Did you know that the Missouri River is actually the longest river in North America? It’s nicknamed, “The Big Muddy” and while it’s not an ideal place to swim, there’s still plenty to do along and on the river in Missouri. Take this amazing road trip to explore some of the best hidden gems along the Missouri River.
The route:
Google Maps
To begin, visit the Lewis and Clark Boat House & Nature Center in St. Charles.
Douglas K./Yelp Learn more about the history of the great Lewis and Clark expedition when you visit this riverfront Boat House & Nature Center in St. Charles.
Address: 1050 S. Riverside Dr. St Charles, MO 63301
Kayak on the river with Missouri River Excursions.
Missouri River Excursions/Facebook Rent a canoe, kayak or raft for some fun on the water. Missouri River Excursions is a rental company based in Defiance. Visit them at their website by clicking here to learn more about their dates and rates.
Address: 2894 South Hwy 94 Defiance, MO 63341
Spend the night at The Inn at Hermanoff in Hermann.
rachel b./TripAdvisor
The rooms are cozy.
rachel b./TripAdvisor
And the views aren’t too bad either.
Chesapeakpris/TripAdvisor Visit the adorable community of Hermann, which is Missouri’s own German village. The Inn at Hermanoff is a fantastic riverfront inn with many of the rooms featuring gorgeous views of the river or the downtown area.
Address: 237 E. 1st St. Hermann, MO 65041
Head to Jefferson City to take a tour of the State Capitol and the Missouri State Museum.
J. Stephen Conn/flickr Our astounding State Capitol building is located in Jefferson City and towers over the Missouri River. The Missouri State Museum is also located inside the building so you can learn a little bit about our state’s history while touring the Capitol.
Address: 201 W. Capitol Ave. Jefferson City, MO 65101
Go for a hike in Rock Bridge Memorial State Park.
zcar.300/flickr Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is truly a hidden gem tucked away in Columbia. The hiking trails are relatively easy and the main trail is comprised of flat, wooden planks.
Address: 5901 South Highway 163 Columbia, MO 65203
Bike, walk or jog along the Katy Trail.
Oldhagg/flickr The Katy Trail is the longest rail trail in the United States. It runs from Machens to Clinton, but if you start at the Rocheport Trailhead, you’ll get to catch some amazing views of the Missouri River.
Dine along the river at Les Bourgeois Blufftop Bistro.
Spoonball/TripAdvisor This beautiful bluff top bistro soars over the Katy Trail and the Missouri River. It has amazing food and even better wine made from the grape vineyards that they grow onsite. Address: 14020 W Hwy Bb, Rocheport, MO 65279
Spend the night in the historic town of Arrow Rock.
management/TripAdvisor Arrow Rock is so historic, that a portion of it is actually registered as a State Historic Site. As part of the westward expansion, the Santa Fe Trail passed through this town. Notable guests of the region include Lewis and Clark who explored this area during their travels. For a good night’s rest, spend the night at the Down Over Bed & Breakfast.
Address: 603 Main St. Arrow Rock, MO 65320
It may be a muddy river, but it sure draws in some of the best attractions in Missouri. Did you visit any places along the Missouri River as a kid? What were some of your fondest memories? We’d love for you to share with us in the comments below.
Google Maps
Douglas K./Yelp
Learn more about the history of the great Lewis and Clark expedition when you visit this riverfront Boat House & Nature Center in St. Charles.
Address: 1050 S. Riverside Dr. St Charles, MO 63301
Missouri River Excursions/Facebook
Rent a canoe, kayak or raft for some fun on the water. Missouri River Excursions is a rental company based in Defiance. Visit them at their website by clicking here to learn more about their dates and rates.
Address: 2894 South Hwy 94 Defiance, MO 63341
rachel b./TripAdvisor
Chesapeakpris/TripAdvisor
Visit the adorable community of Hermann, which is Missouri’s own German village. The Inn at Hermanoff is a fantastic riverfront inn with many of the rooms featuring gorgeous views of the river or the downtown area.
Address: 237 E. 1st St. Hermann, MO 65041
J. Stephen Conn/flickr
Our astounding State Capitol building is located in Jefferson City and towers over the Missouri River. The Missouri State Museum is also located inside the building so you can learn a little bit about our state’s history while touring the Capitol.
Address: 201 W. Capitol Ave. Jefferson City, MO 65101
zcar.300/flickr
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is truly a hidden gem tucked away in Columbia. The hiking trails are relatively easy and the main trail is comprised of flat, wooden planks.
Address: 5901 South Highway 163 Columbia, MO 65203
Oldhagg/flickr
The Katy Trail is the longest rail trail in the United States. It runs from Machens to Clinton, but if you start at the Rocheport Trailhead, you’ll get to catch some amazing views of the Missouri River.
Spoonball/TripAdvisor
This beautiful bluff top bistro soars over the Katy Trail and the Missouri River. It has amazing food and even better wine made from the grape vineyards that they grow onsite. Address: 14020 W Hwy Bb, Rocheport, MO 65279
management/TripAdvisor
Arrow Rock is so historic, that a portion of it is actually registered as a State Historic Site. As part of the westward expansion, the Santa Fe Trail passed through this town. Notable guests of the region include Lewis and Clark who explored this area during their travels. For a good night’s rest, spend the night at the Down Over Bed & Breakfast.
Address: 603 Main St. Arrow Rock, MO 65320
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Address: 1050 S. Riverside Dr. St Charles, MO 63301Address: 237 E. 1st St. Hermann, MO 65041Address: 5901 South Highway 163 Columbia, MO 65203
