Pony Express Region Itineraries

Developed by John Courter, CTA (Certified Tourism Ambassador) exclusively for Museum Hill B and B guests

Ready for a day of History? Let yourself go back in time and admire the historical buildings and houses as you cross the street from Museum Hill Bed and Breakfast and walk down the stairs to the park. Stop by the Civic duty, Military, and Pony Express Memorials. The memorials are a testament to the people who sacrificed everything from finances to their lives to improve the quality of life for this country and for St. Joseph.

The past comes alive!!! Visit the Patee House Museum, Pony Express Museum, St. Joseph Fire Museum, National Military Heritage Museum, Missouri Valley Trust Building, Jesse James Home Museum, Barnard House, Twin Spires Museum, Wyeth-Tooth Mansion, Christian Science Church.

Take time out for lunch or early supper at one of these outstanding restaurants: Boudreaux’s-Southern Cajun/Louisiana Style Cooking, Chloe and Bernard’s-Italian, Barbosa’s Castillo-Mexican, The Fredrick Inn-Steaks. All of these restaurants are located in old historical buildings or houses; each dining experience is unique in itself.

Take a day and drive south to the historic town of Weston, 21 miles from Museum Hill Bed and Breakfast. Enjoy the beautiful scenery during your road trip. Stop at one of the roadside shops ranging from antiques to fresh produce. Follow the tracks along the side of the highway and take time to watch a huge freight train pass by. Imagine yourself back in the 19^th century with the sound of the steam locomotives moving people and cargo from east to west into new uncharted territory for many.

Wine tasting in Missouri? Of course, at Pirtle Winery in Weston. Sample fine fruit meads and wines such as apple, blueberry, or raspberry. Savor a unique lunch in the winery courtyard with their picnic basket full of bread, cheeses, and apples. Add a bottle wine with this to make the dining experience in a historical town extra special. Spend time going in several unique gift shops and antique stores. Relive history just walking in the buildings. Visit the McCormick Distilling Co general store for some of the finest liqueurs from the oldest continuously active distillery in the country.

On the return trip, detour into the Lewis and Clark State Park. The day may be a bit warm, have bathing suits ready for a swim at the lake beach. Got bikes? Bring them with you on your journey for a little riding around the lake. Or just take a nice leisurely walk. And don’t forget to take time out to catch up on the national significance of the park as it relates to the Lewis and Clark trail.

Worked up a real appetite for a bonafide North Midwest steak? Hoof and Horn is right smack in the middle of the stockyards. Located in an old historical brick building built in 1898, it is St. Joseph’s oldest restaurant. The dining atmosphere is perfect for an awesome " no frills" meat and potatoes meal while knocking down some KC Boulevard draft beer.

Head down Frederick St. and visit the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art, Glore Psychiatric Museum, Black Archives Museum and the Saint Joseph Museum. Check out Ashland Ave, and take a drive through a very pristine neighborhood to one of Missouri’s best-kept secrets, the 26 mile St Joseph Parkway System. Stop at the Lover’s Lane Historical Landmark; take a walk or bike ride through one of the many trails. The following links go directly to a section of the trail:

Ready for a little fun in the afternoon? Cruise to Terrible’s Casino. (Catchy name, ain’t it? !!!) Before hitting the casino, park the car along the far end of the lot at the beginning of the Missouri River Walk and pretend you are Lewis and Clark walking the historical trail fishing, camping, hunting beaver for furs, etc. After your imagination runs wild back in time during the 2 mile walk, follow the Missouri river back to the Casino for an full course buffet or sit down dinner. The buffet features good Midwestern and Southern cooking, and the sit down menu has a little of everything. (Buffet ribs are awesome!!! And the bbq beef, beans, etc!!! Soups, excellent!!! Good and hearty!!!) "Feeling Lucky?" How about a little adult "play time" on the slots and tables. Or go and wait for the sunset on along the Missouri river, maybe a riverboat or barge might just happen to pass by. (Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Fin stuff, pretty cool, huh?)

Love nature? Wake up early, enjoy your Museum Hill gourmet breakfast, than take a drive on north I29 and exit to the 159 to the Squaw Creek National Wildlife Preserve. Binoculars and cameras are a "must have." Take the 10-mile loop around the refugee stopping at various places to observe and take pictures of some real nifty birds. And yes, there are eagles here. Seeing one in flight is worth the wait. Keep a lookout on the marsh area while driving; a beaver just might decide to check out the roadway.

Continue on down the 159 to Big Lake State Park. Many activities here, including more birdwatching, fishing, picnic areas, swimming pool, boat ramp and a restaurant. Journey a little further down the 159 going over the Missouri on an old bridge into Rulo, Nebraska. Stop here and read the historical markers while admiring the grace of the river.

Turn left onto rte 7 and take a short road trip into Midwest farm country and Indian reservation land stopping at a quaint casino called White Cloud. Try your luck, have a glass of wine or draft beer at the homely little bar in the casino, than move on down the road to the historical town of Troy, Kansas. Stop here for a little shopping and dining and admiring the historical homes. This little town takes real pride in their heritage. After this little road trip, you can brag about going into 3 states in one day.

Ready for something really different and unique? Take one or more days and go into Kansas City, Missouri, for a self guided tour unlike any other. Kansas City has a collection of water fountains throughout the city. Each one with its own grandeur and artistic originality. The fountains signify the beauty of art with the flow of our most prized natural resource, water. The following Internet link goes to the beginning of the many fountains in the city: