ROUTES

Circle ‘Round the Squares

Liberty/Kearney/Excelsior Springs/Rayville/Richmond/Sibley

Explore the quaint town squares of Liberty and Richmond. In between, you can see the birthplace of outlaw Jesse James, tour the revived early-20th Century spa of Excelsior Springs, sip a soothing glass of wine, pick up some prime Missouri peaches, get lost in a corn maze, even ride a zip line!

Historic Downtown Liberty offers a blend of fascinating history along with upbeat contemporary shopping and dining. Explore unique one-of-a-kind, owner-operated shops including Main Street Goods & Goodies. The Jesse James Bank on the square was the site of the nation’s first successful daylight peacetime bank robbery.

Northwest of Kearney, the Mt. Gilead School and Church (open daily by appointment) offer a nostalgic glimpse of rural life.  Northeast of Kearney is the Jesse James Farm and Museum. The birthplace of the famous Confederate guerilla and bank robber has the world’s largest collection of James family artifacts.

Just off Hwy 92 is Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site and adjacent Watkins Mill State Park. Tours of the woolen mill and Watkins family home offer a unique glimpse into both industrial and domestic life in the 1870s.

From the 1880s to the 1950s, visitors flocked to Excelsior Springs’ health spas, hotels, and entertainment establishments. Everyone from gangsters to President Harry Truman came to relax and ‘take the waters.’ Mineral waters are still available at the Hall of Waters, with shopping and dining in the revitalized downtown historic district.

Near Rayville, sample fine Missouri wines and enjoy gourmet pizza from the wood-fired oven on the garden patio at Van Till Family Farm Winery. Ready for a thrill? North of Rayville, ShowMe Ziplines has nine lines ranging up to 2,000 feet! Then relax and enjoy some peace and quiet at Rocky Creek Valley Farm, an agricultural and educational center practicing natural plant and animal husbandry.

On the way to Richmond, seek out the Red Shed Soap Co. for handmade scented soaps. You’ll find more shopping opportunities in and around the square in Richmond. Visit the Ray County Museum for Civil War memorabilia, Indian artifacts, and Mormon history. Pioneer Cemetery has graves of “Bloody Bill Anderson” and Mormon founders.

Cross the Missouri River and head back east from Lexington on Hwy 24.

In no hurry? Take the Old Trails Scenic Byway along the Missouri River from Lexington through Wellington and Napoleon. Then, at Buckner, turn north to Sibley.

You’ll soon see Sibley Orchards & Cider Mill where you’ll find apples, peaches and berries, in season. A few more miles brings you to Fort Osage National Historic Landmark, a fascinating, authentic reconstruction of the fort complex founded by explorer William Clark in 1808.

Heading back to Liberty, stop for some fall fun at Carolyn’s Country Cousins Pumpkin Patch and adjacent Liberty Corn Maze. The 25-acre maze features a different design each year.

Download a PDF of this route

famous cannonball in the courthouse column!)  Find fashion at Gigi’s and Limrick’s, unique artisan creations at The Purple Turnip, local history and children’s books at River Reader, lunch at Papa Jack’s Pizza and sweet treats at Big Muddy Ice Cream Company. The Battle of Lexington State Historic Site and Lexington Historical Museum offer fascinating insights into Civil War and Santa Fe Trail history, and the 1853 Saluda steamboat explosion that killed nearly 100 Mormons on their way to Utah.Stop in Waverly to see the equestrian statue of General Jo Shelby, famous Confederate cavalry commander.

Around the Courthouse Square in Carrollton are shops including Shirley’s Shoes & Boots, where you’ll find an amazing array of clothing and accessories and sales clerks who smile! Stop by the Carroll County Historical Society Museum to sample this area’s history.

Marshall was home to “Jim, the Wonder Dog,” whose amazing powers of prediction are commemorated in a beautiful, relaxing Memorial Park with water garden on the Courthouse Square, adjacent to shops and restaurants. The Nicholas Beazley Aviation Museum has a remarkable collection of vintage aircraft and memorabilia.  Nearby is the Pennytown Historic Site, a black hamlet dating to 1871.

Along the way, there’s a lot to see and do. The road between Lexington and Carrollton leads you to Terre Beau Winery, Baltimore Bend Winery, Schreiman’s Orchard, and Peters Market. Just short distances off the main route are La Bella Vineyards & Winery, Fahrmeier Family Vineyards and Arcadian Moon Vineyards and Winery. Birders, bring your camera and binoculars for a stop at the Baltimore Bend Conservation Area. Be on the lookout for Barn Quilts and Missouri Century Farms.

Too much to sample in one day? Consider an overnight at The Trellis Bed & Breakfast or Rivertown Inn in Lexington, Shady Rest Bed & Breakfast in the countryside near Mayview, or the Comfort Inn in Marshall.

Download a PDF of this route

Around the Bend

Boonville/Fayette/Glasgow/Salisbury/Brunswick/Arrow Rock/Blackwater

Historic towns and former steamboat ports cluster on both sides of the big bend of the Missouri River here. Browse one-of-a-kind shops, bring home fresh pecans and produce, and listen for the echo of a steamboat whistle as you cross the Big Muddy.

Boonville is the gateway to this area. Start or end your trip with a snack or meal at The Fred restaurant and lounge in the historic Hotel Frederick—a great place to extend your day to an overnight stay.

Fayette is the picturesque seat of Howard County. Stroll around the Courthouse Square and visit Main Street shops. Nearby, check out Miller Farm and Orchard for seasonal goodies.

Glasgow began as a thriving steamboat port and boasts many interesting shops and antebellum homes. Pause to refresh with a glass of Bushwhacker Bend Winery’s best on a tranquil deck on the banks of the Missouri.

North of Salisbury, Shepherds Way Arts & Crafts offers hand-spun yarn and hand-woven items. The 1898 Queen Anne Brummall House Bed & Breakfast provides a wonderful Victorian atmosphere for a relaxing getaway.

Passing through Keytesville, home of Confederate General Sterling Price, you may want to plan in advance to take a Chariton County Heritage Tour. West of Keytesville, stop at King Hill Farms for Missouri River bottom pecans and seasonal produce.

The town of Brunswick, “Missouri’s Pecan Capital,” offers not only the “World’s Largest Pecan” but also the opportunity for a tasty break at Kaitlynn’s Deli and Ice Cream Shop.

The village of Arrow Rock is located at the crossroads of the Missouri River and the Santa Fe Trail. The entire town is designated as a National Historic Landmark, full of friendly people, great restaurants and shops, and fascinating historical attractions. Visit the Friends of Arrow Rock Museum Shop. Sample the “Best Fried Chicken in the State” at the 180-year-old J. Huston Tavern. Stretch your stay to catch a performance at the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, then sink into comfort at Borgman’s Bed & Breakfast or Prairie Park B&B.

Just down the road is the former railroad town of Blackwater, now a lively cluster of eateries and shops including the Bucksnort Trading Company, an 1890s store filled with unique treasures, including living history clothing. (Bucksnort also has a location in Arrow Rock.)

In five minutes you can be back on I-70, but memories of your trip “Around the Bend” will last much longer!

Download PDF of this route