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Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center

Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center
2289 County Park Drive
573-290-5218

Area Information

  • Free and open to the public.
  • Join us for special events, hike a trail, or get acquainted with Missouri’s fascinating wildlife.
  • Schedule a school or youth-group visit. Bus parking available. See Cape’s Interpretive Programs Guide below.

Area hours

  • Open daily from sunrise to 10 p.m.

Facility and exhibits

  • 160-seat auditorium, three classrooms, hands-on exhibits for all ages, a scientific research laboratory, freshwater aquariums, and an indoor wildlife-viewing area

Programs

  • Lots of programs, workshops, and special events. Check out the Events block to the right.

Trails

  • Two-mile White Oak Trace nature trail. Download the trail map listed below.

Gift shop

  • MDC Nature Shop featuring books, calendars, DVDs, toys, and other nature-related gifts

Recent News

MDC, Forest ReLeaf Of Missouri to Offer Free Trees

Cape Girardeau, MO - The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is partnering with Forest ReLeaf of Missouri’s CommuniTree Program to provide over 10,000 free 3-gallon native trees and shrubs for public or non-profit plantings in Missouri. …

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Visit MDC Cape Nature Center for Duck Decoy Carving, Game Night, Discover Nature - Fishing in June

Visit MDC Cape Nature Center for duck decoy carving, game night, Discover Nature - Fishing in June Cape Girardeau, MO - Get outside and enjoy nature in June with Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature…

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Visit MDC Cape Nature Center for Feeding Frenzy, Many More Free Programs in May

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Discover the importance of Missouri reptiles and amphibians, sharpen archery skills, and learn fishing tips with Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center’s free May…

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MDC Welcomes Renowned Musical Artist John Nilsen to Cape Nature Center on May 6

Cape Girardeau, MO - The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) welcomes popular northwest musical artist, John Nilsen, to Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center for a nature-inspired performance at 2 p.m. on May 6. Registration is not…

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MDC Cape Nature Center to Host 18th Annual Native Plant Seminar in March

Text “MDC Nature” to 468311 for program reminders and updates. CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is encouraging those interested in “going native” for spring landscaping to attend…

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Discover How Native Plants Mingle With Nature at MDC Cape Nature Center Virtual Program on February 14, 2023

Text “MDC Nature” to 468311 for program registration reminders and updates. Cape Girardeau, MO – Discover how lovely nature can be this month with Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature…

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Look No Further Than MDC Cape Nature Center For Fun, Educational Winter Activities

Text “MDC Nature” to 468311 for program registration reminders and updates. CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO– Discover nature in January with Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center’s free…

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Refine Your Deer Hunting, Processing Skills This Month at MDC Cape Nature Center

Text “MDC Nature” to 468311 for program registration reminders and updates. Cape Girardeau, MO – New to deer hunting, or interested in making the best of this year’s harvest? Check out Cape Nature Center’s free…

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Musical Duo Carter and Connelley Returns to MDC Cape Nature Center on December 2, 2022

Registration is not required; attendance is free. CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo – Join the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center for an exciting evening of nature-themed melodies with special guests…

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MDC: Get Involved in Mississippi Riverfront Cleanup Effort Dec. 3 in Cape Girardeau

Free T-shirts, snacks, and drinks will be provided. CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is asking for volunteers to remove litter and help beautify the Mississippi Riverfront from 2 – 4 p.m. on Dec. 3…

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MDC Cape Nature Center Gets Spooky with Trek N’ Treat Event on October 22, 2022

The Cape Nature Center sends program registration reminders and updates to those who sign up by texting “MDC Nature” to 468311. CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Help us celebrate the spookiest time of year with a not-so-spooky event perfect…

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Search for ‘Treasure’ at MDC Intro to Geocaching Program on Aug. 27 at Cape Nature Center

Get ready to learn about different types of caches, safety, and GPS use! CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Grab a friend and learn to search for nature’s treasures all around you at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) free…

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Stay Cool with MDC Virtual Events This Summer

The Cape Nature Center sends program registration reminders and updates to those who sign up by texting “MDC Nature” to 468311. Cape Girardeau, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Cape Girardeau Conservation…

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Learn to Draw Colorful Stippled Darters on July 9 at MDC Cape Nature Center

The Cape Nature Center sends program registration reminders and updates to those who sign up by texting “MDC Nature” to 468311. CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Darters have been described as the hummingbirds of the fish world: colorful,…

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MDC to Host Family Fishing Program at Cape Nature Center, Cape County Park North on June 3, 2022

The Cape Nature Center sends program registration reminders and updates to those who sign up by texting “MDC Nature” to 468311. CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Spring is a great time to go fishing, and the Missouri Department of…

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MDC to ‘Shell-Ebrate’ Missouri Turtles Virtually, In-Person on June 4, 2022

The Cape Nature Center sends program registration reminders and updates to those who sign up by texting “MDC Nature” to 468311. CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is inviting you to…

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MDC Hosts ‘En-Lightening’ Evening with Fireflies at Cape Nature Center on June 11

The Cape Nature Center sends program registration reminders and updates to those who sign up by texting “MDC Nature” to 468311. CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO – You’re invited to an “en-lightening” evening at Missouri…

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MDC Cape Nature Center to Host Grand Adventure Camps this Summer

Cape Girardeau, Mo. – For many adults, summertime as a child meant freedom. It was a time of relaxation, and a break from the daily school grind with all the time in the world to enjoy nature. This summer, the Missouri Department of…

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