Here is a guide showing you numerous awesome things to do in St. Joseph (MO) if you ever find yourself in St. Joseph and want to experience all the city has to offer.
This beautiful city is a highly sort after place to visit, and it is located on the scenic Missouri River banks, giving locals a cool view.
It is a great city with many amazing places to visit, and it was named after the founder of the town, Joseph Robidoux.
What’s more? If you love rap, you should definitely visit St. Joseph, as the Rap God, Eminem, was born here.
It is also the death place of the baddie outlaw Jesse James. Let’s get to it already, shall we? Read on.
Fun Things to Do in St. Joseph (MO)
1. Learn About the City’s Founder at the Robidoux Row Museum
In the 1840s and 1850s, the great founder of Saint Joseph, Joseph Robidoux, lived here with his family.
It was also built by him and is located in the north of the city.
It gained importance as a historical apartment and was later transformed into a museum of local history.
This conversion and renovation were done by the Saint Joseph Historical Society.
It shows how housing units worked at the time and is only open Wednesday to Saturday from 1 pm to 4 pm.
2. Get the Best Coffee Yet
Since time immemorial, coffee has been a big deal in St. Joseph. Check out Hazel’s, a local roastery with a cozy, vintage vibe and extensive espresso favorites.
Along with the caffeine, you’ll likely find plenty of local conversation.
Downtown, try Cafe Pony Espresso for handcrafted coffee, rotating exhibits of local art, and homemade soups and sandwiches.
Nearby, Mokaska reinvents the coffee roasting name from the late 19th century with a cozy setting and wooden floors in what used to be a downtown grocery store.
K.C. Roasted coffee is a favorite at Gold’ N Glaze, complete with St. Joe. Familiar names like Caribou Coffee, Dunkin Donuts, Human Bean, and Starbucks mean you’re never far from your next cup.
3. Enjoy Nature and History at Remington Nature Center
The Remington Center does a great job educating visitors about the history of the area and the natural beauty surrounding it.
This nature park offers plenty of activities for the whole family, from a massive aquarium to a treasure hunt.
Continue exploring the lush grounds and enjoy some fantastic views that await you this weekend.
Featuring mammoth and buffalo displays, Civil War artifacts, live birds, extensive Native American artifacts, scenic river views, and gently rolling cobbled nature, this award-winning museum offers something for everyone in St. Joseph.
Things to Do in St. Joseph (MO) at Night
1. Make a Trip to the Jesse James Home Museum
Crime and criminals have always given a special sense of fascination to the human mind.
The Jesse James Home is the original home of the outlaw Jesse James and his family.
It is the same place where he was infamously shot, and since then, the house has been preserved and turned into a museum.
A bullet hole in its north wall has also been preserved, which has grown larger over the years.
It has many original items still intact and maintained for public viewing.
They also include small memorabilia belonging to Jesse James himself or his family, such as a pin he wore, coffin handles, and pieces of wood.
2. Visit St. Jo Frontier Casino
St. Jo Frontier Casino is a popular destination all year round.
Along the Missouri River, guests enjoy food, views, and a connecting walking trail, as well as games.
Inside, view large painted murals of St. Joseph’s cultural history and find unique items in the gift shop.
Families are welcome in the restaurant with a beautiful view of the river.
Games include over 450 slots and video poker machines, multiple tables, and more.
The casino shares the same large parking lot as the Remington Nature Center and a walking trail along the river, so you can enjoy the day.
3. Try Local Meals
Check out our unique fine dining options if you ever want to celebrate a promotion while here.
For private gourmet dining in a stunning mansion, call ahead to J.C. Wyatt House, where chef-owners bring the Times Square restaurant experience.
Whether your celebration calls for brunch or lunch, try the Brioche Cafe for homemade, authentic crepes, towering gourmet sandwiches, and pastries.
Art fans can dine with a view at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art Cafe, which serves homemade plates in a beautiful setting.
Things to Do in St. Joseph (MO) For Couples
1. Visit the Beattie Mansion
The Beattie Mansion was built by Eliza and Armstrong Beattie in 1854.
Rumor has it that Mr. Beattie mysteriously succumbed to cholera in 1878.
Mrs. Beattie also died soon after in 1880, and the house has been called the “Haunted House” ever since.
But apart from that, it is also a magnificent mansion, hence the nickname “The House on the Hill,” which is also used to describe this beauty.
It is located on a beautiful hill and looks like a sight. Later it also served as a home for the needy.
These included people suffering from substance abuse problems as well as mentally ill patients.
St. Joseph can also be called the city of museums because of the many amazing museums that are built here, dedicated to different topics.
The other monuments and structures are also stunning and leave a lasting impression on your mind.
Orchards are a fruit experience you will never forget. Tourists will like to go to different museums and learn about different cultures.
The park is excellent for evening strolls, as is the sought-after Lovers’ Lane. So it’s the perfect romantic getaway for you and your partner.
This city is bound to revive your love life and leave a friendly and warm feeling in your heart.
2. Spend Some Time at the Grand Wyeth Tootle Mansion
This 1800 mansion is a perfect example of beauty and mystery.
It exudes elegance and luxury and reminds you of all the beautiful, rustic charm of the late nineteenth century.
It has about 40 rooms, three floors, and even a tower.
Exhibits and artifacts have been preserved throughout the ages and are still beautiful to look at. The stained glass is gorgeous too.
All preserved furniture is from the classical period, and another look is at the wood.
It is one of the most famous examples of residences in St. Joseph, which dates from the 19th century.
Plan your dates and times accordingly, as it is only open from April to October and only on Fridays and Saturdays too.
3. Shop at the East Hills Mall
Enjoy the good old-fashioned shopping spree at this premier mall with all the basic amenities like food courts and multi-brand stores.
In 1965, it hosted Gordmans, Dillard’s, and J.C. as its first stores. Penney.
Over these years, it has come a long way and has gotten many famous brands selling their quirky clothes here, such as Christopher & Banks, Bath & Body Works, Maurice’s, Buckle, Off-Broadway Shoes, Victoria’s Secret, and more.
There are also very hi-fi shops selling sports kits, jewelry, and children’s clothing.
The food court also has some great outlets. The playground is fun, and your kids will definitely love it.
Things to Do in St. Joseph (MO) For Kids
1. Go Fruit Picking at Schweizer Orchards
Imagine picking these luscious red apples growing on tall green trees fruits by yourself and eating this fleshy fruit; isn’t that just intriguing?
An incredible experience, isn’t it? In the Schweizer orchards, you have the opportunity to pick fruit.
They are especially famous for their red apples and have been running this business for four generations.
These are delivered to various surrounding areas and retail stores.
There are many other treats available for purchase as well.
Depending on the season you visit, you can eat and enjoy different types of fruit.
2. Watch a Performance at the Missouri Theater
One of the few remaining classically built theaters in America still retaining the nation’s old Hollywood-Oriental style.
It opened in 1927 and later found a place on the United States National Register of Historic Places in 1979 due to its unique structure.
When the era of contemporary theater began, it was about to be demolished, but protests from local citizens prevented it.
Today, it has become a thriving performing arts center and hosts many beautiful performances by various artists.
3. Let Them Explore Wildlife
Cast a line into the mowed and easily accessible pond on the MWSU campus – conveniently located next to hiking and walking trails and the Missouri Department of Conservation building.
This building is a must-see, with extensive exhibits, friendly agents, and live animals for free.
You can also try your luck fishing at the Corby Pond dock while enjoying scenic views of the highway trails.
Indoor Activities to Do in St. Joseph (MO) For Adults (Indoor Activities)
1. Catch a Baseball Game at the Phil Welch Stadium
There are great Hall of Famers like Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle who played many games here during their early days in the game.
Since 2009, the home field of St. Joseph Mustangs.
But after its establishment in 1939, it used to be the home ground of St. Joseph Saints, who played here for many years.
The Phil Welch Stadium hosts many exciting games and is always fun to watch live.
So grab those snacks and buckets of popcorn and immerse yourself in the screams and noises of the game.
2. Stop by the Patee House Museum
Formerly a hotel, the Patee House Museum has come a long way since it was founded in 1858.
With over 140 rooms, the architecture is exquisite and beautiful.
The famous hotel even served the world-famous poet Oscar Wilde.
It has served as a luxury hotel, a college for women, and has become a museum that documents the history related to transportation and communication.
It is a National Historic Landmark because it also served as the headquarters of the Pony Express.
Exhibits on display include a classic locomotive, a racing car from 1921, antique transport cars as well as a railway mail car.
3. Check Out Smooth Endings
For more options than you might need, visit Smooth Endings, a local liquor, wine, and cigar shop with live tastings on weekends and a large beer cave.
Choose your own six-pack from dozens of interesting craft beers.
The store also has many Missouri wine selections and a scenic patio to relax on.
Hy-Vee and Price Chopper have a long list of local and regional drinks.
From St. Joseph, it’s only 20 minutes to Windy Wine, a family business that also offers its own beer selection.
Romantic Things to Do in St. Joseph (MO)
1. Take a Walk Down the Beautiful Lovers Lane
Walk hand-in-hand with your lover along the beautiful Lovers Lane with some gorgeous houses lining the edge.
Immortalizing the wonderful poet Eugene Field, this beautiful street was immortalized in the famous poem “Lovers Lane, Saint Jo.”
Today it is a modern street with various colonial white houses on each side. A monument celebrating the great poet and his works is also built here.
Take a leisurely walk with your girlfriend or boyfriend and reminisce about the beauty of old-school love.
2. Witness Cultural Art Forms at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art
Featuring many classical works of art created in the eighteenth century to recent works created in the twenty-first century, it is home to all cultural art forms throughout the ages.
It presents the history of painting and its development over the course of different centuries.
Being home to the famous William Albrecht at some point before it was donated in 1965 to the Art League of St. Josef to be transformed into an art museum.
The permanent collections include many beautiful art forms such as contemporary art, western art, regionalist prints, and more.
The main attraction is the American Portrait Gallery, which displays many famous artists such as John Wollaston, Gilbert Stuart, and John Neagle.
3. Chill Out at the Krug Park
After all the information overload in the various museums, this park is a great place to blow off some steam.
The city’s oldest park is still as beautiful as when it was founded in 1902.
The gardens are well maintained with many beautiful, colorful flowers abutting.
Spread over a sprawling 163 acres, it has a lagoon, picnic areas, playgrounds, and hiking trails as well.
Watch the geese cackling near the lagoon and enjoy some quiet time amidst Mother Nature.
An Italian castle is spectacular and can make for great pictures.
Free Things to Do in St. Joseph (MO)
1. Join the Apple Blossom Parade & BBQ Contest
The annual Apple Blossom Parade has become a popular tradition in the city since its inception in 1924.
During the same weekend in May, the Apple Blossom BBQ attracts locals and visitors alike for a healthy dose of friendly competition.
The third oldest apple blossom festival in the country, this annual celebration is packed with activities for the whole family.
In addition to a parade of colorful floats decorated with themes that change each year, there are competitions to crown Apple Blossom royalty.
The energetic mood and, of course, candy and the route of the parade will especially appeal to children.
After the parade, visitors can take advantage of the city’s fantastic shopping, historical sites, and dining options.
2. Check Out Hall Street Historic District
Nicknamed “mansion row,” this neighborhood is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places.
The Hall Street Historic District is one of the must-see attractions in St Joseph.
Known for its stately mansions, the Hall Street Historic District neighborhood will captivate history buffs, architecture buffs, and even backpackers.
For the popular price of zero dollars, you can enjoy a stroll here and take photos of its elaborate architecture.
3. Enjoy the Festivities
Art in St. Joseph is very much alive and welcomes individuals, couples, and families to be a part of the experience.
The downtown First Saturday events have a festival atmosphere, with local businesses showcasing unique items, food, and art.
Every Friday night in the summer, park up on a picnic blanket in Felix Street Square and enjoy great local bands, food, and drinks.
Don’t miss the annual Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival, which pays tribute to the great musician born in St. Joseph.
Celtic Street Fest, St. Patrick’s Mexican Fiesta, Southside Fall Festival, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and others create an artistic atmosphere full of memories and moments that you cannot find anywhere else.
Cheap Things to Do in St. Joseph (MO)
1. Visit the Famous Pony Express National Museum
Another transportation-related museum, the Pony Express Museum, as the name suggests, places special emphasis on the Pony Express and documents its historic journey.
The Pony Express is so important in terms of development because it was the first express mail line established in the North American continent.
It stretches from the Missouri River to the Pacific coast.
This then gave rise to a network of stable riders recruited at the nearby Pikes Peak stables who transported goods and services throughout California.
They have such a special heart in place of people because they are messengers of love and care from families.
Today, these beautiful stables house this museum with various artifacts and exhibits honoring these horsemen and their bravery.
The big attraction is the 7-part diorama, which shows the different terrains that the riders of the time traveled through.
2. Experience the Downtown
Downtown St. Joseph is experiencing a revival of food, nightlife, music, and boutiques.
Every first Saturday, shops display their wares alongside food and art.
The Friday night Sounds of Summer concerts are just part of the new downtown experience.
Lunch or dinner downtown means trying local restaurants like Boudreaux’s, Ground Round, Geno’s, Brioche, Marco Polo, and Longboards. Coffee time could include a cozy table at Hazel’s, Pony Espresso, or Mokaska.
3. Cocktail, Anyone?
Soon after St. Joseph, businesses began to spring up that served locals.
First Ward House, established in 1878, has a sign that proudly reads “Oldest Saloon West of the Mississippi.”
Some of the other businesses that served the early residents were famous names, such as Goetz Brewing, and their branding is still present today.
Grab a regional beer or specialty cocktail at local favorites The Tiger’s Den, Room 108, Club Geek, and more.
Check out the sprawling deck at Il Lazzarone, First Ward House, Norty’s, or a Friday night cocktail in the summer on the Pronto Café patio.
On the east side of town, check out other nationally known chains like 54th Street, Chili’s, or Cheddar’s.
The Hi-Ho on Frederick Avenue is an old-school favorite across several generations, as is the iconic Brown Bear Tavern.
And if you want to try local craft beer, you can’t miss River Bluff Brewing and Angry Swede Brewing Company.
Cool Places to Visit in St. Joseph (MO)
1. Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center
The Joyce Ray Patterson 50+ Activity Center is located on 22,000 square feet and offers a variety of events and activities for those 50 and older.
JRP Hotel amenities include a fitness and recreation center with a pool and shuffleboard tables, as well as restaurants and rooms of various sizes to suit virtually any occasion.
Around 55 clubs and groups meet daily, weekly, monthly, or three times a year.
Visitors can easily get to the center thanks to a sufficient number of parking spaces on and off the premises.
The building has an elevator allowing convenient access from the garage on the ground floor.
2. Walter Cronkite Memorial
The Walter Cronkite Memorial is located at Missouri Western State University in Saint Joseph.
Walter Cronkite, the legendary news anchor who was a native of this town, will be touched by this moving film.
The wall decorations in this monument showcase everything from his enthusiasm for the space agency NASA to his love for his wife and children.
Dr. Robert Vartabedian, president of Missouri Western State University, is the brainchild of the Walter Cronkite Memorial.
It is a fitting tribute to an esteemed native son of St. Joseph.
Missouri Western art professors David Harris and Eric Fuson realized the vision of Dr. Vartabediana in developing a unique installation honoring Cronkite’s illustrious career on CBS television.
3. Glore Psychiatric Museum
With a long line of exhibits related to the devices and treatment of mental health patients, it is definitely fascinating to look at.
The models are life-size and have various artifacts that document the patient’s rehabilitation journey.
It is a unique and interesting museum with original exhibits from the adjacent State Hospital of St. Joseph.
This museum has been the subject of excitement and is featured on many channels such as PBS, The Discovery Channel, The Science Channel, and more.
Conclusion
St. Joseph’s various museums, annual festivals, stunning architecture, numerous parks, miles and miles of scenic highways, outdoor concerts, and a diverse arts scene make it an ideal destination for outdoor recreation.
Never run out of things to do in St. Joseph (MO). Make those memories in this city now!
