11 Best Things to Do in Jefferson City, MO

Jefferson City is a beautiful destination named after the third President of the US, Thomas Jefferson. The gorgeous Missouri River, stunning shrines, lovely parks, and remarkable museums decorate Jefferson City with splendors. This city has a bundle of outstanding historical attractions like The Missouri State Capitol, Missouri State Museum, Governor’s Mansion, and Jefferson Landing State Historic Site.

Missouri’s capital city offers all kinds of nature, eateries and entertainment options to satisfy travelers of any age. With a host of attractions around the area, you might be curious about what there is to see and do here on the south bank of the Missouri River.

• Where is the best dessert in Jefferson City?
• Where can I exercise outdoors around Jefferson City?
• Does Jefferson City have a nightlife scene?

Those are the same questions we had coming into town. So start scrolling down as Nichole and I share what we’ve found to be the top things to do in Jefferson City, Missouri.

Top Things to Do in Jefferson City

Tour The Governor’s Mansion

It’s not that often that you get a chance at a free peek inside the actual residence of a state governor but here in Missouri, it’s encouraged. After two previous mansions had hosted the first family, George Ingram Barnett designed and built the current 66.5′ x 66.5′ square structure atop a bluff overlooking the Missouri River.

You will certainly want to stop by and explore this beautiful three-story home and see the grand stairway which is carved out of walnut. Be sure to plan out this visit as you will need to make a reservation at least one day in advance.

Visit The Missouri State Capitol Building

Some of you may not realize that Jefferson City was not the original capital city of Missouri. The beginnings of Missouri’s state government were shared between buildings in St. Louis and the temporary Capital City of St. Charles, MO. Today, we get to see and enjoy the splendor of the Missouri State Capitol‘s fifth edition which was completed in 1917 and is considered one of the most reputed buildings in the Midwest.

We recommend taking a guided tour of the Capitol building to learn about the state’s history, the legislative process, and the structure of the building itself. Dense marble was sourced from the mines near Carthage, MO for its exterior, and famous artists like Thomas Hart Benton, James Earle Fraser, and Sir Frank Brangwyn created the stunning artwork throughout the building. Their guided tours are free of cost on any day of the week.

Tour The Missouri State Penitentiary

Missouri State Penitentiary was opened in 1836 and has since been labeled as the “bloodiest 47 acres in America” by the editors of Time Magazine. During its long history, celebrities such as James Earl Ray, Sonny Liston, and more, have spent time behind these creepy iron bars.

This 2-hour guided tour will fill you in on all the details of the awful dungeons, solitary confinement conditions, and even some daring prison escapes. If you’re into the paranormal side of penitentiary life, be sure to ask about the 2-hour ghost tours. Lock up your reservations early.

Explore Runge Nature Center

I’ll admit, what originally drew us to the Runge Nature Center Park was the vast amounts of Pokemon characters to collect. Yes, our youngest son and I were desperate at the time to famously “Catch ’em all!” However, we quickly caught on to what a beautiful and peaceful park we’d discovered. The park includes various ways to learn about wildlife, prairies, glades, and natural exhibits. Be sure and check out their amazing indoor aquarium, ponds, and wet-weather streams around the grounds.

The buildings close on Sundays and Mondays along with all state holidays. Otherwise, be sure to plan some outdoor exercise at this terrific nature center run by the Missouri Conservation Department.

Jefferson Landing State Historic Site

Jefferson Landing State Historic Site is managed by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. All you history enthusiasts like me will relish a visit to this attraction. Wander through buildings like the Lohman Building, the Union Hotel, and the Old State Bank for fascinating tales of early Missouri. These structures are great for providing a glimpse into Jefferson City’s days of old. The interpretive displays and period rooms had Nichole enjoying a peek into daily life in the 19th century.

The Lohman Building has a general store and a warehouse from the 1850s, and the Union Hotel houses the Elizabeth Rozier Gallery, which exhibits the state’s history, art & cultural displays. Just outside the ground floor of this building, you’ll find the Amtrak train station with quick and easy access to popular Missouri cities such as Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, Warrensburg, Sedalia, Hermann, Washington, Kirkwood, and St. Louis. Take a guided tour of the site Monday through Friday from March 1 until Thanksgiving to get more information about the historical greatness of the state.

Museum of Missouri Military History

The Museum of Missouri Military History is located at the Ike Skelton Training Center which houses exhibits dating back to when the Missouri Military began operating in 1808. You can sightsee the war exhibits dating from 1812 to the modern-day Missouri Nation Guard. Entry is free in this museum.

You can discover the exhibits from the Civil War and the World Wars among other significant conflicts. Important military vehicles such as the popular C-130, deadly F15 Strike Eagle, and F4 Phantom along with enough helicopters, jeeps, and tanks to satisfy the most curious researchers.

Relax in Carnahan Memorial Garden

Carnahan Memorial Garden is conveniently located next to the Governor’s Mansion in Jefferson City. The garden provides a peaceful oasis to the Capitol Complex with its seasonal display of native flowers, reflecting pools, trees, and walkways. The original garden was renamed after the death of Governor Mel Carnahan to honor his lifelong service to the people of Missouri.

If you wish to reserve the venue for special occasions or weddings, contact the Missouri Office of Administration for more information.

Ready To Eat: Try Madison’s Cafe

Madison’s Café is a popular restaurant in downtown Jefferson City that has been serving patrons since 1982. You can savor American and Italian foods such as hand-cut steaks, mouthwatering appetizers, hot soups, healthy salads, choice seafood, crafted sandwiches, pasta, and a long list of desserts. In addition to this, you can also drink from their fine collection of wines and innovative cocktails.

This is a great place for a romantic date night meal but they handle all types of occasions so make sure you give them a try on your next trip through town.

Ready for Dessert: Central Dairy is the Place

If there’s one thing we are sure to do on every trip to Jefferson City, it’s stopping by our good friends at Central Dairy. They have been selling the best ice cream around since 1934. Though this ice cream parlor may look old, that doesn’t stop kids of all ages from stopping in for their amazing flavors. The shop serves ice cream cones or cups, fountain drinks, shakes, malts, sundaes, banana splits, or even Polish sausages and hot dogs. Need some gluten-free and egg-free ice cream? They have those too!

Stop in and see what 75 years of perfect practice tastes like. Whether you prefer classic flavors or unique creations, you’ll find something to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ready For A Pint: Paddy Malone’s Pub

You know by now that we rarely pass an Irish pub that we don’t venture in and order up. A night on the town in Jefferson City means you aren’t far from Paddy Malone’s Pub. This family-owned tavern is located three blocks from the Capitol Building so you can experience some Irish pub ambiance anytime you’re nearby.

They serve tasty appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, steaks, and chops. The list of brews on tap includes Guinness, Kilkenny Cream Ale, Magner’s Cider, Smithwick’s, Harp, wonderful microbrews, and fabulous domestics. The bar serves a great list of wines along with more than 20 Scotch and Irish whiskeys. Check the schedule to see which Irish music sessions are coming up.

Take a Stroll Down The Katy Trail

After a night of food, ice cream, and brews, you’ll be ready to walk the world-famous Katy Trail. Katy Trail State Park is filled with nature and offers peaceful recreation to visitors. What began as a vision by Edward “Ted” & Pat Jones to one day connect a rail to trail across the entire state of Missouri has developed into the popular nature park it is today. Following along the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (MKT), it is now the longest rail trail available for recreation in the country.

Katy Trail State Park is the perfect spot for hikers, cyclists, history buffs, and nature lovers. The trail currently extends 225 miles between the areas of St. Charles and Clinton. New sections of the Rock Island Trail are coming together and extending the Katy Trail into Kansas City. The trail is located close to the Missouri River, which enables visitors to admire the river and bluffs.

The photo below shows Nichole at a dedication ceremony for the opening of a new section scheduled to open in 2024. We will be going back for many years to check on the 30+ trees her company planted along the trail.

In Conclusion

Jefferson City, Missouri, is a city with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. From its iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this capital city has something for everyone. Whether you’re exploring the corridors of power in the State Capitol or savoring the flavors of Central Dairy’s ice cream, you’ll find an abundance of wonderful experiences in this charming city.

So, plan your trip to Jefferson City, and let the stories of the past and present weave a lasting memory. Discover the history, embrace the culture, and relish the splendors that make this city a treasure of the Show-Me State.

If you’re making a trip to St. Louis soon, check out our 12 Free Things To Do in St Louis.

Distance to Jefferson City – Chart

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