Jefferson City is unique because it was explicitly laid out to serve as the state’s capital. The legislature almost named the city Missouriopolis before calling it Jefferson City after Thomas Jefferson. Daniel Morgan Boone, son of the famous frontiersman, laid out the city’s streets and lots. The government paid to have the buildings that they needed constructed before the town was incorporated in 1825 and became the state capital in 1826.
A fire destroyed the state capital in 1837, but it was quickly rebuilt. Grist mills, flour mills, tanneries, and distilleries were the largest businesses in the town that quickly grew when German immigrants moved to the area in the 1830s. Learn more about all these events by visiting the Missouri State Museum. Workers constructed the neo-classical Governor’s Mansion in 1874, and you will want to take a tour of this home where every Missouri governor has lived since that time. Tours are also available of the state capital and the Missouri Supreme Court building.
While many cities tried to take the state capital title away from Jefferson City in the early days, the building of the Missouri State Penitentiary in the city stopped the squabbles. People served time in this facility from 1836 to 2004, including James Earl Ray, professional boxer Sonny Liston, and bank robber Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd, and you will want to take a tour.
Another historic spot in Jefferson City that you will want to visit is the Jefferson Landing State Historic Site. James A. Crump constructed the Lohman Building in 1826, and you will want to visit this building that served as the primary business building in Jefferson City for a long time. It is a fascinating place to visit as it is set up as an 1850s general store. Learn more about Jefferson City’s early days by visiting the Elizabeth Rozier Gallery at this site. It is also the city’s Amtrack station.
Shelbyfest – This two-day festival features Ford Mustang cars in autocross events, parades, and auctions as owners gather from across the United States.
Battle of the Brews – Get unlimited tastings from commercial and home brewers at this event. Listen to live bands play, and grab some grub from the food trucks.
Jefferson City Multicultural Fall Festival – You can listen to bands perform music from around the world, and eat food from various countries at this festival that runs concurrently with fall family-friendly activities at the Governor’s Mansion.
The nearest national park to Jefferson City is Gateway Arch National Park in Saint Louis, about 132 miles away. Ride the tram to the top of the arch to see Mississippi River views. Then, ride it back down again to explore the museum at the base of the arch. The museum features displays about the indigenous people and the Creoles who helped start St. Louis while other displays help you understand more about Thomas Jefferson’s vision for the country. You will also gain a deeper understanding of what was needed to build this arch.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park near Camdenton is a great place to explore. Climb the hill to see the remains of the old stone castle and enjoy the stunning scenery. Follow other paths and boardwalks at this park to explore sinkholes and caves.
Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park near Wildwood is a fantastic place to camp, hike, horseback ride, and bike ride. This park on the National Register of Historic Places was named after a prominent St. Louis physician who enjoyed taking care of the less fortunate.
Don Robinson State Park along the Upper LaBarque Creek near Cedar Hill is a fantastic place to go hiking through and along sandstone box canyons, shelter caves, cliffs, glades, and upland and bottomland forests.
The Lewis & Clark Monument near the state capital offers statues of Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, York, Sacagawea and her baby, and Lewis's dog Seaman. The statue commemorates June 4, 1804, when the Corps of Discovery camped near this site. The memorial also has figures of a journal, telescope, guns, and hats. Surrounding the figures is manicured grass and several benches.
When looking for campgrounds in the Jefferson City area, many choose to go a little further south to camp near the Lake of the Ozarks. Riverview RV Park at Lake Ozark, Missouri, is one possible choice. You will find a stocked fishing pond, playground, and camp store. Another possible choice is Osage Beach RV Park, which features a seasonal pool, kid’s pool, laundry, and restroom. Most sites come with a patio, cable TV, and Wi-Fi.
Peaceful Valley Resort and RV Park at Sunrise Beach is another terrific option. You can order food from this campground’s restaurant and have it delivered right to the beach. All of these campgrounds offer full hookups.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Jefferson City, MO, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Jefferson City?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Jefferson City from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Jefferson City?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.