Try Your Luck
A weekend trip to Boonville, Missouri could be just what your mind and wallet were looking for.
Boonville is a little town in north central Missouri, about three and a half hours from Springfield, with a top-notch refurbished hotel, the outdoor fun of the Katy Trail State Park and, for the risk-taking traveler, Isle of Capri Casino. If that’s not your style, you can pop into Boonville to see the oldest theater west of the Allegheny Mountains that’s still in use. Boonville wears a lot of hats, but it’s not a place to miss.
See
While it is still a hidden gem, the city of Boonville is full of history. Boonville has 454 historic places, including playing host to two minor Civil War battles as well as having several historical homes, specifically Roslyn Heights, (821 Main St.) the headquarters of the Missouri State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
A must-see historical place is the old Cooper County Jail and Hanging Barn (614 E. Morgan St., friendsofhistoricboonville.org/oldjail). Built in 1848, it’s most famous resident was Frank James, brother of the outlaw Jesse. And don’t miss the Frank James reenactment, either.
Stay
For some real comfort in an elegant atmosphere, stay in the Hotel Frederick, (501 E. High St., 660-882-2828, hotelfrederick.com). Hotel Frederick offers the sophistication of a boutique luxury hotel with the warmth of a bed and breakfast. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel that was built in 1905 and restored two years ago offers 24 rooms with flat screen televisions, high-speed Internet and luxury linens for $125-$295 per night.
However, if you can’t get a room at Hotel Frederick, Boonville has 450 hotel rooms that can accommodate groups of all sizes, including national chains such as Holiday Inn Express (2419 Mid America Industrial Drive, 660-882-6882).
Play
If you’re ready for the outdoors, then the Katy Trail (bikekatytrail.com) is a must-do. Boonville is a major trailhead bike route at mile marker 191.8, making the city about a 150-mile ride to St. Charles or 70 miles to the west end of the trail in Clinton.
After a hot day in the sun though, it’s time to relax in comfort at the Isle of Capri Casino & Hotel (100 Isle of Capri Blvd., 800-843-4753, Boonville.isleofcapricasinos.com). The casino is 28,000 square feet, with more than 1,000 slot machines and several gaming tables.
Eat
One of the best places to grab a quick bite is Maggie’s Bar and Grill (416 Main St., 660-882-7242), which has already been named best burger in town twice by local radio station KWRT and The Boonville Daily News. For more of an upscale atmosphere, try Glenn’s Café (501 E. High St., 660-882-9191, glennscafe.com) at the historic Hotel Frederick. Glenn’s is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday starting at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy Glenn’s own prime rib or blackened redfish with a nice bottle of wine, and top it off with crème brûlée for dessert.
