Discover Rivers, Rails & Trails Across Missouri

Columbia - the state's fourth largest city is a convenient overnight destination. Start your journey from here as you make your way west across the state.

Breakfast and coffee from a local joint is the best way to kick start your Missouri road trip. This highly rated eatery has everything you need to get you to your next stop. Can you say biscuits n gravy?

Go back in time at the first stop of the day on this Missouri road trip in the charming town of Rocheport. Founded in 1825, Rocheport has a cute downtown, local boutiques and even a few wineries. Feel free to park downtown and take a stroll the lovely streets.

Near Rocheport check out a section of the longest recreational rail trail in the U.S. at Katy Trail State Park. This state park contains a 240-mile walking and biking trail on the right-of-way of the former Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad.
Spanning several Missouri counties, the trail follows the northern bank of the Missouri River. The portion at Rocheport features one of the unique railroad tunnels in the park.
Katy Trail State Park is free and open sunrise to sunset. The tunnel can be accessed from downtown Rocheport via the crushed limestone trail. For a park map and more park info, visit the Missouri State Parks website.

Now that you worked up an appetite, take a break for lunch and enjoy a meal at the Bistro at Les Bourgeois Vineyards. This local winery and restaurant is the perfect introduction to Missouri wine. Take in the views from the patio - weather permitting - while snacking on the Chef's special charcuterie boards.

Love those Missouri—peaches? Yes, that's right. Missouri produces delicious peaches. After lunch, it's time for dessert and the next stop on this Missouri road trip at the Peach Tree Farm. Get down on the farm with fresh peaches, pumpkins and barnyard animals. Ditch the car and go for another kind of ride—a hayride! The Peach Tree Farm has fun activities for the entire family.
The Peach Tree Farm is open every day of the week in season, but the hours vary. See their website for details.

Just a few miles down the road is the stop for the night. The small town of Boonville - named after Daniel Boone's sons, who first settled in the area - sits high above the Missouri River on tree lined bluffs. Because of its location on the river, the town has an interesting history and became an important hub for river trading and a jumping-off point for the Santa Fe Trail.

The best way to learn about Boonville's—and Missouri's pioneer heritage—is by touring the River, Rails & Trails Museum. The museum offers a look into the history of exploration in Missouri, with replicas of boats just like Lewis and Clark used.
Other features include a visitor center, an authentic wagon, information about steamboat history on the Missouri River and plenty of train memorabilia.
Open: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4pm year round and 10am – 2pm Saturday and Sundays April through October. See their website for more information.

After visiting the museum, take a short walk over to the Katy Trail Railroad Bridge. Boonville is where the trains crossed the Missouri River and where pedestrians and bicyclists can do the same on the old railroad bridge.

From the railroad bridge walk the short distance to Hartley Park and Lookout Point to see the “Boonslick Area”. Daniel Boone’s sons settled Boonville because of a nearby saltwater spring or salt lick from where they produced salt. This vital resource was then sold it to the early pioneers to preserve their food. From the park you can also see where the Santa Fe trail begins.

After a full day of Missouri history, check into your home away from home at Boonville's casino - the Isle of Capri Casino Hotel. The hotel features gaming tables, slot machines and two restaurants onsite.
You'll have time to freshen up - or nap - before dinner onsite at the hotel.

There's no need to bother with the car, dinner is onsite at the Isle of Capri Hotel at the Brew Brothers. Their motto is "Meals, Music & Microbrews. The pub like atmosphere is fun, lively experience. Steaks, burgers or even pizza are on the menu.

After dinner, take advantage of the gaming tables at the hotel or say good night and call it a day.