Jefferson City – Things to do with your Team
Jefferson City, or Jeff as it’s referred to by the locals, is named after the United States’ third president Thomas Jefferson. The city was designated Missouri’s new capital in 1821 and saw prosperity until the Civil War arrived at its front door. During the war, Union troops actually ousted the state legislators from the city and occupied it for themselves. Throughout Jefferson City there are reminders of its history that are worth checking out. Hopefully, you and your team will be able to find a good balance between historic attractions and amusing activities during your stay.
Missouri State Penitentiary
One of Jefferson City’s landmark attractions, Missouri State Penitentiary has a bit of an eerie vibe as you walk up to it, but the history that awaits you inside is absolutely captivating. This 168 year old penitentiary is one of the oldest in the nation and was housing inmates for over 100 years by the time Alcatraz opened. Decommissioned in 2004, the state penitentiary has become a museum for any and all people to experience.
Participants must be at least 10 years old to go on any of the tours the penitentiary offers. Take a two hour guided tour with a very knowledgeable staff member and learn of the shocking and gruesome stories of Missouri State Penitentiary. Walk through a few housing units where prisoners once stayed and view a large portion of the prison from the upper yard. The tour even takes you to the gas chambers. As you walk through the penitentiary, the guide will educate you on infamous prisoners that once resided there such as Sonny Liston and James Earl Ray. While this tour is extremely interesting, it can be a little graphic at times and eye opening to the conditions of older prisons. 115 Lafayette St, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Runge Conservation Nature Center
Explore the great outdoors and get some fresh air while you’re in Jefferson City. Runge Conservation Nature Center offers a lot of outdoor activities for your team to take advantage of. Walk through the center’s different trails, each encompassing a unique habitat like wetland, forest, or prairie. Included in the nature center are live animal exhibits. Gaze into aquariums teeming with fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Runge also has a bee colony on its premises. Many species of birds also frequent the nature center and call it home, making it an ideal location to bird watch. Take the team to Runge for an unrivaled nature experience that you won’t be able to get anywhere else in the area. 330 Commerce Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65109
Central Dairy
A local hotspot in Jefferson, and for good reason, Central Dairy is the pinnacle of ice cream parlors in Missouri. Treat the team to some homemade ice cream after a hard fought game. With over 20 different flavors, like candy bar whirl, brownie fudge with M&M’s, and strawberry cheesecake, Central Dairy is a kid’s paradise. Get your ice cream in a cone, bowl, sundae, milkshake, malt, or float. You also have a multitude of toppings to choose from. There are just so many options. These will be the most challenging ice cream related decision you will ever have to make. 610 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Museum of Missouri Military History
Have any military history buffs on the team? If so, Museum of Missouri Military History is a must see. Upon arrival you will be greeted with helicopters, tanks, and airplanes residing directly outside the museum. Take some time to examine these awesome pieces of machinery before you enter the museum. Inside you can trace Missouri’s military history all the way from the beginnings of the state’s militia in 1808 to present day. Learn about Missouri’s crucial role in the Civil and World Wars and study war artifacts and relics. Museum of Missouri Military History provides a holistic representation of Missouri’s military history in a way that captivates all visitors. 2405 Logistics Rd, Jefferson City, MO 65101
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Goodrich Capital 8 Theater
Hoping to catch that big blockbuster hit before it departs from theaters? Why not take the team to the movies while you’re in Jefferson City? Head to Goodrich Capital 8 Theater and enjoy a classic movie experience. The theater looks a little like a movie theater from a few decades ago in terms of its décor, but the cinema itself is well maintained and very clean. You and your team have the option of nine movies to pick from. After you decide the movie, grab your popcorn and soda and remember to get refills. The theater offers free drink refills and 50 cent popcorn refills on any size. Any movie goers who are 11 or younger receive discounts on tickets. 3550 Country Club Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65109
Sk8 Zone
Whether you’ve never roller skated before in your life or are very comfortable on four wheels, Sk8 Zone will be a fun stop for the team. The rink hosts public skate sessions throughout the week, making this a flexible activity that you can take advantage of whenever you have some free time. Another plus to Sk8 Zone is its cheap prices to skate. The team will enjoy Sk8 Zone so much they won’t want to take their skates off. 301 Flora Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Capital Mall
Forgot to pack something, or simply looking to find a souvenir to bring home; Capital Mall is the destination you’re looking for. This one floor mall will provide an all-inclusive shopping trip. Anything you might need, Capital Mall has for sale. Let the team browse for an hour and get something to eat by themselves. This is an easy outing to plan, and one that everyone will be happy to take part in. 3600 Country Club Dr, Jefferson City, MO 65109
Memorial Park Family Aquatic Center
If you’re visiting Jefferson City during the summer months, than Memorial Park Family Aquatic Center is your ticket to escape the heat. Not just a pool, the aquatic center includes four water slides, a lily pad walk, and a climbing wall. You won’t find a more exciting way to cool off in Jefferson City than Memorial Park Family Aquatic Center. Groups of 20 are eligible for a small discount on an already very cheap admission price. To receive the discount, the aquatic center requires that you call ahead of your visit. 120 Binder Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109
Jefferson City’s diversity of attractions makes it a desirable destination. While your team stays there for a tournament they will have the opportunity to see and do a lot. Getting to everything the team will want to do will be difficult. If you missed out on some things, you know exactly where to pick up when you return to Jefferson City.