Clinton
mjbg from Fort Collins, CO on 09/12/2018 09:16 PM:
My husband and I were disappointed in the western end of the trail which ended in Clinton. We were looking forward to seeing the western end, expecting something remarkable that celebrated this wonderful trail's western end point. There was the typical train stat6 mi)ion / Katy Trail informational signs which were nice, but the bathroom was dirty, and you could not drink from the water fountain which was filthy. I had expected to fill up my water bottles here, but didn't; returned to Windsor (16 mi) by bike with only 4 ounces of water :( The trail came to an unceremonious end a little bit past the train area,
mjbg from Fort Collins, CO on 09/12/2018 09:19 PM:
OOps, sorry for the typos in my previous post; don't know how to correct that which has been posted....
Gary from Near Tebbetts on 09/13/2018 08:41 AM:
WHAT? You mean they no longer have the marching band and confetti cannons to great you at the end? I guess it became too cost prohibitive to continue the operation. Also a shame they don’t have any restaurants in town anymore. What’s the world coming to?
OCtandem from OC, CA on 09/13/2018 09:11 AM:
We started our trip in Clinton and spent 2 nights there prepping. It's a very short, flat ride on side streets from the nice (but quiet) historic downtown. The Henry County Museum was worth visiting. There are plenty of places to eat and buy supplies in the (not as quaint) business area that is also nearby and easy to get to. We enjoyed the ride to Sedalia and were very glad we didn't skip this part of the trail.
Anonymous on 09/13/2018 11:55 AM:
Well...if we would have known you were coming, we would have baked a cake.
Hank on 09/15/2018 02:45 PM:
Good thing you all didn't go to Machens. :)
Matt from Lees Summit on 09/18/2018 03:49 PM:
I'm just thankful that bathrooms and water fountains exist.
Here is a tip to be prepared for less than surgical cleanliness on bike trips. Take a few wet wipes and fold them into a small size and stick them in a heavy duty ziploc bag. Squeeze the air out of the bag and seal. Stick the packet you've created in your bike bag.
You now have a way to clean a toilet seat or water fountain when you come across one. A couple of wet wipes take up just about zero space, weigh virtually nothing, and come in handy on occasion.
Anonymous on 09/18/2018 06:04 PM:
Good idea. Or just buy a 20 pack of antibacterial Wet Ones and put it in your bike bag.
Anonymous from Texas on 10/05/2018 06:29 PM:
Just finished the trail last week. Rode it from St Charles to Clinton. My feeling is that the Katy trail is a state park and most state parks are short on funds. I actually heard that there was an option to end the trail in the square in Clinton but it got shot down because of cost. Dunno.. I think the trail brings business and the square can use the business. If you want to see how nicely a trial can be then go visit the GAP and see how Cumberland and Pittsburg welcome their rails 2 trails riders and hikers. However, the trailheads on the GAP are no where near as nice as the Katy. Had a super time. Appreciate what you find on the trail ... great people and wonderful towns. Wonderful time!
shuttle service
Kathleen from Oolitic, IN on 04/28/2018 07:21 AM:
Hi!! My dad and I will be riding the Katy in June. We need a lift with our bikes from the Warrensburg Amtrak station OR Sedalia station to Clinton on Friday June 8th. Thanks!!
Marvin from Boonville on 04/28/2018 07:48 AM:
Email me at cbamshuttle@yahoo.com
Clinton
Anonymous on 01/31/2014 04:13 PM:
Is there a shuttle service that will provide a ride from Clinton to Machens (or St. Charles). How much? two riders plus bikes.
MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 01/31/2014 05:09 PM:
Click on Trip Planner above, the select Shuttles, then Build List. This will give you a list of shuttle providers. You will need to give them a call to check on availability and prices.
Anonymous on 02/03/2014 12:53 AM:
I would ask Lococo House B&B in St. Charles. (Just to be clear - I am not the owner of the facility. I have stayed there and they provided some shuttle service at what I found to be a VERY reasonable fee.)
Orlando Cyclist from Orlando, FL on 01/31/2017 05:44 AM:
I know this is 2 years too late, but we are using Independent Tourist (there is also Amtrac). IT will take us and our bikes from St. Charles to Clinton and take our luggage to each stopping point. If you go self-contained, they may be able to provide a shuttle service only, of they are available. We will be going mid June 2017
Pensacola Pedaler from Pensacola, Fl on 04/19/2017 09:42 PM:
I have made shuttle reservations with the Bike Outpost for service from St Charles to Clinton for 2 riders, bikes and gear for May 2017. I don't know what you consider reasonable charge but consider a 8 hour drive out and back for the driver. We paid $180 each. That did not include my request to supply good weather for at least 6 days. Guess you can't have everything.
Annette Barnes from Clinton, MO on 04/23/2017 11:55 AM:
We can drive you and your party to from St. Charles and or Clinton for 280.00 for up to 4 people with their bikes. This works out to $70.00 per head if there are four of you or $140 per head if their are only two.
Ben Franklin Coffee House (Clinton)
Ron Johnson from Clinton, MO on 10/06/2009 12:34 PM:
Recently spent some time on the web at BFCH in Clinton. Ordered a Coke and was charged $1.87 which I thought was high for a 12 oz. glass. But when I asked for a refill, I was told "Only if you buy a lunch." Then I was really upset. I've always found their food to be only so-so and their espresso is the worst I've ever had. Not to mention that the place looks like it's falling apart ... ambience, I suppose. But almost 2 bucks for a glass of Coke and no refills? I can go online anywhere on the Clinton Square and the drinks are all cheaper that at Ben Franklin!
Anonymous on 10/06/2009 01:50 PM:
Coke is not the drink of choice to replenish with while riding. Perhaps you could make better choices.
Roux from St. Louis on 09/13/2016 11:23 PM:
lol
Scott from Sw mo on 09/14/2016 06:13 AM:
??
Jerry Whittle from Belleville Illinois on 09/14/2016 07:20 AM:
Coke was good enough for racers in the Tour de France back before sports drinks like Gatorade came out. They would shake it up to get rid of the fizz and put it in their water bottles.
ArkyKenny on 09/14/2016 10:30 AM:
Ron Johnson: REALLY? You are REALLY griping about paying $1.87 for a soda in a restaurant? Maybe next time you can save .30 and get it from a convenience store? Or go big and save .87 and get it from a vending machine?
That reminds me of the time my chicken farmer uncle complained about paying $8 for a chicken dinner, and he said he would sell someone the whole bird for $8 (I guess he didn't figure the whole preparation and presentation part of the meal).
Your Name from Your Hometown on 09/14/2016 02:38 PM:
Ron is probably not checking this anymore as he posted this 7 years ago.
ArkyKenny on 09/14/2016 02:40 PM:
ooops
Clinton
Ed from Colorado on 10/13/2015 05:36 PM:
The Clinton Community Center is a wonderful place staffed with really helpful people. The facilities are incredible. The people have answers to questions and it is a wonderful place to start the Katy trek across the state. When you leave your car there you have a wonderful peaceful feeling for your whole trip. They should all get a bonus from the Missouri state tourism board!
Clinton-Dollar Store
Dennis dB from Georgia on 07/28/2015 08:07 PM:
Forgot sunscreen in Sedalia and was starting to burn. Locals tried to send me on highway to Walmart but after convincing them it was not a good idea for a bicyclist they remembered there was a Dollar Store. It had sunscreen, and snacks. It is located just down the hill (yes big hill) on Rives Road. Dairy Queen is west of the trail and can be seen on Google map on this page. Note there were two Dollar stores but one closed.
Clinton taxi service
JS from St. Louis on 09/28/2014 06:29 PM:
Hats off to Norman Beatty's taxi service in Clinton. He picked us up at the Warrensburg train station, and even though our train was 2 HOURS delayed, he didn't complain about the wait. He can only take 2 riders and bikes, and we had to take the front wheels off, but we were so glad to have the ride that late at night.
R.S. from Olivette on 05/25/2015 05:10 PM:
Could you send me or post the contact information for Norman Beatty's taxi service? Thank you.
Clinton Camping
Matt from Saint Louis on 03/22/2013 11:53 AM:
Can anyone confirm camping is available in Clinton during non-music festival times?
Thanks!
Gene from Indiana on 03/29/2013 01:08 AM:
While I'm not sure about the music festival times, camping is available behind the Community Center near the trailhead. Go on the left side of the center to the back, turn left for 50 feet +/-, turn right into the fairgrounds. The camping area is on the right just inside the gate. There's an aluminum pavilion there on concrete. You can use the Center but check there first.
Mark Thomas from Kemah, TX on 01/07/2014 02:20 PM:
I'm planning on riding the KATY in May, I've been calling around and just got off the phone with the Clinton Community Center less than five minutes ago. They said just to stop on in and they'd point the way, no reservations or anything like that and no cost. You can call them @ 660-885-2181
Safari Motel (Clinton)
Sam Fares from Clinton, Missouri on 12/09/2006 10:09 PM:
I am the new manager of the Safari Motel, I would like to thank everyone who has stayed here in the past. Just a note to let everyone know we have added a guest laundry, are currently remodeling all rooms, and have added homemade pancakes, waffles and french toast to the breakfast. We look forward to seeing you. Again thank you.
carol Christensen from Manteca CA on 02/13/2008 03:14 PM:
ARE YOU OPEN DURING YOUR REMODEL I COULDN'T TELL FROM YOUR WEB PAGE
sharonbikes from Kansas City on 02/14/2008 08:14 PM:
I stayed at the Safari Inn the first week of December and can recommend it. I came in late
and they were very friendly and accommodating. The room was clean and the bed comfy.
Breakfast was good too!
E B from new england on 10/03/2011 01:20 AM:
This place is a dump infested with cockroaches.WE stayed their for about 10 seconds couldnt get out fast enought. Luckly for us their was another hotel across the street much cleaner much nicer for about 2 bucks more.
Dont stay here
Anonymous on 10/02/2011 11:10 PM:
We arrived alittle after 8 and the manager had given out the room i reserved. when we went to our room there were roaches every where. And it looked like a real party room. I went back to the desk and requested my money back. We started packing up our bikes and a guy came to the room with roach spray. A current guest said "Man you finally gonna do something about the Bugs"
We went across the street to the American Inn.
Clinton
Brad from Wentzville, Mo on 08/08/2011 11:40 AM:
Can anyone tell me how level and how smooth the trail is between Clinton and Sedalia. I have a recumbent that probably really belongs on pavement and doesn't like hills. I've ridden the rest of the trail numerous times with no issues - just not this stretch.
kevin from Jefferson City on 08/08/2011 01:16 PM:
Check http://www.bikekatytrail.com/elevations.aspx for elevations. Looks like rolling hills, but not awful.
Skyguy9999 on 08/08/2011 08:49 PM:
You'll have the regular issues with roads and bumping over them, but there isn't anything that qualifies as something other than "flat". It should be the same kind of surface and condition as the rest of the trail.
Brad from Wentzville, Mo on 08/09/2011 02:12 PM:
Thanks guys.
Jim from St Thomas on 08/11/2011 08:57 AM:
The stretch between Clifton City and Pilot Grove is a steady uphill grade.
mike and diane from merriam ks on 08/13/2011 07:58 PM:
I have a short wheel bace recumbent and I have redden both ways from clinton to Sedalia and back again. I did it last year and I had no trouble. we stayed at the cabooses for the night.
Clinton
Denny from Kansas City on 08/01/2011 10:52 PM:
Does anyone know a good route from Clinton to KC by bike?
jbbike from columbia on 08/11/2011 09:10 PM:
explore the Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation website http://mobikefed.org/momaps.php#proposedroutes
Clinton Trailhead (Clinton)
Curt and Kathy from Silex, MO on 08/22/2010 02:58 PM:
June 26, 2010 – We made it to Clinton-the end of the line on our journey to ride the entire Katy Trail from St. Charles to Clinton! We joined the 10th anniversary Katy Trail ride, but weren’t part of the actual organized ride. Desty at the Clinton Parks and Recreation center was so kind to let us take showers and rest inside while we waited for our ride back home. We really appreciated your hospitality Desty!
Ben Franklin Coffee House (Clinton)
Janet Seymour from Springfield, MO on 05/08/2010 08:53 PM:
A gem on the downtown Clinton Square. It is beautifully decorated with antiques in the original Ben Franklin Five and Dime building.
The food was delicious and the service excellent.
Anonymous on 05/09/2010 10:23 AM:
Tell us about your Katy trail bike ride experience!
KC to Clinton by bus?
Pubmeister from Sonoma, CA on 05/06/2010 04:28 PM:
I am flying into KC soon, sending my bike to Clinton via FedEx to ride the Trail. How can I get from KC to Clinton? I'm having trouble interpreting the bus schedules on line.
R A from Kansas City on 05/07/2010 09:16 AM:
The KC metro buses do not run as far as Clinton (that I know of). It is around 120 miles from KCI Airport to Clinton. I looked and Greyhound does not have a scheduled stop in Clinton, they go though Clinton though and might let you off there. When are you planning your trip?
Pubmeister from Sonoma, CA on 05/07/2010 09:57 AM:
Thanks for the info. I am coming to KC on Monday the 17th of this month, just bought the tickets. I am thinking that I will be better off to FedEx the bike to KC, put it on an Amtrak and train to Sedalia and start there. It seems simpler and I won't miss but about 35 miles of the Trail, and that part is not along the River.
Does that sound like a workable plan?
R A from Kansas City on 05/07/2010 10:51 AM:
Sounds like a plan. I rode that section you would be missing last Sunday. It was spongy from recent rain and a little beat up (they allow horses on that section of the trail and there was some kind horse rally the weekend before). Still not a bad ride though.
Depending on what time you land I live within 20 minutes of KCI and might be able to help you out if you needed it.
Pubmeister from Sonoma, CA on 05/07/2010 05:06 PM:
Very generous offer. I believe I have everything covered but it's nice to know that I have a resource if I need a question answered. Stay tuned.