Missouri is known as the “Show Me State,” and from the many premier attractions and endless ways to spend a day in St. Joseph and the surrounding area, there is definite clout in the nickname.
Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art
For more than 50 years, this museum has been presenting one of the finest collections of American art from the 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. The museum houses permanent collections and rotating exhibits.
Apple Blossom Parade & BBQ Contest
Known as the third-oldest apple blossom festival in the country, this annual event is packed with fun for the whole family. Colorful floats line the streets, decorated with a different theme every year, in addition to pageants to crown Apple Blossom royalty. The Apple Blossom BBQ is held the same weekend, the first weekend in May, and brings in residents and tourists alike for a friendly competition.
Bode Sports Complex
Six basketball courts, a lighted in-line skating rink and a skate park with grinding rails make up this outdoor facility, which is attached to the Bode Ice Area. Open year-round, this complex hosts classes, competitions and more.
Copper Hill Golf Club
Nine holes, a practice green and a lighted driving range are just a few of the amenities available at this public course.
Downtown St. Joseph
There’s plenty to see and do in this bustling downtown, from bistros and cafés to theaters and boutiques. All are within walking distance of each other, too.
East Hills Shopping Center
Shop, dine and be entertained all in one location! Department stores, specialty shops, restaurants and more can be found at East Hills Shopping Center. The complex also hosts events such as story time for kids and a farmers market.
Fairview Golf Course
Come play a round at one of St. Joseph’s oldest public golf courses with 18 holes spanning 200 acres. Men’s and women’s leagues are available, as well as lessons for those looking to up their game.
Farmers Markets
Live music, fresh food and handmade crafts can be found at local farmers markets. St. Joseph Farmers Market is open Fridays, May through October, and the Pony Express Farmers Market is open Wednesdays and Saturdays, April through October.
Glore Psychiatric Museum
Visit this award-winning museum to see artifacts from over 140 years’ worth of history in the field of mental health. Surgical tools, uniforms, patient items, notes, artwork and more are on display.
Heritage Softball Complex
This state-of-the-art park is equipped with plenty of amenities, including five softball fields, a playground and a concessions area. Several tournaments at the national, state and regional levels have been held here, bringing people from all over the country to
St. Joseph.
Hyde Park Recreational Complex
Nearly 100 acres are dedicated to this park and its many facilities, which include a skate park, swimming pool, horseshoe courts and a paved walking trail. Events take place throughout the year, such as the Southside Fall Festival.
Joyce Raye Patterson Senior Citizens Center
Anyone over the age of 50 will have a blast at this center. A cafeteria, fitness center and computer lab are just some of the excellent services provided here, in addition to nearly 60 organizations and groups that meet at the center on a regular basis.
Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp
Come see the Chiefs get ready for the season at Missouri Western State University in July and August. Get up close and personal with your favorite players and mingle with other Chiefs fans.
Krug Park
This more than 100-year-old park has several trails, waterfalls, fountains and Italian Renaissance structures, including a castle! All this and more makes Krug Park a great place for a relaxing picnic, exploring the trails, feeding the ducks or taking a leisurely stroll.
Lodging
Hotels, motels and bed-and-breakfasts are waiting in St. Joseph, whether it’s for an overnight stay, wedding, family reunion, conference or a getaway retreat.
Northside Recreational Complex
This site is composed of 25 acres, which is home to the Krug Park swimming pool, as well as football fields, a baseball field, horseshoe courts, basketball courts and tennis courts.
Noyes Sports Complex
This 23-acre complex features 12 lighted tennis courts, 16 horseshoe courts and football fields. The
latest addition is a state-of-the-art aquatic park.
Outdoor Activities
There are many opportunities for exploring the great outdoors in St. Joseph, including the Lewis and Clark State Park, Pigeon Hill State Wildlife Area, Bluffwoods Conservation Area, French Bottoms River Access and Mark Youngdahl Urban Conservation Area.
Performing Arts
The arts are well appreciated in St. Joseph, and with so many venues, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Options include the Saint Joseph Symphony, Saint Joseph Performing Arts Association, Robidoux Resident Theatre, Allied Arts Council of St. Joseph and Missouri Theatre.
Phil Welch Stadium
For over 70 years, this stadium has been bringing the joy of baseball to residents and visitors alike. It seats nearly 4,000 fans and remains one of the oldest stadiums in the country.
Pony Express National Museum
Housed in the restored Pikes Peak Stables, this museum allows visitors to learn about the legendary mail service from the early 1860s. See exhibits that include a full-size wagon, a one-room schoolhouse and the original water well for the stables.
PumpkinFest
This October festival has been providing free family friendly fun to the St. Joseph area for 20 years. Come celebrate the fall harvest with rides, crafts, food and live music, including the Great Pumpkin Mountain Lighting Ceremony.
Remington Nature Center
Come see nature at its finest at this scenic center that looks out over the Missouri River and is home to a 7,000-gallon freshwater aquarium. The center hosts events year-round, including a monthly scavenger hunt.
Robidoux Row Museum
Built in the 1840s and 1850s by St. Joseph’s founder, these apartments are thought by many to be the oldest apartments west of the Mississippi River. They have been restored and are home to the St. Joseph Historical Society and a museum that features artifacts chronicling the city’s history.
Shoppes at North Village
From burritos and burgers to apparel and home décor, these shops have something for everyone. Entertainment can be found here as well, with a movie theater, annual concert series and more.
Southside Fall Festival
Live entertainment, fireworks, animal rides, food, a parade and handmade crafts can be found at this annual family-friendly festival.
St. Jo Frontier Casino
With over 500 slots and video poker machines, this casino is nothing short of entertaining. Table games are offered as well, including Craps, Mississippi Stud and Texas Shootout. Plenty of dining options are available too.
St. Joseph Civic Arena
Events are held year-round at this complex, which can seat up to 4,200 guests and has great lighting and acoustics. Meeting rooms are also available for seminars, banquets and receptions.
St. Joseph Country Club
This 6,582-yard course is an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all levels. The club also boasts a pro shop, pool and fitness center.
St. Joseph Museum
All ages will enjoy strolling through this museum and viewing its contents on display. Exhibits include Native American items, history of the African American community and rare dolls.
St. Joseph Parkway
This parkway, one of the first in the country, glides through St. Joseph with beautiful vistas to all along the way. It connects parks and recreational facilities, making it enjoyable for hikers and cyclists alike.
St. Joseph Riverwalk
Winding along the banks of the Missouri River, the 1.2-mile trail puts adventure seekers up close with nature. Be sure to keep an eye out for the trail’s two wetland overlooks, as well as the river overlook.