Marjolein Dilven
What is there to see in Jefferson City? Like the 3rd US President from whom it has taken its name, the city is inspiring and delightful to know. There are just so many things to do in Jefferson City MO, that you must see and experience.
Jefferson City, the capital of Missouri, is a great place to spend some vacation time.
The city was named after the third US president, Thomas Jefferson. It is located on the northern side of the Ozark Plateau in the Mid-Missouri region and close to many famous cities, such as Chicago (393 miles or 632 kilometers away) and Kansas (158 miles or 254 km).
Jefferson City is filled with great tourist spots, including natural landscapes, rivers, and architecture. The city’s main highlight is the Missouri river, an amazing sight with various activities nearby. Moreover, this small area is rich in heritage and culture. You will find a lot of prestigious landmarks and historic buildings.
With all the exciting activities and memorable experiences to savor that await you in Jefferson City, you won’t have time to be bored. But with numerous such options, you might need some information to make the best choices for a fun-filled time in Jeff City.
Weather in Jefferson City, MO
Weather is another great reason to visit Jefferson City, as it has long, warm summers and very short winters.
During winter, the weather gets cold, reaching as low as 17.6 degrees Fahrenheit (-8° Celsius). However, the temperature in summer rarely goes above 86°F (30°C) and usually stays between 68 to 77°F (20 to 25°C).
A closer look at weather conditions shows that the best time to plan your trip to Jefferson City is between mid-April and mid-June.
Things To Do in Jefferson City MO – Activities
1. Miller Performing Arts Center
The Jefferson City Public School District owns Miller Performing Arts Center. It is a great place to enjoy concerts, theatrical performances, and lectures. The arts center also organizes various events every year.
The best part of this place is the seating and maintenance, as the overall arrangement makes it easy to view performances even in a full house. In addition, there is an art gallery on the upper floor of the building, and the staff there is quite friendly.
2. Picnic at Jefferson City’s Recreational Area
The government started the construction of this recreational area called Cedar City in late 1993 after floods destroyed the area.
The construction plan included several parks and other buildings funded by the city’s government. The place allocated for parks was around 165 acres, enough to fit a park with food preparation areas for picnics and outdoor bathrooms.
The recreational area can now fit around 250 people, with a parking area accommodating around 180 cars. The special features include an RC racetrack, dog park, boat launching, basic camping, and a path to Missouri Katy Trail.
3. Outdoor Recreation at Memorial State Park
The Memorial State Park is one of the best in Missouri when it comes to scenic views and exciting activities.
The park provides opportunities for various activities, such as hiking trails for adventurous exploration, bike paths to ride on, horse trails for horseback riding, and much more.
You can find many park spots ideal for camping. Just bring your camping equipment.
4. ATV Riding at Finger Lakes State Park
Finger Lakes Park used to be a strip mine for mining coal, but now, it is an amazing park with numerous activities. Only 2 state parks in the entire Missouri state offer ATV riding, and Finger Lakes Park is one of them.
You can enjoy amazing views of the lake while riding a fast ATV on the track. In addition, you can also swim and kayak at the lake nearby, which makes the visit even more adventurous.
5. Hiking at Devil’s Icebox Cave
You can find Devil’s Icebox Cave in Rock Bridge’s Memorial State Park. It is one of the unique hiking experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
The hike’s danger level is moderate, but be cautious of the sinkholes at all times. Besides that, you can enjoy the cave full of running water and wildlife.
6. Go Downtown
The city’s downtown has amazing architecture and excellent views of historic buildings. There is an old synagogue west of the Mississippi river that you can explore.
Some other famous buildings include the Trust Bank building, Temple Beth El, Lohman’s Opera, and Cole County Courthouse.
There are also great bars and restaurants, such as “Bones Restaurant and Lounge” and Big Whiskey’s American Bar and Restaurant, for you to try.
Things To Do in Jefferson City, MO – Sights
7. The Missouri State Museum
Established in 1919, the Missouri State Museum is located on the upper floor of the State Capitol. In this museum, you will learn about the history of Missouri, the removal of Native American tribes from the territory, and the city’s transformation into its current form.
You can see various artifacts, displays, interactive programs, and exhibitions, as there are more than 3,000 objects in the museum’s collection.
8. The Governor’s Mansion
The Governor’s Mansion is located a short walk from the State Capitol. Very limited executive residences are open to the public, and this mansion is one of them.
It was first built in the 19th century but has still maintained its Neo-Renaissance architecture, earning its place on the US National Register of Historic Places. If you are traveling with a guide, he will take you through the complete history of the place.
The mansion’s interior is designed with granite columns, a mansard roof, a walnut stairway, and much more.
9. Binder Park
Built on a massive ground spread over 644 acres (2.61 square kilometers) of space, Binder is the biggest park in the city. In 1918, the park was built by Fred C. Binder as a tribute to his family’s three generations (his father Fred H., his son Frederick Binder, and himself).
The park offers various activities and amazing sights like the fishing lake. The 155-acre lake was built after the Department of Conservation bought properties from 11 different owners in 1965 and 1966.
10. Missouri River Sunset
To enjoy the sunset in Jefferson City, head towards the 8-feet-long Pedestrian Bike Bridge, located over the Missouri River. A paved pathway on the bridge allows visitors to walk on it.
The bridge is also a route toward Katy Trail and the Noren River.
The best part of this place is that there are no crowds, so you can peacefully enjoy the amazing sunset and sunrise.
11. Missouri Military History Museum
The Military Museum is located at the National Guard’s Training Center. It showcases the history of Missouri’s military through various exhibitions and displays, showcasing more than 300 years old artifacts.
Some of the main highlights of this place are the Eagle fighter jet, F-15, Sheridan tank, Sherman tank, F-4 Phantom, and C-130 Hercules.
12. Capital Arts Gallery
If you are an art lover, you won’t find a better place to see some exceptional work from famous Missouri and Jefferson City artists.
There are educational programs for kids as well as adults. With more than 1,000 art pieces, the collection is quite big to satisfy the artist inside you.
In addition, the art gallery organizes various festivals and events such as Porchfest, Gallery Crawls, and Capital Chalk Art Festival.
13. Runge Conservation Nature Center
Runge Conservation Center is a great place to enjoy a wondrous time in the peaceful environment of chirping birds. In addition, the place has indoor exhibits, nature trails, and an aquarium. Moving through the trails surrounded by vegetation, you will reach the bird-watching spot where you can feed them.
Also, there is a 60-foot tower that you can climb to get a panoramic view of the whole city.
14. Missouri State Penitentiary
Not many people are brave enough to visit this place, but if you are adventurous, Missouri State Penitentiary will make this tour unique. You will experience the creepiest hours of your life while learning a lot about the history of this place.
Things To Do in Jefferson City, MO – Food and Nightlife
15. Prison Brews
Prison Brews is a great place to get some high-quality drinks. It is located in the historic district, where the creative prison theme of the bar makes it quite easy to spot.
The place has a great selection of food aside from good quality beer, so don’t miss out on this brewpub on your visit to Jefferson City.
16. Arris Pizza
Arris Pizza is the best place to try local pizza in Jefferson City.
There are a wide variety of food options apart from delicious pizza, such as Greek, Italian, and American cuisines. Arris’ specialty is Greek pizza topped with hummus, onions, marinated chicken, and Roma tomatoes.
17. Ecco Lounge
Ecco Lounge is quite famous for its pub-style menu. The staff here is welcoming, and service is very quick.
The specialties of this place are handmade burgers, chicken sandwiches, and breaded onion rings, considered the best in the whole city.
18. The Mission
The Mission is an ideal place to start your nightlife in Jefferson City. There is an 1800s vibe to this place that gives you an old-style music experience with a modern touch.
The place has an electric atmosphere, and the environment fulfills all your music and dancing needs, and its interior is full of character, decorated with brick walls, stamped ceilings, and pine wood floors.
19. High Street Pub
High Street Pub is quite popular for its friendly staff, especially the bartender. He always remembers your drink every time you visit.
Moreover, the prices at this place are unbeatable, and they are on special discount on the happy hours (3 pm to 6 pm) from Mondays to Fridays.
20. Gumbo Bottoms Alehouse
Gumbo Bottoms is another great spot for nightlife, located on the High Street of Jefferson City. The place isn’t that big, but even the cozy narrow room is filled with various bourbons, craft beers, and whiskeys.
How To Get to Jefferson City, MO?
There are 3 ways to get to Jefferson City, first by plane, second by train, and third by bus.
If you choose to travel by train, Amtrak operates one from St. Louis. The ticket costs around $29 to $45 one way, and the whole trip lasts for around 2 and a half hours.
On the other hand, traveling by bus is a bit cheaper, but it takes almost twice the time to reach your destination. You can take a bus from Kansas City via East Village Bay C.
Lastly, the most expensive way to reach Jefferson City is by the airport, around 3 km northeast of Jefferson City, in Callaway County, Missouri. The airport does not offer commercial airline service but allows flights from the nearest airport in the Columbia region.
If you travel from abroad, you must land at Columbia airport and take another flight to Jefferson City.
How To Enjoy Your Jefferson City, MO Visit?
To enjoy your Jefferson City, MO visit, here are 4 things that you should consider:
- The area is prone to occasional tornados, so make sure you plan your trip after checking the weather conditions.
- Even though the city is the State’s capital, it is not a very cosmopolitan city.
- There are floods near river areas every few years, so check the area conditions before visiting.
- The local foods are delicious, so we advise you to try as many bars and restaurants as possible.
How To Stay Safe In Jefferson City, MO?
Stay safe in Jefferson City, MO, by staying aware of your surroundings, especially in downtown and riverfront areas. Stick to well-lit pathways at night and avoid isolated areas, particularly if you’re alone. Keep emergency contacts accessible and stay updated on local news and events for added safety in the capital city.
Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Things To Do in Jefferson City, MO
Is Jefferson City, MO, Worth Visiting?
The Missouri River alone is a good reason to visit Jefferson City. In addition, there are many natural landscapes, parks, and museums, making this city worth visiting.
What Is Jefferson City, MO, Known For?
Jefferson City, MO, was first chosen as a site of a state prison, which was named Missouri State Penitentiary. Now, it is home to great landscapes and rivers.
Is Jefferson City, MO, a Nice Place To Live?
Jefferson City is a nice place to live on a budget, as many local amenities are available at a very affordable cost. Moreover, the weather here is quite pleasant, attracting many tourists from all over the globe.
What Is the Crime Rate in Jefferson City, MO?
The crime rate in Jefferson City is 67.16 per 1,000 residents in a year.
Although people living in Jefferson City generally consider the southwest part of the city the safest. This means that some parts of Jefferson City are still safe despite the crime rate.
Conclusion – Things To Do in Jefferson City, MO
Whether you’re seeking historical attractions, delectable food, inspired performances and art, shopping, or simply nature-tripping, this capital city of Missouri has it all.
With Chicago and Kansas within reach, Jefferson City, MO, can be your perfect launching pad to these nearby cities.
Have a wonderful time exploring!
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Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.