Your Guide to Spring Fun in Jefferson City

With spring comes the perfect time to get outside, visit somewhere new and make the most of the season in Jefferson City.

There’s so much history waiting to be explored in Missouri's capital, Jefferson City. From the ghostly adventures at the Missouri State Penitentiary to outdoor concerts at Capital Region Amphitheater, there’s fun for the whole family. Here are our five must-do activities in Jefferson City this spring. 

Book a Tour at the Missouri State Penitentiary

Why you should go: The Missouri State Penitentiary draws visitors from across the country to Jefferson City. As the oldest continually operating prison west of the Mississippi, it holds a storied and sometimes chilling past. In 1967, Time magazine notoriously dubbed it the “bloodiest 47 acres in America” due to a surge of violent assaults on the grounds between 1963 and 1964. “The Missouri State Penitentiary is a must-do when visiting Jefferson City,” says Alexandra Bobbitt, a Missouri State Penitentiary visitor. “While its past is grim, the stories of its 168 years of operational evolution are fascinating! The property is a time capsule of many bygone eras and a historical footprint in the capital city.” 

Tip: At the Missouri State Penitentiary, there are a variety of history tours, connecting visitors with the penitentiary’s chilling past through fascinating stories of the dangerous inmates who once walked its halls and left a lasting impact on the U.S. prison system. They also host ghost and paranormal tours ranging from two hours long to eight-hour overnight paranormal investigations. “If you're in Jefferson City for only one day and want the full experience of MSP, book a 2- or 3-hour history during the day and come back in the evening for a 2-hour ghost tour or 3-hour ghost hunt,” Bobbit says. “This way you can learn the historical foundation of the prison and understand why things go bump in the night.”

Info: Visit the website to learn more about the site’s history and see all the tours available. 

Attend Porchfest JCMO

Why you should go: Porchfest JCMO is a free, family-friendly celebration of music and community that takes place every spring in Jefferson City. Local musicians turn neighborhood porches into stages, filling the streets with live music and bringing neighbors together. Along with porch concerts, the event features live art and hands-on crafts for all ages. “Porchfest JCMO is a celebration of creativity, community and connection,” says Leanne Porello, Program Manager, Arts & Special Events, JC Parks. “With over 50 musicians, visual and performing artists, interactive demos and local food vendors, the festival offers a unique opportunity for attendees to experience and engage with the arts in an accessible, hands-on way. It’s a day where every porch, street and stage come alive with the spirit of creativity!”

Info: This year’s festivities will take place from 1–4 p.m. on May 4 starting at Fairmount Blvd. Learn more at jcparks.com/event/porchfest-jcmo. 

See Night Ranger, Capital Albums Live or Warrant at Capital Region Amphitheater

Why you should go: The 65-year-old Capital Region Amphitheater was renovated a few years ago to become Jefferson City’s hotspot for outdoor concerts. It hosts local, regional and national touring artists, offering 1,700 park-like lawn seats, 500 reserved seats and 300 terrace seats. Here is the current spring lineup:

• April 25: Night Ranger
• May 8: Classic Albums Live performs Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon
• May 9: Warrant
• May 29: Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan

“We're thrilled to unveil this year's incredible lineup at the MU Healthcare Capital Region Amphitheater, a diverse selection we believe truly offers something for everyone,” says Rich Thompson, Executive Director of Capital Region Amphitheater. 

Tip: Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or tarps for seating in this area. Low-profile lawn chairs are also permitted near the top of the lawn, as long as they don’t obstruct the view of others.

Info: Summer is packed with even more live music, featuring artists like Dylan Scott, the Marshall Tucker Band, Switchfoot and more. Keep an eye out for who they might add to the lineup at crmuamphitheater.com/events.

Explore Missouri’s History at the Missouri State Capitol

Why you should go: The heart of downtown, the Missouri State Capitol is abundant in history. All four floors of Missouri’s Capitol are open to the public. Run by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Missouri State Museum—located on the Capitol’s first floor—showcases exhibits and rotating displays. Its History Hall, once a World War I memorial, highlights Missouri’s past, while the Resources Hall, originally created to showcase the state’s natural products, now focuses on its resources. 

Tip: Visitors can book a free, 45-minute guided tour to get the most out of a visit to the Capitol. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance.

Info: Find more information about the tours and their schedule here. 

Bike the Katy Trail

Why you should go: The Katy Trail stretches 240 miles from Clinton to Machens, featuring 26 trailheads and four meticulously restored railroad depots along the route. Popular among cyclists, walkers and runners, the trail provides a peaceful escape with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting and rest stops with local charm through some of the most scenic areas of the state.

Tip: The best places to park near the trail are Clay Street Trailhead Plaza, Red Wheel Bike Shop, Madison Street Parking Garage or North Jefferson City Trailhead. 

Info: Find maps and learn more about the Katy Trail at mostateparks.com/park/katy-trail-state-park.