House, Old St. Vincent's Church, Red House Interpretive Center and Cape River Heritage Museum at no charge.

The Glenn House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1883. Electricity and plumbing was installed in the 1890s, and in 1900 the house was renovated and converted from a vernacular farmhouse to a Queen Anne-style home.

Old St. Vincent's Church, also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1851 after the original church was destroyed by a tornado the previous year. The current building's foundation, however, was built with the stone from the original church, and the facility's style is of Renaissance architecture.

The Red House Interpretative Center, a replica of Louis Lorimier's home, opened Nov. 23, 2003 -- exactly 200 years after Lewis and Clark arrived in Cape Girardeau. The center is home to an early-1800s exhibit that reflects the lives of Cape Girardeau's early settlers.

The Cape River Heritage Museum is always a great source to learn more about Cape Girardeau's history. As part of Saturday's festivities, the museum will be hosting old time games as well as crafts, and Chief Paul White Eagle will be speaking at 11 a.m.

Consider attending what looks to be a fun-filled River Heritage Day on Saturday.