Visiting Jefferson City
I strongly encourage all Missourians to experience the opportunities our state's capital city has to offer. If you are planning a trip to Jefferson City, my staff and I can provide a variety of services, including helpful information about all the sights Jefferson City has to offer. Also, we are able to assist with scheduling tours of the Capitol Building, Governor's Mansion, and Supreme Court Building. If you wish to begin the process of scheduling a tour, please call my office at 1-866-291-5077 or fill out our online tour request form. Please let us know if there is anything else we can do to make your time in Jefferson City more enjoyable.
Please note: Due to high demand and space limitations at many points of interest, we cannot guarantee tours on a particular date. It is important to note that tours of the Governor's Mansion book months in advance. If your request is not submitted as early as possible, my office may not be able to secure a tour. Tour availability is extremely limited for the months of April and May.
Travel to the Capitol Dome
For those teachers whose classes may be planning a trip to Jefferson City, I am pleased to provide Travel to the Capitol Dome. I created this web site as part of my Masters in Education coursework. This WebQuest, designed especially for fourth graders, helps teachers meet educational standards set forth by DESE. It will assist students to research and make travel plans for a visit to the State Capitol.
Points of Interest
Below you will find information about some of the many attractions or landmarks you may want to visit in Jefferson City.
Missouri State Capitol: The State Capitol provides visitors with a unique opportunity to stroll through the history of our State. The themes, events and people of Missouri are reflected throughout the building and its grounds. The first floor of the east and west wings of the Capitol, house the Missouri State Museum. The third floor rotunda includes the Hall of Famous Missourians, consisting of more than thirty busts depicting significant Missourians. Find out more about these individuals. The House Lounge, on the third floor of the west wing, contains Thomas Hart Benton's famous mural, "A Social History of Missouri," a popular stop for visitors.
A virtual tour of the Capitol is also available here.
Map of the Capitol Complex
Missouri Veterans Memorial: Located on the northeast corner of the Capitol grounds, the memorial features a limestone colonnade, a waterfall, reflecting pool, and the "Veterans Walk." The memorial was dedicated on November 11, 1991.
Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial: Located on the northwest corner of the Capitol Grounds, the memorial honors all Missouri law enforcement officers who have sacrificed their lives while serving and protecting the citizens of Missouri. Seven large plaques display the names of officers who have died in the line of duty. It was dedicated in 1994.
The Governor's Mansion: The Governor's Mansion, home to Missouri's first families since 1871, is located just east of the State Capitol and Jefferson Landing.
A virtual tour of the Governor's Mansion is available here.
Carnahan Memorial Garden (Governor's Garden): Constructed in the late 1930s, the Garden is filled with flowers, pools, and walkways. The Garden was renamed as a memorial to the work of the late Governor Mel Carnahan.
Supreme Court Building: In 1875, Missouri Constitution provided for a permanent seat in Jefferson City for the Supreme Court of Missouri. The current red-brick Supreme Court Building stands directly opposite the State Capitol and was completed in 1907. The Supreme Court Building features glass floors in the library, allowing light from the windows to filter down to the main floor.
Jefferson Landing State Historic Site: Jefferson Landing State Historic Site is a complex of three restored buildings. The Lohman Building, built in 1839, once served as a tavern and hotel, and now serves as a visitor center. The nearby Lohman Building, built in 1855, houses the Elizabeth Rozier Gallery. The Christopher Maus House was constructed in 1854.
Lewis and Clark Trailhead Plaza: Near the corner of Jefferson Street and Capitol Avenue, this monument recognizes Jefferson City's connection to Lewis and Clark. The sculpture, which depicts Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and other members of their expedition, commemorates the date of June 4, 1804 when the Corps of Discovery encamped in the area which eventually became the state capital.
Missouri Highway Patrol Safety Education Center & Museum: The Center opened in April 1988. It houses a comprehensive display of information concerning traffic safety, law enforcement, drug abuse, and many exhibits relating to the history of the Missouri Highway Patrol. A Safety Education Center brochure is available here.
Missouri State Archives: Created in 1965, the Archives serve as the official designate repository for all state records of permanent value.
Runge Conservation Nature Center: The center contains an indoor wildlife viewing area, a nature library, and a small gift shop. You can explore more than 3,000 square feet of exhibits that lead you through a myriad of Missouri's natural habitats. More than two miles of hiking trails are also available for exploration.