The 10 Best Museums in Saint Joseph, Missouri (MO)

Housed in the medical, surgical, and admitting unit of the former St. Joseph State Hospital, the museum is one of only a few of its kind. The original displays created in 1968 by the museum’s namesake, George Glore, are still a part of the collection. These exhibits give visitors a life-size visual of what mental health treatment devices looked like in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Exhibits also share the history of what was once known as “State Lunatic Asylum No. 2” when it opened in 1874. The exhibits include surgical tools, treatment equipment, and doctor’s personal notes. Patient artwork, such as pottery, paintings and needlework, is also on display to give visitors an idea of how patients faced their daily challenges and expressed themselves through their art. Exhibits include the contents removed from a patient’s stomach (such as nails, thimbles, and eating utensils) as well as a television set packed full of handwritten notes written by another patient. Tours include

A work of art itself, the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art houses one of the finest collections of American Art from the Colonial period to the present. The former William Albrecht home provides the perfect backdrop for works by artist including Mary Cassatt, Thomas Hart Benton, Gilbert Stuart, and Albert Bierstadt. A wide variety of special programs complement the museum's collection including temporary exhibitions, a cafe, art classes, gallery talks, and special events.

The mission of the Pony Express Historical Association is to interpret the early history and development of St. Joseph, from the days of the Pony Express and Jesse James to the 1920s, using authentic artifacts in the buildings where these events actually occurred.

The Robidoux Row Museum shows the early history of the city of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Including Joseph Robidoux's Family and belongings.

By way of chronicling the history of this funeral home, the museum chronicles the history of undertaking in general.

Overlooking the Missouri River, this center caters to history and nature buffs alike. Peer into a 7,000-gallon freshwater aquarium; explore the history of the St. Joseph area; stand trunk to nose with a woolly mammoth replica. See our website for a complete listing of activities, sights and adventures. Please also visit our Facebook page.

The Walter Cronkite Memorial was the vision of Dr. Robert Vartabedian, President of Missouri Western State University, to create a fitting memorial to St. Joseph's beloved native son and one of the most important and trusted voices in our country's history. Dr. Vartabedian's vision was captured by Missouri Western art faculty members Eric Fuson and David Harris, who designed the unique artistic display illustrating Cronkite's distinguished career with CBS television. This memorial was made possible with funding from the David and Shirley Bradley Endowment. Much like Walter Cronkite, the Bradley family has left a journalistic legacy by bringing the important news of the day to the general public. We are grateful for their many contributions to the St. Joseph community and to Missouri Western State University.

To get a taste of European architecture, visit the Wyeth-Tootle Mansion of the St. Joseph Museums, Inc. Not only does the Mansion celebrate Gothic architecture and Victorian-era interior design, it also houses exhibits that explore the natural disasters that have shaped the history of the region. The mansions commanding height, its impressive tower and remarkable view of the Missouri River region and bluffs were inspired by the original owners’ trips to castles along the Rhine River in Germany. William and Eliza Wyeth commissioned architect E.J. Eckel to help them realize their grand vision. In fact, Eckel’s architectural vision and talent left a lasting mark on the St. Joseph community, as his firm designed 75% of St. Joseph’s outstanding historical buildings. Mansion exhibits include: The Architecture of E.J. Eckel, Intersection of Time & Buildings, Confluence: the Flood of 1993, and Fame & Politics: The Life of Ruth Warrick. The manicured garden is also open to the public.