This stunning city is set on the banks of the Missouri River and is unlike any other in the Midwest. St. Joseph, Missouri, is likewise famed for being the birthplace of the Pony Express and the final resting place of criminal Jesse James.
The Kansas City Chiefs training camp is located in Downtown St. Joseph, as well as numerous annual festivals and museums. If you love the outdoors, concerts, a gorgeous parkway spanning 26 miles, and approximately fifty parks, are just a few of the many outdoor entertainment options.
So if this is one of the places you have in mind, don’t worry. We will guide you through all things to do in St Joseph, MO. So make sure to read until the end.
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Aside from being home to yearly festivals and some great area museums, St Joseph, Missouri, is also topped by the National Register of Historic Sites in terms of extraordinary architectural treasures. If this is not a good reason to visit the city, then I don’t know what will.
Nevertheless, we got you if you are looking for something specific mind. Take a look at our top picks.
- Most Significant Landmark in St Joseph, Missouri – Patee House Museum
- Best Park in St Joseph, Missouri – Enjoy a picnic at Krug Park, St. Joseph, Missouri
- Best Free Activity in St Joseph, Missouri – Fruit picking at Schweizer Orchards
- Best Free Activity in St Joseph, Missouri – Explore the Aquarium at Remington Nature Center
- Best for Adults in St Joseph, Missouri – Participate in Thrilling Axe Factor
- Best Food In St Joseph, Missouri – Dine at Frederick Inn Steakhouse
- Best for Families in St Joseph, Missouri – Watch live performances at Missouri Theater
Best Things to Do in St Joseph, Missouri
1. Most Significant Landmark in St Joseph, Missouri – Patee House Museum
Source / License: Americasroof / CC BY-SA 2.5Address: 1202 Penn St, St Joseph, MO 64503
Besides being classified as a National Historic Landmark, the Patee House Museum now serves as a transportation and communications museum. During the course of more than eighty years, the building has served as a hotel, a college for women, and a factory that makes shirts. John Patee first constructed it as a hotel.
In the year 1860, the Patee Mansion was used for a while as the headquarters of the Pony Express. Visitors can witness a wide collection of relics within the two-story Patee House Museum, including a railroad mail car, an engine from 1860, a 1920s-style service station with a Model T, and many vintage cars.
To make the most of the experience, you can then stay at the Vineyard Manor and Carriage House. This historical home was constructed in 1890 as a historical home. Presently, it has been renovated with a Carriage House with a one-bedroom and one-bathroom structure.
3. Best Park in St Joseph, Missouri – Enjoy a Picnic at Krug Park, St. Joseph, Missouri
Source / License: JeromeG111 / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0Address: 3500 St Joseph Ave, St Joseph, MO 64505
Krug Park is located at the northern terminus of the St. Joseph Parkway in the city, and it was first opened to the public in the year 1902. On its more than 160 acres, Krug Park boasts a variety of amenities, including colorful flower beds, vast landscapes, Italian renaissance structures, and much more. It is commonly referred to as the town’s oldest park.
In addition, it offers its guests picnic spots, off-road bicycle routes, scenic walking trails, a playground with a castle designed in the Italian style, a big lake, and an amphitheater. During the holiday season, the park grounds are lighted, and Krug Park is transformed into Holiday Park, home to the greatest outdoor light display in Northwest Missouri.
Located 2.9 miles from the park is a whole house rental called Immersion Experience Into a Fictional Magical World. The Hallows is inspired by the magic and designed to be an experience, not just a place to sleep.
3. Best Free Activity in St Joseph, Missouri – Fruit Picking at Schweizer Orchards
Source / License: Schweizer OrchardsAddress: 5455 SE State Rte Ff, St Joseph
Schweizer Orchards is located on the bluffs that overlook the Missouri River. For more than four generations, they have been producing and packing high-quality River Bend Apples and delivering reliable service.
The orchard is situated on the bluffs that overlook the river. It is owned and maintained by a family and carries on the long-standing traditions at its wholesale and retail markets in St. Joseph.
In addition to providing an amazing collection of delicious treats, the staff will greet you with a warm and welcoming smile, and if the fruit is in season, you will have the chance to take in the fresh air while picking your own fruit from the orchard. The market also sells fruit and vegetables that have been picked that day so that you can buy them directly.
For four generations, the Schweizer Family has been in the business of producing fruits of exceptional quality. They welcome visitors and families to come out and try all of the tasty delicacies and unique gifts.
If you are looking for the best place to stay Drury Inn & Suites St Joseph. This smoke-free St. Joseph hotel offers easy access to Interstate 29, just 2 minutes from East Hills Shopping Center and Missouri Western State University.
4. Best for Kids in St Joseph, Missouri – Explore the Aquarium at Remington Nature Center
Source / License: Remington Nature CenterAddress: 1502 McArthur Dr, St Joseph, MO 64505, United States
The Remington Nature Center does an outstanding job of informing tourists about the rich history of the region as well as the breathtaking natural scenery surrounding them. It is one of the things to do in St Joseph MO. This wildlife park features a large aquarium and treasure hunts in addition to a variety of other fun activities that the whole family can enjoy together.
The Remington Nature Center gives you the opportunity to view the exhibits in the environmental center, where you can learn about the history, geology, fauna, and flora of the surrounding area. This multiple award-winning museums in St. Joseph features a woolly mammoth and buffalo exhibit, antiques from the Civil War, live birds, a great collection of Native American artifacts, magnificent river panoramas, and a gently flowing paved nature trail.
Hampton Inn St. Joseph is a good accommodation with an indoor pool and outdoor sundeck that gives you a good scenic view outside. Additionally, it has free Wi-Fi and a daily free breakfast. Its rooms are decorated in neutral colors and offer a cable TV and coffee maker to lounge inside if you don’t want to go out.
5. Best for Adults in St Joseph, Missouri – Participate in Thrilling Axe Factor
Source / License: The Axe FactorAddress: 1302 Frederick Ave, St Joseph, MO 64501, United States
If you want to visit Saint Joseph because you want to de-stress, then there is no better place than The Axe Factor. Throwing axes at a target board that is 14 feet away is a great method to get out your anger!
At Illuminate Entertainment Co., residents of St. Joseph have the opportunity to engage in activities such as playing a round of black light mini-golf, working out any stress in the smash room, dodging some balls, enjoying virtual reality games, attempting to solve riddles in an escape room, and even throwing axes. It’s everything you need for a fun time under one roof.
This fantastic experience is perfect for birthday parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties, dating evenings, corporate team-building events, and just people looking to have a good time.
After your fun throwing axe activity, you can choose to stay at The Edmond an 1887 Arts & Crafts gem, to balance out the experience. With a balcony and a terrace with city views, this apartment will help you relieve stress.
6. Best Food in St Joseph, Missouri – Dine at Frederick Inn Steakhouse
Address: 1627 Frederick Ave, St. Joseph, MO 64501
The Frederick Inn Steakhouse, which has been a part of the St. Joseph community for more than thirty-four years, was recently awarded the “Beef Backer Hall of Fame Award.” This honor gives the restaurant the right to boast that it is the best steakhouse in the city.
Together with its aged and hand-cut filet mignon, top sirloins, ribeyes, and Kansas City strips, the restaurant provides prime rib that has been slow-roasted and is accompanied by a delectable au jus sauce.
At the Frederick Inn Steakhouse, every dinner meal comes with a salad and soup bar to which guests can help themselves as much as they want. In addition, guests can help themselves to as many homemade cinnamon rolls and dinner rolls as they like. The Steakhouse is open for business every day of the week except for Sundays.
And if you ever need to find a place to rest after filling your tummies, the Museum Hilltop Place is your to-go. It’s a 1299-square-foot home with plenty of room for a family and their pets, and it’s located in a charming historic district.
7. Best for Families in St Joseph, Missouri – Watch Live Performances at Missouri Theater
Source / License: Thomas Hawk / CC BY-NC 2.0Address: 717 Edmond St, St Joseph, MO 64501
When it opened its doors in the town of St. Joseph in June of 1927, the Missouri Theater screened Rough House Rosie as the primary feature of its opening night. Residents of St. Joseph joined forces together to prevent the destruction of the Missouri Theater, conserving one of the few examples of the Hollywood-Oriental style that can be found across the country.
The theater’s distinctive architecture was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the United States later in the year 1979. It has developed into a thriving center for the performing arts in recent years and now plays host to various stunning performances by a wide range of performers.
The Missouri Theater has recently undergone renovations, including installing a new sound system and t-coils, contributing to the establishment’s friendly and entertaining environment. Visiting it is one of the best things to do in St Joseph MO.
So if you ever want to go out with a family, a night of singing and performing is a good place to start. After that, treat your family to a good place to stay Vineyard Mansion B&B. This homestay has free WiFi, air conditioning, and garden-use accommodations. A common lounge is available for guests’ use as well.
8. Best Scenic View in St Joseph, Missouri – Drive at The Lovers Lane
Source / License: TripAdvisorThe poet Eugene Field memorialized Lovers Lane in his poem “Lovers Lane, Saint Jo,” which was about the twisting and lovely roadway.
Lovers Lane was once a lonely country road when Eugene Field was driving a horse-and-buggy along it to date Julia Comstock, who would later become his wife. Now, the roadway is home to a number of impressive homes.
At the crossroads of Lovers Lane and Northwest Parkway, there is now a monument that honors the poet and serves as a memorial to him. In addition, there is a major marker and a banner, and entry signs that recognize and describe the history and the poetry of Eugene Field.
This is surely a beautiful drive and gives travelers, especially couples, some time to appreciate the view. Presently, as you pass the lane, you may also come across some majestic homes built around the area.
If you prefer to stay at a hotel, the Quality Inn Atchison is one of the most highly-rated hotel accommodations. It features a heated indoor swimming pool along with a whirlpool and sauna. This should be your top choice if you love Belgian waffles for breakfast.
9. Best Thrilling Activity – Visit the Haunted Beattie Mansion
Address: 1120 Main St, St Joseph, MO 64501
If you like some trick-or-treaty eerie experience, try your luck in the Beattie Mansion. The Beattie Mansion is an amazing home that flaunts a significant amount of history. It is commonly referred to as the “House on the Hill,” an endearing nickname for the property. The east wing was the only part of the house that existed when Eliza and Armstrong Beattie first started construction on their home in the year 1854.
Under strange circumstances, Armstrong died in the house in 1878 following an unexpected “bout of cholera.” This was followed by Eliza’s passing away in 1880.
Over the course of its history, the building now known as the “haunted house” served as a House for the Friendless, a Memorial Home for the Elderly, a group home for substance addicts, and a home for those who were mentally ill.
After your chilling adventure, you can stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Atchison, an IHG Hotel. This 3-star accommodation has an indoor pool; and sun terrace with free American breakfast every morning.
10. Best Gift Shop – Jesse James Antique Mall
Address: 12789 Country Pl Dr, St Joseph, MO 64505, United States
Since its opening in 1997, the Jesse James Antique Mall has been managed by members of the same family. They have been awarded the distinction of St. Joseph’s Favorite Antique Mall for the past seven years.
It is one of the largest antique malls in the region, with about 110 booths, 160 displays, and 40 modest shelves, and its floor space is around 20,000 square feet under one roof. They try to ensure that the antique and collector malls retain their original feel and look.
This is why, if you are looking for the most memorable keepsake, Jesse James Antique Mall is undoubtedly where you will find the priceless relic you have been seeking.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott St. Joseph is a 3-star nearby hotel that you can opt to stay on your last day of vacation so you can go and shop for some souvenirs without going far.
11. Best Educational Museum – Tour Inside the Pony Express National Museum
Address: 914 Penn St, St Joseph, MO 64503
In the year 1860, on April 3rd, a solitary rider, who would go on to become the first rider of his kind, set off from the Pikes Peak Stables in the town of St. Joseph, Missouri. This event marked the beginning of the legendary Pony Express, a network of courageous riders that traveled over two thousand miles to California carrying saddlebags full of the hopes and dreams of the country.
The stables are now home to an interactive, educational, and up-to-date museum dedicated to the history and mythology of the Pony Express. The museum is home to exhibits that have been brought up to date, photographs, and narratives, as well as a diorama that is sixty feet long and depicts the many landscapes the riders traversed.
Drury Inn & Suites St Joseph is a highly-rated accommodation near the museum. There’s an indoor pool and a hot tub at this smoke-free hotel in St. Joseph. In addition to a flat-screen TV and free WiFi, guests also have access to various other amenities.
12. Best Cultural Center – Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art
Address: 2818 Frederick Ave, St Joseph, MO 64506
The Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art serves as a hub for the cultural arts in Northwest Missouri. It does this by hosting special exhibitions, educational programs, performance events, and publications. The museum is home to one of the finest collections of American art in the Midwest region, spanning the time period from the eighteenth century to the twenty-first century.
The Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art is an art museum located in the former residence of William Albrecht. It exhibits artwork by various artists, including Albert Bierstadt, Gilbert Stuart, Thomas Hart Benton, and Mary Cassatt, among others. In addition, there is a gift shop and a cafe within the art gallery.
Several museums in Missouri, notably the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art in St. Joseph, have collaborated to pay tribute to the state’s thriving visual arts scene during 2021, the state’s Bicentennial year. From hundreds of entries around the state, they chose 60 works from 60 artists to showcase in this exhibition.
If looking for a place to stay is a concern, you should check out the highly-rated Vineyard Mansion Carriage House. Continue the historic feeling of being in the museum in a historically inspired stay.
13. Best National Historic District – Hall Street Historic District
Address: Corby, 6th and 9th Sts., St. Joseph, Missouri
St. Joseph, Missouri, is home to the Hall Street Historic District, which is a designated National Historic Landmark. In a primarily residential area of St. Joseph, this district includes 43 contributing structures. Some of the city’s founder and best examples of Italianate and Late Victorian architecture may be seen in this area, which flourished between roughly 1870 and 1920.
The hall street historic district was home to some of Old Saint Jo’s wealthiest citizens, earning the nicknames “mansion row” and “millionaire’s row” in the community. During the gilded Victorian period, Old Saint Jo had the highest per-capita income in the United States.
In its heyday, this boulevard was home to horse-drawn carriages and elegant social events. Hall Street has undergone a remarkable revival as the efforts of a few visionary businesspeople have turned back the clock on the area.
Super 8 by Wyndham Cameron is a highly-rated hotel that you can choose to stay when in the area.
14. Best for Sports Enthusiasts – Go to a Mustangs game
Address: 2600 SW Parkway in, St Joseph, MO 64503, United States
In St. Joseph, families and friends meet at Phil Welch Stadium to watch the Mustangs game square up while enjoying some chips, a round of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” and some Cracker Jack. Baseball is undoubtedly America’s favorite sport, which is doing well in St. Joseph’s. The Mustangs are a team competing at the collegiate level that features players from all over the world.
The Phil Welch Stadium was constructed in 1939 as a work project for the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The games consistently have some of the highest attendance rates in the country, drawing in thousands of fans to watch their champion M.I.N.K. squad compete.
Catching a game is one of the most popular things to do in this part of Missouri, thanks to the generations of St. Joseph citizens who have made it a tradition to invite baseball greats for barnstorming games. In those days, the games were known as “barnstorming.”
Throughout the year, the Mustangs conduct events, donate to local charities, and run a reading program to benefit young people in the community to show their support for St. Joseph. If you want to stay at an excellent place after watching the game, make sure to head to Vineyard Mansion Carriage House.
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15. Best Unique Museum – Glore Psychiatric Museum
Address: 3406 Frederick Ave, St Joseph, MO 64506
The Glore Psychiatric Museum in St. Joseph, Missouri, has been named one of the “50 Most Unusual Museums” in the United States. This honor was bestowed upon the museum as a result of its extensive collection of fascinating and one-of-a-kind displays.
St. Joseph State Hospital worker George Glore built life-size replicas of treatment devices from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries in 1968 for an open house celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week. The hospital administrators were so moved by the exhibitions that they established the Glore Psychiatric Museum, and George’s replicas of treatment devices are still on display at the museum.
In addition, the fascinating museum has been featured on several different television networks and in various national publications, including PBS, The Science Channel, The Discovery Channel, and The Learning Channel. Besides that, this museum, which has won numerous awards, provides insight into the history of mental health care at the State Lunatic Hospital No. 2.
After an interesting tour, the Hampton Inn St. Joseph is a nearby inn to wrap up the night.