Jefferson City

Understand

Jefferson City is named for the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was the president responsible for the Louisiana Purchase. Some of the land from that purchase eventually became the State of Missouri. In 2020, the city was home to 43,000 people, with 150,000 in the metropolitan area.

Tourist information Visit Jefferson City

Getting there

By car Jefferson is centrally located in the State of Missouri about half-way between St. Louis and Kansas City along the Missouri River. There are three major highways that run directly through the city: US 50, 54, and 63.

By plane Jefferson City Memorial Airport, which is across the Missouri River, only serves general aviation. The closest airport with commercial service is Columbia Regional Airport, from which US Highway 63 goes straight to Jefferson City. American Airlines is the only carrier at the airport, with daily non-stop flights between Columbia and Chicago (ORD) or Dallas (DFW). The closest full-scale commercial airport is Lambert St. Louis International Airport, about two hours away. It is very easy to get from the St. Louis airport to Jefferson City. Take I-70 west out of St. Louis for about an hour and a half. At this point take US Highway 54 south for about 30 minutes until you reach Jefferson City. A little further is the Kansas City International Airport, about three hours away.

By train The Amtrak Station is in the heart of Downtown Jefferson City at 101 Jefferson Street. At the midpoint of the Kansas City to St. Louis route, the Missouri River Runner, there are two departures each direction every day. While a ticket is not needed to board the train, a reservation is. Call 800-USA-Rail or visit Amtrak for reservations and schedule information.

1 Jefferson City railway station, 101 Jefferson St. (updated Mar 2022)

Getting around

Most of the attractions are in the heart of Downtown Jefferson City within walking distance of each other. There is also an extensive greenway with 7.4 miles of paved trails [1]. This is a multi-use greenway and is perfect for walking, running, biking or skating. The greenway now connects via the Missouri River Bike & Pedestrian Bridge to the Katy Trial, one of the nation's longest trail projects (238 miles).

See

Museums 1 Missouri State Museum, 201 W. Capitol Ave, ☏ +1 573 751-4127. Daily 8AM-5PM. Tours are given for free every hour from 9AM to 4PM. The Missouri State Museum is on the first floor of the Missouri State Capitol Building and managed by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.Today, the museum continues to showcase Missouri’s diverse history and resources. The museum houses temporary and long-term exhibits. Missouri Veterinary Medical Foundation Museum, 2500 Country Club Dr, ☏ +1 573 636-8737. M-F 9AM to 4PM; Saturday, by appointment. No visit to Jefferson City is complete without a visit to this museum. Veterinary artifacts and instruments, many over 100 years old, are on display. Instruments and equipment used in small and large animal surgery, old diaries and sample drug cases are a part of the display. 2 Jefferson Landing State Historic Site, Jefferson St & Capital Ave, ☏ +1 573 751-2854. Tu–Sa 10AM–4PM, closed December. The area at the base of Jefferson Street, known as Jefferson’s Landing, was the site of the original river landing and the first area settled in the city. It is significant as a rare surviving Missouri River landing place. The structures in this historic site date back to 1839 making it the oldest riverfront landing on the Missouri River. As this site was later served by the railroad, several of Jefferson City’s largest businesses grew here. 3 Cole County Historical Museum, 109 Madison St, ☏ +1 573-635-1850. You can encounter the roots of Missouri government and discover the charm and culture of the early political society at the Cole County Historical Society Museum. The building stands as a historical site, built by Governor B. Gratz Brown in 1871, and today it draws visitors as a tourist attraction. The museum has a collection of artifacts, antiques and historical documents. Notably, it is the only county museum in the country to own and display inaugural gowns of its state’s First Ladies. $3 for adults $1 for kids. Missouri

Do

Parks Binder Park, 5840 Rainbow Dr, ☏ +1 573 634-6482. Binder Park adjoins Joseph C. Miller Park. The main feature of the park is a 150-acre lake which offers excellent fishing for bass, catfish, bluegill and other species. Binder Park is also home to Jefferson City’s only disc golf course. The 18-hole course runs through the woods with some open fairways. Binder Park also has a mountain bike trail on its terrain. As the Binder Lake trail system winds across the landscape, it provides something for all users. Katy Trail State Park. The Katy Trail is a 225-mile (365-km) bike path stretching across most of the state of Missouri. Over half of it follows Lewis and Clark's path up the Missouri River, where you can ride beneath towering river bluffs while eagles circle overhead. After leaving the river, the trail meanders through peaceful farmland and small-town Americana. America's longest "rails-to-trail" project, formerly the MKT rail line, is flat and scenic. It's ideal for hiking, running, or cycling on just about any kind of bike. Cole County Park, Country Club Drive, ☏ +1 573 636-3614. Cole County Park is near the fairgrounds off Country Club Drive. An attractive 8-acre lake in the park provides opportunities for fishing and picnicking. A general purpose field and a soccer field have been developed at the park. 1 Ellis Porter/Riverside Park, Grant Street, ☏ +1 573 634-6482. Located at the north end of Grant Street on a beautiful bluff overlooking the Missouri River. Joseph C. Miller Park, Highway 50 West, ☏ +1 573 634-6482. Joseph C. Miller Park is on Highway 50 West, approximately two miles west of Capital Mall. 2 McClung Park, 930 McClung Park Dr, ☏ +1 573 634-6482. On Chestnut Street near Lincoln University’s Dwight T. Reed Stadium. Contains facilities for large crowds with a covered picnic shelter, and a general purpose air-conditioned building. 3 McKay Park, 1700 Southridge Dr, ☏ +1 573 634-6482. 5AM-11PM. This park also provides picnic shelters an

Buy

1 The Capital Mall, West Truman Blvd, ☏ +1 573 893-5323. This mall features two major department stores (Dillard’s and JC Penney), a grocery store, and a variety of other shops and restaurants. It is on US 50 at West Truman Blvd. Stores include American Eagle, Victoria’s Secret, Buckle, and Bath and Body Works. This mall has seen better days. (updated Sep 2024) Downtown Jefferson City, 100 East High St., ☏ +1 573 291-3524, [email protected]. High Street has been the heart of Jefferson City for more than 150 years. Downtown stores are mixed with more than 20 eateries and include American Shoe, Carrie’s Hallmark Shop, Copper Tree Exchange, Downtown Book & Toy, Fine Mess Boutique, High Handsome Men's Exchange, Southbank Gift Company,