Location: Jefferson City
Top Things to do in Jefferson City
Top 8 Budget-friendly Things to do in Jefferson City, Missouri (MO)
The Missouri State Capitol dominates a bluff overlooking the Missouri River and the bronze statue atop its 238 foot-high dome is the first thing that comes into view for visitors of Jefferson City. The same bluff was one of the first sites passed by Lewis and Clark on their famous expedition, and the city is close to both the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and KATY Trail State Park. The city is also home to the imposing Missouri State Penitentiary, the “bloodiest 47 acres in America.”
Restaurants in Jefferson City
1. Governor's Mansion
2. Museum of Missouri Military History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By Conkfamily - Camdenton, United States
Our Boy Scout Troop was in Jefferson City touring historical sites and we found out that there was a military museum close by so we added it to our trip. It is about 5 miles or so from the capital building. We arrived at the gate about 3pm and were welcomed by friendly security staff after showing them our drivers license and issued our visitor badges we were allowed in. This museum is located at the Missouri headquarter for the Missouri National Guard. The museum is made up of two parts and indoor section that has items of history with displays and descriptions of items and events, the out door part has retired planes, tanks, artillery, with description of the equipment. The museum is not large and we toured and felt like we had time and I would say we were there for an hour and half. The guide that was working the museum was friendly and knowledgeable, he did not pressure us to leave even though the museum's closing hour was 4pm and we were the past that. I would recommend touring the military museum if you are in Jefferson city and like to see historical places and things. I am glad we toured the museum and will add this to our scout activities when in Jefferson city. They do recommend if you are going to have more than 10 guests to let them know, we had more than 10 but as I said the guide was very accomidating.
3. Missouri State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 557 reviews
Reviewed By LeonViajante - San Juan, Caribbean
Nice beautiful architecture. Well maintained. The rotonda’s art depict ceiling paintings that describe state activities and history. First floor had historical exhibit dating from the beginnings of the state and include information of the civil war and other events that marked Missouri’s history.
4. Missouri State Penitentiary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 860 reviews
The Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) opened in 1836 along the banks of the Missouri River in Jefferson City, Missouri, the state capital. The prison housed inmates for 168 years and was the oldest continually operating prison west of the Mississippi until it was decommissioned in 2004. The prison was already 100 years old when Alcatraz began taking inmates.The Jefferson City Convention & Visitors Bureau now offers a wide variety of tours at the site, once named the "The bloodiest 47 acres in America" by Time magazine. Visitors can choose to take a History or Ghost Tour, among others, and will walk through several incredibly historic housing units, the vast upper yard of the property and the gas chamber, where 40 men and women were executed. The tour also showcases cells of infamous inmates such as Sonny Liston, and James Earl Ray, who escaped from MSP before assassinating Martin Luther King Jr. Tour Season runs March - November each year. Tour Season: March - November
Reviewed By ashymail88
What a great tour!! Just wish we’d have gone on the night ghost tour!! Very knowledgeable tour guide!
5. Runge Conservation Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
Reviewed By AngieW4 - Poplar Bluff, United States
The trails are all really well marked. This place is wonderfully close to the heart of the city and available for a quick walk or hike.
6. Prison Brews
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By EnieMenieMinieMo - Missouri, United States
We ate a late lunch there yesterday after our tour of Jeff City Prison. The manager was our waiter because the dinner shift hadn't arrived yet. He couldn't have been any nicer. He showed us the prison pictures on the walls and the fire brick oven where they cook pizza. The decor in this restaurant is amazing. You feel like you're in prison but in a good way! Each booth is like a cell with barb wire strung above. The food was delicious! I had the pizza which I highly recommend and my husband had the fish sandwich which was huge and very good! We ate inside but they have outside seating, as well. All the staff were wearing masks. We'll definitely come back if we are in the area again!
7. Lewis and Clark Monument Trailhead Plaza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By GayeS545 - Liberty, United States
I am so pleased to see that York is included in this monument to the brave souls who undertook this expedition. The omission of Sacagawea is a serious oversight.The location of the monument overlooking the Missouri River is poignant.
8. Missouri State Penitentiary Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
In conjunction with the Missouri State Penitentiary tours, the museum provides additional historical information about the famous prison that operated for 168 years. The museum houses MSP memorabilia as well as a replica cell that demonstrates the living conditions at the prison. Visitors can view the many displays that provide information on prison industries, contract labor/private industries, life inside the walls and control/counter-control.
Reviewed By DavidB8162
Good amount of items from the prison and interesting stories to read about. Loved seeing the photo of the prisoner diving into the pool to match the story that Larry told us about the requirement to be able to swim in the 2ft deep pool. Crazy!
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