River, Rails and Trails Museum and Visitor Center

I got to see steamboat and railroad history, and I hung out in the replica kids’ fort of Boonville’s founder Hannah Cole.

Lastly, I saw a wagon like the pioneers traveled in as they headed west on the Santa Fe Trail, and I learned where the trail first started, just across the river.

Next, I went for a walk on the Katy Trail, which is a 237 mile walking and biking trail. I also visited the Old Katy Depot and MKT Caboose. From there we walked out onto the old Katy Bridge, which is the old railroad bridge that is being restored to walk and bike across. I learned that visitors from all over the world come ride on the Katy Trail and that Boonville is where they get to cross the Missouri River.

From there we went to Lookout Point in Harley Park to see the views of the “Boonslick Area.” Daniel Boone’s sons had a salt business there to supply early pioneers to the area with this much-needed resource for preserving food. From there I could also see where the Santa Fe trail began and imagined the line of wagons starting out on that dangerous journey.

Next, I went to check the historic downtown and walked through the 400 sites and structures that make up the Historic Registry. Some of the buildings dated back to the 1830s. Along the tour, we stopped at a park that featured a statue of Boonville’s founder, Hannah Cole. Cole settled here with her nine children in 1810. She was one of the first pioneers that settled on the river after Lewis and Clark paved the way.

I was very excited to find out that I made it into town during Boonville’s Heritage Days, which is a big festival. There were so many activities that I got to check out like the Car Show, Quilt Show, Art Exhibit, Photo Display, Helicopter Display and Mutt Strut. I also got to meet up with some local kids to watch the parade. Overall, I had a blast in Boonville!

Learn more about the River, Rails and Trails Museum and Visitor Center:

Website

Learn more about the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail:

Website

Where this belongs

• Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail

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