St. Joseph, Missouri

Where history meets adventure

Come make a memory in St. Joseph, Missouri, where the Pony Express was born and Jesse James met his end. Explore our 14 museums, 12 annual festivals, and one-of-a-kind architecture listed on the National Register of Historic Places. From local bars and eateries to 48 parks and 18 trails spanning 75 miles, your next adventure starts here.

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Why Visit St. Jospeh?

St. Joseph is a destination with character and plenty to explore. From the birth of the Pony Express and demise of Jesse James to modern attractions and outdoor adventures, St. Joseph offers you experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

14 museums and historic sites

Step back in time and explore nationally recognized landmarks.

12 annual festivals & Events

From music to food to sports, there’s always something to delight in.

48 parks & scenic trails

Walk, bike or picnic along miles of trails and beautiful parkways.

downtown dining & shopping

Unique shops, local flavors and friendly faces await.

The Perfect Midwest Getaway

Located at the crossroads of Interstate 29 and Highway 36, St. Joseph is just 30 minutes from North Kansas City and within driving distance of more than 17 metropolitan areas, making it the perfect Midwest getaway.

The Cabbage Roll: Saint Joseph’s Authentic German Restaurant

Written by: Leyton Furlong If you’ve ever wanted to try authentic German food but don’t have the budget to travel, this article’s for you! Located on the corner of Lafayette and 27th, the Cabbage Roll has been a staple of St. Joseph's cuisine for over 37 years. Old-World Charm From the First Step Right away, you are hit with the aroma of bratwursts cooking and cabbage being boiled. It’s also hard to ignore the Central European charm. Off in the ...

The Hallows: Saint Joseph’s magical Harry Potter-themed weekend getaway

Written by: Leyton Furlong Located on 619 S 13th Street, the Hallows feels more like Hogwarts than your typical Airbnb. Since 2021, the Hallows has provided Harry Potter fans and history buffs alike with an unforgettable weekend experience. Every room and every hallway has been carefully remodeled to provide guests with a magical experience. Four of the five bedrooms are based on one of the houses from the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; each room goes all out on ...

St. Joe Harley-Davidson: Saint Joseph’s historic motorcycle superstore

Written by: Leyton Furlong Few things are more American than the tradition of enjoying the wide open road (especially when it comes to motorcycles). For nearly 60 years, the St. Joe Harley-Davidson branch has made it its mission to preserve this tradition on a local level. Located at 4020 US-169, Harley-Davidson provides a wide variety of services. Like anything else in St. Joseph, there is more to this place than what meets the eye. In addition to selling bikes, the ...

Always Something to Do

Upcoming events for travelers and locals alike

Holiday park lighting ceremony

November 28

small business summit

November 11

ncaa basketball elite 8

march 28-29

Glore Psychiatric Museum

Krug Park

Remington Nature Center

Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art

Civic Arena

Coleman Hawkins Felix Street Square

Corby Pond

Fort Smith

Hyde Park

Inspireu

Jesse James Home

Missouri Theater

Mount Mora Cemetery

Patee House Museum

Phil Welch Stadium

Pony Express Statue

River Walk Trail

Robidoux Row

Walker Cronkite Memorial

Pony Express Stables

DO NOT DELETE THIS SECTION. EMBEDDED SLIDER REVOLUTION MODALS FOR MAP POPUPS.

GLORE PSYCHIATRIC museum

Voted one of the top 10 attractions in Missouri in the 2017 USA TODAY® Readers’ Choice travel contest, the Glore Psychiatric Museum takes visitors across the wide span of historical treatment of mental illness and social attitudes towards mental health. Exhibits illustrate the changing face of psychiatric treatment and present the history of “State Lunatic Asylum No. 2” hospital.

HOURS:

Daily from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Closed major holidays.

Address:

203 Frederick Ave, Saint Joseph, MO 64506

ADMISSION:

Check the website for pricing. Admission includes the Black Archives Museum, the Glore Psychiatric Museum and the St. Joseph Museum.

Visit the Glore Psychiatric Museum Website

Krug Park

Officially opened to the public in 1902, Krug Park is St. Joseph’s oldest park, offering the community a blend of history and natural beauty. With beautifully maintained landscaping and vibrant flower beds, visitors can enjoy picnic areas, an Italian Renaissance–style castle, an amphitheater, walking trails, and playgrounds. Krug Park is the perfect destination for fresh air and a glimpse into St. Joseph’s heritage.

During the holiday season, the park is also home to Holiday Park, a popular annual light display.

Visit the Krug Park Facebook Page

Remington Nature Center

The Remington Nature Center, located along the scenic Missouri River, is an educational facility and museum that highlights native wildlife, regional geography, and Native American history. The 13,000-square-foot center features a variety of exhibits, including historical displays, an aquarium, and both indoor and outdoor classroom spaces, offering engaging experiences for visitors of all ages, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to learn more about the Missouri River, its environment, and its history.

Visit the Remington Nature Center Website

Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art

We’ve mentioned St. Joseph’s deep and talented artistic landscape, this is the perfect place to experience it. The Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art, once a historic home, has been transformed into one of the premier cultural arts centers in Northwest Missouri. Featuring works from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, along with special exhibitions, educational programs, and performances, the museum showcases St. Joseph’s rich artistic talent and appreciation for the arts.

Visit the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art Website

Civic Arena

Built in 1980, this 3,800-seat multipurpose arena hosted major events such as NCAA basketball tournaments and the National Bull Riding Finals, along with conventions, shows, arena football games, concerts, and the circus. Located in downtown St. Joseph, this spacious and versatile facility has served as a premier venue for entertainment and large-scale gatherings in the region. Today, it continues to be a vital community hub, bringing people together for a wide range of local events and activities.

Visit the Civic Arena Website

Coleman Hawkins Felix Street Square

Located in the heart of a bustling downtown, this community park is a premier destination for entertainment and gatherings of all kinds. Featuring a gazebo that doubles as a stage, an open lawn with scattered trees, and surrounding local businesses, the square serves as a vibrant venue for live music throughout the summer months. Visitors can enjoy food from local vendors, bring a lawn chair and their dog, and take in the music while experiencing the energy of downtown St. Joseph.

Visit the Coleman Hawkins Felix Street Square Facebook Page

Corby Pond

Here, nature lovers will find a tranquil 3.5-acre pond featuring two public fishing docks and shore fishing access, along with beautiful fountains and waters stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Corby Pond is an excellent location for a family photo session, picnic, or fishing day, just be sure to bring some extra breadcrumbs to feed the ducks too.

More Information About Corby Pond

Fort Smith

Named after Colonel Robert F. Smith, a Union Army Civil War leader, this landmark was erected in 1861 as a defensive position prepared for potential conflict along the Missouri–Kansas border. In 2003, the site was rediscovered and restored, featuring three full-scale replica cannons, a scenic lookout point, and Civil War-era illustrations. Fort Smith now serves as a park where visitors can unwind, enjoy a picnic lunch, and take in sweeping views of historic downtown.

Visit Fort Smith

Hyde Park

One of St. Joseph’s most beloved parks, Hyde Park offers a peaceful setting for relaxation and recreation. Centered around a scenic lake, the park features walking paths and trails, open green space, fishing, playground areas, a splash park for kids, disc golf, and tennis courts. With its mix of natural beauty and community amenities, Hyde Park remains a local favorite for family gatherings, weekend outings, and everyday enjoyment, and during the holiday season, visitors can also experience the South Pole decorative light display.

More Information About St. Joseph Parks

InspireU

InspireU is a place where children and their families come to learn and grow through fun, interactive experiences. Located downtown, this state-of-the-art learning center features a variety of exhibits and activities designed for children from birth to 10 years old, centered around five key themes: movement, nutrition, mindfulness, curiosity, and connection. With three floors of exhibits, play areas, and reservable party rooms, this discovery center takes learning and engagement to a whole new level.

Visit the InspireU Website

Jesse James Home

One of the most infamous outlaws of all time lived and died right here in St. Joseph, Missouri. His final residence has been preserved as a museum, where visitors can explore the life, legacy, and death of Jesse James firsthand. For those fascinated by the Wild West, outlaw history, and the story of his ultimate demise, this historic site offers a compelling look into one of America’s most legendary figures.

Visit the Jesse James Home Website

Missouri Theater

This ornate theater serves as a thriving performing arts center with over 1,200 seats. The beautiful sculpture work both inside and out makes it a premier historic destination to experience the performing arts culture St. Joseph has to offer. Step inside and you’ll experience the magic of live performance in one of the city’s most iconic and historic venues, brought to life by talented performers, actors, and musicians.

Visit the Missouri Theater Website

Mount Mora Cemetery

Established in 1851, Mount Mora Cemetery is the oldest operating cemetery in St. Joseph. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it serves as the final resting place of many of the city’s most notable figures, including prominent businessmen, governors, Pony Express riders, and a son of Joseph Robidoux. The cemetery is also known for its striking and elegant tomb architecture, featuring some of the most impressive monuments in the region.

Visit the Mount Mora Cemetery Website

Patee House Museum

What once served as the headquarters of the Pony Express is now one of St. Joseph’s most popular museums. Built by John Patee and originally envisioned as a luxurious four-story hotel, the Patee House Museum now showcases the history of transportation and communication. Exhibits include historic locomotives and railcars, Civil War artifacts, antique automobiles, portraits, and much more.

Visit the Patee House Museum Website

Phil Welch Stadium

Looking to catch a ballgame right here in St. Joseph? America’s pastime is alive and well at this historic stadium. Home to the St. Joseph Mustangs, a collegiate summer baseball team, Phil Welch Stadium also hosts high school and college games and tournaments throughout the season. Fans can also enjoy one of the best fireworks shows in the area on select game nights.

More Parks & Facilities in St. Joseph

Pony Express Statue

It’s only fitting that a commemorative Pony Express statue stands in the heart of downtown St. Joseph, where the historic mail service began. Unveiled in 1940 to mark the 80th anniversary of the Pony Express, this landmark serves as a city icon and a symbol of local history for residents and visitors entering downtown from Frederick Avenue. Today, the Pony Express legacy lives on through this iconic work of art.

Visit the Pony Express Website

River Walk Trail

This 2.9-mile out-and-back trail provides adventurers with stunning overlook views of downtown St. Joseph and its position along the Missouri River. The trail is ideal for hiking, birdwatching, biking, and trail running. Located next to the Remington Nature Center, it offers a great opportunity to experience the scenery and natural beauty of St. Joseph while enjoying some fresh air.

More Information on River Walk Trail

Robidoux Row

Joseph Robidoux, after whom St. Joseph is named, constructed a series of seven connected housing buildings to help newcomers find a place to live. Completed in 1850, these homes have since been transformed into a museum celebrating St. Joseph’s unique roots and history. The museum includes artifacts from Robidoux’s personal life, antique furnishings, a gift shop, a library, and exhibits highlighting early St. Joseph history.

Visit the Robidoux Row Website

Walker Cronkite Memorial

Located on the campus of Missouri Western State University, the Walter Cronkite Memorial pays tribute to St. Joseph’s most renowned broadcast journalist. Born and raised in St. Joseph, Cronkite became a trusted national news anchor whose reporting helped guide the country through some of its most pivotal historical moments. The memorial features interactive kiosks, photographs, replicas, and exhibits highlighting his life and legacy.

Visit the Walker Cronkite Memorial Website

Pony Express Stables

Originally built in 1858, what was known as the Pike’s Peak Stable was established to accommodate horses used by freight and stagecoach riders. A few years later, the building was purchased for the Pony Express and served as a hub for mail carriers and their trusted horses. After a full brick restoration in 1950, the building now stands as a testament to the history of early mail service and is home to St. Joseph’s Pony Express Museum.

Visit the Pony Express Stables Website

Tiny Gems & Community Favorites

locally owned and operated shops

St. Joseph’s small business scene is full of hidden gems and longtime local favorites. From downtown boutiques, coffee shops, and quaint bookstores to beloved eateries, bars, a brewery, and a distillery, there’s always something new to discover. But the charm doesn’t stop downtown. Enjoy classic German cuisine at The Cabbage Roll, authentic Mexican flavors at Barbosa’s, or an award-winning steak at Hoof & Horn. Looking for elevated comfort food? The Frederick Inn delivers a fine dining experience with hometown charm, while Marek’s serves fresh, satisfying sub sandwiches that locals swear by. With as much character as it has history, St. Joseph is filled with local gems waiting to be discovered around every corner, offering visitors authentic experiences and hometown hospitality that keeps them coming back for more.

Fun for the Family

entertainment, learning & recreation for all ages

Looking for good old-fashioned family fun with a local flair? St. Joseph has plenty of attractions the whole family can enjoy. Challenge the kids to a round of mini golf at Cool Crest, a beloved local course that has been entertaining families since 1948, or put your racing skills to the test at Joe Town Speedway. For an action-packed outing, Ricky Dean’s offers arcade games, bumper boats, rock climbing, batting cages, and more. Need to cool off? Spend the day splashing around at the Liberty Oak Splash Park or enjoying a picnic and outdoor games at one of St. Joseph’s many parks. InspireU provides hands-on, interactive learning experiences where children can explore, create, and discover through play. No matter the season, St. Joseph is full of family-friendly fun waiting to be experienced together.