History Lessons
Enjoy a weekend of historical proportions in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Stroll the Riverwalk, celebrate western expansion or eat at a century-old steakhouse. It’s all in St. Joseph. About four hours northwest of Springfield, St. Joseph boasts more than 13 museums and a lurid history of heroes and villains. The Pony Express riders started here nearly 150 years ago, and outlaw Jesse James met his final demise within its city limits. Known as a place for heroic beginnings and notorious endings, travelers to this Missouri town can expect historical culture as well as creature comforts.
See
August’s Trails West Festival (August 21–23) is an enriching way to spend an afternoon in St. Joseph. Held at the Civic Center Park, the festival has been celebrating arts and culture for 17 years. Three stages run continuously, the main stage featuring nationally recognized performers. This year’s headliners are Heidi Newfield, Luke Bryan and Joe Bonanassa. About 30 food vendors and more than 50 artists and crafters provide aroma and art with an array of jewelry, pottery, baskets, paintings and other pieces. ($5 in advance and $7 at the gate for ages 12 and older. Call 816-233-2031 or visit trailswest.org for more information.)
Stay
The Museum Hill Bed and Breakfast offers both heritage and comfort to lodgers. Built around 1880, the three-story home survived several owners, a fire and restoration to become the prominent B & B in St. Joseph. Antique furniture and stained glass windows create a cozy and functional space for travelers. The best part is the prime location: The front porch overlooks the Civic Center Park, and is within walking distance of several historical sites. ($85–105 per night, or rent the entire house for up to 8 people for $560 per night. For reservations call
816-387-9663 or visit museumhill.com.)
Play
If the August heat gets you down, the St. Joseph Aquatic Center will cool you off, with a 250-foot waterslide, lazy river and lounge chairs for soaking up sun. (11 a.m.–7 p.m. daily, $3.50–$5, 402 S. Noyes Blvd., 816-271-5511) The Remington Nature Center opened November 2008, and it’s one of St. Joe’s newest additions. Visitors can scope out more than 1,200 Native American artifacts, all found locally; the life-size replica wooly mammoth; or the 7,000-gallon aquarium, full of fish native to the Missouri River. ($1–3, 1502 MacArthur Dr., 816-271-5411)
Party
St. Joe Frontier Casino, a riverboat located on the Missouri River, is great for those wanting to try their luck in some Vegas-style gambling: black jack, craps, roulette, video poker and more than 500 slot machines. (777 Winner’s Circle. For information, call 846-279-7577)
Need something calmer in your nightlife? Check out downtown’s Café Acoustic, where every night is open mic night. You’re sure to hear some local flavor as well as special guests, all without amp. (2605 Frederick Ave. 816-671-1141.)
Eat
36th Street La Dolce Vita pleases even the choosiest of diners with a five-page menu featuring seafood, pasta and more. Original entrées include honey-Dijon salmon, pork chops basted with maple butter and served with smashed sweet potatoes and pan-seared tilapia topped with a lemon-basil butter and served over fried eggplant and a tomato slice. Spending a lot on dinner is optional, with prices ranging from around $10–35. (501 N. Belt, 816-364-1565.)
The Hoof and Horn Steak House has been feeding St. Joseph for more than a century, having opened in 1898. Destroyed in a fire in September of 2007, the restaurant was reopened February 5, 2009. Fried and grilled chicken livers are a scrumptious appetizer, and tender steaks, cut in-house, are the most popular meals. Prime rib and filets are top-sellers. ($15–25, 429 Illinois Ave, 861-238-0742.)
