Location: Jefferson City
Top Things to do in Jefferson City
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The 9 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day 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. Cole County Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Within the walls of this museum, the romantic history of Missouri unfolds. The building is filled with treasures of historical significance dating from the era of the Louisiana Territory. Spacious rooms are filled with antique chandeliers, rosewood and mahogany chests and settees, French mirrors and fine paintings. This is the only county museum in the country to display inaugural gowns of its state's First Ladies at times throughout the year. The museum is closed December 15 - February 1.
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. 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!
8. Spectators Bar
9. Miller Performing Arts Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
