Katy Trail Forum

I am looking for a recommendation on a great Bed and Breakfast in Hermann. Any thoughts? I will be staying a couple of days in early June.

I highly recomend Birks Gausthaus. Rick and Diane are great people, the house wonderful and you can't beat the food or the prices. You can find a link to thier site elsewhere on this site. King and queen size beds, large clawfoot tubs (first tub I've been in that was long enough for me) comfy chairs and a good location. It's easy to find and easy to get to if you're on bikes. Tell them Bryan and Carolanne from Arkansas sent you.

My wife and I stay at the Herman Hills Vineyard B & B. Magnificant setting with great views of the town and valley. Walking distance to the winery if you're so inclined. Hot tub jetted jacuzzi, complimentary glass of wine or beer upon arrival, cookies at night and a great breakfast. It is a bit on the high side with the price dropping $100.00 during the week. Check it out.

Yes, Birk's Gasthaus is the best in Hermann. WONDERFUL hosts; breakfasts and walkable to most of Hermann.

It,s the best place to catch the feeling of the past. Very easy to relax and enjoy yourself.

It,s the best place to catch the feeling of the past. Very easy to relax and enjoy yourself.

I'm attending a convention at the end of June at America's Center in downtown St. Louis

and I'd like to bike the Katy from mid-Missouri to St. Charles, rather than driving. But how

do I get me and my bike from the end of the trail to the convention center hotels? Any

bike routes or recommended transports that are bike-friendly?

Look at the mass transit (Metro busses with front mounted racks and Metrolink train)options here: http://www.metrostlouis.org/MetroNews/FAQs/bikenrideFAQs.asp

Take a look at these two webpages: Getting from the Katy Trail to Downtown St Louis (to bike all the way downtown), and Getting from Lambert-St Louis Airport to the Katy Trail (from the airport you can catch MetroLink)

here I am again ----- the ride from St. Charles to St.Louis convention center ---is not bicycle friendly to say the least ------ we have a B&B in ST. Charles just three blocks from the trailhead ---- we will shuttle you to St. louis convention center ----the cost is 25.00------it is 25 miles ------ for us to shuttle you ---you must spend a night with us ---- check out our web site ----www.lococohouse.com ----let us know if we can be of help to you ---Rhona Lococo

I'm sorry if I'm repeating topics, but I can't seem to find the info I'm looking for. I haven't sent in my registration yet, so will they send me more information on the ride when I do? Basically, I'm concerned with how I will get to the trail on Monday. I plan on taking the shuttle from Clinton to St Charles, and probably staying in the hotel they recommended (Comfort Suites?). Do I have to walk all of my stuff 2 miles from the hotel or will they haul me over there?? Would I be better off staying at one of the two places closer to the trailhead?



Sorry, I guess I have a fear of being left behind! =)

My husband and I will be there. We are taking the AMtrak from Kansas City, Mo to Kirkwood and then a shuttle to Trailhead. Not sure if coming in on Sat or Sun. and also not sure where to stay.

I would check with the hotel or hire a shuttle.

MattMan628,

First let me make it clear that I am not with the DNR or connected to the ride in any official capacity. I have participated in the ride the last 5 years and have always camped. This is just what I have observed in past years.

You should receive a confirmation and rider number in April or early June if you have not already. You will probably recieve a folder of information about the ride in Clinton before you board the bus or in St Charles on Sunday afternoon. The hotel shuttle is an optional service that is listed on the registration form. If you pay the fee, the DNR staff will take you and your bags to and from the hotel in a large van. I believe they secure your bikes at camp (probably put them in the baggage truck overnight).



More details on the hotel shuttle: I believe they run several shuttle trips in the afternoon/evening but only one in the morning. When you arrive in camp each day, after checking in, you can get your bags and catch the shuttle to your hotel to check in, shower, take a nap, etc. Then you can get the shuttle back to camp for dinner and the riders meeting and then get on the shuttle again to go back to your hotel for the night. In the morning, you catch the shuttle back to camp for breakfast and then begin the days ride.

I hope this helps and I hope it is all accurate!

Actually, I am camping too. I was just planning on the hotel for Sunday (didn't know if there was camping available for that day). Thanks a ton for the info, though!

You may be able to pay for a shuttle ride that day. That's a wise move to get a hotel for Sunday. I never really get a good nights sleep when we start in St Charles; too much traffic noise from nearby I-70, but I'm too cheap to pay for a hotel room!

Yes, you can pay for the shuttle for just one day. If you stay at the hotel on Sunday night rather than camp, you will have all shuttle services provided for that one night. You can also switch it up and camp every other night or any combination you like. With all shuttles provided on the days you choose to stay in a motel. If you have any questions feel free to call DNR, they are always good about answering questions.

here I am again------ we have a B&B just three blocks from trail head ----- our rooms are reasonable and we have a hot tub and massage available ------- we will shuttle you ---- and get you where you need to start ----let us know if we can be of help to you ----Rhona Lococo ----Lococo House ll ----Rhonaloc@aol.com

Correction The State Champion Bur Oak tree is owned by Mr. John Sam Williamson, Jr. It is in vesinity of Huntsdale MO.

It's Circumference is 289" Height 85 feet and had a spread of about 118 feet. estimated age Over 300 years

You can also see info and pictures at www.huntsdalemo.com

Correction The State Champion Bur Oak tree is owned by Mr. John Sam Williamson, Jr. It is in vesinity of Huntsdale MO.

It's Circumference is 289" Height 85 feet and had a spread of about 118 feet. estimated age Over 300 years

You can also see info and pictures at www.huntsdalemo.com

There is a beautiful black and white pen and ink drawing of this tree in the "Art & Antiques" shop in Rocheport. They have 30"x 22" signed and numbered limited edition prints available. mcrr@mchsi.com

There is a beautiful black and white pen and ink drawing of this tree in the "Art & Antiques" shop in Rocheport. They have 30"x 22" signed and numbered limited edition prints available. mcrr@mchsi.com

"Burr Oak Tree " you are talking about is not in Huntsdale or Rochport It is on Route K (just keep going south on Providence) on the south side of Columbia The land it is on may very well be owned by Mr. John Sam Williamson, Jr

There are many legends about this tree. One that I am most familar with is that it is a witches hanging tree. I have also been told that visiting the tree on Halloween is a very eerie experience



At one time there was a plaque at the tree site but vandals destroyed it many years ago.

"Burr Oak Tree " you are talking about is not in Huntsdale or Rochport It is on Route K (just keep going south on Providence) on the south side of Columbia The land it is on may very well be owned by Mr. John Sam Williamson, Jr

There are many legends about this tree. One that I am most familar with is that it is a witches hanging tree. I have also been told that visiting the tree on Halloween is a very eerie experience



At one time there was a plaque at the tree site but vandals destroyed it many years ago.

Does anyone have a bike route from St. Charles to Springfield?

Springfield, MO? Take the Katy Trail to Clinton. Then look at the maps at this link via

modot: http://www.modot.gov/othertransportation/bike_ped/Bike-PedProgram--

RoadandRouteInfo.htm



I drove Highway 13 from Clinton to Springfield not so long ago, and it would be bike

feasible. While there is some traffic (more during the "season" when people are headed to

Branson), but it's not bad.



Once you get to Springfield, there are ample bike trails/routes to get all over town.


May the wind be at your back....!!

For some relief from Highway 13......the Frisco Highline Trail runs for 35 miles from Bolivar to Springfield.



http://www.ozarkgreenways.org/trails.html#aFrisco

I'm looking for accomodations near Augusta for two single girls who want to bike the Katy trail. All of the b&b's are geared toward couples with queen/king beds. Does anyone know of accomodations with either 2 single or 2 double beds per room?

I'm looking for accomodations near Augusta for two single girls who want to bike the Katy trail. All of the b&b's are geared toward couples with queen/king beds. Does anyone know of accomodations with either 2 single or 2 double beds per room?

I'm looking for accomodations near Augusta for two single girls who want to bike the Katy trail. All of the b&b's are geared toward couples with queen/king beds. Does anyone know of accomodations with either 2 single or 2 double beds per room?

I think the Old Town Augusta Inn - near the trail - has a two bed setup.

http://augustainn.com/index.htmlInn

I think the Old Town Augusta Inn - near the trail - has a two bed setup.

http://augustainn.com/index.htmlInn

I think the Old Town Augusta Inn - near the trail - has a two bed setup.

http://augustainn.com/index.htmlInn

About 15 miles west of Augusta is the Peers Store. It's a little country store where you can rent the room above the store overnight for a very reasonable rate. Two beds, very comfortable, and the owner is very interesting and full of stories.

About 15 miles west of Augusta is the Peers Store. It's a little country store where you can rent the room above the store overnight for a very reasonable rate. Two beds, very comfortable, and the owner is very interesting and full of stories.

About 15 miles west of Augusta is the Peers Store. It's a little country store where you can rent the room above the store overnight for a very reasonable rate. Two beds, very comfortable, and the owner is very interesting and full of stories.

If you are just looking for a place to lay your head, check out the cabins at St. Charles County's Klondike park. The are sparse, sleep up to 8, no heat or cooling...but it's a roof, a bed, shower facilities within the park and only $60 (half a B&B).

If you are just looking for a place to lay your head, check out the cabins at St. Charles County's Klondike park. The are sparse, sleep up to 8, no heat or cooling...but it's a roof, a bed, shower facilities within the park and only $60 (half a B&B).

If you are just looking for a place to lay your head, check out the cabins at St. Charles County's Klondike park. The are sparse, sleep up to 8, no heat or cooling...but it's a roof, a bed, shower facilities within the park and only $60 (half a B&B).

I am also getting together a group of girls to ride the katy trail. We were wanting to sleep somewhere near augusta but can't find anything for about 6 people. We don't want to have to rent bed and breakfast rooms. Does anyone have any ideas?

I am also getting together a group of girls to ride the katy trail. We were wanting to sleep somewhere near augusta but can't find anything for about 6 people. We don't want to have to rent bed and breakfast rooms. Does anyone have any ideas?

I am also getting together a group of girls to ride the katy trail. We were wanting to sleep somewhere near augusta but can't find anything for about 6 people. We don't want to have to rent bed and breakfast rooms. Does anyone have any ideas?

Nice historic spot, but the motels are 3.5 miles away--up steep Spring St and then another 3 miles south on Main Street to I70 where the motels are located. When the Isle of Capri Casino opens up their hotel section--2006--it will be across the bridge and very easy access to the trail head, but until then, would not recommend stopping for the night in Booneville if you don't have a chase car!

Not necessarily all true here. If you are starting or finishing a ride in Booneville or passing through, the Comfort Inn is worth checking into. Below is my reply to a recent poster wanting directions to the Comfort Inn:



The Comfort Inn is about a mile east of the Katy...just north of I-70 and a few miles south of Booneville.



If you are riding east to west on the Katy, after you pass the depot in Booneville you will pass through a long stretch of residential district, up a grade for quite a ways and through a small tunnel under a roadway. It's probably 4-5 miles from the depot to the Comfort Inn.



There is a clearing on your left side near mile post #194. A trail through the clearing leads to the Fuqua Homes manufacturing plant. Somewhat confusing there......but, ride through their parking lot toward the south and onto the blacktop road....it will lead you to the Comfort Inn (about a mile) which will be on your right with a truckstop on your left.



We have found the Comfort Inn staff to be very friendly and accomodating. No problem taking your bikes to your room or leaving your car in their parking lot for a few days while you are on the trail.



Enjoy your trip!

- posted 6/29/2005 8:56:48 AM by Trek Biker , St. Joseph, MO

Keep your eyes open to the future, and on the Historic Hotel Frederick. Right on the southeast corner of the Missouri River Brige at 501 High Street Boonville,Mo. Good things are coming.

Wow! Shock and Awe! And all that stuff! Sounds like the palm reader that used to be at the Lake of the Ozarks dam. Seriously now.....so what.....you think you know something no one else does and you're the winner because you are dangling a carrot telling prospective riders nothing. How bout some real information for real people who want to take a real ride. Lets get real!



Post Script....."I seeeeeeee for youuuuu.....great things in the future."

Thanks for letting us know about Hotel Frederick. Any idea WHEN the good things are coming? If you're involved with the hotel, please let me know when it opens so I can include it in the website.

I have mentioned this elsewhere, but it is pertinent to this comment, too. We had a wonderful time at a B&B in Boonville called the Officer's Club. You still can't avoid the hill on Spring Street, but it's close to the trail.

Maybe it's because I grew up in Boonville climbing all those hills, but I just don't see what is so tough about Spring Street from the depot to Main street. It's NOT that steep, and it certainly isn't long. If you don't like that "hill", don't even THINK about staying in Augusta.... (:

There is two B & B 's that I know of that are 2 blocks from the trail and the bridge. One is riverview suites 660-882-0300 and the other is four doors inn. I can't remember the other number. Also the Officers Club on 3rd Street. Just a few more flat blocks.

One of the nicest B&B's in the state, Rivercene Mansion, is at the end of the Boonville bridge. Staying at a Civil War mansion is alot nicer than most places. The rooms are big and beautiful, and the acreage makes it very relaxing. The four of us stayed there for less than $45 each, and that included a nice breakfast.