58th Annual Central States VHF Society Conference
WELCOME TO CENTRAL STATES VHF SOCIETY CONFERENCE
Drury Plaza Hotel Conference Center
Cape Girardeau, MO
July 23-26, 2026
My conference team and I are excited to invite you to attend the 58th Central States VHF Society conference located at the Drury Plaza Conference Center in Cape Girardeau, MO. We will have activities that cover a wide range of interests and topics as well as family activities for non-ham interests. This will be our 1st year at this site, and we are so excited.
The conference will have an antenna range on Friday, along with equipment testing, vendor displays, and Rover Row and Dish Bowl. There will be presentations on Friday and Saturday by our VHF and above community members. On Friday, we will also have our Friday swap-fest along with a social gathering at the end.
We will end the conference with an exciting banquet on Saturday that includes a banquet speaker and prizes for all.
Please visit our website at https://2026.csvhfs.org for more information and updates as they become available
Tammy O’Dell—KN4PSE—President, Central States VHF Society
Central States VHF Society 2026 Family Program
Friday July 24
Guided City Tour of Cape Girardeau
Start the day with a local guide providing the
Historical and architectural uniquities of
Cape Girardeau
Crisp Museum
Study the cultural history of Southeast Missouri and the Mississippi River valley including Native American artifacts, early Spanish and French contact, later American settlement, Civil War history, political turmoil in Missouri, and the development of Cape Girardeau as a river town.
Lunch at Port Cape Girardeau
Dine in a casual, historic setting overlooking the Mississippi River, specializing in slow-cooked BBQ and classic comfort food. Enjoy dessert at the on-site ice cream parlor.
Downtown Exploration
Finish exploring the downtown area and the Mississippi River Tales Mural.
The antique shops are a hub for vintage collectors. Antique shops include Pastimes Antiques, Brick Street Gallery, and Spanish Street Mercantile.
Boutiques & Specialty Gift Shops Include: Goose & Gander – A curated food shop featuring a "sober bar" and unique gourmet products. Belle Ever After Boutique – A women's clothing store. Lattitudes Fair Trade Store – Offers ethically sourced home decor and gifts.
Painted Wren Art Gallery and Riverside Pottery showcase nature-inspired art and handmade ceramics.
Central States VHF Society 2026 Family Program
Saturday July 25
Guided Tour of Trail of Tears State Park
The park includes: The Crossing commemorating the spot where nine of the 13 Cherokee detachments crossed the Mississippi River during the winter of 1838–1839. The Struggle describing the harsh winter conditions and floating ice, thousands of Cherokee were forced to camp in the surrounding forest under brutal conditions while waiting to cross. Bushyhead Memorial marks the traditional burial site of Princess Otahki, daughter of a Cherokee chief, and others who perished during the relocation.
Lunch at My Daddies Cheesecake
The menu includes a variety of soup, salad, and sandwich deals. Choose from 20 flavors of cheesecake for dessert.
Cape Girardeau Heritage Museum
See displays on Founding Figures – Learn about the city founders Jean Baptiste de Girardot and Jean-Pierre Lorimier. Missouri State Flag – Marie Watkins Oliver, a Cape Girardeau resident, designed the Missouri State Flag. River Heritage – Replicas of riverboats, antique packet boats, and a model of the town as it appeared historically. Special Semi Quincentennial Exhibits – Honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States by learning about George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette. Local Technology & Media – Be able to tell your ham about the KFVS-TV (once the world's tallest TV tower) and collections of antique cars.
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