Road Trip!!! Boonville, Missouri
I’m a few days behind posting, but I’m having a great time on my road trip! After going to Powell Gardens east of Kansas City on Sunday afternoon, I spent the evening in Boonville, Missouri. Why Boonville? I was looking for a place to stay that was one or more hours east of Kansas City. Boonville, I discovered, has a fabulous historic hotel named Hotel Frederick. I had never heard of Boonville or Hotel Frederick, but I was pleasantly surprised. Each room at the Hotel Frederick is individually decorated and designed. The hotel was built in 1905 and the current owners have tried to keep the decor and furnishings as historical as possible, but updated with modern amenities and very comfortable. I stayed in room 11 which was a suite and could have easily slept three people. There was one queen size bed in one room and a twin size bed in an adjacent room, which also contained a couch, a table with four chairs, a mini refrigerator and freezer and several other vintage pieces of furniture. The bedroom contained a nightstand, dresser, a couch, an historical corner sink, and an en suite bath with shower that was very nice. Here’s a link to all the rooms. The whole hotel was squeaky clean and the attendants were very friendly. I had a great nights sleep there. In the morning, a limited continental breakfast is served. If you would prefer a hot breakfast, there is the Main Street Diner across the street that I am told is very good and looks so fun I wish I had stopped for lunch. Hotel Frederick has a restaurant and a stylish lounge that is open on Tuesday through Saturday nights. It was not open when I was there on Sunday night. I would recommend this hotel to anyone who enjoys history and historic architecture. The hotel rents out bicycles to explore the town and the nearby and scenic Katy Trail State Park. Also see here for park website.
The next morning, I had intended to be on my way to my main destination, but was so intrigued by the town that I stayed until mid afternoon. Boonville is located on the Missouri River and has a park named Rolling Hills Park that has a gorgeous scenic overlook. It would be especially beautiful during the fall season. There are bicycling and hiking trails nearby and there is the Isle of Capri Casino and Hotel for those that might be interested. The downtown area has several unique shops selling gifts, flowers, and antiques. There is a visitor center that I really enjoyed. In the Visitor Center there is a free, but very informative small museum. Topics covered include Lewis and Clark, Native Americans, life on the Missouri, the local military academy, the Civil War, and domestic life in the era of the town’s heyday. There was also a small area for children to learn and play. The Visitor Center also provides a handy welcome map of the town’s attractions, as well as a Boonville Walking and Driving Guide (available in person).
What struck me most about Boonville, though, was the historic architecture. According to Boonville’s website, there are 400+ historic buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town’s churches offered beautiful historical and varied architecture. The Visitor Center has a guide to the top 23 historical places in Boonville.
Cars used to be manufactured in Boonville! The Mitchell Antique Motorcar Museum is open by appointment.
The number one attraction in Boonville is nearby Warm Springs Ranch, where the Budweiser Clydesdales are housed. You can visit these majestic animals on a scheduled tour of the ranch from April 1 to October 31 . Please note that pets are not allowed and tours must be scheduled in advance. I wish I had done my homework, as my grandfather farmed with clydesdales when he first started farming and absolutely adored them. I have grown fond of them as a result of going to numerous Clydesdale and draft horse shows and competitions with my grandparents at the Clay County Fair.
I simply could not believe a small town the size of Boonville had so much to see and do. There was something for everyone including history buffs, bicyclists, hikers, leaf peepers, shoppers, antiquers, horse lovers, scenic view aficionados, gamblers, artists, architecture appreciators, park lovers and more. This little town of roughly 7800 people really packs a punch! The locals are very friendly and welcome you with open arms. I would love to go back on a beautiful fall weekend!
