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Washington, Missouri near the Katy Trail
Population 13,243
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Washington is not directly on the Katy Trail, but quite a few Katy travellers are drawn there
by its close location, its quaint shops and many other businesses, and a riverfront bike path.
Although the town is only 4 miles from the trail (closest to
Dutzow and
Marthasville),
it can only be reached by crossing a narrow bridge
across the Missouri River, which has no shoulder and no bike lanes.
If you have access to a car, we recommend driving over to visit this charming town.
If a bike is your only mode of transportation, you may want to see if one of the B&Bs there will
pick you up at the trail, if you spend the night as their guest.
Cycling across the bridge is not recommended.
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Getting To Washington
By trail:
From Dutzow, take the highway that cuts through town (94) southwest.
Turn left at the intersection with highway 47, and follow highway 47 south
to the bridge and Washington. This section of hwy 47 has a gravel shoulder
which may be appropriate for mountain bike or hybrids, depending on the rider's
comfort and experience riding next to highways. It is a 2-lane highway with
a 55 MPH speed limit. The Missouri River bridge, as discussed above, has no shoulder
and a speed limit of 40 MPH.
| By train:
Amtrak's route across Missouri stops in Washington, and "roll on" bikes are
allowed on this route.
See the Katy Trail Amtrak Guide for more details.
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By car:
From St Louis, take hwy 44 southwest to exit 251, which is hwy 100.
Head northwest on hwy 100 for 18 miles. If you're coming from hwy 70,
take exit 240, which is hwy 47. Go south on hwy 47 for 25 miles.
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Other Washington Missouri Resources
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Comments
about Washington
from other
riders
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Share your comments about Washington with other Katy Trail
riders!
Add your comment/question, or
view all comments.
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Subject: Washington
Started: Apr 2 2008 4:10PM
by Carol Smith
, Warrensburg, MO
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For anyone not considering a stay in Washington because of the bridge situation, I'd urge you to reconsider. We rode Clinton to Washington last week, and found it to be a very charming town, and a great place to end our ride. We ended in Washington because it's the last place you can conveniently catch Amtrak back to Warrensburg.
We called Yo, Taxi (formerly Hey, Taxi) at 636-234-6360 and were picked up within minutes. Just $12 to cross the nasty bridge. He does cover a broad territory, so it's good to let him know ahead of time of your plans (he just happened to be in Washington when we called). ...
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Replies: 6
(Last reply: Jun 20 2008 8:24PM
by cunninghamair, O''Fallon, MO:
"We live in O'Fallon and caught the train in Washin..."
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Subject: Brick Inn B&B (Washington)
Started: Jun 4 2008 3:33PM
by Pat
, Fort Worth
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We stayed here in mid-May. The owner graciously picked us up at the trail stop across the bridge. Washington is a nice small town and restaurants are within walking distance from the Brick Inn. I'd stop there again.
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Replies: 0
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Subject: Guest Haus at Washington B&B (Washington)
Started: Apr 3 2008 7:13PM
by Carol Smith
, Warrensburg, MO
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Oh, we just loved our stay here. This is the classic, quintessential B&B. Doris has added so many thoughtful touches to make her guests feel at home, including a fresh pot of coffee just outside your room in the morning with the press of a button, a refrigerator to store your leftover cobbler from American Bounty (excellent restaurant!), and a heavenly bathroom. Breakfast is excellent, and served via antique silverware. Wonderfully appointed home that has been featured on national morning TV programs and major magazines. I wanted to take her kitchen and bathroom home with me, but they just wouldn't fit in the panniers. We'll definitely stay here again on our next ride.
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Replies: 0
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Subject: Washington
Started: Mar 22 2008 9:08AM
by Douglas Parker
, St. Louis
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It would be nice if there was a taxi or car service or even someone honest who has a pick up truck, who give a biker and and bike a ride just over the bridge into Washington from the crossroads that are located just North of that narrow bridge that leads into town.
I have stood in a safe area where vehicles can pull over with my thumb out and hitched a ride either way over that bridge, and took my chances on who gave me a ride. I did want a ride with any criminal types or people who had other problems and I did not have any problems hitchhiking there with the police. If I would have solicited a ride from a criminal type mabie it would be a different story.
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Subject: Washington
Started: Jul 3 2007 9:57PM
by jasonamanda
, Green Ridge MO
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That MO river bridge is VERY dangerous. Even after a warning to not try and cross it, I did try and cross it...bad idea. I ended up calling a cab. A reasonably priced cab company ($15 to take us to Dutzow TH)in Washington is "Hey Taxi", #636-234-6360. Interesting fellow and much safer than crossing the bridge.
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Replies: 1
(Last reply: Oct 1 2007 5:46PM
by Canyoncamper, Grand Junction, CO:
"Did the bridge on a Saturday. I'm used to road cy..."
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