Boonville, Missouri

Overview

Boonville, Missouri, is a river town with a wine glass in one hand and a Civil War ghost story in the other. Perched on the north bank of the Missouri River, this charming town of about 7,800 residents blends historic intrigue, vineyard views, and scenic trail adventures. Just 30 minutes west of Columbia and along the famed Katy Trail, Boonville is your laid-back escape into wine country meets river heritage. Whether you're sipping Norton with a bluffside view or strolling across an old train bridge at sunset, Boonville pours on the small-town magic-no chaser needed.

Top Attractions

Les Bourgeois Vineyards (Rocheport, 10 miles)

Iconic bluff-top winery with panoramic Missouri River views; wine flights and sunsets guaranteed.

Isle of Capri Casino Hotel Boonville

Gaming, dining, and riverside nightlife under one roof.

Katy Trail State Park

This crushed limestone trail cuts right through town-perfect for biking, hiking, and catching that river breeze.

Historic Downtown Boonville

Boutiques, antique shops, and preserved architecture from the town's steamboat era.

Warm Springs Ranch

Just outside town-home of the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales (and yes, you can meet them).

Boone's Lick State Historic Site

Explore salt spring history and pioneer industry in a peaceful prairie setting.

Unique Stories & Facts

• Civil War Battle Site: Boonville was the site of not one but two Civil War battles-local tours dive into this turbulent past.
• Riverboat Hub: Once a bustling steamboat stop, Boonville's riverfront was Missouri's version of Bourbon Street (with fewer beads and more bonnets).
• Haunted Hotel Frederick: This restored 1905 hotel boasts style and specters-guests report flickering lights and ghostly whispers.
• First Bridge West of the Mississippi: The Katy Trail Bridge in Boonville was a key link in America's rail expansion and you can walk right across it.

Best Travel Seasons

Popular Activities

• Wine Tasting: Sip your way through Les Bourgeois or nearby Cooper's Oak Winery-bring a picnic and enjoy the view.
• Biking the Katy Trail: Rent a bike and cruise past river views, limestone cliffs, and scenic farmland.
• Riverfront Strolling: Walk along the riverbank, especially at golden hour when the water reflects like a Monet painting.
• Casino Night Out: Try your luck, catch live music, or enjoy prime rib with a side of blackjack.
• Antique Shopping: Discover treasures in downtown stores-vintage meets Missouri charm.
• Clydesdale Tours: Visit Warm Springs Ranch and pet the world's most famous horses (and maybe snag a photo-op with a foal).

Famous Buffets Nearby (~20 Miles)

• Maggie's Bar & Grill (Boonville): Not a buffet, but the portions and pub classics are plenty for a food coma.
• Derailed Coffee Bar & Cafe: Not buffet-style, but an all-day brunch vibe with build-your-own breakfast options and cozy seating.

Casinos Nearby (~30 Miles)

• Isle of Capri Casino Boonville: Slots, table games, and a hotel overlooking the Missouri River-classy with a splash of glitter. Note: It's the entertainment hub of town-no need to travel farther.

Oddities Nearby (~20 Miles)

• Goat Castle (local nickname): A private home with a small herd of fainting goats on the lawn-adorable and slightly mysterious.
• Boonville Bridge Gnomes: Tiny painted gnome figurines "hide" along parts of the Katy Trail near town-part scavenger hunt, part local legend.
• Giant Vats at Cooper's Oak Winery: You'll think you stumbled into a winery owned by giants-barrel-making at its biggest.
• Katy Trail "Ghost Cyclist": Locals whisper about a phantom cyclist seen around dusk-gliding silently, never pedaling.

Haunted Tourism Nearby (~20 Miles)

• Hotel Frederick: Classic haunted inn with a guestbook full of ghost sightings-ask for Room 10 if you're brave.
• Old Jail (Cooper County Historical Society): Reported cold spots and clanking chains more creepy than criminal now.
• Riverfront Fog Figures: Some early risers report shadowy figures in the morning mist-phantoms or just fishermen?

Local Events & Festivals

• Wine & Jazz Festival (Fall): Sip, sway, and snack as jazz floats through the vineyards.
• Heritage Days (June): Parade, historic reenactments, and everything Missouri-made-don't skip the kettle corn.
• Katy Trail Ride (Summer): Organized ride with stops in Boonville cyclists + wine = surprisingly wholesome chaos.
• Halloween Downtown Boonville: Costumed trick-or-treating, ghost tours, and haunted hotel tours-spook level: delightful.

Lodging Options (Types and Recommendations)

Luxury: Hotel Frederick

Stylish historic hotel with antique flair and ghost stories (from $180/night).

Mid-Range: Isle of Capri Hotel

On-site casino, riverside views, and comfy rooms (from $150/night).

Budget: Super 8 by Wyndham

Clean, easy, and close to everything (from $90/night).

Camping: Katfish Katy's Campground (10 miles)

Riverside sites, trail access, and bonfire nights (from $30/night).

Dining (Local Cuisine Highlights)

Maggie's Bar & Grill

Local favorite for burgers, wings, and live music laid-back and lively.

Palace Restaurant

Homey diner with pie that deserves its own billboard.

Derailed Coffee Bar & Café

Breakfast, baked goods, and a train-themed ambiance that kids (and kids-at-heart) love.

Cooper's Oak Winery Bistro

Small plates, wine pairings, and that mellow vineyard vibe you secretly crave.

Travel Tips

• What to Pack: Bike gear, sunhat, picnic blanket, wine tote, and layers it's Missouri, so expect all seasons in a day.
• Safety: Very safe just watch for surprise goose crossings near the riverfront.
• Accessibility: Downtown, Katy Trail, and winery grounds are mostly accessible ask ahead at some historic sites.

Nearby Destinations Within 20 Miles

• Rocheport (10 miles): River town with wineries, bluffs, and its own small dose of enchantment.
• Arrow Rock (20 miles): A historic village with preserved buildings and a famous little theater.
• Fayette (17 miles): A small college town with a pretty square and antique stores.
• Blackwater (19 miles): Blink-and-you-miss-it town with charm, boutiques, and Victorian flair.

Recommended Duration of Stay

2-3 Days: Just right for sipping, strolling, gambling a bit, and catching that river glow.

Target Travelers

• Couples: Wine, history, and sunsets-Boonville does romantic without trying too hard.
• Cyclists: Katy Trail glory, with wine breaks and riverside views as a reward.
• History Buffs: Civil War tales, haunted inns, and pioneer paths-bring your curiosity (and a flashlight).
• Relaxation Seekers: No hustle, just scenic sipping and slow strolls.

Destination Joke

Why don't ghosts gamble in Boonville?

Because they can't bluff without a body!

Listen to Our Podcast Episode!

"Biking, Booze & Bluff Views: Boonville's Perfect Weekend" - Tune in for tales of wine, history, and river adventures.