St. Joseph Missouri

The Wild West

St. Joseph's Wild West history transports you straight into the heart of the frontier. Begin at the Pony Express National Museum to discover Missouri's exciting role in for the first long distance mail service. Step into the original stables for interactive exhibitions that introduce the fearless young riders, such as Buffalo Bill, and trace their routes across treacherous terrain. Mere blocks away, the Patee House stands as a historic reminder of the once bustling headquarters of the Pony Express. This building, initially a luxury hotel, housed the Pony Express Office on its first floor. You can explore the last remaining locomotive from the Hannibal-St. Joseph Railroad, enjoy a ride on a vintage carousel indoors and walk through the streets of downtown St. Joseph as they appeared in the 1800s. Stop by the Jesse James Home next door to see the modest home where the infamous outlaw met his fate in 1882. Admission to the house is just $5 and includes artifacts such as revolvers belonging to James and the frame he was adjusting when he was fatally shot.

Arts & Icons

St. Joseph's cultural scene blends historic charm with modern flair. Make sure to catch a live performance at the Missouri Theater, a beautifully restored movie palace from 1927 that hosts a variety of events from Broadway shows to symphony concerts. At the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art, you can admire masterpieces by renowned artists like Mary Cassatt and Thomas Hart Benton alongside contemporary works by local talents.

Pay homage to broadcasting legend Walter Cronkite at Missouri Western State University. This memorial celebrates St. Joseph's native son and "the most trusted man in America" through multimedia exhibits, a replica of his CBS newsroom and key footage from his coverage of significant events such as the moon landing. Don't leave without exploring Downtown St. Joseph's eclectic shops, historic buildings and the year-round Sculpture Walk – an open-air gallery showcasing public works from artists across the country.

St. Joseph’s Outdoors

From serene riverside strolls to vigorous treks, St. Joseph's outdoor spaces invite you to breathe deeply and explore at your own pace. A great starting point is the Remington Nature Center, located along the Missouri River. Inside, you'll discover fascinating exhibits that bring the region's rich ecological history to life alongside life-sized replicas of pre-historic creatures that once roamed the land, like the Woolly Mammoth. Wander along the trails outside and you might spot eagles soaring overhead or deer grazing along the riverbank.

For those looking to stretch their legs a little further, the Parkway System offers more than 40 kilometers of scenic trails that connect St. Joseph's beautiful parks and neighborhoods. Popular for hiking and biking, this green network runs from the city's north end at Krug Park to the south end at Hyde Park. Head to the River Bluff Trails if you're up for a more rugged adventure. Here, the terrain gets a little more challenging, but the views are nothing short of breathtaking. These trails wind through forests and bluffs with sweeping views of the Missouri River below.