Step Back in Time in St. Joe, MO

Nestled in Missouri’s northwest corner on the Kansas state line is St. Joseph, a bustling city of about 75,000 residents. Originally incorporated in 1843, St. Joseph was founded along the Missouri River and is known as the place where infamous outlaw Jesse James died. This city, located about 125 miles from Omaha, Nebraska, is a fascinating place where history comes to life. After all, St. Joe, in the mid-1800s, was the spot where many would rest before heading west into the great unknown in hopes of finding gold.

Today, St. Joseph is a great spot for a weekend getaway that offers lots of great activities to visitors. Guests to the city can come to explore the outdoors, visit a variety of museums, see Missouri Western State University and more. Pack your warmest clothes if you decide to visit St. Joseph in the cold months and prepare for a fun, engaging trip to this Midwest town.

Must-visit museums in St. Joe, Mo.

The Pony Express National Museum-  The Pony Express was only in operation for 18 months in 1860 and 1861, but it had a profound effect on the American west. Starting in St. Joseph, Missouri and terminating in Sacramento, California, the Pony Express was more than twice as fast as its competitors. This fascinating museum will walk visitors through this American institution and help guests understand its historical significance. 

Patee House Museum & Jesse James Home-  Operated by the Pony Express National Museum, both the Patee House and the Jesse James Home will be of interest to history novices and buffs alike. The Patee House was actually built as a luxury hotel in 1858 and served as the headquarters for the Pony Express. The Jesse James Home serves as a tribute to the infamous outlaw and shows where the 34-year-old spent his final moments. Fascinating to say the least! 

Glore Psychiatric Museum-  Not for the faint of heart, the Glore Psychiatric Museum is ranked one of the 50 most unusual in the United States. This museum is the largest of its kind in the world, and the building itself opened as the “State Lunatic Asylum No. 2” in 1874 and had 250 patients. This museum chronicles the historic treatment of those with mental illness as well as patient artwork, therapy options and more. 

Wyeth-Tootle Mansion-  Originally built in 1879 by William and Eliza Tootle, this mansion was designed to emulate castles found along the Rhine River in Germany. With 43 rooms, this mansion demonstrates the opulence and wealth that was common in design in St. Joseph in the late 1800s. With gorgeous stained glass and stunning woodwork throughout, this three-floor mansion is a decadent must-see in the area. 

Walter Cronkite Memorial-  Located at Missouri Western State University, this memorial honors the late Walter Cronkite, who was born in 1916 in St. Joseph. One of America’s most trusted journalists, Cronkite was famously the anchor of the CBS Evening News for almost 20 years and a champion of the U.S. space programs in the 1970s and 1980s. This memorial is a fitting tribute to a legendary man. 

Happy travels!