Missouri State Capitol
Benton's frank murals of Missouri history.
Jefferson City
Missouri's capital on the river, with a Thomas Hart Benton mural in the capitol.
A small, attractive town on the Missouri, along the Katy Trail for cyclists.
- Best Time
- Spring and fall
- Time Needed
- Half a day
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Year-round
- Getting There
- About 2 hours from St. Louis or Kansas City, on Amtrak.
What to See
2 of 3 are freeMissouri State Penitentiary
Tours of the old 'bloodiest 47 acres in America'.
Katy Trail
A long bike trail along the Missouri.
Know Before You Go
- Check opening hours before you go, especially on weekends and at state buildings.
Where to Stay
Stay downtown.
Where to Eat
Our picks are on the way.
Editor's picks. Nobody paid to be on this list.
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Traveler Reviews
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Go Next
If You're NearbySt. Louis
Missouri
The 630-foot Gateway Arch, free museums in Forest Park and the Budweiser brewery tour.
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If You're NearbyKansas City
Missouri
Barbecue, jazz in the 18th and Vine district and the National WWI Museum.
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If You're NearbyBranson and the Ozarks
Missouri
A theater-packed Ozarks town of country music, comedians and the Silver Dollar City theme park, among lakes and forested hills.
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Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Midwest list.