Jefferson City
Jefferson City is about a two-hour drive from Saint Louis or two and a half hours from Kansas City if you are on the other side of the state. Jefferson City (Jeff City) is the capital of Missouri. It is also only the 15th most populated city in the state. Most of the attractions around the city are centered around history, so get ready to step back in time.
Missouri State Capital
The Missouri State Capital is the third to stand in Jefferson City sitting atop the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River. When you visit, explore all that the Capital has to offer from its history to its architecture. Walk the halls on your own or follow along with a free guided 45-minute tour. Learn about the history of the building, take in the beauty of all the artwork, and the highlights of the architecture surrounding you. The interior of the building houses multiple treasures including a collection of busts and portraits. If you are hoping to see Thomas Hart Benton’s murals you will have to work around the schedule of the General Assembly. Outside on the grounds, you can also find the Lewis and Clark Monument. On the ground floor, visit the Missouri State Museum which features several exhibits, dioramas, and displays portraying natural and cultural history. Afterward, walk down the street to the Governor’s Mansion. You can also take a free tour of the residence, which is one of the few executive residences that are open to the public.
Missouri State Penitentiary
The Missouri State Penitentiary opened in 1836, becoming one of the oldest continually operating prison west of the Mississippi. It wasn’t until 2004 that it was decommissioned. This prison was up and running for 100 years before the infamous Alcatraz even opened. The prison once held several notorious inmates, executions, and escapes in its 168 years. It is also home to a gas chamber that resulted in the deaths of 40 inmates. These walls hold dark stories and ghost legends, which is probably why it was once called the Bloodiest 47 Acres in the US by Time Magazine.
Today, the penitentiary is a historical landmark that can be toured. History tours will walk you through the housing units, upper year, and gas chamber. Learn about the intriguing history and hear the stories of escape attempts, riots, and more. Now, if you are looking for a frightening experience, then roam the halls during a Ghost & Paranormal Tour.
The pictures are from our 2-Hour History Tour. We are hoping to visit again for an overnight tour.
Need a Sweet Treat?
The absolute best ice cream you will ever eat is at Central Dairy. This legendary ice cream parlor serves cones, cups, malts, shakes, and epic sundaes. Their prices are also extremely reasonable. I mean $3.50 for a waffle cone? You can’t beat that! Seriously, once you try one bite, you will understand why they are a local favorite.
