Jefferson Landing State Historic Site occupies a compact riverfront district in Jefferson City, Missouri, at the point where the Missouri River once received the steamboat traffic that linked the state capital to markets and settlements upstream and downstream. Developed as a commercial landing from the 1830s onward, the site played a central role in the economic and political life of antebellum Missouri, receiving supplies, passengers, and correspondence critical to the functioning of state government. The complex is administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and is one of the few intact remnants of the antebellum Missouri River levee streetscape in the state.
The site's two principal historic structures are the Lohman Building (circa 1839) and the Union Hotel (circa 1855), both of which have been restored and adapted for interpretive use. The Lohman Building—a two-story Federal-style limestone warehouse—now houses the Missouri State Museum's River Branch, which presents the natural and cultural history of the Missouri River system, including the fur trade, the steamboat age, and the river's role in the Civil War. Exhibits include period navigational instruments, steamboat artifacts, and historical maps tracing the river's changing course and commercial importance.
The Union Hotel, a three-story brick structure, operated as a commercial hotel and meeting place during the mid-19th century and has been repurposed as a gallery and reception facility. The Elizabeth Rozier Gallery within the site hosts rotating exhibitions of Missouri art and history. The surrounding Jefferson Landing plaza features outdoor interpretive signage tracing the riverfront's development and its historical relationship to the Missouri State Capitol, visible on the bluff above.
The site's location adjacent to the Missouri River Trail and the Katy Trail State Park makes it a natural stopping point for cyclists and walkers exploring Missouri's rail-trail network. Admission to the grounds and to the Missouri State Museum river exhibits is free, making Jefferson Landing one of the most accessible historic sites in the state capital.
Why it matters
Jefferson Landing in Jefferson City preserves one of the few intact antebellum Missouri River commercial levee streetscapes in the state, representing the era when Missouri River steamboat traffic served as the primary artery of commerce and governance connecting the capital to the rest of Missouri.
Location
100 Jefferson Landing Rd, Jefferson City, MO 65101
38.5762, -92.1730 View on map
Highlights
- Lohman Building (c. 1839): restored Federal-style limestone warehouse housing Missouri River natural and cultural history exhibits
- Union Hotel (c. 1855): original mid-19th-century commercial hotel with period architectural details preserved
- Missouri State Museum River Branch: steamboat-era artifacts, fur-trade displays, and Missouri River navigational history
- Riverside plaza with interpretive signage and Missouri River views from the historic steamboat levee
- Direct access to the Katy Trail State Park, Missouri's 237-mile rail-trail along the Missouri River corridor
Tips for visiting
- Admission to the grounds and museum exhibits is free—ideal for a half-day stop in Jefferson City.
- Combine with a free guided tour of the Missouri State Capitol, a short walk uphill from the landing.
- The Katy Trail trailhead is immediately adjacent; cyclists can lock bikes at the landing and explore the historic site on foot.
- Hours are Mon–Sat 10am–4pm; confirm current hours before planning an afternoon visit as seasonal changes apply.
- The Elizabeth Rozier Gallery hosts rotating Missouri art exhibitions—check current programming details before visiting.
When to visit
Spring and fall offer the most pleasant conditions for the outdoor riverside plaza. The indoor museum exhibits are comfortable year-round; visit on weekday mornings for the quietest experience.
Accessibility
The riverside plaza and the Lohman Building ground floor are wheelchair accessible. Historic structures have original uneven floors and narrow doorways; contact Missouri Department of Natural Resources in advance for specific accommodation guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jefferson Landing State Historic Site free to visit?
Yes, admission to the grounds, the Missouri State Museum River Branch, and the Elizabeth Rozier Gallery is free of charge.
How long does a visit to Jefferson Landing take?
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to 90 minutes at the site. Combining it with a free guided tour of the nearby Missouri State Capitol adds another 60–90 minutes.
Is the site accessible for visitors with mobility limitations?
The riverside plaza and the Lohman Building ground floor are accessible. The historic structures have uneven floors and narrow doorways; contact the site in advance for specific accessibility information.
Can families with children visit?
Yes. The Missouri River exhibits are engaging for older children, and the riverside outdoor setting is pleasant for families. There are no admission fees for any age group.