Missouri State Penitentiary, also known as "The Walls", was in operation from 1836 to 2004 and is located in Jefferson City. Before its closing, it was the oldest continually operating penitentiary west of the Mississippi River. In 1967, Time Magazine named it the "bloodiest 47 acres in America", and it was Missouri’s primary maximum security facility. Today, the Jefferson City Convention and Visitor’s Bureau opens the prison seasonally for public tours given by former corrections officers, guards, and wardens who worked within its walls. Could you survive Missouri State Penitentiary tours? Find out about one of the most haunted places in Missouri ... if you dare:
Kate Richards O’Hare was given a five-year sentence for giving an anti-war speech.
Charles Arthur "Pretty Boy" Floyd was sent there for robbery in 1925 and served 3 ½ years of a five-year sentence. He was an infamous outlaw who was eventually killed by the police while evading his capture in 1934.
Carl Austin Hall and Bonnie Heady were sentenced to death in the 1950s for the kidnapping and murder of a young boy and were sent to the prison to carry out their sentence.
James Earl Ray, the man who later assassinated Martin Luther King Jr., was a prisoner of the penitentiary from 1960 to 1967, when he escaped in a bread box. Professional boxer Sonny Liston was sentenced to five years at the prison in 1950 for robbery, later getting early parole for good behavior.
There were three major riots at the Missouri State Penitentiary, the most deadly occurring in 1954. The guards were overrun and the state highway patrol, state National Guard, and city police departments were all called in to help.
Once it was finally under control, four inmates had been killed, 29 had been injured, and there had been one attempted suicide. In addition, four guards had been seriously injured, and several buildings had been burned with more than 5 million dollars in damages that would take over ten years to repair. Fortunately, no inmates were able to escape during the incident. The State of Missouri’s male death row was located at the Missouri State Penitentiary until April 1989.
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The death row inmates were held in a below-ground unit, isolated from other inmates, unable to leave the special facility, and were only allowed one hour of exercise per day in a fenced area adjoining the facility. The restrictions on movement, limited access to programs and turn-of-the-century facilities were a source of controversy and legal embattlements and eventually, the Missouri Department of Corrections began to use an internal death row classification system.
Privileges were awarded for good behavior, medical procedures and delivery were improved, and a "privacy room" was created where death row inmates could attend religious services. Tours of the prison showcase the history of the prison and the early penal eras in the U.S.
On your visit, you might see the control center, the upper yard, cellblocks in housing unit A (the oldest remaining cellblock, built in 1868) and other housing units, the dungeon cells, the industry area, the exercise yard, and the gas chamber where a total of 40 inmates, men and women, were executed.
Tour Restrictions: no children under 10 are permitted due to the nature of the subject matter. Photographs are allowed, but video recordings are not. No smoking or food is allowed. Tours are not wheelchair accessible, simply due to the age of the buildings, and all attendees must sign a waiver of liability, including a guardian’s signature for visitors under 18.
It is also cautioned that those with asthma, heart conditions, prone to seizures, or with mobility limitations should not take the tour. You will also be refused entry if you are intoxicated, wearing any form of cast or medical brace, are using crutches or are in a wheelchair.
Ghost tours, ghost hunts, public and private overnight investigations, and other types of tours are also available.
On the ghost tour, strange occurrences are the focus as guests are guided through Housing Unit 1, A-Hall (built in 1868), Dungeon Cells, The Upper Yard, Housing Unit 3 and the Gas Chamber. The prison also provides ghost tour lessons, where you can learn from paranormal experts how to use equipment, take photographs and recognize paranormal activity, followed by a two hour ghost hunt.
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Guests are guided and given a history of the prison as well as locations where activity has occurred, then are allowed to do their own investigation using paranormal devices.
Tour schedule and availability is accessible on the website. Student and group rates are also available! For the most up-to-date tour schedule, tickets, and more, make sure to visit the official website.
And, finally, here's a short video to further illustrate the history of this terrifying relic from the past and to take virtual Missouri State Penitentiary tours :
Have you ever taken the Missouri State Penitentiary tours? What was it like, and what did you experience? Tell us your tales in the comments - we love hearing from you. For more haunted Missouri, take a look at this creepy, haunted road trip in MO.
With all the things to do in Missouri in the fall, our schedules are usually jam-packed with fun. Our biggest challenge is finding a way to fit it all - leaf peeping, pumpkin-picking, scenic drives, leisurely hikes - in. If you don't already have a bucket list, now's the perfect time to start one. Adding the best things to do in Missouri in the fall makes it easy to get started.
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Missouri Fall Foliage: Where to Go in Missouri for Fall Foliage
Vibrant fall colors hang on trees on the bluffs above the MIssouri River in Weston Bend State Park near Weston, MIssouri
Missouri in the fall is simply enchanting. Even a simple walk through our neighborhood promises beautiful views of the foliage. The crisp temperatures also make it an idyllic time for an adventure. Start planning your leaf-peeping adventures by knowing when the leaves will change colors in Missouri. The peak of the Missouri fall foliage depends on where you are in the state. However, the peak usually occurs between mid- and late October, with the color changes beginning in the middle of September. That gives you plenty of time to make plans, starting with some of the best places to visit in Missouri in the fall.
1. Weston Bend State Park
Location: Weston
Wow Factor: A scenic vista boasts some of the best views of the fall foliage in Missouri.
Need To Know: The park has picnic tables, so bring a meal.
Conveniently located around a half hour outside Kansas City, Weston Bend State Park promises plenty of ways to admire the Missouri fall foliage. If you're up for an adventure, follow one of the trails, all of which are rated either easy or moderate, on foot or bike. The easy, stroller-friendly Bear Creek Trail clocks in at half a mile, making it a fun way to walk amongst the colorful trees and admire the foliage. A playground and picnic tables are also available.
2. Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
Location: Lampe
Wow Factor: Go on a walk to see the park's waterfalls flanked by the fall foliage.
Need To Know: Dogwood Canyon Nature Park charges an admission fee. Activities, including guided tours and horseback riding, will cost additional.
A beloved year-round destination in Lampe, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is simply magical when the leaves change colors in the fall. The 10,000-acre nature park offers a full menu of amenities, including guided tours, horseback riding, and trout fishing. Rent a bike or wear a pair of comfy shoes. The park boasts more than 15 miles of paved and nature trails, making it easy to breathe in the crisp air and drink in the colors of the season.
3. Crowder State Park
Location: Trenton
Wow Factor: Camping is available through the end of November.
Need To Know: Kayaking and boating are allowed in Crowder Lake, but you'll have to bring your own since it's the off-season.
Crowder State Park's more than 1,900 acres promise plenty of ways to marvel at the fall foliage. If you've got a boat or a kayak, slip it into the 18-acre Crowder Lake for a bit of exploring. Four hiking trails wander through the state park, but you'll need to be up for the challenge. Two earn a hard rating while the other two are considered moderate. If you don't feel like hiking, kick back and relax with a leisurely picnic.
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4. Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Location: Camdenton
Wow Factor: The castle ruins, framed by the fall foliage, are breathtaking. Bring a camera.
Need To Know: Kayaks are available for rent through October.
One of the best places to view the Missouri fall foliage, Ha Ha Tonka State Park's crowning jewel is, arguably, its castle ruins. Follow the short, sweet, and easy .08-mile Castle Trail that leads to the ruins and an overlook with sensational views of the Lake of the Ozarks. For a relaxing way to view the fall foliage, rent a kayak or pack a picnic.
Best Pumpkin Patches in Missouri
Close up of pumpkins at a pumpkin patch
We all have that one thing that reminds us that fall has finally arrived in Missouri. For some of us, it's a trip to our favorite pumpkin patches in Missouri, where we go on a hayride, pick pumpkins, and dig into our favorite fall treats. While we have our favorites, it's always fun to try somewhere new, too, right? Here are a few more of the best pumpkin patches in Missouri that are worthy of a spot on your autumn bucket list.
5. The Pumpkin Pad
Location: Lone Jack
Wow Factor: The 75-acre farm features more than 30 attractions.
Need To Know: Admission is $14.99 plus tax. Children one year and under are free.
If you've been searching for the best fall activities near me in Missouri, you've hit upon one of the best with The Pumpkin Pad. Start your autumn adventure with a visit to the 20-acre pumpkin patch to pick out your favorites. That, however, is just the beginning of the fun. Climb aboard for a hay ride; escape from the eight-acre corn maze; try your hand at inflatable axe throwing, and grab a delicious bite from the food trucks.
6. Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch
Location: Kearney
Wow Factor: The 300-acre farm has more than 30 attractions and activities.
Need To Know: You can purchase tickets online or at the gate.
The Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch hosts one of the best fall festivals in Missouri, but it all starts with a trip to the U-pick pumpkin patch. Search for your favorite pumpkins, for decorating or baking, before exploring the rest of the family-friendly attractions. How long will it take you to escape from the corn maze? Carve out plenty of time for your visit, so you can (yes, adults can, too!) go down the giant slide; pet the farm animals; cheer on the pig races, and shoot apples from a cannon. Work up an appetite because you have scrumptious seasonal goodies - from turkey legs to pumpkin donuts - from which to choose.
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7. Fischer Farms Pumpkin Patch
Location: Jefferson City
Wow Factor: The pick-your-own pumpkin patch spans more than 40 acres
Need To Know: Admission is $8 per person for guests three years and older.
Pile the whole family in the car. Destination: Fischer Farms Pumpkin Patch, a favorite fall destination in Missouri for 25 years, promises a full day of fun. Explore the more than 40-acre pumpkin patch that's brimming with pumpkins of all sizes. Enjoy a hayride, and time how long it takes to find your way out of the 10-acre corn maze. So many photo-worthy moments await, including posing on the photo-op chair, so bring your camera. Stock up on gourds, mums, and corn stalks for all your fall decorating.
Best Fall Festivals in Missouri
A pumpkin carved into a smiling Jack O’ Lantern sitting in the grass with small pumpkins and fallen leaves as a Halloween decoration. It is glowing from the light within and accented by the blue moon light.
Autumn leaps alive with color and activity, and we have no shortage of fall festivals to add to our bucket list. From walking past glowing pumpkins to going on an old-fashioned hayride, the best fall festivals in Missouri offer something for everyone.
8. Augusta Harvest Festival
Location: Augusta
Wow Factor: One of the highlights of the daylong festival, the parade kicks off at 10:30 a.m.
Need To Know: The Augusta Harvest Festival will be held on Sept. 21, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mark your calendar for the final official day of summer and the Augusta Harvest Festival. The daylong festival kicks off with a Fun Run at 9 a.m. and is followed by the parade at 10:30 a.m. Activities include a pie-eating contest, a car show, and a live owl demonstration. Stop by the petting zoo, and watch the kiddos hop up and down in the bounce house before checking out the street fair, where you'll find live music and delicious food and drink.
9. Silver Dollar City Harvest Festival/Pumpkins in the Park
Location: Branson
Wow Factor: Several popular Silver Dollar City rides, including Time Traveler, are open for Rides Into The Night during Pumpkins in the Park.
Need To Know: Tickets are available online.
Silver Dollar City is the place to be when autumn rolls around, and it promises daytime and evening fun. During the day, enjoy the Harvest Festival, an annual event with a full menu of fun. Visit and learn from craftsmen; watch a cook-off at Cowboy Camp, and indulge in seasonal goodies like pumpkin whoopie pies. When the sun goes down, Silver Dollar City glows with the Pumpkins in the Park. Marvel at the glowing pumpkins; join a pumpkin dance party; snap photos with characters, and watch a master pumpkin carver work his magic. Save some time, too, for a ride or two.
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10. Rhymers Ridge Fall Harvest Festival
Location: Jefferson City
Wow Factor: Unicorn (yes!) rides are available.
Need To Know: The annual Missouri fall festival runs from the end of September until the beginning of November.
A monthlong celebration of all things autumn, the Rhymers Ridge Fall Harvest Festival has one activity that will thrill the littles: Unicorn rides. (A fee is required to ride the unicorns, ahem, horses.) Wander through the pumpkin patch or, if you're in a hurry, you can purchase already-picked pumpkins. Are you brave enough to zip down the giant slide before meeting some of the farm's friendly animals? Say hi to the peacocks, cows, goats, sheep, and donkeys.
11. Liberty Fall Fest
Location: Liberty
Wow Factor: The festival will feature more than 200 vendors and artists.
Need To Know: Admission to the festival is free.
For nearly half a century, Liberty Fall Fest has brought autumn revelers together for a full weekend of fun at the end of September. The weekend features an old-fashioned carnival with rides and booths. Show off your talent by signing up for the chalk art contest; enjoy live music, and grab a seat on the sidelines for the Saturday morning parade.
12. Maple Leaf Festival
Location: Carthage
Wow Factor: The 10-day festival is jam-packed with family-friendly fun.
Need To Know: The Maple Leaf Festival, celebrating its 58th year, runs from Oct. 11-19, 2024
For 10 glorious days every fall, the Maple Leaf Festival returns to Carthage with a full menu of family-friendly fun that includes a parade, dachshund races, a rodeo, a tractor show, a car show, and a quilt crawl. The festival will feature an old-fashioned carnival with rides, live entertainment, a petting zoo, and food vendors.
Free & Cheap Missouri Fall Activities
A pumpkin carved into a smiling Jack O’ Lantern sitting in the grass with small pumpkins and fallen leaves as a Halloween decoration. It is glowing from the light within and accented by the blue moon light.
Celebrating autumn doesn't have to break our budgets. Some of the best Missouri fall activities are free. If you're watching your wallet or simply want to spend some time outdoors, start with these free Missouri fall activities.
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13. Set off on a fall hike
Location: Weston
Wow Factor: Awe-inspiring views of the Missouri River and the Missouri fall foliage.
Need To Know: Perfect for a fall stroll.
With more than 1,400 trails in Missouri, we're never too far from one that has everything we're looking for, whether we want an easy stroll or a challenging trek. Often described as an easy walk, the .06-mile Missouri River Trail won't take more than a half-hour. The pretty path follows train tracks and leads to the Missouri River. However, the highlight is the brilliant shades of orange, red, and gold of the landscapes in the fall.
14. Go on a fall bike ride
Location: Ballwin
Wow Factor: The trail features a bluff with breathtaking views of the fall foliage and the Meramec River Valley.
Need To Know: The trail is popular with hikers and bikers; just be prepared for a challenge.
If you're up for a challenge, you won't find one better - or prettier during autumn - than the Lone Wolf Trail. The difficult trail spans 1.6 miles, but Missouri State Parks advises carving out at least an hour and 40 minutes to complete. Blazed in yellow, the loop trail is lined with colorful trees and leads to a bluff overlooking the Meramec River Valley.
15. Take a drive on a scenic byway
Location: Mark Twain National Forest
Wow Factor: Scenic overlooks that offer sweeping views of the Missouri fall foliage.
Need To Know: Set your GPS to follow the scenic byway.
Meandering 24 miles through Mark Twain National Forest, Blue Buck Knob Scenic Byway is an easy way to admire the fall foliage. The scenic road passes wooded areas, farmland, and pastures, and leads to several scenic overlooks, including Indian Creek Overlook and Blue Buck Overlook. If you have time, pull over to drink in the views.
What are your favorite things to do in Missouri in the fall? Did any of them make this list? Which would you add? Let us know in the comments! Up for more fall fun? Follow this fall foliage road trip in Missouri on a one-of-a-kind autumn adventure. Before you go, though, check out the OIYS road trip essentials packing list.
11 Things That Belong On Everyone’s Missouri Summer Bucket List
Published Aug 28, 2024
Written by
Contributor
Missouri has been my home for my entire life. Having lived near St. Louis, Columbia, and Springfield, I’ve experienced the state’s diverse regions firsthand. Inspired by these experiences, I created a Summer Bucket List for Missouri, highlighting the top eleven quintessentially Missourian activities. I once met a woman from Los Angeles who marveled at how “green everything was” here. Our abundance of natural resources makes Missouri a beautiful place to live and vacation.
Limestone is Missouri’s most abundant quarried stone and is a huge contributor to the state’s economy. Many retired quarries are in picturesque settings, fed by natural underground springs, making waters cool and clear. Recreational quarries dot the state, but the most action-packed is The Fugitive Beach. With cliff jumping, gigantic water slides, beaches, yard games, and cabanas for rent, this place has it all! Conveniently located in Rolla, midway between St. Louis and Springfield, it is a great addition to any summer vaca.
Missouri has a long growing season from April through October, making it an ideal location for seasonal flower farms scattered across the state. One such farm is Gooseberry Bridge Farm, which offers a “you-pick” style of harvesting for guests. Typically, these farms have a spring and a summer season, showcasing blooms like tulips, sunflowers, zinnias, and probably some unique varieties you’ve never seen before! Flower farmers love to experiment with fun, new varieties.
Goose Berry Bridge is particularly adorable with its charming addition of cute farm animals visitors can enjoy. As a Missouri Master Gardener, I can attest to the seasonality of growing fresh flowers, which often bloom in waves. When visiting flower farms, you will want to check websites and social media pages for picking times and seasons. Note that some farms may require reservations.
When you picture the Midwest, do you visualize expansive cornfields and rolling plains? That's what you’re likely to see driving along Highway 70 from St. Louis to Kansas City, but the community around Columbia also has a thriving local farming scene. In 2021, the Columbia Farmers Market was voted best in the nation! The vendors are mostly small family farmers.
Columbia is Missouri’s fourth-largest city, and thanks to the presence of the University of Missouri (Mizzou), it boasts more progressive views and growing practices. Most growers offer organic produce; animals are usually pasture-raised and fed a superior diet. Many small businesses using local ingredients also vend at the market. I like grabbing a cappuccino and fueling up with a piping-hot breakfast burrito from one of the scrumptious food vendors, then start shopping. Get all the supplies you need for the week including veggies, herbs, meat, bread, soap, flowers, cannabis, sweets, jams, fresh pasta, pickles, cured meats, cheese, honey, and so much more!
4. Go Camping in the Largest State Park at Lake of the Ozarks
Bigger is better in this case. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is packed with activities! Enjoy swimming at one of two beaches, take a cave tour, hike near small springs, get on the water in a kayak, rent a boat at one of two marinas, or picnic overlooking the lake. Lake of the Ozarks is one of the state's most popular outdoor tourist destinations; the park is conveniently located near the main restaurant, shopping, and entertainment areas. While lodging can be pricey during the peak summer season, you can find affordable options at the park’s campground outpost cabins and yurts. The park also offers basic and electric campsites if you want to bring your own gear.
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5. Experience the Might of the Mississippi on a Riverboat Cruise
Toot, toot! I can hear the whistle on the Mark Twain Riverboat now. Hannibal, one of Missouri’s oldest towns, is rich in history and charm. The town boasts many historical sites and small museums. Dinner or sightseeing cruises depart from the riverfront, offering expansive views of this historic town. Hannibal is best known as the childhood home of Mark Twain, who drew inspiration from the town for many settings in his famous book, “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” On your cruise, you’ll hear fascinating stories about the town’s characters and history. It's a wonderful way to get out on the water and experience the might of the Mississippi. You’ll find other sightseeing cruises in places like St. Louis and Branson.
St. Louis and Kansas City rival each other for the best BBQ in Missouri, but I’m playing Switzerland and showcasing a mid-state favorite. Located on historic Route 66, Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que in Cuba is renowned for its meats smoked for over 12 hours-yum! Serving the community for nearly 20 years, the restaurant is owned by a master BBQer, Dennis Meiser. A visit to Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que feels like a trip to Hillbilly Heaven (as Dennis would say), where you can enjoy your barbecue in a rustic, log cabin-like setting adorned with antique metal signs and cow hides decorating the walls. What's more "summer" than BBQ?
7. Visit the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival & Car Show
Spanning two-thirds of our continent, the Route 66 Highway is a significant part of American history. With its construction beginning nearly a century ago, it spurred tourism in the United States and helped small towns prosper by creating better connections between towns. Springfield, Missouri, is considered the birthplace of Route 66 because the name was proposed from an official there, and later accepted by the Secretary of Agriculture 1926.
The Birthplace of Route 66 Car Show in Springfield is a major event, taking over the entire downtown area of Missouri’s third-largest city and attracting nearly 100,000 visitors. Held annually in the second week of August, this three-day extravaganza features concerts, food vendors, and a parade, making it a must-see celebration of automotive culture and history.
I often marvel at our country’s historical buildings and ponder the astronomical cost of constructing such grand buildings today. That’s why I deeply appreciate the architecture and grandiose building materials of landmarks like the State Capitol building in Jefferson City. During your tour, you’ll explore the Capitol's public spaces, which continue to serve as the home of the Missouri General Assembly and state officials' offices.
If you’re interested in architecture, art, and history, the Capital Touris perfect for you! The tour also provides access to the Missouri State Museum, which offers fascinating insights into the Show-Me State’s rich history.
You’ll have a better chance of viewing Thomas Hart Benton’s renowned artwork “A Social History of the State of Missouri” during the summer months, as the legislative session runs from January through May. Weekends offer an even better opportunity. Keep in mind that tour subjects may vary depending on the building's activities. Be sure to reserve your spot at least 24 hours in advance to secure your place.
Kansas City’s nickname, “City of Fountains” reflects its collection of more than 200 fountains! This is a great way to get outside and explore the city. You can take a tour by street car, walk, or roll the windows down and take self-guided driving tour.
I'm going to go ahead and say it: the Festival of Nations is one of the coolest festivals I've ever experienced. As a food lover, I relish the opportunity to try new dishes, and this festival offers one of the most diverse culinary experiences imaginable, featuring cuisine from over 80 nations. But even if food isn't your main thang, you can still immerse yourself in multiculturalism through live music, dance, art, shopping, and experiencing traditions from around the world. The International Institute's Festival of Nations typically takes place in late August at Tower Grove Park in St. Louis.
11. See What’s in Bloom at the Missouri Botanical Garden
Experience native Missouri flora at the Missouri Botanical Garden, including wildflowers and plants. Different plants bloom at various times of the summer, so you never know what you’ll see! Experience special exhibitions, live music, lectures, and classes. Permanent exhibitions, like the Butterfly House attraction, feature species native to Missouri and highlight their role in the local ecosystem. The park does offer an evening schedule in the cooler months and evening activities if you want to beat the summer heat.
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What do you think of my top 11 quintessentially Missourian summer bucket list items? Missouri is the 21st largest state, so there are probably some fun things I missed. Check out some other seasonal activities and attractions in the Show-Me State. If you are going to hit the road this summer, check out our ultimate road trip packing list so you don’t forget any essentials.
