Missouri's State Capital: Jefferson City

In the central region of Missouri, the Show-Me State, Jefferson City lies along the banks of the mighty Missouri River and is home for the State Capital. Jefferson City is where Missouri state government happens and where state agencies are headquartered. It is also a lovely small city with history and much more, perfect for the family who loves history to visit, ideal for students who want to know more about how state government operates, and great for anyone wanting a long vacation or weekend getaway in Missouri's heartland.

Jefferson City - also known as simply Jeff or Jeff City to residents - is located just to the left of center in the state, almost midway between Missouri's two largest cities, Kansas City and St. Louis. It is located north of Springfield, another Missouri metropolitan area and is easily accessible from most of Missouri.

Jeff City is home to the Missouri State Capital which is located near the banks of the Missouri River, a major tributary that broadens by the time it flows past the Capital on its way to merge with the greater Mississippi River near St. Louis. The Missouri River is an important part of Jeff City history. The oldest portions of the town can be found at the Jefferson Landing State Historic Site on Jefferson Street along the river and below the State Capital. Like most river towns, Jefferson City was founded on the active river trade of the late 18th and 19th centuries. Historic displays about the city's early history can be found at the site. Three buildings comprise the site, the 1839 Lohman Building that includes a museum and visitor center, the 1854 Christopher Maus House and the 1855 Union Hotel. The heart of the city's history can be found here and at the State Capital just up the hill.

At 201 Capital Avenue, the Missouri State Capital is the third building designated as such. The first state capital building was completed in 1826 but was lost to a fire in 1837. A second Capital was built in 1837 but that building was struck by lighting in 1911 and also burned. The current State Capital building was begun and was completed in 1918. Home to the Missouri State Senate and Legislature, the Missouri State Capital is built from native Carthage stone. Artwork by noted Missouri artists including Thomas Hart Benton, NC Wyeth, and Frank Brangwyn grace the walls in many areas. The Capital is open to the public and on site at the Missouri State Capital is the The State Museum.

The State Musuem offers extensive exhibits that focus on Missouri history. Natural and cultural history can be traced at The State Museum. The History Hall and Resource Hall offer visitors an indepth look at the Show-Me State. The Missouri State Museum is open from 8 until 5 daily. Guided tours are available on the hour from 8 until 11 and from 1 until 4 daily. The Museum is closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day and is free.

Nearby the Missouri Governers Mansion was built on the site of the original Capital building. The Governers Mansion dates to 1871 and is open to the public with guided tours. For details on tour times or to arrange a tour, call the Missouri Governer's office at 573-751-4141.

Other spots of local and historical interest in Jefferson City include The Safety Education Center and Law Enforcement Musuem at the Missouri State Highway Patrol headquarters at 1510 Elm Street. Law enforcement vintage displays and displays that focus on sfety can be seen. The real highlight of the museum is the five fully equipped Missouri Highway Patrol cars that date from 1931 to the present day. The Museum is free and is open from 8am until 5pm weekdays.

The Missouri Veterinary Museum is another spot worth visiting. Located at 2500 Country Club Drive, The Missouri Veterninary Museum features more than two thousand different items that relate to veterinary medicine. Some are more than a century old. Video tapes are also shown. There is no charge to view the museum but donations are accepted.

At the Runge Conservation Nature Center north of the junction of US Highways 50 and 63 on State Route 179, visitors can enjoy exhibits and nature trails that highlight Missouri's natural habitats including rivers, farms, prairies, wetlands, glades, forests, and even caves. A 2400 gallon aquarium features native Missouri waterlife.

Jefferson City is also located along the 200 miles long Katy Trail that travels from St. Charles, Missouri to outside Sedalia, Missouri. The Katy trail runs along the path once taken by the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad and runs beside the Missouri River. Open to hiking and biking, the Katy Trail travels through beautiful scenery and through several historic cities. Hikers and bikers can opt for a short journey or can travel the entire route.

Thanks to the presence of the Missouri State Capital and other state agencies adjacent to the downtown area, visitors will find a lively traditional downtown along High Street. Look for shops, restaurants, and specialty stores along a several block area that lies within walking distance of the State Capital.

There is also a small mall on the edge of town, the Capital City Mall with a number of department stores and other shops.

Jefferson City has many choices when it comes to lodging and some of the most popular include the Best Western Capital Inn, The Hampton Inn-Capital Mall, a Holiday Inn Express, and the Ramada Inn, Jefferson City. Budget minded travlers may want to opt for the Motel 6, an extremely nice location can be found in Jefferson City.

With state politicans in town, Jefferson City is filled with a number of delightful dining experiences in addition to the familiar fast food and chain restaurants. Since Jeff City is on the edge of the Missouri Rhineland, some of the best local restaurants feature German cuisine. One of the best is Das Stein Haus, a restaurant offering up huge servings of German Swiss, French, and American foods. Traditional German dishes like beef rouladen are delicious.

At Domenico's on Truman Boulevard, diners enjoy traditional Italian favorites like veal parmigiana, shrimp scampi, and veal marsala. Speciality of the house is steak Arcobasso, named for the family that operates this Italian eaterie.

Madison's Cafe between High Street and Capital Avenue offers ample portions of homestyle, delicious foods and is a favorite among Capital staff and state office holders. Another favorite is Mel's Country Cafe where the chicken fried steak is the speciality of the house.

Fine dining can be found at the Cafe De Ville located inside the vintage Hotel De Ville on Miller Street. Try the seafood dishes or the high quality beef; both are worth the moderate price.

Spice up a meal by eating at El Jimador Restaurant on Ellis Boulevard. Another local favorite, El Jimador serves up big portions of hearty Mexican food at reasonable prices.

Jefferson City is also home to the Missouri State Penitenary and tours are available to those who wish to take a closer look at life on the inside.

Within a short drive of Jefferson City, historic communites like the very German Hermann, Missouri (home to multiple wineries) and Fulton, Missouri where an English church designed by Sir Christopher Wren can be seen on campus offer day trips. Jefferson City is also close to the popular Lake of the Ozarks recreation area, home to the lake as well as other ammenties that include a host of outlet malls.

For more information on Jefferson City, Missouri, the state's capital, contact the Jefferson City Convention and Visitor's Bureau at 1-800-769-4183. They can provide vistor guides and a map with walking tours.