St. Joseph Travel Guide

With a number of beautiful buildings that have found their way onto the National Register of Historical Places and over a dozen educational area museums, St. Joseph is truly the definition of historical beauty. St. Joseph also boasts a thriving arts scene and an an abundance of greenery and public park space, making it a great vacation destination for families.

Things to Do in St. Joseph

To start their grand Missouri adventure, those who traveled to St. Joseph for its array of museums can spend a weekend taking tours. They can tour the Pony Express Museum, the Patee House Museum, the Robidoux Row Museum among many others. Many guests find that the most intrigue comes with the discovery of the Glore Psychiatric Museum, however, as it offers a thoughtfully laid out look into the treatment of psychiatric disorders in ancient Rome and Greece. Guests can also make their way down to Krug Park where they can stroll the paved walking trails that lead around the park’s lagoon, rose gardens, and native animal exhibit, play a few rounds of golf on the Fairview Golf Course, spend an afternoon wine tasting at 503 Winery, or enjoy a live production at the Robidoux Landing Playhouse.

Best Places to Stay in St. Joseph

Many of St. Joseph’s vacation rentals are within walking distance of the city’s various museums and parks, making them ideal for those looking to experience all of what St. Joseph has to offer. Each rental is adorned with modern decor and full kitchens, as well as a large living room, and scenic views. The best area to stay, as agreed by most travelers, is the downtown St. Joseph area, as it gives easy access to shopping, restaurants, and any events that may be taking place.

Best Time to Visit St. Joseph

The best time to visit the city is during the end of summer or the middle of Spring when the weather is warm and sunny but not too hot.

Best Events in St. Joseph

St. Joseph is known for its elaborate celebrations. A few of the best annual events include the Apple Blossom Festival, St. Patrick’s Fiesta, the Southside Fall Festival, PumpkinFest, and the Sugarplum Festival. PumpkinFest features a costume parade, carnival rides, food, games, local artisans and crafters, and the notorious Great Pumpkin Mountain -- a collection of hundreds of elaborately lighted and carved pumpkins.

Things to Do for Families in St. Joseph

In nearby Benton Harbor, children and their families can witness the charm of a restored vintage carousel when the take a ride on the Silver Beach Carousel, or engage in an afternoon of wholesome family-fun when they go bowling at the Southside Family Fun Center, cool off at the St. Joseph Aquatic Park, and create their own unique masterpieces by taking a class at the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. They can also take a weekend to go camping at Lewis and Clark State Park, which features wonderful places for bird watching, spacious campsites, fishing docks, and picnic areas.