The county seat of Cooper County, Boonville is 22 miles west of Columbia, Missouri 99 miles east of Kansas City, Missouri. Its popularity with visitors predates the arrival of Lewis and Clark, back to when the city was first settled in 1810. The city was the site of an early the American Civil War battle in 1861 when the Union forces defeated a small and poorly equipped force of the Missouri State Guard. The city name was derived from the sons of Daniel Boone who established their salt lick business. The area is called the Boone's Lick and the route from the lick to St. Charles/St. Louis, Missouri is called the Boone's Lick Trail. This is considered the original start of the Santa Fe Trail.
Over half of the 237 mile Katy Trail follows Lewis and Clark's path up the Missouri River. America's longest "rails-to-trail" project is ideal for hiking, running or cycling. Horseback riding is also allowed on a 35 mile section of the trail, from Sedalia to Clinton. Besides Katy Trail State Park, there’s Rock Bridge Memorial State Park which offers hiking in the Gans Creek Wild Area plus access to Connor's Cave, a large cave system with its rock bridge, sinkholes, a spring and underground stream at the Devil's Icebox. For cultural interest, Boonville hosts eight major festivals including Our Missouri River Festival of the Arts, the longest running performing arts festival in the state and the Big Muddy Folk Festival. See the Budweiser Clydesdale up close with a tour of Warm Springs Ranch, a breeding farm in Booneville and learn how they determine which horses get to pull the beer wagon. And yes, there will be opportunities to sample some of that beer. Whether you’re touring KATY Trail state park, getting in touch with Missouri’s history or just seeking fun things to see and do in the heartland, you’ll have great accommodations and amenities waiting for you when you stay at one of our Choice Hotels in Boonville, MO. Book a room online now!