Jefferson City Travel Guide
Discover the best things to do, see, eat, and drink in Jefferson City, Missouri with this comprehensive travel guide.
- Introduction to Jefferson City
- List of Places to Visit in Jefferson City
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Jefferson City
- Best Things to Do in Jefferson City: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Jefferson City
- Food and Drink Scene of Jefferson City
- Where to Stay in Jefferson City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Jefferson City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Jefferson City
- Best Time to Visit Jefferson City
- Do’s and Don’ts of Jefferson City
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Jefferson City: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Jefferson City
- Where to Go Next from Jefferson City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Jefferson City
Located in the heart of Missouri, in the Midwest region of the United States, Jefferson City is the capital of the state of Missouri. The city sits on the banks of the Missouri River, surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful landscapes. With a rich history, vibrant culture, and plenty of outdoor activities, Jefferson City is a destination worth exploring.
List of Places to Visit in Jefferson City
If you’re planning on visiting Jefferson City, here are some of the must-see attractions:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Missouri State Capitol
- Missouri State Museum
- Jefferson Landing State Historic Site
- Cole County Historical Museum
- Governor’s Mansion
Natural Attractions of Jefferson City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Katy Trail State Park
- Runge Conservation Nature Center
- Binder Lake
- Missouri River
- Capitol View Park
Hiking/Biking Routes of Jefferson City
Jefferson City has a variety of hiking and biking trails that offer stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Here are some of the best routes:
- Katy Trail State Park
- Runge Conservation Nature Center
- North Jefferson City Recreation Area Trail
- Binder Lake Trail
- Missouri River Greenway
Best Things to Do in Jefferson City: Activities and Tours
From guided tours to hands-on experiences, Jefferson City offers a wide range of activities for all ages. Here are some things you won’t want to miss:
- Missouri State Capitol tour
- Missouri State Penitentiary tour
- Helicopter tours
- Wine tasting and vineyard tours
- Haunted tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Jefferson City
Day 1: Tour the Missouri State Capitol and Museum
Day 2: Visit the Cole County Historical Museum and the Governor’s Mansion
Day 3: Explore the Katy Trail State Park and enjoy a wine tasting
Day 4: Take a haunted tour of Jefferson City’s historic sites
Day 5: Go hiking or biking at Runge Conservation Nature Center or Binder Lake
Day 6: Go fishing or boating on the Missouri River
Day 7: Relax at Capitol View Park and enjoy the scenic views
Food and Drink Scene of Jefferson City
Jefferson City offers a variety of local and international cuisine, as well as a thriving craft beer and wine scene. Here are some must-try dishes and drinks:
Must-Try Dishes
- Missouri style barbecue
- Gooey butter cake
- Toasted ravioli
- St. Louis-style pizza
- Fried catfish
Local Beverages
- Missouri wine
- Craft beer from Prison Brews
- Root beer from Central Dairy
Where to Stay in Jefferson City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Here are some of the best places to stay in Jefferson City:
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jefferson City
- Capitol Plaza Hotel & Convention Center
- Hampton Inn Jefferson City at Capitol Mall
- Econo Lodge Jefferson City
- The Historic Cliff Manor Bed and Breakfast
What to Buy in Jefferson City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Missouri-made wine
- Missouri-made beer
- Local art and crafts
- Gooey butter cake mix
- Missouri River paddle boat souvenirs
Local Culture and Customs of Jefferson City
Jefferson City residents are known for their friendly hospitality and welcoming attitude. If you’re visiting, make sure to greet locals with a smile. It’s also important to be respectful of local customs and traditions.
Best Time to Visit Jefferson City
The best time to visit Jefferson City is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is beautiful. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy. If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to pack sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Do’s and Don’ts of Jefferson City
Do:
- Visit the Missouri State Capitol
- Explore the Katy Trail State Park
- Try local cuisine and beer
Don’t:
- Leave trash at outdoor attractions
- Ignore local customs and traditions
- Forget to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated in the summer
Safety and Health
Safety in Jefferson City
Jefferson City is a safe city, but it’s always important to take precautions when traveling. Here are some safety tips:
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Keep personal belongings safe and secure
- Use caution when walking in unfamiliar areas
Health in Jefferson City
Jefferson City has a number of medical facilities, including hospitals and urgent care clinics. If you need medical assistance, visit St. Mary’s Hospital or Capital Region Medical Center.
Getting to Jefferson City: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Jefferson City
The closest airport to Jefferson City is Columbia Regional Airport (COU), which is located about 25 miles north of the city. Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) and Kansas City International Airport (MCI) are both about a two-hour drive from Jefferson City.
Bus Stations Near Jefferson City
Greyhound bus service is available in Jefferson City, with a station located downtown at 611 East Capitol Avenue.
Other Options
If you’re driving, Jefferson City is located off of Interstate 70. If you’re taking the train, Amtrak stops in Jefferson City.
How to Get Around in Jefferson City
Jefferson City is a walkable city, with many attractions located within walking distance of each other. There are also taxis, ride-sharing services, and a bus system operated by the Jefferson City Department of Transportation.
Where to Go Next from Jefferson City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
If you have time to explore the surrounding areas, here are some nearby destinations to visit:
- Lake of the Ozarks
- Hermann Wine Trail
- Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal
- Katy Trail State Park
Conclusion
Jefferson City offers a unique blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re interested in museums and historical sites or hiking and biking, there’s something for everyone in this charming Midwest city.
