Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Missouri Tourism in partnership with St. Joseph Convention & Visitors Bureau. All opinions and photos are mine. I participated in planning the travel itinerary’s points of interests.
It’s time to “Get to Know Jo,” aka St. Joseph, Missouri, a town located on Highway 36, The Way of American Genius, offering visitors distinctive museums, dining, and charming accommodations.
If you visited St. Joseph years ago, rediscover it during an overnight stay. It’s only a 30-minute drive from Kansas City.
As a first-time visitor, I was impressed by how the town has evolved since its days as the last stop for pioneers heading West. For a location considered the place to go in 1861, it’s maintained its visit-worthy status as a Midwest travel destination.
TAKING A TOUR OF HISTORIC MUSEUMS & MEMORIALS
Patee House Museum and Jesse James Home
St. Joseph, home to over a dozen museums, is recognized as the site of the original Pony Express. Patee House Hotel was its headquarters.
Two significant events in history occurred on April 3: the Pony Express’s first rider left the station, and bank-robbing outlaw Jesse James died. Each significant history-making moment took place in St. Joseph. Visitors at Patee House Museum and Jesse James Home (1202 Penn Street) gain access to these stories.
Entering into the Patee House Museum is like walking into Missouri’s version of the Smithsonian. The historic building’s enormity and contents are awe-inspiring.
Once operated as a four-story luxury hotel opened in 1858, John Patee’s staff hosted travelers in 140 guest rooms. People from all over the world knew of the hotel within three years of its construction. Artifacts detail the history of the Pony Express, emphasizing transportation and communication, which are the museum’s focus.
I’ve visited innumerable history museums, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I peered inside a glass case and spied riverboat captain Mark Twain’s authentic signature on a book. He joined his brother Orion starting in St. Joseph for a trip west, as described in his book “Roughing It.”
I suspect you’ll find the U.S. provost marshall’s office, a wagonmaster’s blacksmith shop, and restored cars outside a 1920 replica service station fascinating. A self-guided tour of the first railway mail car and a ride on the Wild Thing Carousel is a must.
Afterward, walk outside the Patee House Museum to the Jesse James Home. It’s the original home where Jesse James was shot in the back and killed by gang member Bob Ford in 1882.
Not only is the three-room home historically accurate, but its glass cases house artifacts from Jesse’s grave recovered when they exhumed his body in the 1990s. DNA evidence proves with 99.7% accuracy that he was shot in the home.
Open Monday through Saturday from April through October; the Jesse James Home takes about 30 minutes to tour if you read the signage and ask questions of the museum’s host.
PRO TIP: Ask to see a replica skull that debunks the myth the gunshot that killed James exited his head, although a hole in the home’s wallpapered wall may prove otherwise.
Pony Express National Museum
Brave riders raced on horses across unforgiving terrain in unpredictable weather from St. Joseph to Sacramento, California, to deliver mail for the Pony Express. The town was the ideal starting point because it connected via railroads to the east.
The Pony Express National Museum (914 Penn Street) does an exceptional job of preserving history and presenting it interactively.
A self-guided museum tour reveals the story of the Pony Express and its brave riders through interactive exhibits and curated artifact displays.
Many of the exhibits are child-friendly zones, appealing to kids and school groups. For example, flip boards, aka Barn Door Trivia, keep all ages engaged in learning in the Hall of Riders, which details 22 famous and lesser-known riders.
Photo opportunities abound at the museum. Take a photo of authentic saddles or peek through photo cutout stations. Life-size faux horses are positioned in the barn’s stables, making for a picture-worthy moment for all ages at the Moment in Time exhibit.
As I meandered through the museum’s exhibits, I appreciated how the director and her volunteers presented the stories of the people who made the Pony Express worthwhile. You’ll discover letters and artifacts from actual Pony Express riders donated by their family.
PRO TIP: If you’re a true Pony Express fan or like to read all of a museum’s signage, plan for a two-hour tour of the Pony Express National Museum. Add half an hour to watch an introductory film and explore its gift shop.
Pony School
On the grounds of The Pony Express National Museum, the Pony School is a one-room replica schoolhouse you should see. It’s open by appointment for tours (ask the museum director for access!) and interpretive programs.
Wood floors creak under each step as you choose a seat at a student desk for the day’s lesson. An authentic pot-bellied stove, slate boards, and presidential portraits create a historically accurate setting.
PRO TIP: If you want a school group or youth group to experience an interactive led by a teacher reenactor, book an interpretive program by calling (816) 279-5059.
Pony Bar and Goetz Museum
Nearby, the Pony Bar and Goetz Museum is a visual reminder of the German-American story. Doubling as a reservable event space, the museum’s displays describe the people who impacted St. Joseph’s industry. Did you know the M.K. Goetz Brewing Company was founded in St. Jospeh in 1859?
The brewing company survived prohibition by pivoting to sell non-alcoholic Country Club Near Beer. It thrived and was eventually purchased by Pearl Brewing Company of San Antonio. The Pony Bar and Goetz Museum is a beautifully restored space where you can learn the company’s story by appointment.
Walter Cronkite Memorial
You don’t have to be a former college journalism graduate like myself to appreciate the life’s work of Walter Cronkite.
The broadcast journalist was born in St. Joseph in 1916, and spent his childhood visiting grandparents on their farm. Walter Cronkite Memorial (4525 Down Drive) at Missouri Western State University is more of a miniature museum than solely a memorial.
Push button interactive stations play videos of his life story and CBS News broadcast clips, including Vietnam’s coverage during the war.
Various exhibits chronicle moments in Cronkite’s career history, including NASA’s landing on the moon, JFK’s assassination, and coverage of 16 Republican National Convention events. The “We Came In Peace” Saturn V Sculpture and Cronkite’s original newsroom desk make an impression.
PRO TIP: The memorial in Spratt Hall is free to tour Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. year-round. Park in Lot C, which is dedicated to memorial visitors.
EXPLORING PUBLIC ART DOWNTOWN
Self-Guided Mural and Sculpture Walk
As you drive into St. Joseph, one thing becomes clear. The town celebrates the arts. Murals and sculptures dot the downtown landscape. The St. Joseph Sculpture Walk includes 15 installations, each a contender for the People’s Choice award.
Participating is easy. Before embarking on a city stroll, pick up a brochure map and ballot at the Allied Arts Council office (118 S. 8th Street). You can purchase a particular sculpture if you fall in love with it.
Larger-than-life murals depict the town’s history as the pioneers’ last stop to gather supplies before heading West. In the downtown corridor, you’ll discover at least seven murals painted by artists.
PRO TIP: Access this link to find all of the murals, most of which are located outside.
SAVORING THE LOCAL DINING SCENE
Café Belle Epoque
Stepping into Café Belle Epoque‘s (1141 Frederick Avenue) cozy dining room conjures up thoughts of leisurely lunches with friends. It’s the kind of restaurant where you want to order a Pear Moscow Mule from the bar while you wait for artfully plated sandwiches and salads to arrive at the table.
I chatted with a new friend between bites of the Chicken Salad Sandwich served on a croissant while he sampled the Sweet Potato Biscuit Slides. My meal, which came with soup or salad, was paired with a small bowl of scrumptious Tomato and Peach Gazpacho.
I was pleased with my meal, which used fresh ingredients, and I highly recommend dining there. The service was prompt and attentive despite the steady arrival of customers at lunchtime. I can only imagine the popularity of the brunch menu or dinner entreés, which feature slow-braised beef, butter chicken, and salmon.
PRO TIP: Keep tabs on their Facebook events page for special menu events.
Boudreaux’s Louisiana Seafood & Steaks
One wouldn’t expect to discover authentic Cajun and Creole food served in Missouri, but then they haven’t dined at Boudreaux’s Louisiana Seafood & Steaks (224 N. 4th Street). The thematic restaurant, located in a historic downtown building, is a bustling place during the dinner hour on a weekday.
The restaurant is decorated with draped beads on chandeliers and rope lights around interior columns. A taxidermy alligator on an upper shelf rests under neon signage.
After a 10-minute wait, my server took my order for a creamy crab bisque appetizer. Arriving steaming hot with a bed of rice and sliced baguette bread, I ate every bite. A fan of New Orleans’ restaurant fare, the French-style bisque was flavorful and well-prepared.
The Blackened Salmon arrived heavily-seasoned for dinner, although slightly overcooked, so I requested a white cream sauce to drizzle on top of it. The signature Boudreaux Potatoes were cubed and boiled potatoes served in savory vegetable broth.
PRO TIP: Plan to save room for dessert. My only regret was not ordering dessert, which unfortunately did not include New Orleans-style beignets, but it did feature Bourbon Pecan Pie and Turtle Cheesecake.
Mokaska Coffee Company
During an early morning visit to Mokaska Coffee Company (750 Edmond Street), instrumental jazz plays while the barista steams milk behind the bar. The dog-friendly downtown café is a hub for locals who often order coffee to go.
A London Fog hot tea and layered pastry filled with Nutella curbed my cravings. Although the courtyard patio was inviting, I chose to sit inside while it rained outdoors. Chatting with employees about their love of the town’s art scene only confirmed my appreciation of St. Joseph.
PRO TIP: Join café-goers at its bar from Thursday to Saturday when the bartender serves 10 thematic cocktail flights until 10:00 pm. Follow the Facebook page for details.
UNWINDING WITH A CRAFT BEER
River Bluff Brewing
Opened in 2018, River Bluff Brewing (1224 Frederick Avenue) is an award-winning craft beer taproom and production facility that exceeds your expectations with a long list of beers and good-time vibes.
The parking lot was full when I arrived, and once inside I realized why. It was the third Monday of the month, so the place was hopping with the sounds of the Saint Joseph Big Band playing movie-themed songs. No cover charge required from 7:30 pm-9:30 p.m.
I selected a River Cream Ale, an approachable light beer from over 12 craft beers. It went down easy as I observed families gathering and couples arriving for date night entertainment.
PRO TIP: Don’t drink beer? No worries. River Bluff Brewing pours carbonated seltzer and a guest tap sangria.
ENJOYING A GOOD NIGHT’S REST IN LUXURY
Shakespeare Chateau Inn Bed & Breakfast
Why stay overnight at a hotel when you can enjoy timeless elegance at Shakespeare Chateau Inn Bed & Breakfast (809 Hall Street)? The 1885 home in Millionaires Row, a National Register Historic District, is a five-minute drive from downtown. The multi-bedroom estate’s architecture and meticulously restored interior is breathtaking.
Upon arrival, classical music played in the home’s foray, where a hand-carved wooden staircase led my eye upstairs to a row of stained glass windows. Opulent crystal chandeliers and tiled fireplace mantels adorned each room on the main floors. Period furniture, artwork, and a bust of Shakespeare completed the Queen Anne-style home’s interior.
I was one of two guests lodging overnight that day, so I toured the home’s bedrooms, each with a private jetted bathtub. Guests can enjoy a homemade breakfast served in the grand dining room, where the day’s sunshine beams through colorful stained-glass windows.
I stayed in the Verona Suite, a spacious room with a king bed that includes a bathroom with jacuzzi tub and a walk-in dressing room. The in-suite amenities, including high-speed Wi-Fi and a flatscreen television with streaming movie channels made for a comfortable stay.
A peek inside unoccupied suites revealed similar amenities. The bed and breakfast caters to couples and solo travelers, although the As You Like It Suite‘s separate beds can accommodate one to two children. I was impressed by the home’s premiere room, The Merchant of Venice Executive Penthouse Suite, which could easily sleep up to four people.
I enjoyed a good night’s sleep in luxury. The plush accommodations surpassed anything I could have imagined. It was as if I was a posh member of royalty staying in a castle.
Innkeeper, Isobel, offers guests a remarkable experience unlike anything you’ve likely experienced. Reserve a suite at Shakespeare Chateau Inn and Gardens to enjoy views atop a bluff over St. Joseph and the Missouri River.
EVENTS WORTH EXPERIENCING
Annual Pony Express Re-Ride
Consider planning your visit during the National Pony Express Association’s annual re-ride in June. Watch as a rider leaves or returns to St. Joseph (depending on the year).
Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp
National Football League fans can pay $5 to watch the Kansas City Chiefs practice at their official training camp facility, Griffon Indoor Sports Complex at Missouri Western State University. Check the full-team or special-team schedule.
BONUS THINGS TO DO
If only I had more time in St. Joseph! It’s a town I will return to explore more, especially for its arts and music scene. Saint Joseph Symphony puts on full-orchestra and chamber performances at the historic Missouri Theater.
The Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art hosts free admission on the fourth Tuesday of the Month from 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm with free admission for military families year-round.
If you’ve traveled to St. Joseph or you’re a local, please let me know of other points of interest worth checking out. I’m eager to add them to my Missouri tourism bucket list.
