Jefferson City Guide - Jefferson City, Missouri

Proud to be the capital city of Missouri, Jefferson City was established in 1825 solely as a location for state government. Steep in a rich history of state politics, steamboats, railroad and African American heritage, Jefferson City has become an entertaining as well as educational destination.

Jefferson City is a great value for families and individual travelers - all attractions are free.

The most notable attractions are the Missouri State Capitol and the Missouri Governors Mansion. Dominating the skyline in all directions, the Missouri’s State Capitol is home to two museums as well as the Missouri House of Representatives and the Missouri Senate. In 1935, the House of Representatives commissioned Missouri native Thomas Hart Benton to paint a mural on the four walls of the House Lounge. This amazing mural is one of the stops on the tour. The Governor’s Mansion was built in 1871 in a Renaissance Revival motif. Public tours are conducted of the elaborate first floor.

Other interesting attractions include:

Jefferson Landing Historic Site - Noted as one of the last remaining river front steamboat landings. The Lohman Building, part of the site, now serves as a visitor’s center and museum.

Cole County Historical Museum – this museum houses a collection of the states First Ladies inaugural gowns. (This is the only museum in the area that charges a nominal fee)

Missouri Veterinary Medical Museum – the only museum in the country solely dedicated to veterinary medicine.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Museum

Runge Nature Center

Museum of Missouri Military History

Lincoln University – the first African American university west of the Mississippi.

Many other attractions including quaint wineries and garden bistros await visitors.

Jefferson City Guide | St Louis City Guide