Katy Trail Forum

My husband and I are planning a 4 day weekend on the Katy trail. I was told between Booneville and herman is the most scenic part of trail. What would be the best places to stay in this area? What Shuttle service would be best to take back?

My boys and I (ages 4 and 6) just finished up the exact route you are considering. Well actually we started in Rocheport. This was my first time on the trail and we were there before things get in full swing but here is my nickle tour.
The Katy Trail B&B in Rocheport is cute, clean, cozy, affordable and the kitchen is very well stocked. We camped the next night in Hartsburg at the city park. Great spot if you bring some ear plugs. Lots of dogs that like to bark at every train and plane that come by. We had supper at the Big Muddy and breakfast at Dotty's Cafe. Both within walking distance of the park.
Next night we camped in the county fair grounds in Mokane. Lots of flat ground but not much to eat if you dont like lots of fried everything.
The last 2 nights we spent camping in the city park in Herman. We had supper at The Barrel and lunch at Tin Road (?) brewery.
The shuttle service I used to get back to Rocheport was O'Bryans Taxi. They were by far the cheapest (1.50/mile vs most others that were over $2.00/mile) and showed up exactly when they said they would.
Other than Herman most of the food you will get along the way ranges from fancy bar food to bad bar food so if you are looking for some fancy schmancy pasta better pack it along.
Rocheport to Hartsburg is probably the most scenic portion of the trail that we covered and Mokane to Herman would rank a pretty close second. The parts in between aren't bad, they just have some pretty big shoes to fill.

I've stayed at the Globe B & B in Hartsburg a couple of times and really loved it. I agree with the previous poster about the Rocheport B & B, it's right on the trail and provides a continental breakfast. The rooms are quite comfortable. If you have extra cash to splurge, the School House B & B in Rocheport is excellent and you get served a great breakfast. I've stayed there, and had a flat tire. The owner fixed my tire for me and went out of his way to help. I think there's more than one place to eat in Rocheport. We had a great time at the General Store. And the bike and pedestrian bridge over the Missouri River at Jefferson City is now open. The dedication was today. So if you had the time, stopping in Jefferson City is now easier (you can safely bike over the bridge). I've seen great reviews of the Cliff House B & B and the Briar Roas B & B in Jefferson City on this forum. By the way, the Briar Rose has a for sale sign in front. So if anyone is interested in running a B & B, look into it.

I'm headed down to Columbia tomorrow for a meeting at 4. I'm planning on getting in my Friday 10-mile run on a portion of the Katy Trail (probably a total of ten miles so a 5 mile spot). From what I'm reading, it would be easiest and the most scenic to stop in Rocheport and run that next five miles. Is that the best thing to do? Thanks!

The spur from Columbia south to the Katy would also be a good spot.....Martin Luther King park southward.

Awful food, awful service and the cigarette smoke just takes away what little taste there is to the food. Way overpriced and good luck getting someone to wait on you. Try Maggie's across the street instead -- you won't be dissapointed.

Awful food, awful service and the cigarette smoke just takes away what little taste there is to the food. Way overpriced and good luck getting someone to wait on you. Try Maggie's across the street instead -- you won't be dissapointed.

We ate there 2 years ago and had a great meal. Another bonus is that last year we stayed at the Comfort Inn in Boonville and the Stein House had delivery (which was great after a long day).

We ate there 2 years ago and had a great meal. Another bonus is that last year we stayed at the Comfort Inn in Boonville and the Stein House had delivery (which was great after a long day).

I couldn't agree more. It used to be an OK place to eat, but their service is shoddy at best and the staff there is just plain rude. Last time we ate there about 6 months ago the spaghetti tasted like it was straight out of a can.

I couldn't agree more. It used to be an OK place to eat, but their service is shoddy at best and the staff there is just plain rude. Last time we ate there about 6 months ago the spaghetti tasted like it was straight out of a can.

I agree with the poster who is recommending Maggie's. The food is absolutely amazing and the fact it is a smoke-free establishment is really nice. On the weekends (and I think Friday night as well) they have smoked chicken and ribs complete with side items for less than $10 -- you just can't beat that deal!

I agree with the poster who is recommending Maggie's. The food is absolutely amazing and the fact it is a smoke-free establishment is really nice. On the weekends (and I think Friday night as well) they have smoked chicken and ribs complete with side items for less than $10 -- you just can't beat that deal!

Check out the Blind Ref Tavern just down from the Stein House. Smoke free and open on Sundays!

Check out the Blind Ref Tavern just down from the Stein House. Smoke free and open on Sundays!

The Stein House features lunch specials Monday through Friday that are a

great deal--TWO lunches for $6.99 (not $6.99 each) if you buy two

drinks. Thursday is fried chicken day--very good fried chicken. The new

server, Deb, is delightful--give Stein House another try! By the way,

Maggie's is another good choice!

The Stein House features lunch specials Monday through Friday that are a

great deal--TWO lunches for $6.99 (not $6.99 each) if you buy two

drinks. Thursday is fried chicken day--very good fried chicken. The new

server, Deb, is delightful--give Stein House another try! By the way,

Maggie's is another good choice!

We ate at the Stein House this weekend and was one of the worst restaurant experiences I have ever had. We ordered a couple of cheeseburgers, an hour later (and after those who had arrived and ordered after us, received and finished their meal) the "chef" comes to our table and advised us he forgot to take our burgers off the grill and were now hockey pucks. No problem, it happens. Half hour later the burgers and fries come out completely soaked in grease and un-edible. The chef again apologized, rather sarcastically, and explained the burgers were not greasy, but that was a soy sauce based marinade they were trying out. Stay away from this place

We ate at the Stein House this weekend and was one of the worst restaurant experiences I have ever had. We ordered a couple of cheeseburgers, an hour later (and after those who had arrived and ordered after us, received and finished their meal) the "chef" comes to our table and advised us he forgot to take our burgers off the grill and were now hockey pucks. No problem, it happens. Half hour later the burgers and fries come out completely soaked in grease and un-edible. The chef again apologized, rather sarcastically, and explained the burgers were not greasy, but that was a soy sauce based marinade they were trying out. Stay away from this place

Funny how most of the negitave comments are posted about the time Maggies bar opened. The Stein House is a nice restaurant, not a sports bar. Maybe the posters felt out of place because they weren't in a hamburger joint. I enjoy their steak selections and my wife likes stopping there because they cater to her vegitarian diet without making her feel singled out. We stop in Boonville about every two months as we pass through and always eat at the Stein House.

Funny how most of the negitave comments are posted about the time Maggies bar opened. The Stein House is a nice restaurant, not a sports bar. Maybe the posters felt out of place because they weren't in a hamburger joint. I enjoy their steak selections and my wife likes stopping there because they cater to her vegitarian diet without making her feel singled out. We stop in Boonville about every two months as we pass through and always eat at the Stein House.

I would not let my dog eat at this resturant. The food is nasty and the staff is rude. If you want to waste your time and money this is the place for you. However, I strongly recommend finding another resturant.

I would not let my dog eat at this resturant. The food is nasty and the staff is rude. If you want to waste your time and money this is the place for you. However, I strongly recommend finding another resturant.

They were very very nice. The waiter tried hard and was very polite. Food was okay.

Chicken was good. not my favorite place but I may go back if I am in town. I am a non

smoker and I sat in the back. Smoke did not bother me. One bad thing is that it is very

cold in there. We wore our coats as well as everyone eaten there. Too cold. It makes it

uncomfortable.

They were very very nice. The waiter tried hard and was very polite. Food was okay.

Chicken was good. not my favorite place but I may go back if I am in town. I am a non

smoker and I sat in the back. Smoke did not bother me. One bad thing is that it is very

cold in there. We wore our coats as well as everyone eaten there. Too cold. It makes it

uncomfortable.

Poor form to associate Maggies with negative comments. Not true! This place just burned down, so it is now irrelevant

Poor form to associate Maggies with negative comments. Not true! This place just burned down, so it is now irrelevant

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils will be the headlining band for this years Pedaler's Jamboree May 28-29. You can click on 'Events' above to get more information.

Has anyone stayed here before? We're thinking of camping here, but the information is sparse...

Has anyone stayed here before? We're thinking of camping here, but the information is sparse...

There are two places to camp in Hartsburg. One is the American Legion/Lions Ballpark and one is the Volunteer Park next to the red caboose. For small groups and to be close to food and wine the Volunteer Park is best. Larger groups can set up in the baseball field. Either place should be first approved by Bill Abrahams first to see if there are any events scheduled) his # is 573-657-2317.

There are two places to camp in Hartsburg. One is the American Legion/Lions Ballpark and one is the Volunteer Park next to the red caboose. For small groups and to be close to food and wine the Volunteer Park is best. Larger groups can set up in the baseball field. Either place should be first approved by Bill Abrahams first to see if there are any events scheduled) his # is 573-657-2317.

There is a gazebo in the park. My friend and I just rolled our sleeping bags out and had a roof over our heads.

There is a gazebo in the park. My friend and I just rolled our sleeping bags out and had a roof over our heads.

My 9 year old son and I are planning a ride on the Katy Trail over Easter Weekend. We typically stay in Rocheport, but are considering a new destination this time around. Are the restaurants in Hartsburg good... and kid friendly? Can we easily ride to Rocheport from Hartsburg? Thanks for your thoughts/suggestions.

My 9 year old son and I are planning a ride on the Katy Trail over Easter Weekend. We typically stay in Rocheport, but are considering a new destination this time around. Are the restaurants in Hartsburg good... and kid friendly? Can we easily ride to Rocheport from Hartsburg? Thanks for your thoughts/suggestions.

The Missouri Bicycle & Pedestrian Federation has moved the grand opening from April 8th to April 11th @ 12:30 according to their web site. There's a ride from the Capitol steps to the Katy. There is a pic on web site, ramps look really long & easy! Check it out!!

Theron
I believe the grand opening is still scheduled for the 8th (Friday). The legislator ride is an event planned by the MO Bike Fed as part of the celebration events following the grand opening.

So Gary.....do I have to change my last name to Near?

Well Jim, that’s what I get for trying to type in a response from my cell phone with my fat fingers. Not to worry, the family name remains safe. By the way, I noticed the Mo Bike Fed in bringing in pedicabs from KC for the legislators day event on the 11th, hope to see you out there with your pedicab to give them some local competition. ;-)

I'm game......but since the brakes on my pedibcab aren't working I should probably take the lead.