The natural beauty of our surroundings
St. Joseph, Missouri, has become a popular tourist destination for nature lovers due to an abundance of outdoor activities that people of all ages can enjoy. The many outdoor opportunities in St. Joseph range from easy to difficult and from low-cost to expensive. The best outdoor activity in St. Joseph is up for debate, but there are plenty of options for everyone to enjoy, including biking, hiking, fishing, and boating.
Outdoor Concerts and Festivals
Just because it is small doesn’t mean it lacks culture or events. Saint Joseph is home to a variety of festivals throughout the year, such as SnowFest and the Parties on the Parkway festival. Parties on the Parkway is one of the most popular events in St. Joseph, and it takes place once a month from May to September. The festival features craft vendors, a beer garden, live music from local bands, food trucks, and more.
Outdoor concerts are always memorable because they offer an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of our surroundings. It’s not just about listening to music — you can also take in the sights and smells that come with being outdoors.
Hiking and Biking Trails Around St. Joe’s for Beginners and Experts Alike
Saint Joseph, Missouri, is a great place to live and work. One of the many things that makes it such a great place is the local parks. The city has over 100 parks, which means there’s always one nearby for any outdoor activity. If you’re looking for a place to play tennis, shoot some hoops, or even just have a picnic, then there’s a park for you!
- St. Joe State Park is a perfect place to go for a day to the beach. The park offers public access to Lake Michigan and amenities like swimming, picnicking, and camping. It’s a great place to spend the day with family and friends or just enjoy some peace and quiet by yourself.
- One of the most popular parks in Saint Joseph is the James A. Reed Wildlife Memorial Loop, which has a variety of trails and lakes for fishing, boating, and picnicking. The park also has an indoor pool you can rent for parties and events, making it great for all-year-round use.
- River Bluffs Biking Trails is a new construction specifically geared toward hikers and mountain biking at all levels. It showcases difficulty levels from beginning bikers to intermediate levels, with expert levels planned for the next two years. We don’t know much about this trail yet, but its recent grand opening should change that.
AllTrails has a listing of 10 of the best parks in the area for your outdoor leisure activities. Why not explore them all?
Fishing Spots and Places to Go Whitewater Rafting Near St. Joseph
Fishing and whitewater rafting are popular sports in many places around the world. St. Joe’s is no exception, as it has some of the best whitewater rivers and fishing spots around. Adventure seekers should definitely visit the Missouri River. It is one of the most popular rivers for whitewater rafting in the area, with its Class II-IV rapids and a variety of wildlife for viewing.
There are also several lakes in proximity to St. Joseph that provide excellent fishing opportunities. One of the most popular is Lake of the Ozarks. Other great fishing spots in St. Joseph are Lake Taneycomo, Big Piney River, and Big Creek Lake. These are all great places to fish for bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, trout, and more!
Taking a Break From the Outdoors: Try Some History
The city has been a major stop for traders, settlers, and travelers since its establishment in 1843. It was first called Saint Joseph and is named after the town’s founder, Joseph Robidoux. The Pony Express also originated from St. Joseph, Missouri, in 1860, which made it a significant part of American history.
The town of Saint Joseph, Missouri, is home to many museums that are sure to make your trip memorable, including:
- Glore Psychiatric Museum
- Pony Express Museum
- Jesse James’ Home
- Museum Hill Historic District
Don’t Forget the Munchies
After a hard day of fishing, camping, mountain biking, cruising the multiple historical museums, or catching a ball game, a mighty adventurer gets mighty hungry. Here are five fantastic local restaurants you have to try:
- Boudreaux’s — whatever you get, make sure you ask for gravy!
- Cabbage Roll
- Adam’s Bar and Grill
- Geno’s
- Barbosa’s
Start Exploring
Here’s a pro tip for visiting; the Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp is right in our fair town! Watch a practice game as another fun outdoor activity when you visit St. Joseph. And check out the equestrian trails at St. Joseph National Park.
Our little slice of heaven has something for everyone. Whether you’re an adventurer, fisherman (or woman!), die-hard mountain biking enthusiast, or a family with small kids, we have the perfect activities for you.
While you’re visiting, come and stay at our conveniently located, and quite charming, hotel that adds to the historic appeal of your visit. Book your stay at Stoney Creek for your next adventure.