St. James Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and things to do in St. James, Missouri. Our comprehensive guide will help you plan your trip.
- Introduction to St. James
- List of Places to Visit in St. James
- Hiking/Biking Routes of St. James
- Best Things to Do in St. James: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for St. James
- Food and Drink Scene of St. James
- Where to Stay in St. James: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in St. James: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of St. James
- Best Time to Visit St. James
- Do’s and Don’ts of St. James
- Safety and Health
- Getting to St. James: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in St. James
- Where to Go Next from St. James: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to St. James
Welcome to St. James, a charming town in Central Missouri known for its idyllic natural scenery, rich history, and warm hospitality. This vibrant community offers a wealth of attractions, from fascinating museums and historic sites to scenic outdoor spaces and a thriving culinary scene. Whether you’re looking for an adventure-packed getaway or a relaxing retreat, St. James is the perfect destination for you.
List of Places to Visit in St. James
Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a foodie, St. James has something for everyone. Here are some of the top places to visit in town:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- St. James Winery and Public House Brewery - This award-winning winery and brewery offers tours, tastings, and special events throughout the year.
- Stonehenge Replica and Veterans Memorial Park - This unique attraction features a full-size replica of the prehistoric monument and a moving tribute to America’s veterans.
- Maramec Spring Park - This historic park is home to the fifth-largest spring in Missouri and offers tours of the restored Maramec Iron Works and the Maramec Museum.
- Old St. James Baptist Church - This beautiful Gothic Revival church dates back to 1866 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- St. James Historical Society Museum - This fascinating museum chronicles the area’s rich history through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.
Natural Attractions of St. James: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Meramec Springs Park - This scenic park features hiking trails, streams for fishing, picnic areas, and a natural playground.
- Cuba Lakes Golf Course - This challenging course is surrounded by beautiful, rolling hills and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Onondaga Cave State Park - This park is home to the spectacular Onondaga Cave, where visitors can take guided tours and admire stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
- Meramec Country Music Theatre - This iconic music venue has hosted some of the biggest names in country music over the years and still puts on regular concerts and events.
- These photos from the Steam Train over the Meramec River looks very appealing.. - Steam Train over the Meramec River.
Hiking/Biking Routes of St. James
St. James is also a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with a variety of scenic hiking and biking trails to explore. Some of the most popular routes in the area include:
- Ozark Trail - This famous long-distance trail runs through the heart of Missouri and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
- Meramec River Trail - This beautiful trail winds along the banks of the Meramec River and offers opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing.
- Maramec Spring Trail - This 1-mile loop trail takes you through the historic Maramec Iron Works and along the banks of the spring-fed Maramec River.
Best Things to Do in St. James: Activities and Tours
In addition to the top attractions listed above, St. James also has a host of fun activities and tours for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do in town:
- Wine Tastings and Vineyard Tours - St. James is known for its award-winning wines, and several local wineries offer tastings and tours of their vineyards and cellars.
- Microbrewery Tours and Tastings - Public House Brewery and The Brewer’s Table both offer tours and tastings of their small-batch craft beers.
- Antique Shopping - St. James has a number of charming antique shops and flea markets to explore, including Route 66 Antiques Mall and Strasser House Antiques.
- Spa Day - For a relaxing day out, head to the Blue Fern Spa for a massage, facial, or other indulgent treatment.
- Trout Fishing - St. James is a top destination for trout fishing, with several streams and rivers in the area known for their abundant fish populations.
Week-Long Itinerary for St. James
If you’re planning a week-long stay in St. James, here’s a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your trip:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the St. James Winery and Public House Brewery, followed by dinner at Missouri Hick BBQ |
| 2 | Take a scenic drive to Onondaga Cave State Park, then enjoy a picnic in Meramec Springs Park |
| 3 | Explore the Maramec Iron Works and Museum, then head to the Blue Fern Spa for some pampering |
| 4 | Go on a hiking or biking adventure along the Ozark Trail or Meramec River Trail |
| 5 | Spend the day fishing for trout in one of the area’s many streams or rivers |
| 6 | Enjoy a night of live music and dancing at the Meramec Country Music Theatre |
| 7 | Wrap up your trip with a visit to the Stonehenge Replica and Veterans Memorial Park, followed by dinner at Missouri’s Best Fried Chicken |
Food and Drink Scene of St. James
St. James has a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, with plenty of options to satisfy any craving. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes:
- Missouri Hick BBQ - This award-winning BBQ joint is known for its delicious smoked meats, including brisket, ribs, and pulled pork.
- Pasta House - This family-owned Italian restaurant serves up classic dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and fettuccine alfredo.
- Maramec Spring Fish Hatchery - This fish hatchery has a restaurant on the premises where you can enjoy fresh trout dishes.
Local Beverages:
- St. James Winery Wines - St. James Winery produces a wide range of award-winning wines using locally grown grapes.
- Public House Brewery Beer - This microbrewery produces small-batch craft beers using locally sourced ingredients.
Where to Stay in St. James: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
St. James has a variety of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. Here are some of the top options in town:
- St. James Hotel - This historic hotel dates back to the early 1900s and has been lovingly restored to its original beauty.
- Cottage by the Creek - This cozy cottage is perfect for a romantic getaway and features a private hot tub and beautiful creek views.
- Meramec Caverns Campground - This family-friendly campground offers tent and RV sites, as well as cabins and teepees.
What to Buy in St. James: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Want to bring a piece of St. James home with you? Here are some local products to look out for:
- St. James Winery Wines - Stock up on some award-winning wines to enjoy at home.
- Route 66 Memorabilia - St. James is located on the famous Route 66, so there are plenty of souvenir shops selling Route 66-themed merchandise.
- St. James Mercantile - This charming store sells a variety of locally made crafts, gifts, and home decor items.
Local Culture and Customs of St. James
St. James is known for its warm and friendly locals, who take pride in their town’s rich history and natural beauty. When visiting St. James, it’s important to respect the local customs and etiquette, such as saying “hello” and “thank you” to people you meet and being mindful of your surroundings in public spaces.
Best Time to Visit St. James
The best time to visit St. James is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can be cold and snowy, so plan accordingly if visiting during these seasons.
Do’s and Don’ts of St. James
To make the most of your trip to St. James, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:
Do:
- Visit the local wineries and breweries to taste some of the area’s top beverages.
- Take advantage of the many outdoor recreation opportunities, such as hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking.
- Respect the local customs and traditions.
- Explore the town’s rich history through visits to museums and historical sites.
Don’t:
- Litter or damage the natural environment.
- Ignore safety guidelines when participating in outdoor activities.
- Be disrespectful or rude to locals.
Safety and Health
When visiting St. James, it’s important to take steps to ensure your safety and health. Here are some tips for staying safe and healthy during your trip:
Safety in St. James
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night.
- Keep valuables locked up or out of sight to prevent theft.
- Follow all safety guidelines when participating in outdoor activities.
Health in St. James
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, especially during hot weather.
- Wear sunscreen to protect against sunburn and skin damage.
- Pack any necessary medications and bring a first aid kit in case of emergencies.
Getting to St. James: Transportation Options and Logistics
St. James is located in Central Missouri and is easily accessible by car or bus. Here are some transportation options to consider:
Airports Near St. James
The closest airports to St. James are Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, which is about 100 miles away, and Springfield-Branson National Airport, which is about 120 miles away.
Bus Stations Near St. James
Greyhound operates a bus station in Rolla, which is about 10 miles from St. James. From there, you can take a taxi or shuttle to reach your destination.
Other Options
Renting a car is a great way to explore the surrounding area at your own pace. You can also take a train to nearby cities and then rent a car to reach St. James.
How to Get Around in St. James
To get around town, you can drive, walk, or bike. There are also several taxi and shuttle services available for hire.
Where to Go Next from St. James: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
If you’re looking to extend your trip and explore more of the area, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:
- Rolla - This college town is home to the Missouri University of Science and Technology and has a vibrant arts and culture scene.
- Hermann - This picturesque town is known for its wineries and German heritage.
- Jefferson City - Missouri’s state capital is just a short drive from St. James and offers a variety of historic and cultural attractions.
Conclusion
St. James is a hidden gem in the heart of Missouri, offering a range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you’re a wine lover, history buff, or outdoor enthusiast, you’ll find plenty to love in St. James. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to plan the perfect trip and make unforgettable memories in this charming town.
