St. Robert Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, activities to do, food to eat, and tips for visiting St. Robert, Missouri with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to St. Robert

St. Robert is a small town in central Missouri, United States of America. Named after a local settler and businessman, it is located in Pulaski County and is often called the “Gateway to the Ozarks.” Its convenient location makes it a popular stopover for travelers between St. Louis and Branson. Despite its small size, St. Robert offers plenty of attractions and activities to keep visitors entertained.

List of Places to Visit in St. Robert

If you’re planning to visit St. Robert, make sure to include these must-visit places in your itinerary.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Old Stagecoach Stop Museum: This museum is a restored 1850s stagecoach stop that offers a glimpse into the travel and transportation history of the region.

  • Fort Leonard Wood Military Museum: This museum showcases the history of Fort Leonard Wood, a U.S. Army training base located near St. Robert.

  • Route 66 Museum: This museum highlights the history and significance of Route 66, an iconic American highway that passed through St. Robert.

Natural Attractions of St. Robert: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Pulaski County Park: This park offers hiking trails, fishing ponds, picnic areas, and campsites.

  • Boiling Spring Campground: This campground offers stunning views of the surrounding Ozarks, and visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and swimming.

  • Tiger Typhoon Aquatic Center: This water park features water-slides, lazy river, a wave pool and many more for a fun-filled day.

Hiking/Biking Routes of St. Robert

St. Robert is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking and biking trails in the nearby area. Some of the popular ones include:

  • Katy Trail State Park: This 240-mile trail stretches from St. Charles to Clinton, Missouri, and is the longest rails-to-trails conversion in the country.

  • Mark Twain National Forest: This national forest spans over 1.5 million acres and features over 750 miles of trails, including the Ozark Trail.

  • Devil’s Elbow Trail: This 15-mile trail offers scenic views of the Big Piney River and is popular among hikers, bikers, and horse riders.

Best Things to Do in St. Robert: Activities and Tours

Aside from hiking and biking, St. Robert offers a variety of other activities and tours, including:

  • Caving: There are several caves near St. Robert that are open for guided tours, such as Onondaga Cave State Park and Meramec Caverns.

  • Float Trips: Visitors can enjoy a scenic float trip down the Big Piney River.

  • Fishing: St. Robert is home to several lakes and streams that offer excellent fishing opportunities.

Week-Long Itinerary for St. Robert

Here’s a sample week-long itinerary for St. Robert:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Old Stagecoach Stop Museum
2 Explore Route 66 Museum
3 Go hiking at Devil’s Elbow Trail
4 Take a float trip down the Big Piney River
5 Visit Fort Leonard Wood Military Museum
6 Hike the Katy Trail State Park
7 Take a guided tour of Onondaga Cave State Park

Food and Drink Scene of St. Robert

St. Robert offers unique and diverse food options. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages that you should not miss out on:

### Must-Try Dishes

  • Burnt Ends: A dish consisting of succulent and smoky beef or pork ends served as a delicious meat dish.

  • Fried Chicken: A dish that is marinated and breaded a variety of ways for a deliciously crispy outside and juicy inside.

  • Soul Food: Featuring the staples of Southern cuisine: barbecue, fried food, fried chicken, cornbread, mac and cheese, and more.

Local Beverages

  • Pulaski County Tobacco Barn Distillery: They offer a variety of handcrafted spirits that features local ingredients.

  • St. James Winery Tasting Room & Gift Shop: A winery nearby to the St. Robert that offers local wines with a unique taste.

  • MoJo Coffee and Crepes: This quaint cafe that offers coffee drinks and Patric chocolates from Columbia, MO.

Where to Stay in St. Robert: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

St. Robert offers a variety of accommodation options from budget-friendly hotels to luxurious resorts. Some of the best places to stay include:

  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites St. Robert - Fort Leonard Wood: It is an affordable hotel located near major attractions. The hotel features modern amenities for a comfortable stay.

  • Bell’s Extended Stay and Suites: A lush property for comfort and luxury living exclusively for an extended time.

  • Liberty Lodge: A budget-friendly option that offers clean rooms and friendly service with plenty of amenities. It is often considered the best value in the area.

What to Buy in St. Robert: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

St. Robert offers a variety of locally-made products that make great souvenirs:

  • Fort Leonard Wood Military Police Museum Gift Shop: It offers unique gifts, books, and military memorabilia.

  • Hazel’s Haven: A boutique-style gift shop that offers a wide selection of handmade and local products, including jewelry and home decor.

  • Odor-Z-Way: A company that makes all natural odor and stain remover cleaning products.

Local Culture and Customs of St. Robert

St. Robert is a welcoming and friendly town. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the locals and their customs. Some of the customs and traditions include:

  • Military appreciation: St. Robert has a close relationship with the military due to its proximity to Fort Leonard Wood, and visitors are often expected to show their respect to the soldiers.

  • Small-town community: Visitors can expect the small-town lifestyle of friendly and close-knit neighbors.

Best Time to Visit St. Robert

The best time to visit St. Robert is between March and November when the weather is mild, and the outdoor activities are at their peak. The fall season, specifically October, is an excellent time to visit as you can witness the beautiful and colorful leaves.

Do’s and Don’ts of St. Robert

Do:

  • Respect the military and their families.
  • Explore the natural and outdoor attractions of St. Robert.
  • Visit the local markets and shops to support the community.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter, keep the town clean and green.
  • Do not wear military-style clothing or accessories unless authorized.
  • Do not ignore the beauty and rich history of the area.

Safety and Health

Safety in St. Robert

St. Robert is a safe destination, and visitors are advised to follow basic safety precautions, like any other city.

  • Don’t leave valuable items in your car.
  • Lock your doors when leaving your hotel room for the day.
  • Carry a secure bag or purse when traveling with your money and other important items.

Health in St. Robert

St. Robert has high-quality medical facilities, including Urgent Care Centers, hospitals, Primary Health Centers, and Health Clinics. Always carry your basic medical needs and consult a doctor before traveling.

Getting to St. Robert: Transportation Options and Logistics

Located near the intersection of Interstate 44 and Highway 28, St. Robert is well-connected by road. Here are some transportation options to help you get to and around the town:

Airports Near St. Robert

  • Springfield-Branson National Airport: Is a major airport located 90 miles south of St. Robert that serves domestic and international flights.
  • Lambert-St. Louis International Airport: is a major airport located 140 miles northeast of St. Robert and serves domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near St. Robert

  • Jefferson Lines Bus Station: It is located just 3 miles from St. Robert and offers regular bus services to various destinations in Missouri.

Other Options

  • Rental Cars: Rental cars are available at the Springfield airport.
  • Taxi: Local taxis are available in the town for city commute.

How to Get Around in St. Robert

St. Robert is a small town that is easily walkable, and visitors can also get around by using rental cars, bikes, and local taxis.

Where to Go Next from St. Robert: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

St. Robert is located close to several other interesting destinations in Missouri that are worth visiting, including:

  • Lake of the Ozarks: is a popular destination for water sports, boating, fishing, and golfing.

  • Rolla: a town located nearby which is home to Missouri S&T University.

  • Branson: majorly famous for the live entertainment shows and performances on stage. It is a family-friendly vacation destination.

Conclusion

St. Robert is a delightful town that offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, history, and culture. With plenty of outdoor activities, historical sites, and locally made products, it is an ideal destination for travelers who want to experience the authentic Missouri lifestyle and culture. By following this comprehensive travel guide, visitors to St. Robert can enjoy all the unique experiences that this charming town has to offer.