A Weekend Getaway to St. Joseph

The Patee House – a hotel dating back to the late 1850s – served as the headquarters for the Pony Express. The museum is a true time capsule, housing a variety of relics dating back to the Old West. Next door is the Jesse James Home, where the famed outlaw was gunned down by his own partner.

It took horseback riders 10 days to deliver mail across the treacherous expanse between St. Joseph and Sacramento, California. Relive their 2,000-mile journey, discover the challenges and threats they were up against and learn the names of the brave men who dared to ride.

The Glore Psychiatric Museum takes visitors across the wide span of historical treatment of mental illness and social attitudes towards mental health. The exhibits include surgical tools, 17th, 18th, and 19th century treatment equipment, and doctor's personal notes. Patient artwork, such as pottery, paintings and needlework, are also on display to give visitors an idea of how patients faced their daily challenges and expressed themselves through their art. 

For one admission fee, visitors can explore the entire complex, which houses the Glore Psychiatric Museum,Black Archives Museum, , Doll Museum, Native American Galleries and History Galleries.

The Walter Cronkite Memorial tells the story of America’s most-trusted news anchor, known for his coverage of historic events and his famous sign off, “and that’s the way it is.” The museum is located on the campus of Missouri Western State University.

Boasting 40 rooms, the Wyeth-Tootle Mansion is a prime example of the Victorian architecture found in St. Joseph. The restored residence features intricate woodwork, hand-painted ceilings and imported stained glass. The museum is open Fridays and Saturdays, April through October. Admission is cash or check only.

Not only does the art museum house an impressive collection of rare art, they also offer workshops to hone your own craft and hold public art history lectures. The on-site AKMA Café is convenient for those planning an extended stay.

A 1920s movie palace features performances by the Saint Joseph Symphony and Robidoux Resident Theatre company. Guided tours of the theater are offered by appointment for a minimal fee.

Explore indoor exhibits featuring animal habitats, including a seasonal beehive. If the weather agrees, a paved walking trail and wildflower areas surrounding the facility make for a pleasing stroll.

Whether browsing their indoor market or picking fresh fruit – blueberries, raspberries, peaches, apples and pumpkins – a trip to Schweizer Orchards is a breath of fresh air. Please note, the market and orchards are closed during the off-season.

Etouffee, or not etouffee, that is the question. You’ll have difficulty deciding on what order with menu options like Crab Bisque, Fried Alligator and Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya on the table.

Locals flock to The Cabbage Roll for their German fare. Savor a variety of specialty Schnitzel’s with a side of Hot German Potato Salad. And, of course, you’ve got to sample the Cabbage Rolls.

A reservation-only fine-dining establishment, the J.C. Wyatt House immerses guests in Victorian ambiance while lavishing them with amazing food. The rotating seasonal menu features entrée selections made in advance, allowing the chef plenty of time to craft a culinary masterpiece.

Part of “Millionaires’ Row,” a historic district home to opulent mansions dating back to the 1870s, Shakespeare Chateau offers luxury accommodations among Old World surroundings.

Choose between the Carriage House apartment or a suite in the Mansion. Guests have all-access privileges to the common rooms on the first floor, including the foyer, rear parlor, dining room and kitchen.

The mansion is filled with period furniture, remaining authentic to its Italianate design with Queen Anne features. The name was inspired by the original owners, who produced and distributed whiskey in the late 1800s (which proved to be a lucrative business).