MISSOURI Tour Guide2020 TRUMAN LIBRARY WOWS VISITORS Guests are wild about Harry HOT SPOTS KANSASROUTEALONG66EXPLORECITY’SCULINARYDELIGHTSEnjoy the journey along this historic road GroupTourGuide
Ward Franz Director
I love Civil War history – and we have it: from the first major battle west of the Mississippi River at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield in Southwest Missouri to the Stars and Stripes Museum in Southeast Missouri where Civil War soldiers started America’s military newspaper. We’ve got great urban areas – St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield – with all the culture, entertainment, nightlife, sports and fine dining you would expect.
We look forward to welcoming you to Missouri. We’re called the Show-Me State, and I’d like to show you some of my favorite things about it.
Ward Franz www.visitmo.comDirector
Folks who love the outdoors fall in love with Missouri, with its crystal-clear float streams, trails that run from civilized to rugged, fun-filled lakes and world-class fishing. And the music! From blues in St. Louis to jazz in Kansas City, bluegrass in the Ozarks and all the shows in Branson – we’ve got a tune for every taste. We know you’ll have a great time, every time. Welcome to Missouri –and enjoy the show!
Capture a piece of America’s cultural past with a cruise down Route 66, staying in historic renovated motor courts, admiring the authentic neon signs and roadside attractions, and enjoying down-home cooking along the Mother Road.
MISSOURI Tour Guide20 2 0 8 21 12 22 16 24 FEATURES 8 Truman Library Plans 21st Century Update Visitors to Independence are wild about Harry Truman • By Randy Mink 12 Hot Spots Along the Mother Road Seasoned travelers know it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey • By Lauren DeLorenzo 16 It’s All About What’s New in Branson If you haven’t seen Branson lately, you haven’t seen Branson • By Dave Bodle 18 The Best Vacations are Often Close By Even the busiest Missouri group sales person will take time away for a fun vacation. Here are their staycations 21 Springfield is a City at the Crossroads of History Springfield, Missouri is the gateway to the great outdoors and is the heart and soul of the Ozarks 22 A Capital Idea for a Memorable Tour Historic and architectural treasures, museums and culinary delights make Jefferson City a joy to tour • By Dave Bodle 24 Discover the Diverse Options that a Kansas City Itinerary Offers From musical entertainment and culinary delights to award-winning museums, the Kansas City area is a perfect group tour destination 26 Kansas City is More than Just Barbecue K.C. is a food-lover’s paradise • By Jason Paha GroupTourGuide ON THE COVER: The Missouri Governor’s Mansion is one of few executive residences in the United States open to the public. (Photo courtesy of the Jefferson City Convention and Vistors Bureau )
6 2020 MISSOURI GROUP TOUR GUIDE6 MISSOURITOUR GUIDE BransonCape GirardeauCharlestonColumbiaHannibalHermannIndependenceJefferson CityJoplinKansas CityRollaSt. CharlesSte. GenevieveSt. JosephSt. LouisSedaliaSpringfield Branson 0275256201275217205 17010721114425428626425115643 Cape Girardeau 2750 35225217185342 22032135015812661408115279255 Charleston 25635 0258249214375 252319382198166101448147313255 Columbia 20122525809865119 312271269410817518412567162 Hannibal 27521724998086192 10630220115199165194117163237 Hermann 21718521465860181 48250188726012924381107182 Independence 2053423751191921810 14215492042252906324282163 Jefferson City 1702202523110648142 02021486211716820812261133 Joplin 107321319227302250154 202015717828429721128417570 Kansas City 2113503821262011889 14815702102332985525287167 Rolla 1441581989415172204 621782100108112269106123110 St. Charles 2541261661089960225 1172842331080 6629022173220 Ste. Genevieve 28661 101175165129290 16829729811266 035454227232 St. Joseph 26440844818419424363 208211552692903540307144219 St. Louis 25111514712511781242 12228425210622 543070186215 Sedalia 1562793136716310782 61175871231732271441860118 Springfield 43255255162237182163 133701671102202322192151180 At a glance, this handy chart shows distances in miles between popular tourist cities Missouri Driving Distances 2113503821262011889 14815702102332985525287167 Rolla 621782100108112269106123110 At a glance, this handy chart shows distances in miles between popular tourist cities DISTANCESDRIVINGMISSOURI
Tourism.RockPort@ded.mo.gov660-744-6300
Tourism.ConwayW@ded.mo.gov417-589-0023
St. Louis Official Missouri Welcome Center Interstate 270 at Riverview Drive St. Louis, MO 63138
Joplin Official Missouri Welcome Center Interstate 44 East, Mile Marker 2 Rest Area
Tourism.StLouis@ded.mo.gov314-869-7100 Missouri Welcome Centers at Official Missouri Welcome Centers are ready to assist you with information about the surrounding area and the entire state. Picnic areas, vending machines and playground equipment are available at most Official Welcome Centers. (industry.visitmo.com/about-the-division/welcome-centers)
Eagleville Official Missouri Welcome Center 11687 Interstate 35 South Eagleville, MO 64442 Tourism.Eagleville@ded.mo.gov660-867-5566
Official
Hayti Official Missouri Welcome Center Interstate 55 North, Mile Marker 20 Hayti, MO Tourism.Hayti@ded.mo.gov573-359-033063851
Rock Port Official Missouri Welcome Center 23181 Interstate 29 South Rock Port, MO 64482
TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR MISSOURI TOUR Local information to get you on your way to the Show-Me State OUT-OF-STATE DRIVING DISTANCES 2020 MISSOURI GROUP TOUR GUIDE 7
110619 Interstate 44 West Conway, MO 65632
Joplin, MO Tourism.Joplin@ded.mo.gov417-629-303064803
From ToMiles ChicagoSt. MemphisSt.MinneapolisDallasKansasLouis297City508Branson643Louis283 DrivingOut-of-StateDistances
S taffers
Tourism.KansasCity@ded.mo.gov816-889-3330
Hannibal Official Missouri Welcome Center 1700 Highway 61 South Hannibal, MO 63401 Tourism.Hannibal@ded.mo.gov573-248-2420
Conway Official Welcome Center
Kansas City Official Missouri Welcome Center 4010 Bluff Ridge Cutoff Kansas City, MO 64133
TRUMAN LIBRARY PLANS 21ST CENTURY UPDATE Visitors to Independence are wild about Harry By Randy Mink
I
ndependence was his home for most of his life, and though he’s been gone nearly 50 years, the man’s legacy is warmly embraced by townspeople and the thousands of visitors who come every year to the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum.
A 3,000-square-foot addition with a floor-to-ceiling glass facade bearing the presidential seal will feature a dramatic new entrance on the building’s east side. Once inside the museum, visitors will encounter another glass wall, one that will provide unobstructed views of the museum courtyard and path to President Truman’s gravesite and office during his retirement years. The redesigned lobby will feature a one-stop admission and information desk, a larger museum store and expanded restrooms.
The only president born in Missouri is best remembered for handling international challenges that confronted the nation as World War II ended and the Cold War heated up. A growing number of historians today rank the straight-talking Midwesterner among the top five U.S. presidents. To enhance the visitor experience, the museum portion of the shrine to America’s 33rd president—currently closed to the public—is undergoing a $22 million renovation and expansion. Completion of the project in late summer or early fall of 2020 is planned to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the start of Truman’s presidency. The renovation will be the largest since the former president cut the ribbon to open the library/ museum in 1957 and its first major upgrade in more than 20 years. The space is being reinvented by museum planning and design firm Gallagher & Associates, whose credits include the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. and National World War II Museum in New Orleans.
The permanent exhibition galleries, previously divided between two floors, will be expanded and relocated to the first floor, providing a more cohesive flow between exhibits, amenities, program spaces and the courtyard. Truman’s story will be told through state-of-the-art technology and hands-on experiences. Highlights will include immersive sound-and-light theaters focusing on World War I and the Cold War, a
2020 MISSOURI GROUP TOUR GUIDE 9
In the Civic Literacy gallery, a re-creation of the Oval Office will have an expanded viewing area where, at the push of a button, the voice of President Truman describes the contents. The famous sign “The Buck Stops Here” will be prominently displayed in this Whenarea.President and Mrs. Truman left the White House, they returned to their hometown of Independence, near Kansas City. Videos, slideshows and interactive maps of Truman’s Independence will illustrate how the town impacted them and how they impacted the town. In the center of the room, visitors can unearth the story behind Thomas Hart Benton’s mural Independence and the Opening of the West, the artist’s processes and Truman’s contributions to the work. The Legacy gallery, the permanent exhibition’s final chapter, will display quotes from presidents and dignitaries on Truman’s impact.
Truman’s Washington gallery looks at the period from 1935 to 1953 when Harry, his wife Bess and daughter Margaret lived in Washington, D.C. Visitors can see Bess’s gowns, the original Buffalo Mantel from the White House state dining room and the ceiling beams that cracked under the weight of Margaret’s piano.
14-foot-diameter interactive globe exploring the struggles to maintain peace following World War II, and a Loyalty Review Board role-playing activity where players uncover government disloyalty during the Red Scare. Never-before-seen artifacts will beVisitorsdisplayed.will begin their museum experience in an immersive orientation theater that transports them to April 12, 1945, with video projections of World War II battle scenes, newspaper headlines and images of American war production. Amidst this turmoil, the news arrives that President Franklin D. Roosevelt has died. The relatively unknown Harry S. Truman is now in charge.
The museum’s lower floor will contain temporary galleries and host traveling exhibitions. Scheduled for 2021 is a collection of paintings by former President George W. Bush. An open display area will showcase the collection’s automobiles, Truman’s farm buggy and a rotating presentation of newly acquired or rarely seen objects. The Truman Library is well known for its history lab, the White House Decision Center. Popular with student groups and a good team-building activity for adults, the program lets participants step into the roles of President Truman and his advisors as they work with formerly classified material to tackle some of the greatest political challenges ever faced by a world leader.
10 2020 MISSOURI GROUP TOUR GUIDE
Clinton’s Soda Fountain on Independence Square occupies the very site of a pharmacy/soda fountain where Truman landed his first job. The Harry S. Truman Birthplace State Historic Site in Lamar sheds light on the president’s humble rural beginnings. Located about two hours south of Independence, the site preserves the small frame house where Truman was born on May 8, 1884, and lived his first 11 months.
The First Four Months gallery examines how Truman dealt with ending the wars in Europe and the Pacific, including his decision to use the atomic bomb on Japan. The safety plug from the bomb dropped on Nagasaki is the centerpiece of a reflective space. Museum visitors will also see artifacts and videos that dramatize how Truman’s efforts saved Western Europe from starvation and the spread of Communism.
The next gallery, titled Plow to Politics, summarizes Truman’s childhood, rural roots, World War I service, political ascent and other aspects of his pre-presidential life.
More information: Truman Library, trumanlibrary.org; Independence Tourism Division, visitindependence.com; Truman Birthplace, mostateparks.com •
The Truman’s Washington gallery will cover the period 1935-1953.
The Truman Historic Walking Trail features places in Independence that were important in Truman’s life, including homes of friends and associates. The Harry S. Truman National Historic Site, operated by the National Park Service, consists of the 14room, white-frame house where the Trumans lived from 19191972.
From the places and the people, to the feeling and the attitude, we offer a unique variety of group entertainment definitely worth the visit. Personalized Itineraries History and Architecture Arts and Home-TownCultureHospitality Take your Group On an adventure to remember
HOT SPOTS ALONG Photo courtesy of Haydn Blackey Seasoned travelers know it’s not about the destination — it’s about the journey By Lauren DeLorenzo THEROADMOTHER
Route 66 Museum — Lebanon
Gary’s Gay Parita in Ash Grove is a 1930s-style gas station.
Gary’s Gay Parita — Ash Grove
2020 MISSOURI GROUP TOUR GUIDE 13
Watson, the original owner of the 1930s-style gas station, named the place after his wife, Gay. It became a favorite stop along the road before it burned down in 1955. Fortunately, it has been restored, thanks to Gary Turner. Visitors often stop at the service station to explore the antique road signs, vintage vehicles and old gas pumps, which stand in front of the roadside store. But the real reason to visit was for the conversation — Gary and his wife Lena would chat with travelers passing through, recommending places to stop for lunch down the road and sharing stories about the items at the old service station. Although Gary and Lena have both passed away, their daughter Barbara now runs the station as her parents did, greeting visitors with warm conversation and tales about living on old Route 66. visitmo.com/things-to-do/garys-gay-parita
66 Drive-in Theatre — Carthage Decades after the post-war boom, this classic symbol of American culture combines cars, movies and concession stands. With an enormous 66 sign on the back of the projector screen, the Carthage drive-in is one of the last of its kind. The screenhouse, playground and parking lot date back to 1949, so it still has much of its original character.
T he historic highway that runs from Chicago to Los Angeles has long been seen as a symbol of escape, optimism and freedom. It also represents opportunity — not only for travelers, but for dozens of roadside attractions that set up shop along the road. Missouri entrepreneur John Woodruff first helped promote the idea for the highway in the 1920s. By 1938, the entire road was paved, and Midwesterners were using it to migrate or vacation in the Southwest. Realizing drivers would need motels, diners and services along the way, business owners flocked to the roadside, bringing life to formerly isolated communities along the route. The road became crucial for transporting goods and military supplies during the second World War. After the war, families found themselves with more income and leisure time, and the route boomed as vacationers embarked on the tradition of the Great American Road Trip. Much of Route 66 remains and travelers can still drive the famous road along Interstate 44. The remaining roadside attractions offer road-trippers an experience of true Americana on the Main Street of America.
66drivein.com
This gas station doesn’t have any gas, but it has plenty of stories.Fred
Looking for some facts for the road? Lebanon’s Route 66 Museum opened in 2005 and has been sharing the history of the Mother Road ever since. See maps of the route, a 1950s car, a rusty guard rail and gas pumps from another time. The museum features a salt and pepper shaker collection from diners along the route and showcases items demonstrating the traditions of decades past. visitmo.com/things-to-do/route66-museum
•
Stay. Eat. Discover. Enjoy. Mystery/Side Trip Stretch at the Conservation Interpretive Center Learn the evolution of healthcare at the A.T. Still Museum of Osteopathic Medicine Enjoy a private lunch at Thousand Hills Lakeside Dining Walk an ADA trail to the Native PetroglyphsAmerican Explore the galaxy with a lively discussion at the Robison Planetarium Dining Options 8 Hotels Art Galleries Antique Shopping Music Events Theater Plan your trip with Kirksville Tourism Office! info@VisitKirksville.com6606653766
Uranus, Missouri Is your drive lacking funnel cakes? Looking for a tattoo shop or sports bar? Anything a driver could need can be found in Uranus, Missouri, an attraction that doesn’t skimp on hometown service. The site includes a festival food truck lot, nightclub, gun range and general store. There’s also plenty to see at the Uranus Sideshow Museum and the Escape Room. The Fudge Factory is particularly well-known for its homemade treats — the perfect sugar rush to get you back on the road. Another great stop is the Moonicorn Creamery & Funnel Cakery, which serves fabulous hand-dipped ice cream and funnel cakes. uranusmissouri.com Mural City — Cuba After you treat your taste buds, treat your eyes to the sights of Cuba, Missouri, dubbed ”Mural City.” This Route 66 stop features 12 outdoor murals, each one featuring an interesting story. Stop by the mural of actress Bette Davis, who visited Cuba in 1948. Other famous visitors, including Harry S. Truman and Amelia Earhart, also have murals dedicated to them. Visitors can learn about local history through murals depicting life from decades past. From the Osage Nation meeting French settlers to a mural depicting the Civil War, moments from the region’s history have been captured with paint and displayed for passers-by to marvel at. cubamomurals.com
Mural City in Cuba features 12 outdoor murals, each containing an interesting story.
14 2020 MISSOURI GROUP TOUR GUIDE
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard — St. Louis If there’s one thing you should be sure to try on Route 66, it’s frozenWhatcustard.isthat, you ask? Well, other than delicious, this frozen specialty is made from cream, milk and eggs, making it denser and smoother than regular ice cream. It’s so thick that Ted Drewes employees turn it upside down before they hand it to you to demonstrate that it was made correctly. There are only two Ted Drewes locations and travelers flock to them, tempted by treats like the concrete, where you can choose various mixins such as chocolate chips and cone pieces. Not even winter weather stops customers from lining up at the store — yes, it’s that good. Since the shop doubles as a Christmas tree lot during the holiday season, many St. Louis natives consider it tradition to pick out the perfect tree while enjoying a frozen treat. Each October, the shop ventures to Nova Scotia where it selects and harvests the finest Christmas trees. Ted’s begins selling the trees the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve. teddrewes.com
History Museum on the Square — Springfield It seems natural to end a journey where it all began. A meeting with Missouri State Highway Commission Chief Engineer A.H. Piepmeier and Cyrus Avery, chairman of the Oklahoma Department of Highways, determined that while they were satisfied with Route 60, they liked the sound of Route 66. They submitted the latter and it was approved November 11, 1926, the official birthdate of U.S. Highway 66. Located on the historic route, the recently reopened History Museum of the Square is a regional history and education destination. Six galleries with interactive and video displays are featured. None are more informative than The Birthplace of Route 66 gallery. historymuseumonthesquare.org
Learn more about Branson’s 12th Annual Professional Travel Planner FAM April 21-24, 2020 Lenni Neimeyer, CTIS, CSTP, Director of Leisure Group Sales LNeimeyer@BransonCVB.com 417-243-2105 ExploreBransonGroups.com OUR STAGE IS PERFECT FOR GROUPS TO PLAY
16 2020 MISSOURI GROUP TOUR GUIDE WHAT’S NEW IN BRANSON IT’S ALL ABOUT If you haven’t seen Branson lately, you haven’t seen Branson. New and exciting additions are flooding this legendary destination. By Dave Bodle
The Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park is home to a new ropes course.
A water tunnel in the center of the aquarium surrounds you with various species of fish in an underwater city setting. There’s beauty to discover in the Jelly Fish Infinity Room. See schooling fish, seahorses, butterfly fish and a mermaid in the Mermaid Palace. The gorgeous coral reef, Amazing Rays and touch pool are not to be missed. The beauty and heritage of the Ozark Mountains will always be an important part of Branson’s DNA. The Shepherd of the Hills Homestead Adventure Park offers groups a variety of ways to experience the Ozarks. Immerse yourself in the history that surrounds the homestead. For the more adventurous, there’s off-road exploring on ATVs, ziplining from the 230-foot Inspiration Tower and a new ropes course. Outdoor excitement is the centerpiece of Big Cedar Lodge .
•
When Branson Landing along Lake Taneycomo opened 15 years ago, it was the city’s biggest development. It continues to impress. Celebrity kitchens have found their way to the popular shopping and dining destination.
Over the years, new theaters, attractions, accommodations and restaurants added to Branson’s appeal. Construction is underway on the $51 million Aquarium at the Boardwalk, located in the heart of Branson’s entertainment district. After sitting vacant for a decade, the Grand Palace property is being transformed into the Branson Boardwalk Aquarium at the Boardwalk – the centerpiece of the 13-acre development – is on schedule to open in the summer of 2020. With a focus on fish and fun, the aquarium will take guests on an undersea adventure with games to play and aquatic life to view. The setting for each exhibit area will be magnificent. From the giant Pacific octopus greeting visitors outside to plenty of photo opportunities throughout the aquarium, there will be many exciting things to see and do.
Branson’s 2020 figures to be spectacular.
The Bass Pro Shops Shooting Academy is a great experience for beginners and experts. Coaches provide training in a variety of shooting sports, including trap, skeet and clays. For golf groups, the lodge has opened the Ozarks National Golf Course . Highlighting the local terrain, the course offers wonderful vistas. You might want to park the cart and simply enjoy the views.
There’s always something new happening at Silver Dollar City . Innovative rides, top entertainment and outstanding artisans are hallmarks of this 1880s-themed park. 2019 brought a new multi-million-dollar original production, “Reuben’s Swashbuckling Adventure.” Fall guests were delighted with “Craft Days and Pumpkin Nights,” the park’s biggest fall event ever. Silver Dollar City’s “An Old Time Christmas” will debut an 80-foot-tall, state-of-the-art Christmas tree. The $1.5-million project combines color, music, lights and animated imagery. On top of all this, Silver Dollar City will open a new Rivertown area and ride, Mystic River Falls, in 2020. Branson’s 2019 additions were certainly exciting. 2020 promises to be spectacular.
2020 MISSOURI GROUP TOUR GUIDE 17
If you talk to the folks in Branson, they will tell you that about every five to seven years, positive changes have a major impact on their community. In December 1991, a 60 Minutes story took this sleepy Ozark Mountain community from a popular regional destination to a national vacation and tour location.
Andy B’s Bowl Social brings bowling, games and a “pub grub” experience. Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen is serving favorite Southern dishes in her family-style restaurant. Jimmy Buffett’s Landshark Bar & Grill proves you don’t need an ocean to enjoy the beach vibe.
ARE OFTEN CLOSE BY
“A lthough it’s tough to choose just one, I would say spending time with family at the Lake of the Ozarks is my favorite activity. I was lucky enough to enjoy many weekends at the lake growing up and still look forward to our visits. Tourists come from all over the country to explore the lake. How cool is it that I’m less than an hour away from this great destination? If you’re looking for a fun getaway within driving distance, check out some of the many wonderful restaurants, recreational activities and entertainment options the lake has to offer.
Start your day with breakfast at Stewart’s Restaurant, home of the ‘Biggest Cinnamon Roll at the Lake.’ After you’ve satisfied your appetite, head to the water for a leisurely boat ride. Kick back and enjoy the gentle breeze and beautiful sights as you leave all your worries behind. From swimming and waterskiing to soaking up the sun, there are so many ways to enjoy the lake. After a full day of boating and outdoor recreation, it’s time for dinner with a view at a waterfront restaurant. One of my favorite dining experiences is Frankie & Louie’s Beachfront Bar & Grill. Settle in for an evening of delicious food, live music and beach volleyball. The next morning, wake up early for a hike along the beautiful trails at Ha Ha Tonka State Park. The site offers miles of nature trails, a huge natural bridge and the ruins of a historic turn-of-the-century castle. Whether going for a boat ride, dining at one of the many waterfront restaurants or simply relaxing on the dock, the Lake of the Ozarks is always an enjoyable getaway.”
JeffersonManager City Convention
Even the busiest Missouri group sales person will take time away for a fun, relaxing vacation, whether it’s over a weekend or for a week. Here are their Missouri staycations. Lake of the Ozarks
Jordan Rowles Sales & Visitors Bureau
THE VACATIONSBEST
Convention & Group
18 2020 MISSOURI GROUP TOUR GUIDE
Traveling east to west, my first stop is Hannibal, where you’ll find several attractions connected to famous author Mark Twain. You’ll learn about the father of osteopathic medicine, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, at the A.T. Still Museum of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville. Then stop at Rothwell Park in Moberly for a selfie with a statue of American military genius, General Omar N. Bradley. The central portion of Highway 36 brings you to the childhood home of Walt Disney in Marceline. About 20 miles west of Marceline you’ll find the boyhood home of another great military leader, General John J. ‘Black Jack’ Pershing, in Laclede. Jamesport Immerse your group in the world’s largest fish and wildlife attraction, Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, voted America’s best aquarium and best new attraction
.
America’s best Aquarium A big museum for big imaginations.
Plan your event at SpringfieldMo.org/Meetings
Sections of the original 45-acre property are still accessible, with highlight stops at the original Dreaming Tree site and Walt’s Barn. Everyone is encouraged to sign the inside of the barn or simply read the thousands of notes to Walt and his brother Roy left for decades by fans who walked the same path before you.
Marceline is a bucket-list moment for true Disney lovers. It makes you simply young at heart again!”
Jolene Dempster Group Sales/Services Manager St. Joseph Convention & Visitors Bureau The Way of American Genius
“Did you know that Marceline, Missouri, is the hometown of Walt Disney? This lovely community gives you a rare opportunity to walk in the footsteps of a true American legend and sends you off with a better understanding of why this piece of small-town Missouri inspired Walt Disney throughout his career.
2020 MISSOURI GROUP TOUR GUIDE 19
Marceline
The Walt Disney Hometown Museum is located at 120 E. Santa Fe Avenue in a beautifully renovated Santa Fe Railway station. It started with a generous donation from Walt’s younger sister, Ruth. The museum contains 10,000 square feet of immersive Disney history. You can take a self-guided tour through Walt’s life via ‘story stations’ dotted throughout the building, while browsing some of the 4,000 artifacts donated by the Disney family – from their collection of personal family letters to the extensive cross-section of fascinating Disney collectibles. After the museum tour, explore the city of Marceline for additional Disney connections. Enjoy the new Midget Autopia Walking Trail in EP Ripley Park, take in a meal or do a little shopping on the original Main Street USA. The Main Street USA at Disneyland and Disney World are patterned after Main Street in Marceline. Wind up the day with a walk through the historic Disney Family Farm.
“One of my favorite getaways is when I head to Highway 36, an hour north of Interstate 70, which explores the northern part of Missouri. Referred to as The Way of American Genius, this road explores the area’s natural beauty and some of the Show-Me State’s greatest innovators and innovations.
• Greg Maxon Group Travel Sales Manager/ Operations Manager Greater Saint Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau
20 2020 MISSOURI GROUP TOUR GUIDE and Chillicothe are the next two stops in the central region. Jamesport is home to one of the largest Amish communities west of the Mississippi, and Chillicothe is known as ‘The Home of Sliced Bread.’ Hamilton, in the western region of the state, is the hometown of James Cash ‘J.C.’ Penney. You can learn more about the man who created a retail empire at the J.C. Penney Library and Museum. St. Joseph, the starting point for the Pony Express, is your final stop. For a look at one of history’s most notable characters, visit the Jesse James Home, where the outlaw was killed by one of his own gang members in 1882. Along the way you’ll find locally owned cafes, bakeries, wineries and breweries that offer a true taste of the Show-Me State. Take your time and enjoy all ‘The Way of American Genius’ has to offer.”
Arrive mid-morning at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, voted America’s Best Aquarium and Best New Attraction by USA Today readers. The facility includes 1.5 million gallons of water in multiple aquariums and the immersive wildlife museum experience showcases more than 35,000 live fish, animals, reptiles and birds. Visitors see the wild with state-of-the-art 4D dioramas surrounding them with the sights and sounds of wildlife habitats.
Day 3 Breakfast and checkout of the hotel are followed by a short drive to Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield where, on August 10, 1861, the first Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River was fought. There’s a 4.9-mile paved tour road with eight interpretive stops. Five walking trails off the tour road vary in length from ¼ to ¾ mile.
2020 MISSOURI GROUP TOUR GUIDE 21 CONVENTIONSPRINGFIELD & VISITORS BUREAU Lori springfieldmo.org800-678-8667lcasey@springfieldmo.orgCasey
Day 2 After breakfast at the hotel, meet your step-on guide for a Route 66 Guided Driving Tour. Springfield has a full history with Route 66. There will be a stop at the all-new History Museum on the Square where the “Birthplace of Route 66 Gallery” is a must-see. Next, it’s Park Central Square in downtown Springfield. There are some cool boutiques and galleries for shopping and a historic site of the first wild west shootout where “Wild Bill” Hickok and Davis Tutt faced off. Lunch is at Steak ‘n Shake on Historic Route 66 before touring Springfield’s only castle, Pythian Castle Schedule a history tour with an optional 15-minute escape room, or a ClueKeeper History Hunt Game. Relax for the remainder of the afternoon taking the “C Street Stroll” through the Commercial Street District. It features six blocks of turn-of-the-century architecture, houses, art galleries, boutiques, a chocolate factory, flea markets and more.
Day 1
The NRA National Sporting Arms Museum inside Bass Pro is the most historically significant gun museum in the Midwest. You’ll see almost 1,000 incredible sporting artifacts from the 1600s to modern-day.
Springfield, MO A City at the Crossroads of History
Lunch is at Hemingway’s Blue Water Cafe, located inside Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, where you’ll enjoy a great menu of seafood and down-home cooking.
The next stop at Bass Pro is the Archery Hall of Fame Museum. The world’s finest archery museum honors outstanding figures in archery and preserves the sport’sTherehistory.willbe time for shopping in the “Grandaddy of All Outdoor Stores,” Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World It’s almost 500,000 square feet of shopping fun at the first and largest Bass Pro store in the world. After a full day of activities, select a group-friendly dinner option; Springfield’s culinary options scene is diverse — including everything from elegant to family-style dining.
Lunch is at Leong’s Asian Diner. You cannot leave the city without some of their famous Springfield-style cashew chicken. This afternoon, you’re off to Fantastic Caverns, “America’s Ride Thru Cave.” A 55-minute guided tour follows an ancient underground riverbed filled with massive formations. The cave stays a comfortable 60° year-round. Depart for home with fantastic Springfield memories.
Look no further than Springfieldattractions,group-friendlydistilleriesbreweriestoboutiqueparks66.oftheofthegreatgatewayMissouri,Springfield,thetotheoutdoors,heartandsoultheOzarksandbirthplacehistoricRouteFrompristineandtrailsandshoppingdiversewineries,andandhasitall.
A CAPITAL IDEA FOR A MEMORABLE TOUR Historic and architectural treasures, museums and culinary delights make Jefferson City – Missouri’s capital city – a joy to tour By Dave Bodle
2020 MISSOURI GROUP TOUR GUIDE 23
B
Covering three acres in downtown Jefferson City, the Missouri State Capitol was completed in 1917. Voters had approved $3.5 million in bonds to finance the construction. As the project was coming to a close, it became apparent that more than $1 million would be left over. Here, the story takes an unusual twist. A capitol decoration committee was formed, and this visionary group commissioned virtually all the exterior and interior art. Pieces from leading artists Thomas Hart Benton and Sir Frank Brangwyn are featured. Take a tour to see just how much art could be purchased for $1 million in the early part of the 20th century. Tours are free and guided, but reservations are needed for 10 or more. You need not go far to experience the Missouri State Museum. It’s on the first floor of the state capitol and well worth the visit. Featuring the state’s history and resources, the museum houses long-term and changing exhibits. Missouri was one of the most divided states during the Civil War, and the museum’s exhibits tell that complex story. The museum’s most significant collection is 125 battlefield flags belonging to or captured by Missouri troops that fought for both the Union and Confederate armies.
Another piece of history worth discovering is the Governor’s Mansion. Constructed around the clock by inmates from the Missouri State Penitentiary, the residence has been lived in since 1871 and is one of the few governor’s mansions in the country that permits tours. If walls could talk, the mansion would have some interesting stories to tell. You can hear many of them on a free docent-led tour. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. In 1826, the state capitol moved to Jefferson City. At the lower end of Jefferson Street, a rare Missouri River landing became a commercial hub. Business exploded in the 1850s at “the landing,” but after the Civil War, rail travel was preferred over river transportation. The landing’s contribution to the city was recognized in 1974 when the state’s bicentennial commission accepted the Jefferson Landing proposal as its official project. On July 4, 1976, the revived Lohman Building and Union Hotel were recognized as the cornerstone of the Jefferson Landing State Historic Site. Visitors to the Lohman Building will see an 1850s general store and warehouse and a film on the history of the site. The Union Hotel houses the Elizabeth Rozier Gallery with rotating displays of Missouri art. The Missouri State Penitentiary, at the time of its decommission in 2004, was the oldest operating prison west of the Mississippi. Opened in 1836, the penitentiary had its share of escape attempts and riots. A variety of tours are offered for groups, including a Mystery Tour, conducted by a former inmate who shares what it was like to spend time behind the bars. Four months after temporarily closing due to tornado damage, the Missouri State Penitentiary has resumed both the two-hour history and two-hour ghost tours through November 30, 2019. The Missouri State Penitentiary Museum on East Capitol Avenue offers additional information about the historic prison. Several tours in Jefferson City are available only to groups.
“Lunch and the Dump” is another option designed for groups. As bizarre as it might sound, a visit to a sanitary landfill can be enlightening. The local site manager shares how the landfill benefits the environment, from initial planning and set up through daily operations and finally to closing the site.
Jefferson City is a great destination in itself and perfect for a hub-and-spoke tour of Central Missouri. Pack another bag for an extra day or two with visits to Columbia, Hermann, Lake of the Ozarks, Boonville, Fulton and more. Begin planning by calling 800.769.4183 or visiting online at visitjeffersoncity.com
.•
eing a history or architectural aficionado is not required to enjoy and appreciate that aspect of Jefferson City, but it is a logical place to begin a tour. Blend in some special options only available to groups, and you have a winning itinerary.
“Puppies on Parole” brings together the Missouri Department of Corrections, local animal shelters and pet lovers. Non-violent offenders selected from a local prison population volunteer as dog trainers. Basic obedience and socialization are taught over a 12-week period before the dogs are available for adoption. Groups visit a local prison where a program supervisor steps on the tour coach (often with a puppy) and describes the program. Carolyn Grieve with Arvest Bank describes the tour: “Everyone loved the visit, and the Puppies on Parole was an absolute HIT – someone on the bus actually started a collection and passed their hat.”
The sights and sounds of a uniquely American art form come alive at the American Jazz Museum. The museum includes interactive exhibits and educational programs as well as the Blue Room, a working jazz club and the Gem Theater, a modern 500-seat performing arts center. Located in the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District in Kansas City, this is the place where jazz masters such as Charlie Parker, Count Basie, Big Joe Turner and hundreds of others defined the sounds of the 1920s, 30s and 40s. americanjazzmuseum.orgGangsterTour features a look at the Pendergast era from 1920
3
■
■
From jazz music entertainment and culinary delights to award-winning museums, shopping pleasures and a famous outlaw, the Kansas City area is a perfect group tour destination
KANSAS CITY ITINERARY
Discover the Diverse Options That a Kansas City Itinerary Offers
The Pursuit of Jesse James National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
■
Day 1: Rhythm & Ribs
EXPERIENCESUNIQUE Rhythm & Ribs Museum Discovery With Some Local Flavors
Experience Kansas City’s most famous traditions—jazz and barbecue — both have roots in K.C. that date back to the 1920s. Belly up to the bar and sample the heavenly ’cue at some of the city’s 100plus barbecue joints. Then, discover how Kansas City jazz defined an era through K.C. legends. Track your barbecue adventures with the KC BBQ Experience app, the ultimate resource for enjoying Kansas City’s signature cuisine. The app allows you to check in to 100-plus regional restaurants, earn badges for bragging rights, post photos of your barbecue and embark on themed trails to explore new parts of the city. Go to visitkc.com/bbq for more details.
Lunch at Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue, the legendary king of ribs, is the most renowned barbequer in history. Bryant created a sauce that has attracted the likes of former Presidents Harry Truman and Jimmy Carter to his restaurant, which was considered the best restaurant in the world by New Yorker columnist Calvin Trillin. arthurbryants.com
2020 MISSOURI GROUP TOUR GUIDE 25 American Jazz Museum to 1945. “Gangster TV” highlights this wild and wooly era with historical film and photographs from the period. You’ll learn and see how the “Pendergast Machine” controlled the political system and the very fabric of life in Kansas City. The tour highlights infamous crimes like the Union Station Massacre, shows the locations of speakeasies and gambling halls and explains how liquor flowed freely during Prohibition. The homes and workplaces of crime bosses and the sites of major turf wars are also featured on the tour. Sounds like an “offer you can’t refuse.” thekctours.com
Discover Kansas City’s signature attractions, from old favorites to new kids on the block. Uncover the treasures of the Steamboat Arabia. Visit the nation’s only World War I museum. Enjoy toys of past and present at the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Begin your day at The Roasterie. The Roasterie travels to the ends of the earth to find the best coffee beans for our coffees including espresso, single-origin origins and fair trade organic coffees. Sourcing coffee beans for the discerning coffee connoisseur and air-roasting them to the perfect temperature unlocks the most exquisite flavor each coffee has to offer. Enjoy a tour and tasting. theroasterie.com Arabia Steamboat Museum is home to a true time capsule of frontier life in the 1800s. The Arabia was headed up the Missouri River in the fall of 1856 when she struck a tree snag and sank just north of Kansas City. Her cargo hold was full of 200 tons of supplies bound for general stores and pioneer settlements. As the years passed, the river changed course and left the Arabia buried beneath a Kansas cornfield. Finally, in 1988, a group of modernday adventurers uncovered the lost Arabia and her magnificent cargo. They were amazed to find fine dishware, clothing and even bottled food all preserved in remarkable condition. Their find has been called the King Tut’s Tomb of the Missouri River. So, if you’re looking for an adventure, discover the treasures of the Steamboat Arabia. 1856.com
Lunch at The Westside Local. The restaurant supports local farms and businesses. This allows them to offer the freshest ingredients and dining experience possible, farm-to-table. thewestsidelocal.com
Tom’s Town Distilling Co. is downtown Kansas City’s first legal distillery since Prohibition. Drawing inspiration from the country’s most polarizing and corrupt political boss, Tom Pendergast, Tom’s Town brings to life the glamorous magnetism of the Gatsby era. Rooted in a deco optimism, Kansas City flouted Prohibition under the Pendergast machine. toms-town.com
Enjoy dinner at Fiorella’s Jack Stack BBQ, a Kansas City tradition since 1957. Jack Stack’s has one of the most extensive BBQ menus in the country. jackstackbbq.com
Day 2: Museum Discovery With Some Local Flavors
Check in at one of Kansas City’s group-friendly hotels.
Next stop is the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures with the world’s largest fine-scale miniature collection and one of the nation’s largest antique toy collections on public display. toyandminiaturemuseum.org
In addition to the Blue Room, experience the “jam session” at The Mutual Musicians Foundation located in the heart of Kansas City’s Historic Jazz District. Originally home to the Black Musicians’ Protective Union Local 627 A.F. of M., the foundation continues its grand tradition as a living tribute to the city’s long and illustrious musical history. Jazz greats and popular local players alike continue to show up every weekend, playing the night away just as they have since the 1930s. mutualmusiciansfoundation.org
The National World War I Museum and Memorial is America’s leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. theworldwar.org
Founded in 1989, Boulevard Brewing Company has grown to become the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest. Its mission is simple: to produce fresh, flavorful beers using the finest traditional ingredients and the best of both old and new brewing techniques. boulevard.com
Dinner tonight can be at the Blue Bird Bistro. Blue Bird focuses on local, organic food. bluebirdbistro.com Before returning to your hotel, are you in need of some serious
Enjoy live jazz music at the Blue Room. Named after the 1930s famed Street Hotel in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, the Blue Room simultaneously honors the past and showcases the present names in jazz. The Blue Room provides a distinctive platform to present dynamic performances from the best local and national jazz talent in an intimate setting. club.americanjazzmuseum.org
Invariably, when one thinks about Kansas City’s culinary offerings, barbecue most often comes to mind. With good reason. The city features more than 100 barbecue restaurants in its metro area and has billed itself the “Barbecue Capital of the World.” Still, there’s more to this burgeoning Missouri city than delicious smoked meats. Chef-owned eateries, lively food halls, classic delis and hearty steakhouses dot a city that has earned a reputation as one of the best places to dine in the country.
First stop is the 1859 Jail, Marshal’s Home & Museum (Independence) – This is the jail where Frank James resided while standing trial. He turned himself in for protection due to his fear of assassination after his brother’s death. jchs.org/1859-jail Jesse James Bank Museum (Liberty) – The site of the country’s first daylight bank robbery during peacetime, committed by the James gang. visitclaymo.com/business/jesse-james-bankmuseumJesseJames Farm & Museum (Kearney) – The home where Jesse was born and his brother, Frank, died. The farm holds the world’s largest collection of James family memorabilia. jessejames.org Jesse James Home (St. Joseph) – Visit the home where Jesse was shot and killed.
The Rieger Located on the ground floor of the historic Rieger Hotel (opened in 1915), The Rieger features classic dishes like steak and oyster tartare, brick quail and smoked trout and also serves hand-crafted cocktails. The Rieger offers groups the option to dine in a private room.
Bluestem has received numerous local and national accolades including being named a James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant between 2015-18. The restaurant features progressive American cuisine focusing on seasonal products, a changing menu and local ingredients. Guests may order fixed price meals of three, five or seven courses, with past offerings including dishes like rabbit cappelletti, a moist ribeye and dark chocolate mousse.
Barbecue Few, if any cities, can match Kansas City’s barbecue scene. With so many exceptional establishments to choose from, it’s difficult to select just one … or three … or five spots to visit. That said, here are a few pit stops worth making: LC’s Bar-B-Q is an old-school spot that serves traditional barbecue and sides in a no-frills dining room. Perhaps the two most legendary institutions are Gates Bar-B-Q and Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque – both trace their roots directly to the godfather of barbecue, Henry Perry.
Beyond Barbecue
KANSAS CITY ITINERARY
Bluestem
Kansas City is a food-lover’s paradise By Jason Paha Jesse James Bank Museum retail therapy? Kansas City has the cure. Discover one-of-a-kind gifts as you browse the unique boutiques in the town of Weston, Missouri. Shop the distinctive stores of the Tuscan-themed Village at Briarcliff. Enjoy the nation’s first outdoor suburban shopping mall, Country Club Plaza Day 3: The Pursuit of Jesse James Breakfast and check out of your hotel before chasing an American outlaw. Jesse James has drawn worldwide fascination for being known as America’s Robin Hood and a cold-blooded killer. James was born, raised and killed in Northwest Missouri. Your group can explore the legacy of this notorious outlaw at many sites throughout the area.
Here are just a few of Kansas City’s finest eating establishments visitors can enjoy (including a few top-notch barbecue restaurants for good measure).
Town Topic Hamburgers Since 1937, the iconic Town Topic diner has been serving hamburgers to hungry patrons from across the country. Today, guests can still visit the establishment’s historic counter that has seated customers for generations and enjoy an oldfashioned hamburger, homemade chili and a slice of pie.
ponyexpressjessejames.com
Missouri’s most iconic attraction has reached new heights.
Let us show you what else makes Missouri a top stop for your group tours.
Take Your Tour
Contact
Donna Cordle Gray at DonnaCordle@legacydimensions.com for group info.
Renovations to the Gateway Arch – including an updated museum, new parks and trails, and more – have transformed the Arch into a completely different experience. But that’s just part of what’s exciting and new in the Show-Me State.
