Places to spend the night between St. Charles and Defiance?
- + We're planning a trip on the Katy Trail in less than two weeks from now, and I just now realized how short notice it is for the local B&B's along the trail. (I had just recently found out about KT.) ...
Discussion started 10/01/2007 10:19 PM by Rachel - 10 replies (last reply by ET at 10/11/2007 11:55 AM)Rachel from Southern Illinois on 10/01/2007 10:19 PM
We're planning a trip on the Katy Trail in less than two weeks from now, and I just now realized how short notice it is for the local B&B's along the trail. (I had just recently found out about KT.) Not only that, but we are taking two small children with us...a 2 year old and a 4 year old. It would seem a lot of B&B's have a no children policy, and frankly it would be a little inconvenient to have them in one of those rooms. Does anyone know of any alternative places to stay? We would rather make this a weekend trip instead of just one day, since we have two small ones and would like to break it up for them. Thanks!
Dave from Herrin, Ill on 10/02/2007 10:29 AM
How far are you planning on riding per day?
Cliff from Edwardsville KS on 10/02/2007 10:36 AM
Rachel, There is nothing between St. Charles and Defiance. About half way there is a trailhead with a restroom but no water. If you are going to ride that route be sure and take plenty of water. The only alternative is to ride to Defiance and back to St. Charles or ride on to Augusta.
Rachel from Southern Illinois on 10/02/2007 01:53 PM
Dave, we had been planning on taking our time and riding to Defiance, then riding back to St. Charles the next day. Seems like a long way to take the kids, but they love bike rides and I'm thinking if we stop often and take breaks, we should be fine. If there is no place to stay, though, we'll have to make it a shorter trip...I can't expect them to ride around 40 miles in one day. One will be in a trailer and the other on a trail-a-bike (until she tires out, then she'll be in the trailer too).
Do you have suggestions for a better section to bike? Should we drive to a different town to start our trip, rather than starting in St. Charles?
Rachel from Southern Illinois on 10/02/2007 01:54 PM
Oops, sorry for the double post!
Cliff, does Augusta have some more choices for places to stay?
Ray (webmaster) on 10/02/2007 03:10 PM
Rachel, one option is to reverse your trip - start in Defiance, spend the night in St Charles, and then ride back to Defiance the next day. This has a couple of advantages:
1. If you still have energy to walk around after your ride, there are many things to do and see in downtown St Charles. Main Street is a great place to stroll around, shop, eat, etc. There's a park on the riverfront, a Lewis & Clark museum, and more.
2. St Charles has a ton of lodging options. Off the top of my head I'm not sure which St Charles B&B's take kids, but there are also several traditional hotel/motels there (most of which are up on Fifth Street, but Country Inn & Suites is right on the trail). Click St Charles on the map at the top of this webpage for a full listing; you'll also see links next to some of the hotels that you can click to check availability and rates.
I removed your duplicate post, in case you were wondering where it went.
Good luck!
Rachel from Southern Illinois on 10/02/2007 03:54 PM
Ray...thank you from the bottom of my heart. Not sure why I didn't think of that. I had heard the scenery around St. Charles was beautiful and didn't really want to miss it, but wasn't sure what else to do. Backwards is a perfect option! I would feel much more comfortable taking the kids to a traditional hotel, where we would all feel more welcome and not worry about messing up someone's well-kept B&B. And I can see there's lots to do. Thanks, again. I've been racking my brain all afternoon trying to decide what to do.
Thanks for removing my post, too.
Dave from Herrin, Ill on 10/03/2007 07:42 AM
Rachel, My wife and I have stayed at country inn and suits several times. Its a nice property with a indoor pool and free breakfast.
Have a great trip. PS Have you been to the Tunnel Hill Trail?
Trek Biker & Co. on 10/03/2007 04:32 PM
The Tunnel Hill Trail is a fantastic ride....would love to do it in the fall when the leaves are at peak.
ET from Columbia, MO on 10/11/2007 11:54 AM
I think doing it "in reverse" is probably best, but we have found Das Gast Haus Nadler in Defiance to be very accomodating when we have biked with our kids. No pool, but an indoor hot tub, and a fabulous breakfast. Each room has access to the big wrap-around porch.
ET from Columbia, MO on 10/11/2007 11:55 AM
I think doing it "in reverse" is probably best, but we have found Das Gast Haus Nadler in Defiance to be very accomodating when we have biked with our kids. No pool, but an indoor hot tub, and a fabulous breakfast. Each room has access to the big wrap-around porch.
type of bikes for trail
- + I have a road bike can one use a road bike safely on the trail? What is the surface like Rough, smooth etc.
Thank-you
Discussion started 10/08/2007 09:43 PM by bj - 2 replies (last reply by trinjboro at 10/10/2007 08:11 AM)bj from il on 10/08/2007 09:43 PM
I have a road bike can one use a road bike safely on the trail? What is the surface like Rough, smooth etc.
Thank-you
Paulie from Knoxville on 10/09/2007 10:23 AM
A road bike will work, just make sure you have the right tires. Personally, I prefer a mt. bike because thats what I normally ride. The surface is packed crushed limestone and is fairly smooth but you may see a few rough spots along the way. Try this link-
http://www.bikekatytrail.com/faq.aspx#tires
Paulie
trinjboro from Jonesboro, AR on 10/10/2007 08:11 AM
I've ridden the trail on all kinds of bikes. A hybrid works best, but a road bike is fine if you don't get a soaking rain. If you do, the surface gets "mushy" and narrow tires tend to sink in. If you have a nice road bike however, I'm not sure I would put it on the KATY as it will be covered with fine, white dust when you're through.
Narrow gate
- + I'm not familiar with the state-provided trail maintenance, or how it works, but perhaps someone with some experience with this could pass along a request to widen the gate at the 210 mile marker wher...
Discussion started 10/09/2007 10:56 PM by Dan Lowe - 0 repliesDan Lowe from Sedalia on 10/09/2007 10:56 PM
I'm not familiar with the state-provided trail maintenance, or how it works, but perhaps someone with some experience with this could pass along a request to widen the gate at the 210 mile marker where the Trail crosses Highway 135. It's just a scooch narrower than all the others I have come across, and a bit disconcerting on a busy roadway. Thanks, Dan
Camping along the trail
- + I prefer to camp when possible. I pull a Bob trailer behind my bike and I was wondering if there are plenty of places open to camping?
Discussion started 10/09/2007 02:10 PM by John B - 1 reply (last reply by Jordan at 10/09/2007 03:27 PM)John B from Columbia, SC on 10/09/2007 02:10 PM
I prefer to camp when possible. I pull a Bob trailer behind my bike and I was wondering if there are plenty of places open to camping?
Jordan on 10/09/2007 03:27 PM
Yes there is.
Garden Gate Bed and Breakfast (Boonville)
- + We stayed here in October 2007, it is one of the nicest b and b experiences I have ever had. Penny is charming, friendly and very helpful. She made a gourmet 3 course breakfast that is the best I have...
Discussion started 10/07/2007 10:35 PM by debbie - 0 repliesdebbie from shawnee kanas on 10/07/2007 10:35 PM
We stayed here in October 2007, it is one of the nicest b and b experiences I have ever had. Penny is charming, friendly and very helpful. She made a gourmet 3 course breakfast that is the best I have ever had at a b and b. She had fresh baked cookies waiting for us upon our arrival and gladly made me some Starbucks coffee to accompany the delicious cookies. Her home is beautiful-this is a wonderful place. We loved sitting on the porch enjoying those cookies!
debbie from shawnee kanas on 10/07/2007 10:35 PM
We stayed here in October 2007, it is one of the nicest b and b experiences I have ever had. Penny is charming, friendly and very helpful. She made a gourmet 3 course breakfast that is the best I have ever had at a b and b. She had fresh baked cookies waiting for us upon our arrival and gladly made me some Starbucks coffee to accompany the delicious cookies. Her home is beautiful-this is a wonderful place. We loved sitting on the porch enjoying those cookies!
Portland
- + they serve up a fish sandwich that is awesome!!!
Discussion started 10/07/2007 07:14 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous from boonville mo on 10/07/2007 07:14 PM
they serve up a fish sandwich that is awesome!!!
Riverfront Bar & Grill (Portland)
- + I hear they will let you camp out behind the bar. Does anyone know for sure?
Discussion started 10/04/2007 01:54 PM by BJ - 1 reply (last reply by Jon at 10/04/2007 07:37 PM)BJ from kansas city on 10/04/2007 01:54 PM
I hear they will let you camp out behind the bar. Does anyone know for sure?
BJ from kansas city on 10/04/2007 01:54 PM
I hear they will let you camp out behind the bar. Does anyone know for sure?
Jon from Missouri on 10/04/2007 07:37 PM
Rivers Edge campground has spots between the bar and the trailhead. Good enough for tent camping. At this point (looked like they might have restrooms in the future) you'll have to use the restrooms at the trailhead or the bar that you can throw a rock at from your campsite. It was 12 or 10 (can't remember) bucks for two riders and bikes with one tent. Bar had cold beer and good bar food. The office is a house right on the trail just West of the trailhead, just look for the sign. All of this stuff is real close together. Rumored that the bar closes down early if it is slow. the campground is listed under Portland on this site and has a phone number.
Jon from Missouri on 10/04/2007 07:37 PM
Rivers Edge campground has spots between the bar and the trailhead. Good enough for tent camping. At this point (looked like they might have restrooms in the future) you'll have to use the restrooms at the trailhead or the bar that you can throw a rock at from your campsite. It was 12 or 10 (can't remember) bucks for two riders and bikes with one tent. Bar had cold beer and good bar food. The office is a house right on the trail just West of the trailhead, just look for the sign. All of this stuff is real close together. Rumored that the bar closes down early if it is slow. the campground is listed under Portland on this site and has a phone number.
day ride with the kids
- + We are looking for a good starting place for a day ride with the kids. My hope is to find a nice place to stay (with an indoor pool) ride for an a few hours, have lunch and then turn around. We have...
Discussion started 10/04/2007 02:57 PM by Erika - 0 repliesErika from Leavenworth on 10/04/2007 02:57 PM
We are looking for a good starting place for a day ride with the kids. My hope is to find a nice place to stay (with an indoor pool) ride for an a few hours, have lunch and then turn around. We have two young children that would love some parks or something of that sorts. We live closer to the Clinton end of the trail. Any thoughts?
Now that's a BURGER!! - Treloar Bar & Grill
- + Stopped at 2 pm on a Sunday afternoon and had THE BEST hamburger ever--actually a double hamburger that was so thick I ate it as 2 burgers each on half a bun. The staff made us feel welcome and chatte...
Discussion started 09/22/2007 09:24 PM by Kellys - 9 replies (last reply by skip at 10/02/2007 09:58 PM)Kellys on 09/22/2007 09:24 PM
Stopped at 2 pm on a Sunday afternoon and had THE BEST hamburger ever--actually a double hamburger that was so thick I ate it as 2 burgers each on half a bun. The staff made us feel welcome and chatted freely about the area, the Trail and shared some local lore.
While off our normal route, will try to get back here if anywhere in the area!!
Kellys on 09/22/2007 09:24 PM
Stopped at 2 pm on a Sunday afternoon and had THE BEST hamburger ever--actually a double hamburger that was so thick I ate it as 2 burgers each on half a bun. The staff made us feel welcome and chatted freely about the area, the Trail and shared some local lore.
While off our normal route, will try to get back here if anywhere in the area!!
Anonymous on 09/22/2007 11:29 PM
WOW....you just cant get a burger like that just anywhere. They're pretty hard to find.
Anonymous on 09/22/2007 11:29 PM
WOW....you just cant get a burger like that just anywhere. They're pretty hard to find.
MAH from Blue Springs, MO on 09/23/2007 09:40 AM
The homemade pies are great too. Just look to the north as you cross the country road to find the place.
MAH from Blue Springs, MO on 09/23/2007 09:40 AM
The homemade pies are great too. Just look to the north as you cross the country road to find the place.
rhona lococo from St. Charles on 09/23/2007 01:35 PM
Where is this BURGER place ? ------ we travel the road to Clinton from St Charles often ------- can you reach it by car ?-----waiting for info ----- Making the trip on Tuesday
rhona lococo from St. Charles on 09/23/2007 01:35 PM
Where is this BURGER place ? ------ we travel the road to Clinton from St Charles often ------- can you reach it by car ?-----waiting for info ----- Making the trip on Tuesday
Anonymous on 09/23/2007 03:49 PM
Just past the trailhead by the town with the grain elevator.
Anonymous on 09/23/2007 03:49 PM
Just past the trailhead by the town with the grain elevator.
El Toro on 09/23/2007 07:58 PM
This is quite the post. Thanks for all the useful information.
El Toro on 09/23/2007 07:58 PM
This is quite the post. Thanks for all the useful information.
Anonymous on 09/24/2007 08:36 AM
It looks like another one of those St. Charles type businesses that goes incognito on the web with vital information. You know, one where you have to call for more information. You might try 1-800-WHERE'S DA BURGER.
Anonymous on 09/24/2007 08:36 AM
It looks like another one of those St. Charles type businesses that goes incognito on the web with vital information. You know, one where you have to call for more information. You might try 1-800-WHERE'S DA BURGER.
cindy from muscatine,iowa on 09/24/2007 08:47 AM
so what town is tis burger place in?? my husband wants to visit st. charles and he loves a good burger!! where do we need to go??
cindy from muscatine,iowa on 09/24/2007 08:47 AM
so what town is tis burger place in?? my husband wants to visit st. charles and he loves a good burger!! where do we need to go??
Ray (webmaster) on 09/24/2007 11:14 AM
Sorry for the confusion, folks. Because this website lets you enter comments from the various town web pages or from the various business pages, sometimes people's forum notes don't spell out exactly which location they're talking about. I added "Treloar Bar & Grill" to the subject of this thread, because that's what restaurant the original message was about (in the town of Treloar, of course).
Ray (webmaster) on 09/24/2007 11:14 AM
Sorry for the confusion, folks. Because this website lets you enter comments from the various town web pages or from the various business pages, sometimes people's forum notes don't spell out exactly which location they're talking about. I added "Treloar Bar & Grill" to the subject of this thread, because that's what restaurant the original message was about (in the town of Treloar, of course).
skip from Hannibal on 10/02/2007 09:58 PM
AMEN to the "burger" !!!! I've had some good ones, but NONE better than the ones served up at the "Treloar Bar & Grill" in Treloar !!!! By car, it is just off of Hwy 94. You can't miss it. REAL FRIENDLY place....and if you're camping, they'll let you pitch your tent right out back.
skip from Hannibal on 10/02/2007 09:58 PM
AMEN to the "burger" !!!! I've had some good ones, but NONE better than the ones served up at the "Treloar Bar & Grill" in Treloar !!!! By car, it is just off of Hwy 94. You can't miss it. REAL FRIENDLY place....and if you're camping, they'll let you pitch your tent right out back.
Amtrak Along the Katy Trail
- + We biked from Sedalia to Washington in September of 2007. The train ride back was a much fun and headache free as the bike trip! the staff was helpful and friendly and the scenery of course is great...
Discussion started 10/01/2007 05:52 PM by Canyoncamper - 0 repliesCanyoncamper from Grand Junction, CO on 10/01/2007 05:52 PM
We biked from Sedalia to Washington in September of 2007. The train ride back was a much fun and headache free as the bike trip! the staff was helpful and friendly and the scenery of course is great.
Washington
- + 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 Du...
Discussion started 07/03/2007 09:57 PM by jasonamanda - 1 reply (last reply by Canyoncamper at 10/01/2007 05:46 PM)jasonamanda from Green Ridge MO on 07/03/2007 09:57 PM
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.
Canyoncamper from Grand Junction, CO on 10/01/2007 05:46 PM
Did the bridge on a Saturday. I'm used to road cycling and found motorists courteous and safe. would bike it anytime except with kids.
Wine Valley Inn (Hermann)
- + Stayed here for 2 nights in September. Nice room and good hostesses. would definately stay here again.
Discussion started 10/01/2007 05:45 PM by Canyoncamper - 0 repliesCanyoncamper from Grand Junction, CO on 10/01/2007 05:45 PM
Stayed here for 2 nights in September. Nice room and good hostesses. would definately stay here again.
Canyoncamper from Grand Junction, CO on 10/01/2007 05:45 PM
Stayed here for 2 nights in September. Nice room and good hostesses. would definately stay here again.
RiverView Suites (Boonville)
- + We stayed there last week during a Clinton to St Charles to Clinton ride in 7 days. The room is upstairs in a building adjacent to the trail. You will need to hoist your bikes upstairs. The furnish...
Discussion started 10/07/2006 06:28 PM by rfc - 1 reply (last reply by Canyoncamper at 10/01/2007 05:36 PM)rfc from Shoreview MN on 10/07/2006 06:28 PM
We stayed there last week during a Clinton to St Charles to Clinton ride in 7 days. The room is upstairs in a building adjacent to the trail. You will need to hoist your bikes upstairs. The furnishings are very nice; it has a kitchen and laundry facilities. Breakfast is served in a restaurant downstairs. A newly wed couple could live in this suite and do well.
rfc from Shoreview MN on 10/07/2006 06:28 PM
We stayed there last week during a Clinton to St Charles to Clinton ride in 7 days. The room is upstairs in a building adjacent to the trail. You will need to hoist your bikes upstairs. The furnishings are very nice; it has a kitchen and laundry facilities. Breakfast is served in a restaurant downstairs. A newly wed couple could live in this suite and do well.
Canyoncamper from Grand Junction, CO on 10/01/2007 05:36 PM
This is a great place. There's a full kitchen and the grocery store is about 8 blocks away. Will stay here again.
Canyoncamper from Grand Junction, CO on 10/01/2007 05:36 PM
This is a great place. There's a full kitchen and the grocery store is about 8 blocks away. Will stay here again.
Sedalia lodging
- + If you plan to use the train to shuttle to/ from Sedalia the Hotel Bothwell is 4 blocks from train stop and they have a full breakfast included.
Discussion started 10/01/2007 05:33 PM by Canyoncamper - 0 repliesCanyoncamper from Grand Junction, CO on 10/01/2007 05:33 PM
If you plan to use the train to shuttle to/ from Sedalia the Hotel Bothwell is 4 blocks from train stop and they have a full breakfast included.
Dutzow Deli & Restaurant (Dutzow)
- + Has anyone ever camped on the free primitive camp sites behind the restaurant? What was your experience if you did? Thanks!
Discussion started 10/01/2007 04:52 PM by Erin - 0 repliesErin from St. Louis on 10/01/2007 04:52 PM
Has anyone ever camped on the free primitive camp sites behind the restaurant? What was your experience if you did? Thanks!
Erin from St. Louis on 10/01/2007 04:52 PM
Has anyone ever camped on the free primitive camp sites behind the restaurant? What was your experience if you did? Thanks!
Lunch Box Corner Deli (Pilot Grove)
- + I was the frist person in the place on Wednesday. Fresh sandwiches, quick service, plenty of room to relax. You can see the shop from the trailhead.
Discussion started 09/25/2007 07:55 PM by Curt - 1 reply (last reply by Brian L. at 10/01/2007 12:11 PM)Curt from Lincoln, NE on 09/25/2007 07:55 PM
I was the frist person in the place on Wednesday. Fresh sandwiches, quick service, plenty of room to relax. You can see the shop from the trailhead.
Curt from Lincoln, NE on 09/25/2007 07:55 PM
I was the frist person in the place on Wednesday. Fresh sandwiches, quick service, plenty of room to relax. You can see the shop from the trailhead.
Brian L. from Wichita, KS on 10/01/2007 12:11 PM
... and the homemade vegetable beef soup is hearty & delicious! Friendly folks, too.
Brian L. from Wichita, KS on 10/01/2007 12:11 PM
... and the homemade vegetable beef soup is hearty & delicious! Friendly folks, too.
Cliff Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn (Jefferson City)
- + Thom is an excellent host! This was our first trip to the Katy Trail and did not expect this kind of service. Great room with view of the river and Capitol building. Need to make this a destination ...
Discussion started 10/01/2007 12:25 AM by Gary and Aimee - 0 repliesGary and Aimee from Bella Vista AR on 10/01/2007 12:25 AM
Thom is an excellent host! This was our first trip to the Katy Trail and did not expect this kind of service. Great room with view of the river and Capitol building. Need to make this a destination on your trip to the Katy
Gary and Aimee from Bella Vista AR on 10/01/2007 12:25 AM
Thom is an excellent host! This was our first trip to the Katy Trail and did not expect this kind of service. Great room with view of the river and Capitol building. Need to make this a destination on your trip to the Katy