Western Missouri Road Trip

Lewis and Clark Trail

The first Fourth of July celebration west of the Mississippi was held in 1804, somewhere along the part of the Missouri River that flows past Atchison County, Kansas. The day was ushered in with a firing of the cannon, which was fired again at sunset. At evening time Captains Lewis and Clark ordered that an extra gill of whiskey be distributed to the men. Due to channelization the course of the Missouri has changed, and the location of that celebration is no longer known.

Remnants From the Battle of Lexington

When following Lewis and Clark’s trail into Western Missouri, there are plenty of attractions including the Battle of Lexington State Historic Site. Oliver Anderson’s mansion was a highly-regarded battle prize in 1861, and it still shows damage from being hammered by the Union Army and the Missouri State Guard. Today, it stands restored and furnished to its 1850’s fashion. One hundred acres of battlefield are preserved along with this estate, with a visitor center exhibiting audio-visual displays covering the events of Sept. 18-20, 1861. Enjoy the tale of why the “Battle of the Hemp Bales” rallied the Southerners and put a dark light on the day for any hope of a Northern victory.

Missouri River Kayaking & Float Trips

Don’t miss out on floating the Missouri, Kaw, and Platte Rivers while you are at it! The Missouri River Paddling Company services all three rivers and provides safe equipment rentals (kayak, paddle, and vest). Take a guided tour of the area from an explorer’s perspective. Shuttling services are available for those who have their own equipment as well as transportation services for your boat or vehicle. You don’t need any experience to join a float trip and the float guide will make sure you are paddling safely to avoid any hazards.

Nature Conservation in an Urban Setting

For those looking to casually enjoy the beautiful environment and picnic over wildflower meadows, make a road trip stop at the Mark Youngdahl Urban Conservation Area. There are three hiking trails (two are handicap-accessible), and the area covers 80 acres. There are two picnic pavilions with tables and grills provided. Take your bicycle on the trails if you like! The conservation area is filled with a selection of bird species and several bird nesting boxes are placed throughout the acreage. There are over 75 species of trees planted along the area’s Ridge Trail that are growing to be a future arboretum.

A Haven for Fishing and Boating

Lewis and Clark State Park borders Lewis and Clark Lake in Rushville, MO. The travelers happened upon this location on the Fourth of July in 1804 noting the numbers of fish and waterfowl inhabiting it. Geese, great blue herons, snowy egrets, and several types of ducks are regulars at this happening waterhole. Fishermen come here for peace and quiet - and of course the carp, buffalo, and channel catfish! There is also a boat ramp and large sand beach for swimmers. The picnic areas are equipped with grills and are comfortably nestled under the shade of trees. For large events, there is an open shelter that can be reserved in advance. Guests wishing to camp for the night can choose either electric or basic campsites which feature a grill and table (some have small shelters). This really is an all-in-one vacation spot for family and friends.

The Historical American Frontier

Moving on just past Missouri and into Kansas, we approach the Frontier Army Museum at Fort Leavenworth (once heralded as the "Old Rolling Wheels Museum"). Its original collection began in 1939 upon the closing of the wagon shop and its horse-drawn vehicles put on display. Here reside some of the most fantastic military artifacts in the country; the museum exhibits materials from the Frontier Army between 1804 and 1917. The collection combines more than five thousand articles (i.e. weapons, uniforms, equipment, vehicles, and more) including the 1832 General Officer Coat (worn by General Henry Leavenworth, himself) and a Curtiss JN4D aircraft. Free and open to the public, guided tours are just a phone call away.

For owners of an RV, Camper, Motorhome, Trailer or Fifth Wheel