How We Spent Three Days in Jefferson City, Missouri

 

Missouri State Capitol Building, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    Hello friends, welcome to the blog! I am so glad to have you. In this installment, I'm eager to share with you all about how my partner Walter and I spent three days in Missouri's State Capitol, Jefferson City. If you're a history buff like me, Jefferson City may be just the place you'd like to visit. This city is rich in museums, historic sites, and public spaces for you to enjoy. Come along and I'll share all about our three days here. 

Central Dairy, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    After arriving in town, the first place we visited was the locally famous Central Dairy. When I asked my friends about must-visit locations in Jefferson City, Central Dairy was mentioned several times! Walter and I both got waffle cones, mine being double chocolate chip, and his being butter pecan. We were impressed by the large flavor selection and fast service. The cones were delicious on a steaming hot day, and I recommend making a stop here during your visit. 

Capitol Grounds, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    

Bicentennial Bridge, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

Cannon at Capitol Grounds, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    After leaving Central Dairy, we headed over to the Capitol Grounds. The grounds around the Capitol building are open to the public and have been transformed into a beautiful space. Here there are several monuments, access to the Bicentennial Bridge which leads to Deborah Cooper Park, and a neat old cannon from 1769. 

Duke's on the BLVD, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    For dinner, we decided to check out Duke's on the BLVD. I got the Duke's original smashburger and fries, which was delicious. I liked the vibe of the place and the staff were kind as well. If you like a good burger, hit up Duke's during your visit. 

Towne Grill, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    Kicking off day two, we headed out for brunch at Towne Grill. Walter and I both ordered the French toast, which we both loved. Our waitress was wonderful, and the meal was served in a jiffy. There are lots of things that make Towne Grill so adorable, therefor I recommend you come see for yourself!

Missouri State Penitentiary, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

     After our meal, we headed over to the Missouri State Penitentiary for our two-hour tour! I recommend booking your tour in advance to ensure your spot, as the website makes it simple to do so. The staff and guides at MSP are fantastic, and clearly passionate about what they do. This tour was extremely moving and educational, something I recommend for those willing to learn about the darker sides of Missouri's past. I plan to do an in-depth post on MSP in the future, so stay tuned to the blog for that! 

    We took this tour during an extreme heat warning, with the heat index reaching nearly one hundred degrees. The staff was incredibly proactive and considerate, ensuring we all had water, fans, and took breaks if needed. Exhausted from the heat, Walter and I concluded our day after the tours end, and opted to go for a swim at the hotel for the evening. 

Missouri State Capitol Building, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    On our final day in town, we woke up and headed back over to the State Capitol grounds. Though this time, we were heading inside. The Missouri State Capitol building is completely open to the public, and the first floor serves as the Missouri State Museum. 

    Walter and I browsed the exhibits, learning about Missouri history from the formation of the earth to modern day. Two large wings of the capitol house artifacts and exhibits for the public to view, entirely for free. I enjoyed our time here greatly and suspect we will be back someday to take the full guided tour of the capitol. 

Madison's, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    After the Missouri State Museum, we had worked up an appetite. I had a hankering for a Caesar salad, so I searched where the best place to get one nearby would be. Madison's, located downtown, quickly appeared to be my answer. We slipped into a booth and dug in, and I'm happy to report that the salad was delicious.

Strikers, taken by Jennie Moore, 2026

    Following a siesta at the hotel, Walter and I struck out for some fun on our last night in the city. Across the highway from our lodging is Strikers, a bowling alley, arcade and restaurant. We played a couple games of bowling, pool, and then sat down for a snack. I ordered the pretzel bites and queso, which I loved. 

    

Bicentennial Bridge, 2026

    This concludes our three-day trip to Jefferson City. Thank you for coming along and I do hope we've helped you plan your visit to our state capitol. We had a great time and learned so much valuable information about our home state and its history. I do hope you'll join me again on the blog in the future, until then, take care, friends. 

The Story Behind the Statue | Union Soldier Monument | Perryville, Missouri | Landmark Landing

 

Union Soldier Monument in Perryville, taken by Jennie Moore

    Hello friends, welcome to the blog. Today's stop is a statue I came across on a walk with my family in downtown Perryville, Missouri. Here we came across a monument for the Union Soldiers of Perry County, Missouri. The inscription reads "In memory of Perry County's Union Soldiers of the Civil War 1861-1865" and below that, "Erected by the Sons of Veterans and Auxiliary 1923". 

    Perry County played an important role in the American Civil War. The diary of Perry County resident Archibald Little Hager tells us that on June 11th, 1861, Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon was ordered by the Department of War to enlist Missouri's "loyal citizens" to defend against the border state's pro-Southern cause. The following day, June 12th, 1861, there was a muster at the small community of Conrad's Mill in southern Perry County in which 71 men joined the Perry County Home Guard. 

    Conrad's Mill is located in Southern Perry County just about a mile north of the Bollinger County line on the old Greenville Road. Also in 1861, Camp Greason, sometimes called Camp Grayson, was established near Conrad's Mill as a Union training camp. Today, a cemetery called Campground Cemetery is one of the few traces left of wartime in the area. 

    Conrad's Mill derives its name from Columbus Conrad, who built a flour mill in the area sometime around 1856. However, the community's name would later be changed to Millheim, which remains today. Many who pass through Millheim today likely aren't aware of the hamlet's deep history, and role in Perry County's contribution to the Civil War. 

    Next time you pass the Perryville courthouse, tip your hat to the monument of the Union Solider standing guard in the yard. He represents all of those that put it all on the line to ensure our freedom, equality, and democracy. Think of the men that spent time at Camp Greason, and the men that signed their name on the dotted line when duty called at Conrad's Mill. We have them to thank for the United States as we know it today.