The Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City was a really nice surprise and much more impressive…read morethan I expected. The interior is beautiful, and it felt like there were miles and miles of hallways to wander, which made exploring half the fun. I could only look into the galleries through the windows, but even from a distance they looked spectacular and full of detail. The rotunda was a standout for me, especially standing underneath it and looking up at the dome, which is genuinely stunning. It is one of those places that quietly sneaks up on you and makes you glad you took the time to stop and explore.

I've visited three state capitols, and they're all special in their own way. The Missouri one has…read moresome history of its own, as being the fifth overall capitol building in the state of Missouri, and just the 3rd one in Jeff City. You can park in a nearby garage or simply in front or back of the building. Be sure to check out the art and statues on the grounds, including the Statue of Liberty replica and the Thomas Jefferson statue. On the first floor is mostly the Missouri State Museum (not to be confused with the Missouri History Museum in St. Louis) where you can learn a lot about the Show-Me State. I highly recommend checking out the large timeline of Missouri events they have there. I also highly recommend checking out the gift shop, which doesn't seem like they have very much to offer (that's probably a good thing!). If you have a State Capitols Passport Stamp book, they will gladly stamp it. The other floors consist, of course, statewide offices as well as several offices for legislative leaders. As you enter the 2nd floor from the staircase you'll see the Governor's office door right away. (No, he wasn't there at the time of my visit). Down the hall is the Lt. Gov's office as well. The Senate and State House chambers are on the 3rd floor. Be sure to check out the detailed mural of artist Thomas Hart Benton, located on the 3rd floor. And the Hall of Famous Missourians, which consist of a very eclectic group of people: Walt Disney, Scott Joplin, Rush Limbaugh, Walter Cronkite, Stan Musial and many others. If you're a fan of visiting state capitols, this is for you. Got extra time? Check out the Bicentennial Bridge (MO celebrated its 200th birthday in 2021) that leads to a small island across the railroad tracks. Unfortunately, there's not much else to do in Jeff City, but you know.

Missouri isn't in as bad of shape like other states. Sure the recent selection of governors is a…read morejoke, but you have a beautiful capitol building to make horrible decisions in everyday. When you are in Jefferson City, you need to stop by and grab a few pictures, day or night.

Finding national cemeteries in the middle of residential areas is always an interesting…read morejuxtaposition. Surrounded by homes that post-date the graves, the site can make one consider the transitory nature of things. Jefferson City National Cemetary is built on a hill, a unique aspect. It's a confined area, surrounded by houses and near a major street, but inside the gates it's quiet and well maintained. You can tell the age of some sites by the large trees that are taking over the headstones, and, in at least two instances, forced the caretakers to replace the headstones entirely. I wonder, based on the spacing, if there isn't at least one gravesite that has been lost entirely by the tree and its occupant lost to history. Although my visit was not during Memorial Day, it's still apparent that there is still care taken to maintain this site, and the history it represents.

Beautiful well kept cemetery. Monument listing all the names of those killed in the Centralia…read moreMassacre.

What a gem: a restored authentic riverfront store and it's free! They have displays of dry goods…read moreand supplies that would have been common to the 1800s. They have a short film that tells about river traffic and steamboats, and maps/photographs of Jefferson City from its early days as Missouri's capital. The whole atmosphere lends to the authentic vibe: stone walls, huge timber supports, low doorways. Our kids, ages 10 & 13, enjoyed it as well as the adults.

Technically, two bridges here that carry US 54 / US 63 across the Missouri River adjacent to…read moreJefferson City. They are each continuous through arch truss bridges between Cole and Callaway Counties. The southbound bridge was opened in August 1955 and has a total length of 3,124 feet with the length of the largest span being 595.6 feet and a vertical clearance of 16.1 feet above the deck. The northbound bridge opened in 1991 and its measurements are the same. This is the second bridge at this crossing. The original bridge was built in 1896 and had a single span in the center that was a swing bridge. It was torn down in 1958 but you can see the original pillars at Rotary Park at the end of Bolivar Street. The northbound bridge has a cantilevered bicycle and pedestrian lane, opened in April 2011. I might review the Skywalk later. There is no toll on the Jefferson City Bridge and it has a fabulous view of the State Capitol. [Review 19742 overall - 219 in Missouri - 714 of 2023.]

If you understand where you're going and why you are going there, it's a neat place. Kinda small…read morewith a few cool exhibits, it could be a nice way to kill 10 minutes.

From the owner: The Cole County Historical Society is dedicated to the collection and preservation of records,…read moredocuments, and artifacts directly related to the history of Cole County, including its role as the seat of Missouri State government. The society formed as a non-profit in 1941, and the museumofficially opened in 1948. Permanent Displays include a large Civil War collection, Victorian furniture and decor, and 18th and 19th century home implements. Additionally, CCHS is the only museum in the state to house the wedding dresses and inaugural gowns of Missouri's First Ladies. **A special display of artifacts carried by President George Washington during the revolutionary war will open in January of 2017. Enthusiasts of the history of government, war, fashion, art, and furnishings will enjoy their time spent touring the Cole County Historical Society and Museum. One of the CCHS' buildings, the 1850's "Upschulte House" is available to be rented for all occasions. Inquire at (573) 635 - 1850.

This is my childhood library and so I am very fond of it. Growing up, they always had amazing…read moreprograms that encourage me to read. I especially love their summer reading program where you were entered to win a prize if you read a certain amount of books over the summer. The only down fall to the library is its location. The location does not offer very much parking and can be a bit unsafe feeling at times due to the area that it is in.

A very nice county library with friendly,helpful staff. The 3-D printing service is a bonus.read more

This is for the Jefferson City Amtrak Station. There is an actual inside. Many stops and stations…read moreyou go to mid trip there is nothing. Here you will find amtrak volunteers who run a small area with a trailer area similar to a temporary classroom many of us had in public school over the years. Heat in the winter, AC in the summer which brings some relief from the elements when waiting for a train. It is downtown JC so parking is not great so plan ahead but the volunteers have been providing parking passes for day trippers. Ask, don't assume. They are limited. There are vending machines. The volunteers will provide updates as they are in communication with the trains. The River Runner was recently upgraded so the experience is nicer than before. Try to be 30 minutes early to plan for parking changes. Also drop off is a little tight. Onboarding/offboarding is fast and furious so listen and be ready to brab your bags and climb aboard quickly as the train is trying to roll as soon as the platform is clear.

This review concerns the Jefferson City Amtrak station, not the train service…read more The station, or stop, is in a dirty little area of town. It looks as if there is no maintenance to the area. Weeds have sprouted through the cracked and broken walkway. Cigarettes butts and trash are scattered around the ground. There is a waiting area/building that looks rather depressive. It looks like a pre-fab building that was just thrown up. The door was locked so I have no idea about the inside of the building. Because the doors are locked, there is no restroom available. You would think that the city would want the area to look inviting for potential visitors. But im guessing they don't care.