Things to do & places to visit in Saint Joseph, Missouri, United States

Saint Joseph city in Missouri, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 10:27.

Top things to do (24)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 River Bluff Brewing (12 reviews)
- Best in the midwest
Breweries

We travel for work and this is by far our favorite brewery. Great mix of different types, great service, great local history in the building and old local historical signage. They also have an outstanding selection of the latest pinball machines. See more..
5.0 Cathedral Hill National Historic District (6 reviews)
- beautiful mansions
Churches & Cathedrals

As I was driving around St. Joe I happened upon this beautiful area. There are some amazing mansions and buildings that have been lovingly restored. So much history! See more..
4.5 Patee House Museum (495 reviews)
- Great Museum Like No Other
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The mission of the Pony Express Historical Association is to interpret the early history and development of St. Joseph, from the days of the Pony Express and Jesse James to the 1920s, using authentic artifacts in the buildings where these events actually occurred. See more..
4.5 Pony Express Museum (437 reviews)
- Great and Informative Visit for All Ages
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

Went to St. Joseph after spending time in Kansas City and thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Pony Express Museum. It's a smaller, local museum celebrating the famed Pony Express. Carolyn, a volunteer at the museum was super helpful. The museum has lots of hands-on activities for kids but doesn't sacrifice information for teens & adults. Highly recommend making the 30 minute drive north of the airport to visit to visit and support this museum. See more..
4.5 Glore Psychiatric Museum (330 reviews)
- Educational
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Housed in the medical, surgical, and admitting unit of the former St. Joseph State Hospital, the museum is one of only a few of its kind. The original displays created in 1968 by the museum’s namesake, George Glore, are still a part of the collection. These exhibits give visitors a life-size visual of what mental health treatment devices looked like in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Exhibits also share the history of what was once known as “State Lunatic Asylum No. 2” when it opened in 1874. The exhibits include surgical tools, treatment equipment, and doctor’s personal notes. Patient artwork, such as pottery, paintings and needlework, is also on display to give visitors an idea of how patients faced their daily challenges and expressed themselves through their art. Exhibits include the contents removed from a patient’s stomach (such as nails, thimbles, and eating utensils) as well as a television set packed full of handwritten notes written by another patient. See more..
4.5 Krug Park (129 reviews)
- Memories of childhood
Parks

We took a quick detour through Krug Park so my husband could see what it was all about. It was as lovely as I remember. I told him stories that I had heard about bears living in the tunnels (long before my 60s childhood) and how we used to honk to get the cool echo. Not much else to tell other than the grounds seemed well tended and clean. Didn't see any litter that I can remember. See more..
4.5 Remington Nature Center (120 reviews)
- Nice Nature Center
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Overlooking the Missouri River, this center caters to history and nature buffs alike. Peer into a 7,000-gallon freshwater aquarium; explore the history of the St. Joseph area; stand trunk to nose with a woolly mammoth replica. See our website for a complete listing of activities, sights and adventures. Please also visit our Facebook page. See more..
4.5 Missouri Theatre (66 reviews)
- Theater experience
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Theaters

This beautifully restored theater has the most amazing acoustic and every seat in the house is a good one. You'll be amazed at the gorgeous ceiling; everywhere you look you see the wonderful architecture that makes this a have-to experience whenever they're having a concert or play. See more..
4.5 Pony Express Monument (59 reviews)
- Must see statue!
Monuments & Statues

Saint Joseph Missouri was the start of the Pony Express! This is a must see statue that really brings the Pony Express to life! You can take photos of the statue from each direction. There is street parking right next to it. I was puzzled as to what the "single claw" coming out from beneath the horse was? See photo. I loved the detail given both the horse and rider - it made it seem so real and alive! The statue needs a good washing as the rider is covered in bird poop and the grassy area around the statue was overgrown. See more..
4.5 Walter Cronkite Memorial (54 reviews)
- And that’s the way it was......
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

The Walter Cronkite Memorial was the vision of Dr. Robert Vartabedian, President of Missouri Western State University, to create a fitting memorial to St. Joseph's beloved native son and one of the most important and trusted voices in our country's history. Dr. Vartabedian's vision was captured by Missouri Western art faculty members Eric Fuson and David Harris, who designed the unique artistic display illustrating Cronkite's distinguished career with CBS television. This memorial was made possible with funding from the David and Shirley Bradley Endowment. Much like Walter Cronkite, the Bradley family has left a journalistic legacy by bringing the important news of the day to the general public. We are grateful for their many contributions to the St. Joseph community and to Missouri Western State University. See more..
4.5 Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art (45 reviews)
- Glore museum
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Art Museums

A work of art itself, the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art houses one of the finest collections of American Art from the Colonial period to the present. The former William Albrecht home provides the perfect backdrop for works by artist including Mary Cassatt, Thomas Hart Benton, Gilbert Stuart, and Albert Bierstadt. A wide variety of special programs complement the museum's collection including temporary exhibitions, a cafe, art classes, gallery talks, and special events. See more..
4.5 Mount Mora Cemetery (39 reviews)
- As an admirer of the old stone work in old Cemeteries like this it was fantastic to visit.
Cemeteries

I am an admirer of the older handcrafted grave stones and this Cemetery provided for a real interesting experience with several different examples of grave monuments to look at and a row of hand crafted burial crypts to see. See more..
4.5 Hall Street Historic District (33 reviews)
- Millionaire's Row
Neighborhoods

Hall Street, placed on the National Historic Register in 1979, is home to an incomparable inventory of magnificent mansions. Known locally as "mansion row" or "millionaire's row," Hall Street housed some of the wealthiest residents of Old Saint Jo, a town that boasted the highest per-capita income in the United States during the Victorian gilded age. It's not hard to imagine the horse-drawn carriages and splendid social events that graced this street in its heyday.Today, Hall Street is enjoying an amazing renaissance, as the ravages of time are reversed by a few enterprising owners. Take, for example, the stately Richardson Romanesque designed by architect Harvey Ellis at 802 Hall Street, built in 1890 for the influential Tootle family. A storybook castle, indeed, complete with turrets and towers, wrought-iron balconies, and gracious landscaped grounds. Recently under extensive renovation by a private owner, this jewel is being polished to shine again.Across the street is the chateauesque beauty known as the Shakespeare Chateau, recently re-opened as a Bed-and-Breakfast, tour home, and event venue. This amazing home, built in 1885 and designed by architects Eckel and Mann, contains the most lavish and elegant interior - all original - you're likely to behold. It includes more than 45 artisan-crafted stained-glass windows, each one original to the building and each one a phenomenon of brilliance and design. This home is open for tours by appointment, and is well worth a visit. See pictures and more information at the Shakespeare Chateau website.And then there’s the Schuster Mansion at 702 Hall Street, built in 1879, and presently in private ownership. It’s the largest of the grand mansions in the Hall Street District at over 12,000 square feet sitting on a generous 2.5 acres of land. The imposing Italianate façade is complemented by extensive ironwork roof ornamentation, and within the 3-1/2 storey mansion you’ll find frescoed plaster ceilings, expansive mosaic t... See more..
4.5 Robidoux Row Museum (24 reviews)
- Loved it!
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

The Robidoux Row Museum shows the early history of the city of Saint Joseph, Missouri. Including Joseph Robidoux's Family and belongings. See more..
4.5 Museum Hill Historic District (24 reviews)
- Old once beauties.
Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas

These were some of the most beautiful homes in there day. It was so sad to see so many of them falling into disrepair. But many are still glorious and have been beautifully restored. No one can afford those big old houses anymore or I think many would he redone. Definitely worth driving around. See more..
4.5 St. Joseph Auction and Antique Market (16 reviews)
- Great way to spend a rainy day
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Antique Shops

Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas St. Joseph Auction and Antique Market is a Better Business Bureau Accredited business. With over 20,000 square foot, the 100 dealers and over 150 booths, the Antique Mall is filled with Vintage, Collectables and Antiques. Our well kept, very clean and spacious mall has something for everyone. We have the Main Floor, The Stewart Gallery and Furniture Gallery, all under one roof. We are open 7 days a week, excluding major holidays, with the friendliest staff, here to help you and answer all your questions. Come in and enjoy a cup of coffee, or tea, and fresh cookies as you browse. Or just chat and make new friends. See more..
4.5 East Hills Mall (13 reviews)
- Excellent shopping
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Shopping Malls

If you need to find something for a special occasion or just everyday clothes for adults, teens or kids, East Hills has something. JC Penney's & Dillards are my two favorite department stores there. Off Broadway has endless shoe varieties. Lots of stores for the junior sized girls. Men can get clothes at Dillards, JCP, & Sears. Gordman's is pretty much hit and miss but great around the holidays. There's a large space for the food court with large fireplace used in the colder months, & two large screen tvs, plus wifi. Restaurants are few - Taco Bell, Original Pizza (Owned by Lino Ingargiola & the best pizza in town & not to be missed), and a Chinese place you should avoid since I watched them violate a food code by mixing cold food with hot and when I pointed it out but they ignored me. See more..
4.5 Buchanan County Courthouse (13 reviews)
- Claudia's Kitchen
Architectural Buildings
Cafe meals. Oh my goodness. The best meatloaf I've ever had!!!!! The mac and cheese melts in your mouth. Hidden treasure in Saint Joseph!!!! See more..
4.5 Historic Phil Welch Baseball Stadium (12 reviews)
- Family Fun@
Arenas & Stadiums

They really put a lot of love into our small, hometown team! We have so much fun at the games and the kids always love the food and fireworks during the summer. It is fairly inexpensive also. Bring cash for the snow cones! See more..
4.5 Heaton-Bowman-Smith Funeral Museum (11 reviews)
- Unlike Anywhere Else I Have Ever Been
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality Museums

By way of chronicling the history of this funeral home, the museum chronicles the history of undertaking in general. See more..
4.5 Schweizer Orchards (11 reviews)
- Fun afternoon activity for the inner "Redneck"
Farms

If you want to tap into the inner redneck in you, a trip up to the apple orchard is in order. You can go out and pick your own apple and even have a hayride. See more..
4.5 Civic Center Park (10 reviews)
- Busy Place
Parks

There's always something going on: Trails West (not anymore), Apple Blossom festival, Pokemon Go stops, and always someone walking dogs. It's a nice place for a night picnic too! See more..
4.5 The St. Joseph Parkway (8 reviews)
- The Hidden Gem in Plain Sight
Biking Trails • Parks • Hiking Trails
The St Joseph Parkway system is the hidden gem of the city. The Parkway run from the north end of the city to the south end. The parkway run through the city but in parts you would not know it. It is a great to urban hike, biking or spent time with the family. The Parkway connects many of the city parks, so you have a chance to stop and relax. When in St Jose, I always enjoy a drive a lot the Parkway. It is truly on of the gem of the city. See more..
4.0 Jesse James Home Museum (246 reviews)
- Step back in time
History Museums

You don't get more history jammed in a small space than at this tiny home/museum. Volunteers run the museum and they are filled with knowledge about the displays as well as the James family. Enter thru the back door (near the Pattee Museum) and pay the $4 admission. There are plenty of relics in the house, including bones and pieces of Jesse's coffin from the exhumation in 1995. The room adjacent to the entrance room is definitely a step back in time. The hole from the bullet and the cross-stitch sampler are still there and a short video explains the legend. Don't miss out on this museum. It is extremely well done and definitely local lore. If you really sssstttttrrrrrreeeetttttcccchhhhhhh the visit, you can stay for 30-45 minutes. See more..
4.0 Cool Crest Garden Golf (115 reviews)
- Great family fun!
Game & Entertainment Centers

My son loves to mini-golf. We took a day trip to St Joe and golfed on each of the courses Cool Crest had to offer. He had an absolute blast! Plenty of shade for the hot summer days! I would highly recommend anyone with kiddos to take the time to visit Cool Crest when you are in the area. See more..
4.0 Wyeth-Tootle Mansion (41 reviews)
- Wyeth-Tootle Mansion
Thursday: Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • History Museums

The "St Joseph Museum" is actually the 1879 Wyeth-Tootle Mansion and is operated by St Joseph Museum, Inc. The photo above is from the Patee House. This mansion/museum is only open on Fridays & Saturdays and is worth the visit. The first floor, with its large rooms opening into the central hall, was originally used mainly for entertaining and is now available for rental and is used for events like wedding receptions and dinners. The rooms are beautiful. The second floor was the family bedrooms, and now features a restored Victorian bedroom and exhibits portraying aspects of St. Joseph history including exhibits on the Civil War in St. Joseph and the life and death of Jesse James. The third floor, originally the servants quarters, now contains exhibits on the natural history of the area. See more..
4.0 Lovers Lane (34 reviews)
- Of Lover's Lane, Saint Jo.
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is a lovely, winding, street in the northern part of town. While it is no longer the country lane described in the poem by Eugene Fields, it is a lovely drive through a nice neighborhood. Fortunately, we chose a time of day (mid-morning on Wednesday) when traffic was light and we could slow down and look at some very nice houses "as we snailed along," See more..
4.0 National Military Heritage Museum (16 reviews)
- Bring It Back
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Military Museums

This building is in much need of love. We're considering buying and re-opening it. If we can't, I hope someone else takes up the cause because this piece of history deserves another chance! See more..
4.0 Jessie James Antique Mall (13 reviews)
- Nice Variety of Antiques
Antique Shops

This is a mall we have been to several times. It is large and has a nice variety of items. The staff was helpful and friendly. See more..
4.0 House on the Hill (Beattie Mansion) (10 reviews)
- Beautiful place
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

The historic Beattie Mansion is a place full of incredible history and paranormal wonder. Built in 1854 by Armstrong and Eliza Beattie, it served as their private residence until their passing. The mansion then became a Home for the Friendless and subsequently the Memorial Home for the Aged which is served for over 100 years. The Beattie Mansion is once again opened up for history/ghost tours. See more..