Katy Trail Forum

My wife and I recently spent two nights at the Doll House bed & breakfast in Rhineland. Highly recommended! Clean rooms, excellent food and GREAT people!

I couldn't agree more with your impression of the Doll House B & B. Amanda & Jeff are great people, the rooms are clean and the bathrooms large. The breakfast is delicious as is the food across the road at the diner/bar.

Thank you so much for your kind words!!!

I hope you come back sometime!

Amanda Schaefer

The Doll House B & B

Agreed. Very much enjoyed it when I stopped there last September.

Memorial Day 2005 trip: Amanda fixed us breakfast an hour before her regular schedule when we told her we wanted to hit the trail early. And what a great breakfast! Truly a wonderful stay -- and right on the trail. Nice to stay in a place that is so clearly tied to the Katy experience. I was happy that we skipped Hermann lodging (which was full anyway) for Rhineland!

How is it that you chose certain lodge facilities and not others? I looked on my own to the independant towns and found lodging options not listed on your site.

Are your listings of facilities fee-based?

This website lists ALL the lodging, restaurant, etc. businesses that I'm aware of on or near the trail, and I attempt to validate the listings at least twice a year. It's an ongoing struggle, because businesses are always opening and closing, but I consider it very important for the listings to be complete.



PLEASE let me know if you find any errors or omissions, for the benefit of other trail users who might be using the website to plan their trips. Here's a page with details on how to contact me.



If you are a business owner near the Katy Trail and you think your business should be listed on the website, you may add your business using this link, or just send me an email with all the details (see "how to contact me" link above). There is no fee whatsoever to be listed here.



Again, by letting me know of any missing businesses, you're not just doing me a favor, you're doing a favor for the many other trail users who use this website. Thanks in advance for your help!

Correct me if I'm wrong Ray, but don't you pretty much run this website out of the goodness of your heart? If you count all the time you've put into this website and deduct expenses like phone calls, do you even make minimum wage from your sales?

Hehe - minimum wage would be nice, I'm not even up to a third-world sweatshop wage yet. :-) Seriously, yes I built and run the BikeKatyTrail website because I love the Katy Trail, and enjoy building websites. I build commercial websites for a living, and decided to combine my interests by building this site. The pay is horrible and the hours are long, but it's lots of fun!

Well, can I just say that I truly appreciate your website!! My family is planning a trip to the Katy Trail in Oct, and this website is a HUGE help! Thanks for all your efforts! *I'm SO excited!*

I think this is a great resource!



I've stayed there once before I lived locally and a couple times since. (It's a climb getting out of the river flood plain, rather do it in the morning) I leave magnets on the fridge, Please take one and leave a small donation for the hostel.

I think this is a great resource!



I've stayed there once before I lived locally and a couple times since. (It's a climb getting out of the river flood plain, rather do it in the morning) I leave magnets on the fridge, Please take one and leave a small donation for the hostel.

This was a nice place to stay. It was only $12 for the night and the owners were really nice. The campgrounds have firepits and lots of shade.

This was a nice place to stay. It was only $12 for the night and the owners were really nice. The campgrounds have firepits and lots of shade.

If you stay at the Roundhouse Friday or Saturday night, make sure you eat dinner with John (the owner). He and his wife have a moderately priced restaurant and serve up very fine food.

If you stay at the Roundhouse Friday or Saturday night, make sure you eat dinner with John (the owner). He and his wife have a moderately priced restaurant and serve up very fine food.

Are small motorised or Elect.bikes allowed?

Yes, within certain guidelines. According to the MO Department of Natural Resources: "Electrically assisted pedal-powered bicycles and tricycles (maximum speed of 20 MPH) as well as electrically powered-mobility devices for persons with disabilities such as motorized wheelchairs and scooters are allowed".

Talk to Chuck at Chuck Bike's in Booneville. He rents just what you're looking for.

Can anyone give some advice on the least expensive way to get to the Amtrak Station from St. Charles? The shuttle services would be nice, but I'm looking for something less expensive. I would guess we're not going to want to bike from St. Charles to Kirkwood after riding 225 miles either. Any comments / ideas would be most appreciated.

Which bike rental places would you recommend? We will probably have 4 people incl. an 8 year old child. I don't want to pay too much but would like good service. What are your recommendations?

BTW, we'll be coming from Saint Louis.

Could I make the entire Katy Trail on a hybrid bike, rather than a road bike? My hybrid is pretty light.

I don't think any bikes were used to make the KATY trail. Seriously, could you rephrase the question? People use all kinds of bikes to ride the KATY trail. While I've logged 90+% of my KATY miles on road style bikes, I'd say hybrids and mountain bikes are more common than road bikes.

I beg to differ. Had bikes not been being used by avid riders like yourself.....the Katy Trail would not be what it is today.



Bikes were used to make the Katy Trail.

Yes, you will be fine with a hybrid, I would recommend the hybrid over the road bike for riding the Katy Trail.

Indeed, metaphorically, bikes built the KATY trail.

Hm, a clever bunch, you Katy Trailers are. Thank you for the input.

Are all the bike rental places open on Memorial Day weekend? Specifically in Marthasville? If we start in Marthasville, which way would you recommend going? We will probably take our 8 year old daughter along so I guess we'll be slightly limited as to how many miles we can cover. Any suggestion for a nice family biking escapade?

Just about all the businesses along the trail will be open for the holiday weekend, especially the rental places. But I'd still recommend calling in advance, to reserve your bikes. On busy weekends like this, they might be all rented out by the time you get there, if you don't have reservations.

I have just returned from a walk on the Katy Trail and then lunch at Terry and Kathy's. What a great time. We had a terrific lunch (awesome cheeseburgers) and enjoyed hanging out with the locals. By the time we left, we felt like a part of the community. They DO take credit cards for lunch inside and outside on the deck. This is definitely a place I will visit often. Terry and Kathy's has a great reputation in the community and in St. Charles County. The first comment sounds like someone who had a long, bad day, and I'm sure Terry and Kathy's wasn't the cause, just the scapegoat! Keep up the great work!

I have just returned from a walk on the Katy Trail and then lunch at Terry and Kathy's. What a great time. We had a terrific lunch (awesome cheeseburgers) and enjoyed hanging out with the locals. By the time we left, we felt like a part of the community. They DO take credit cards for lunch inside and outside on the deck. This is definitely a place I will visit often. Terry and Kathy's has a great reputation in the community and in St. Charles County. The first comment sounds like someone who had a long, bad day, and I'm sure Terry and Kathy's wasn't the cause, just the scapegoat! Keep up the great work!

Do they serve fish??



Something sure seems fishy here....maybe just coincidence....oh well....can you Biggie Size that for me?

Do they serve fish??



Something sure seems fishy here....maybe just coincidence....oh well....can you Biggie Size that for me?

What is the best way to get from Clinton to Warrensburg to catch the Amtrak. We probably wont bike it and we don't have a car.



Thanks for any help you can give?



Dave

Check out this discussion from awhile back, about routes from Warrensburg to Clinton. I imagine you could follow the same route in the opposite direction.

Would like to hear anyone's comments on riding from Sedalia to N. Jeff and taking the train back. Lodging recommendations or caveats? Any problems crossing the bridge at Boonville?

Would like to hear anyone's comments on riding from Sedalia to N. Jeff and taking the train back. Lodging recommendations or caveats? Any problems crossing the bridge at Boonville?

Rode the trail from Clinton to Hermann in April. Took the AMTRACK from Hermann to Sedelia and caught a shuttle from Sedelia to Clinton. No problem with the bridge at Booneville. AMTRACK was great, no problem getting on and off the train with the bike. Watch out for the horseback riders on the stretch from Clinton to Sedelia. They think they own this stretch and are very demanding in their willingness to let you by.

Rode the trail from Clinton to Hermann in April. Took the AMTRACK from Hermann to Sedelia and caught a shuttle from Sedelia to Clinton. No problem with the bridge at Booneville. AMTRACK was great, no problem getting on and off the train with the bike. Watch out for the horseback riders on the stretch from Clinton to Sedelia. They think they own this stretch and are very demanding in their willingness to let you by.

We have really enjoyed using Amtrak, but they make it hard. I think if they would be more accomodating about tandems, trail-a-bikes, and larger parties (we can't use it this year because we have 8 in our party), they would get lots of trail business.

We have really enjoyed using Amtrak, but they make it hard. I think if they would be more accomodating about tandems, trail-a-bikes, and larger parties (we can't use it this year because we have 8 in our party), they would get lots of trail business.

I am planning on another Katy ride and would like to overnite in Columbia. Any comments...suggestions on logistics once I get to town on the spur. Where to stay....best routes through town to that lodging destination.....etc. Thanks.

Stay on the MKT spur until you get mile marker 1.4. Here there is a parking lot that leads to Stadium Blvd. Stadium is heavily traveled, but there is a good, wide shoulder on which to ride. Turn left (north) on Stadium, there are several motels about two to three miles away. Some suggestions are Baymont Inns & Suites, 2500 Interstate 70 Dr. SW; Days Inn, 1900 Interstate 70 Dr. SW; Drury Inn, 1000 Knipp St.; Holiday Inn Select, 2200 Interstate 70 Dr. SW; Econo Lodge, 900 Interstate 70 Dr. SW. These are also several good places to eat near all these motels. www.gocolumbiamo.com/ParksandRec/Parks/MKT_Trail will give you good information on the MKT.

I would take the trail all the way into downtown and then stay at either the Taylor House, Missouri Manor, University Avenue or the Gathering Place, all B&B's within easy riding of the trail head at Flat Branch Park. The owners of the establishments could direct you--all would be east across campus except for Taylor House. The only tricky part of the trail in town is knowing what to do at Stewart Road. The trail will seem to end at a fairly busy intersection with a stop light--cross to the diagonally opposite corner(Northeast) and follow the sidewalk for a short distance until it veers off to the right. You then cross two streets, Elm and Locust to get to the trail head. If you are going to one of the B&B's near campus, you might just cross eastbound on Stewart Road. It goes about 3 blocks before dead-ending into the campus, which is very bikeable.

Hi! I love your site and find it very helpful.

I am considering hiking the entire trail solo sometime next year. Needless to say, my wife and kids think I am semi-nuts. I have a few questions.

First off, is their a sister-site to this having to do with hiking the trail?

Second, I am planning on camping about half of the nights on the trail. The other half I will be able to sleep at home or will try to grab a B&B or hotel. If I get into an area without a campground within the walking distance of a sore-footed 42 year old, how feasible is it to just camp by the side of the trail? I intend to stop in the various towns at night, but some evidently don't have a camping area or I might not always be ready to stop for the day. Ha! Does anyone have any insight on this?

Tim & I just spent a wonderful week biking the Katy from Clinton

to Hermann and back, 300 miles total. The trail conditions were

perfect on 98 percent of the trail, and even the small amount of

rainy conditions we biked through did not harm the trail. We used

our 20 year old road bikes with 27 x 1 3/8" hybrid tires. We

stayed in B&B's and traveled light, no trailers. We had one

broken spoke (old bike) and the cycle shop in downtown Sedalia

(across from the Hotel Brothwell) fixed it up very quickly for us.

We would like to thank Missouri for the fun trail, and thank the

following B&B's for their great accomodations: The Globe Hotel

in Hartsburg, Doug Rendelman B&B in Bluffton, Rivercene in

New Franklin, Hotel Brothwell in Sedalia, Pilot Grove B&B,

Schoolhouse B&B in Rocheport, and Cruse's Cabooses in

Windsor. Cruce's Cabooses was fun, just 1 1/2 miles off the trail

on a gravel road (we had to walk the bikes part of the way) but

the cabooses were very nice and we enjoyed the breakfast that

was left for us in the small kitchen in the caboose. The campfire

was nice in the evening.

Our favorite dining experience was Katy's Roundhouse in New

Franklin, and the Beaugolais winery near Rocheport was great

for a picinic. We had a great week and hope to return sometime

for the Hermann to St. Charles ride. Thanks to all, Karen & Tim

Glad that you had a great time, Karen! That is high praise coming from someone in Wisconsin! I spent four days in Elroy last July riding the trails there before going on to SAGBRAW. Elroy was wonderful, and I will go back again someday.

Hi,I am a waitress at Dutzow Deli.If you enjoy good food at reasonable prices stop in and join us. Just be sure that you have a few minutes to spare. All of our food is made fresh when you order so nothing sits under a heat lamp. All of the waitresses Are Happy to Serve You and Welcome New Faces. P.S. Tips are Greatly Appreciated.....

Is this the same Dutzow establishment that has a sign posted refusing to let KATY users to use the restroom facilities?

The Concord-Hill Bed and Breakfast, right near Peers & Marthasville is very nice and quiet. Has it's own wine cellar and hot tub! Owners are very nice and great cooks!!!

Planning to camp on a ride from Clinton to ST. Charles. Can't seem to locate any campgrounds with showers. Any info concerning showers would be much appreciated.

I wouldn't plan on it, but a Marthasville resident let us use the shower in their home. She also gave us a couple of beers and it was all we could to do to decline a home cooked meal.

Most of the regular campgrounds have showers (as opposed to the city parks that allow camping, and the occasional bar or restaurant that will let you pitch a tent). For example, Katy Roundhouse in New Franklin. Here's a list of campgrounds

The Rendleman Home in Bluffton at mile 110.8 has showers for campers

Showers we used:



Hermann: City park, where we camped, had dingy usable showers in the bathhouse. Look for the RVers, and the bathhouse closest to them.



Tebbetts: We didn't end up staying at the hostel, but it was open so we showered before heading on.



Pilot Grove: The city park with the little pool has showers in the bathhouse. You could probably shower without paying to swim, but the swim was darned nice.

How well is the trail patrolled? I've never ridden it. Do rangers make regular trips? Is it safe

to stop along the trail?

I've covered every inch of the trail and have never seen anything like a ranger. As I've said in another post, you should treat the KATY trail as any other back country trip. First, no matter how insignificant a trip, make sure someone knows your itinerary and will be able to verify your safe arrival. Second, do not go alone if you will be away from a highly developed area. Third, think of what could possibly go wrong and have contingency plans. I'm not trying to scare you off, rather, I'd encourage you to push your limits in exploring. It's just that many of us become accustomed to having every service within 5 minutes and aren't conditioned in being self-sufficient.

A couple of years ago I did get rather frightened as I had a man who was stalking me. I am a single woman who usually bikes alone on the trail. This was on a Friday and the trail was not very populated at the time. He came alongside me, wanting to ride with me. I declined and he appeared upset and turned around the other way. So I was relieved. Shockingly, later when I went to turn around to head back, he was behind me and tried to dive into the bushes to hide. Fortunately, I am a black belt in Tai Kwon Do-not that I'd want to use it but I would if put in the situation. Even more fortunate, a couple was just coming back my way so I tagged along behind them. So DO be careful if you go on your own. I still go out on my own as I hate not being able to be on the trail. I just try to go during busier times now.

I would just like to let everyone now what a great experince I had at such a wonderful restaurant. They have an outside deck that overlooks the katy trail. The service was verrry friendly. I felt right at home. They're also kid friendly, I know since I had several with me. The food was some of the best I've ever had and inexpensive too. The next time I'm in St. Charles I'm going to pedal there. Do yourself a favor and try it.... you'll be happy you did.

I would just like to let everyone now what a great experince I had at such a wonderful restaurant. They have an outside deck that overlooks the katy trail. The service was verrry friendly. I felt right at home. They're also kid friendly, I know since I had several with me. The food was some of the best I've ever had and inexpensive too. The next time I'm in St. Charles I'm going to pedal there. Do yourself a favor and try it.... you'll be happy you did.

I have to say you are sooo right. This had to be one of the best places I've ever stopped at on the Katy Trail. The staff were the nicest I've ever had, not to mention the great food. It really hit the spot after a long ride. Did you know they have their own bottled water? I will be back....

I have to say you are sooo right. This had to be one of the best places I've ever stopped at on the Katy Trail. The staff were the nicest I've ever had, not to mention the great food. It really hit the spot after a long ride. Did you know they have their own bottled water? I will be back....

I agree with both of you. Is that a neat building or what???? The food was great, the folks working there were super, the deck is awsome!!!! A great place to take a break after a long ride!!!

I agree with both of you. Is that a neat building or what???? The food was great, the folks working there were super, the deck is awsome!!!! A great place to take a break after a long ride!!!

Dad (70) and I are planning to ride from Sedalia to Dutzow and catch the train back to Sedalia. Camping each night. First night camping will be at the MO State fairgrounds. Question: is free parking available at the fairgrounds or would it be better to leave my van at the Amtrak station?

Also, is the bridge from Dutzow to Washington really that bad? we are both fairly experienced cyclists. Any input is most appreciated. Thanks!

Jarome

I have been planning a similar trip for this summer and have emailed the Sedalia Chamber of Commerce and this was their reply:



You have 2 choices you can leave your vehicle at 2nd and Osage 2 block from the Amtrak station and across the street from the police station, or you can leave it at the Katy Trail State Park Trailhead in the DNR parking lot on the east side of the Katy Depot, that is 6-7 blocks away and is next to the Katy trail. Both are secure.



Annette Ray

Visitor Services Manager



Sedalia Area Chamber of Commerce

Convention & Visitors Bureau

600 East Third

Sedalia, MO 65301

800-827-5295

660-826-2932 ext.16

aray@visitsedaliamo.com

I'd like to bike the state of Missouri, and I mean the whole shebang, border to border. east to west. I know I can use the Katy Trail for most of it, but I'm having difficulty finding information on getting from Clinton, Mo. to the Kansas state line. Any information you can give me would be much, much appreciated.