Nestled high atop the wooded bluffs overlooking the Missouri River, Boonville is a charming city rooted in history, which offers visitors and unexpected experience.  Right in the heart of the state, conveniently located about halfway between Kansas City and St. Louis with three exits off Interstate 70. You will enjoy a lively and stimulating cultural scene combined with the charm and hospitality of a small town, that was recently voted the “Friendliest Small Town in Missouri” by Missouri Life Magazine readers.  Boonville is one of central Missouri’s oldest towns and dates to it’s original founder Hannah Cole, who settled here in 1810 at the very beginning of the westward expansion. 

Following in in the footsteps of Daniel Boone and his family as they carved the first pathway for those brave pioneer settlers.  Boonville grew to a bustling city filled with commerce and culture and that is still alive today.  Its citizens have done great job in preserving that history with over 450 sites and structures on the national registry of historic places, and a great walking history tour to help you experience that for yourself.  

Boonville

Katy Trail State Park

Boonville boasts some nationally acclaimed attractions including the 237-mile-long Katy Trail State Park that runs right through town, luring thousand of cyclists to experience the beautiful rolling countryside of Missouri.  Boonville is also home to the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales breeding and training facility that is open for guided tours by reservation April through October and for a festive lighted tour during the holiday season.   You will want to start your adventure at the Visitor Center and River, Rails & Trails Museum located in the Historic Depot District.

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Housed in a renovated industrial building, it features a great little family friendly museum with interactive exhibits on steamboats, the railroads and the areas early trails and highways.  It’s centerpiece is a half scale Lewis and Clark Keelboat, and full size wagon and model trail display.  From there you can make reservations for a tour of the largest collection of Mitchell Antique Motorcars, owned by Lewis Miller.  Other great tour opportunities in town are old Cooper County Jail & Hanging Barn owned and ran by the Friends of Historic Boonville, and Roslyn Heights mansion, which is state headquarters for the daughters of the Revolution, and available for tours by reservation.  

Isle of Capri Casino Hotel

Along with Boonville’s great historic sites, there are some amazing modern attractions to fill your days including the Isle of Capri Casino Hotel, Hail Ridge golf course, an aquatic center, soccer park, nearby wineries and great shopping and dining options as well.  Boonville also makes a great hub to tour many great small towns in the area as well as a tri-county Barn Quilt tour, Barn quilts of the Boonslick. 

Boonville