Beyond the Capitol...
is a river town full of rich history!
Where Missouri's stories are preserved and new ones are in the making.
Tyler Beck Photography
The Missouri State Museum gives visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history of the Show-Me State. Located in the state Capitol, the museum houses an impressive collection of exhibits in the History Hall, Missouri Veterans Gallery, Resources Hall, and Foundations Gallery portraying the state's natural and cultural history. Capitol tours are offered year-round (reservations required).
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Missouri State Penitentiary & Museum
In conjunction with the Missouri State Penitentiary history and ghost tours, the MSP museum provides additional historical information about the infamous prison that operated for 168 years. The museum houses MSP memorabilia and a replica cell that demonstrates the living conditions at the prison. Visitors can view the descriptive displays about on prison industries, contraband, inmate craftmanship, the Riot of 1954 and much more.
Jefferson Landing State Historic Site | Lohman Building
After the seat of government moved to the city of Jefferson in 1826, the lower end of Jefferson Street became a lively commercial and transportation hub on the Missouri River. Built in 1839, the Lohman Building served as a grocery store, warehouse, tavern, telegraph office and hotel for the growing capital city. Business boomed in the 1850s with the coming of the Pacific Railroad, and the city became the transfer point for goods coming from east by rail and heading west by steamboat. Post-Civil War, river traffic slowed as the railroad offered cheaper and faster transportation. The Lohman Building was then used as storage, a factory, and offices.
The Lohman Building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. It was restored and opened to the public in 1976.
Dominating the skyline in all directions, the Missouri State Capitol is a monument to its citizens. The building, which covers three acres, is a museum of public art, remarkable not only for its quality and abundance, but as a faithful reflection of the themes, events, and people of Missouri. Artwork in the Missouri State Capitol includes pieces by notable artists such as Thomas Hart Benton and Sir Frank Brangwyn. The three-point perspective paintings scattered throughout the hallways are a very popular attraction within the Capitol walls.
The legislative session takes place January through mid-May. The public may attend a session in the House or Senate chambers to witness the law-making process firsthand.
Tyler Beck Photography
The Missouri Governor’s Mansion has been the official residence of Missouri’s governors since 1872 and is one of the oldest governors’ homes in the United States. Located on 10 acres overlooking the Missouri River and the Missouri State Capitol, the Mansion is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in eight months and completed in late December 1871, with much of the work performed by prisoners of the nearby penitentiary. The Mansion was designed by noted St. Louis architect George Ingham Barnett and is an example of Second Empire architecture, a style characterized by the patterned mansard roof popular in the 1860s. Through the years, the Mansion has been restored and improved, but the impressive characteristics of the original Mansion remain.
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Soldier’s Memorial Plaza at Lincoln University
This monument serves as a permanent tribute to the Lincoln University founders: the brave and benevolent men of the 62nd and 65th United States Colored Infantries who served gallantly in the Civil War. In 1866, these same men helped to found what was then Lincoln Institute to help soldiers like themselves and other Black Americans get an education. Lincoln is one of the state's two historically black colleges or universities (HBCUs) and the only one founded by former slaves. Today, Lincoln is open to and proudly attended by students of all backgrounds and ethnicities.
Lincoln University is the first and only HBCU to house its own police academy. Launched in 2021, the Lincoln University Law Enforcement Training Academy has received national recognition and praise for its aim to recruit and train minority law enforcement officers.
Events happening around town!
Cancer Support Group at JCMG
- Recurring monthly on the last Friday
Join us for support and education at JCMG's Cancer Support Group. The JCMG Oncology Team will host…
Food Truck Friday JCMO
- Recurring weekly on Friday
Enjoy cuisine from local taco trucks every Friday evening from March-October!
Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives at the MUCR Amphitheater
Country Music Hall of Famer, five-time Grammy-winner, and AMA Lifetime Achievement honoree Marty…
Capitol Cruise-In
Come enjoy great classic vehicles at the Capitol Cruise In!
Jefferson Landing State Historic Site Backyard Concert Series
Jefferson Landing State Historic Site is excited to invite you to its 9th season of live music on…
Living Windows: Christmas in July
Get ready for an evening of fun as live music and entertainment fill the windows of downtown JCMO!…
Jefferson City Jaycees Cole County Fair
- Recurring every week day
Enjoy carnival rides, live music, tractor pull, and more at the annual Jefferson City Jaycees Cole…
Stars Under the Stars
Enjoy your favorite movies on a giant inflatable screen under the stars. Bring your family to the…
Day of Grace
Trinity is offering free, prepackaged, grade-level backpacks with school supplies. Available while…
Float Your Boat
Whether you sink or float, you are guaranteed to have a blast. Teams consisting of 2 – 6…
Show-Me State Wrestling
Show-Me State Wrestling returns home to Jefferson City, Missouri at the Salvation Army Gym for a…
Community Connection at JCMG
Community Connection at JCMG is a time to connect JCMG with our community. This walk-through event…
Landing After Hours - Bonnie and Clyde: Thirteen Days in Joplin, Missouri
For 12 days in April 1933, Clyde, Buck and Blanche Barrow, Bonnie Parker, and W.D. Jones hid out in…
Big Head Todd and the Monsters at MUCR Healthcare Amphitheater
Big Head Todd & the Monsters have persisted as a rare force of nature in rock ‘n’ roll. The…
Healthy Living Forum - Thriving in Retirement
Join us August 13, at Capital Plaza Hotel for SSM Health’s Healthy Living Forum – Thriving in…
Broadcasting the Ozarks: Si Siman and Country Music at the Crossroads
In "Broadcasting the Ozarks," authors Kitty Ledbetter and Scott Foster Siman explore the vibrant…
Thursday Night Live
Come dance in the streets and enjoy live music from local bands! Aug 15: Dope A Sneakers
Battle of the Brews
Sip, sip, hooray! The Battle of the Brews is back for another round. Enjoy home and commercial…
Catch Me if You Can
Kids ages 6-17 race over different obstacles, crawl through mud pits and slide down a huge slip n’…
Prison Break
This isn't your typical fun run! The Prison Break will challenge you with every step, but you'll…
Southside Market
Come enjoy local vendors, live music, and delicious eats at the Southside Market in Old Munichburg…
Perfect Pairings
Special Learning Center's Perfect Pairings is a unique evening filled with imaginative pairings that…
The History & Culture of Missouri's Motorcycle Clubs
Like much of the country, Missouri has an extensive history of Motorcycle Clubs. While some clubs…
Partners for Youth Music Festival
Join the YMCA for music, food, drinks, and fun, and help raise funds to support the YMCA's Outreach…
Show-Me State Airshow
Two days of fun with breathtaking aerobatics, tactical military demonstrations, and a chance to…
Tunnel to Towers 5k
Honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and support local first responders and…
Vision Accomplished: The History of the Kansas City Southern
The remarkable story of the Kansas City Southern tells of a railroad that followed its own path from…
Rhymers Ridge Harvest Festival
- Recurring weekly on Sunday, Friday, Saturday
Celebrate fall at the Rhymers Ridge Harvest Festival, taking place Sept. 27- Nov. 3! Rhymers Ridge…
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony at MUCR Amphitheater
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, the Cleveland, Ohio, group comprised of Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone, Wish Bone…
Oktoberfest in Old Munichburg
Celebrate the historic German heritage of Southside JCMO at the annual Oktoberfest in Old…