Missouri Biking Trails 2020

2020Cover.indd 1

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June 1 - June 5 2020

Featuring Poplar Bluff Sikeston Cape Girardeau Perryville Farmington Ste. Genevieve

Registration Now Open! www.bigbamride.com

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Contents & Trail Locations HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE This guide features Missouri Life’s favorite bike trails as well as popular rides from a few Missouri communities.

You will find the icons below on some of these pages, indicating whether that trail is considered a road trail or a dedicated path. You’ll also find charts with details about trailheads whose numbers correspond with the maps. Some routes do not have designated trailheads, but you’ll find highlighted towns that would be good places to stop and explore. We created this guide to serve you as you explore Missouri—take it with you on your next cycling trip, and you’ll never be far from adventure!

CONTENTS The Urban Trail �������������������������������������������������� 4 Clay County �������������������������������������������������������� 5 Benton County ��������������������������������������������������� 6 Springfield ����������������������������������������������������������� 8 Ruby Jack Trail ��������������������������������������������������16 Bicycle Route 66 Trail ������������������������������������� 17 Rolla ���������������������������������������������������������������������18 Cape LaCroix Trail ��������������������������������������������19 Great Rivers Greenways ��������������������������������20 St. Charles County Parks & Recreation ������21 Katy Trail & Rock Island Trail ������������������������22 Missouri State Parks ���������������������������������������24 MKT Trail ������������������������������������������������������������26 Boonville ������������������������������������������������������������27 Safety Tips ��������������������������������������������������������30

THE SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY

208 Columbia St., Rocheport, MO 65279 573-514-5453 | Info@MissouriLife.com

September 28

Publisher Greg Wood Editor-in-Chief Danita Allen Wood

through

october 2

EDITORIAL & ART

Special Projects Editor Rebecca French Smith Graphic Designer Express KCS Inc. MARKETING • 877-57 0-9898

www.Bikekaty.com

Advertising & Marketing Director Deborah Marshall, 573-514-5453 Advertising & Marketing Coordinator Jolene Metzen, 573-514-5453, ext. 1

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HOW TO REACH US Subscription Information: MissouriLife.com missourilife@emailcustomerservice.com 1-800-492-2593 All Other Information: 1-877-570-9898 info@missourilife.com Missouri Life, PO Box 57, 208 Columbia St., Rocheport, MO 65279 [3] Missouri Biking Trails Guide

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The Urban Trail

15.8 miles Access Site

Parking

Restrooms

1 Krug Park

Yes

Yes

Yes

2 Noyes Field

Yes

Yes

Yes

3 Bartlett Park

Yes

Yes

Yes

4 Hyde Park

Yes

Yes

Yes

northwest

Water

Recreation Complex

Don’t let the name fool you. Yes, this biking and walking trail bisects downtown St. Joseph, but lush greenery along the former railroad line imparts a scenic corridor feel. The main route reaches from Hyde Park on the south to where it intersects with Ferndale Avenue on the north and connects some of the city’s major parks and recreation facilities. In addition, three branches extending from the root trail provide the opportunity for extra mileage and exploration.

Starting from ninety-three-acre Hyde Park, the ten-foot-wide concrete path ambles alongside tree-lined Southwest Parkway. The steep hills in this section may take some flatlanders by surprise and give their legs a wake-up call. But the climbs are never long, and the descents on the other side make the effort worthwhil .

Top: Historic St. Joseph is home to thirteen museums but is best known as the home of the Pony Express. Courtesy Visit St. Joseph Bottom: Stop at the Pony Express National Museum and learn about the creation, operation, and termination of the historic western mail service. Courtesy Missouri Division of Tourism

A roundabout of red brick not far beyond the Bode Sports Complex allows riders to head east for a jaunt through pleasant suburban St. Joseph to South Riverside Road or to continue north to Fairview Golf Course and several great parks and playgrounds.

Going north at the next split in the trail will take pedalers to the main terminus at Ferndale Avenue—not far from 163-acre Krug Park and its Italian Renaissance structures and landscaping— or you can head east or west to discover more.

A network of smaller mountain-bike trails near Corby Pond on Corby Parkway will call to those with an off-road affin .

As the day comes to a close, everyone in your crew will appreciate the outstanding architecture of historic downtown St. Joseph, where you can take in lovely views of the Missouri River and refuel with excellent food and drinks at a bevy of cafes, restaurants, and pubs. Be sure to tour the famous Pony Express National Museum before you leave. It just might inspire you to set a new speed record on your next ride.

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Smithville Lake Trail System

VisitClay

36.1 miles

ESCAPE THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE of the city for a scenic getaway to Smithville Lake. Surrounded by lush greenery in the warmer months and vibrant colors in the fall, Smithville Lake sets the perfect backdrop for any outdoor adventure. With 7,200 acres of lake to explore and numerous recreational opportunities, the lake is ready to help you experience nature.

Smithville Lake is home to a collection of scenic trails, the majority of which are paved to make for smooth bike rides. Every trail around the lake offers scenic views and the chance to experience local Missouri nature.

Bird-watching is a popular hobby for lake visitors, and every trip along the trails often includes sightings of the lake’s native and migratory bird residents.

Each trail at Smithville Lake provides various degrees of difficulty some are flat and fairly easy to navigate while others boast hills and steep inclines.

For those seeking a truly challenging ride, Smithville Lake is home to two dirt mountain biking trails: Copperhead Ridge and Whispering Pine.

The majority of Smithville Lake’s trails are accessible from the lake’s campgrounds, which makes biking (and hiking) a fantastic activity to do in tandem with a weekend spent camping. There are countless activities to enjoy at the lake apart from biking: swimming, kayaking, boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and more. No matter which outdoor adventure you choose to experience while exploring Smithville Lake, you’ll have an outing worth repeating.

Access Site

Miles

Parking

Restrooms

Bicycle Fix-it Station

1 Cabin Fever Trail

7.5

Yes

Yes

Yes

2 Camp Branch Trail

6.0

Yes

Yes

No

3 Anita B. Gorman Trail

1.9

Yes

Yes

Yes

4 Eagle’s View Trail

1.5

Yes

No

No

5 Bonebender Trail

6.0

Yes

Yes

Yes

6 Copperhead Ridge Trail

1.0

No

No

No

7 Whispering Pine Trail

1.5

No

No

No

8 Smoke & Davey Trail

2.7

Yes

Yes

Yes

9 Little Platte North Trail

2.5

Yes

Yes

Yes

10 Little Platte South Trail

5.5

Yes

Yes

Yes

Both paved and unpaved trails in the Smithville Lake Trails System offer scenic views of the la e and landscape. Clay County Tourism

For more information, visit Smithville-Lake.com or VisitClayMO.com, or call 816-407-3400 or 816-407-3659.

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Your Trail Adventures Begin in Benton County!

Begin with Adventure. End Exhilarated. can supply you with a pre-routed ride, or you can mix up different sections for a whole new adventure. No motorized vehicles or horses are allowed in the park.

Warsaw Riverfront Trails and Historic Joe Dice Swinging Bridge Enjoy the great outdoors in beautiful Warsaw, Missouri! You can hike or bike to Bledsoe Ferry, Truman Dam, Shawnee Bend, and beyond. Enjoy the gorgeous views of water and wildlife on more than ten miles of family-friendly flat trails On the National Historic Register, the Joe Dice Swinging Bridge spans the Osage Arm of Lake of the Ozarks and is a vital part of Warsaw’s River­front trails system. You can also ride across Truman Dam and connect with bicycle-friendly road routes that take you on a tour of Warsaw.

Twelve miles of waterfront trails are great for walking, running, and bicycling. Along these trails, you will find many species of waterfowl, bald eagles, deer, turkey, and more. There are areas to picnic, bird watch, or work on your nature photography. Throughout the unique trail system, there is a nine-hole disc golf course, horseshoe pits, COME FOR ADVENTURE and leave exhilarated knowing you will be planning your next big trip back to explore more. Benton County has many trails surrounded by nature on Army Corp of Engineers public land with over 100,000 acres of adventure surrounding two of Missouri’s most beautiful lakes: Truman Lake and the Osage Arm of Lake of the Ozarks.

Quite simply, Benton County offers some of the best bicycle and pedestrian trails in the state and in the country, according to MoBikeFed, the League of American Bicyclists, and the Alliance for Biking and Walking, who have visited our trails system and bicycle and pedestrian facilities. ​Warsaw has a mountain bike and hiking park, a park, and trail system. Warsaw’s downtown harbor area features levee and riverfront trails, and the Joe Dice Swinging Bridge connects both sides of the river. A portion of the Butterfield Stagecoach Historic Route runs through Benton County’s rolling hills, passing clear streams, historic markers, and low traffic gravel road You don’t have to travel far from home to experience your next big adventure–since Benton County is centrally located and not far from major cities.

Truman Lake Mountain Bike and Hiking Park A great place to get away! Trails let you escape for the day, or for the weekend, and offer more than twenty-five miles of backcountry fun, breathtaking views, and access to fantastic swimming holes. For all levels of riding, these trails are a beaten path single track that offers an off-road riding/hiking experience. Several colored trails

Truman Lake Mountain Bike and Hiking Park

numerous picnic and play areas, an amphitheater, festival areas, a gazebo, boat launch areas, boat slips, Sports Complex, and Truman Lake Dam. There are also many peaceful areas to simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

Additionally, the historic Joe Dice Suspension Bridge is an added historical and cultural feature.

The swinging bridge was a transportation route

Joe Dice Swinging Bridge

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Warsaw Riverfront Trails

for horses and automobiles (single lane) at one point, but today is used for bicyclists and pedestrians and serves as a major link for the trail system.

It is the only link from one side of the waterfront to the other. The bridge is on the National Historic Registry.

Shawnee Bend Bluff rail Take the West Dam Access Road to Shawnee Bend Park. At the top of the boat ramp parking lot is the Shawnee Bend Trailhead. Enter around the yellow gate. The trail is a 2.3-mile loop primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips, and is accessible year-round.

Butterfield Stagecoach Experience Historic Gra­vel Route The Butterfield Stage Experience is a new, mostly gravel bicycle touring route consisting of cou­ nty gravel roads and multi-use trails using and paralleling the historic Butterfield Stage Route in Missouri.

Currently, over 250 miles in length, the route is a low-traffic trail-like experience that leads you straight to the heart of rural Missouri and visits many of the historic Butterfield Overland Stage sites and monuments across the state. The route is accessible to most that enjoy natural-surface routes like the Katy Trail and Rock Island Trail— and are ready to take the next step towards adventure. For the most part, the route is on well-maintained county gravel roads and multiuse trails with a few mountain bike trail routes

and occasional paved sections as needed for connectivity.​ Great for day trips, weekend getaways, or a few days of bike camping or backpacking.

Katy, Rock Island, and Frisco Highline Trails You will fall in love with this section of the Butterfield Overland Stage route. With the addition of the Butterfield connection to the Rock Island and the Katy trails in Windsor, these fabulous backcountry gravel roads entice us to explore Benton County and the hidden gems of our area. Each community has its own unique history, all connected to the Butterfield Overland Stage Route.

When you connect to Warsaw, even more outdoor adventure awaits.

View from the Joe Dice Swinging Bridge

660-438-2090 www.visitbentoncomo.com

Shawnee Bend Bluff rail View

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Springfield Between the hustle and bustle of the city, some of us could use a bit of fresh air and escape the crowded skyline. The great outdoors is just beyond the outskirts of Springfield with hundreds of miles of biking, hiking, and water trails in the Ozarks. Experience nature in a new perspective and hit the pavement running. Head north and discover The Frisco Highline Trail that leads to Bolivar. Looking for a few stopping points during your hike?

Galloway Creek Greenway and James River Greenway have lakes and rivers perfect for anglers of all skill sets and ages.

Frisco Highline THE FRISCO HIGHLINE TRAIL is a scenic path through southwest Missouri’s past and present. The trail winds thirty-five miles through the Ozarks connecting Springfield to Bolivar with charismatic small towns, historic sites, and points of interest in between. The former railroad corridor was designated a National Recreation Trail by the National Park Service and American Trails in 2004.

A third of the trail is paved with asphalt and the remainder is compacted crushed gravel. The path has minimal inclines and is suitable for walkers, runners, bicyclists, wheelchair users, strollers, and in-line skaters.

Points of interest include transportation-themed sculptures created by local artists, a bike rental and sales shop, multiple dining options, and US Bicycle Route 76, TransAmerica Road Bike Route. There’s also a winery, camping sites, wildflowers, and native plants at La Petite Gemme Prairie and sixteen unique railroad bridges.

Historical sites are found along the trail, too. Kiosks tell the stories of how bank robbers escaped on the railroad tracks in a handcart in 1908, how people traveling to find work during the Great Depression camped along the way, and the history of Graydon Springs, known during its heyday as a “healing waters” destination and resort.

In Bolivar, enjoy the Greater Polk County Farmers Market (April–October), the Polk County History Museum housed in the town’s first school, a pioneer log cabin, and the Dunnegan Gallery of Art. There are a variety of trail events throughout the year, including the Frisco Railroad Run, IronHorse Gravel Grind, and the old-fashioned Christmas on the Frisco.

Frisco Highline Trail – Springfield-Bolivar, MO Bolivar Trailhead (35+ miles) BOLIVAR

123

35

U

30

UU

Wishart Trailhead (24 miles)

13

25

215 MORRISVILLE 20

WALNUT GROVE

Sac River

JJ

123

Walnut Grove Trailhead (16 miles)

BB

15

Frisco Highline Trail 10

Z 13

160 WILLARD Willard Trailhead 5 (6 miles)

1 MILE

Sac River Mountain Bike Trail

O 160

Ritter Springs Park

Springfield Trailhead (0 miles)

Paved Trail Unpaved Trail On-Street Bike Route

Fulbright Spring Greenway

Mile Markers Trailhead Park

SPRINGFIELD

Bike Aide Station Restrooms Drinking Water

REV. 10/2017

Learn more about the Frisco Highline Trail and other trails that are part of the Ozark Greenways Trail System at www.ozarkgreenways.org.

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[9] Missouri Biking Trails Guide

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Springfield

Sac River Mountain Bike Trails

)

ed

g rin Sp y ht wa rig en lb re Fu G

13

Sa c R i v e r

Gravel Road No Access

av

(P

WAY

L i t tle

e

nc

tra

En

e

riv

D

HIGH Farm Rd 88

To Ritter Springs Park and Fulbright Spring Greenway TrailHead

Red Loop - 1.8 mi N

W

Yellow Trail - 2.6 mi E

S

Blue Loop - 4.4 mi Green Loop - 4.2 mi Orange Loop - 1 mi Fulbright Spring Greenway

Dry Creek Connector David C Murray Greenway Trailhead (Paved Parking) Pavillion Silo: Notable landmark

CHELSEA BRADLEY

SOME OF THE WORLD’S BEST and most scenic mountain bike trails are found in the Ozarks.

That includes the Sac River Mountain Bike Trail, more than fourteen miles of interconnecting, single-track trail through lush forest northwest of Springfield Trail users need to have good directional skills as the twisty trail is rocky and surrounded by a thick crowding of trees.

Built mostly by volunteers in 1996, the trails are popular with mountain bikers from beginners who may have to bail to avoid a crash to advanced riders who know how to lean into a berm for a clean ride. While the Sac River trails are primarily used by mountain bikers, hikers and runners are welcome.

Along with the trails, people who visit the three-hundred-acre Springfield Greene County Park can enjoy the scenic Little Sac River, relax at the small picnic pavilion built from materials from an old barn on the property, and explore two historic cemeteries. The area is adjacent to Ritter Springs Park and special events take place throughout the year for kids and adults, including running events, the OMBA CARAMBA! Mountain Bike Race, the MORC Thorn-a-thon fundraiser, and others. Several clubs use the trails and host events including the Missouri Off- oad Cyclists club, a nonprofit organization of volunteers who are dedicated to protecting the future of mountain biking in southwest Missouri.

Frisco Bicycle Rental and Sales, 109 W. Jackson St., in Willard, hosts a free group mountain bike ride of varying distances for all ages and skill levels at 6:15 pm every Monday. For those without a mountain bike, rentals are available.

Reserve a bike at mcharrison@friscobicyclerental.com or call 417-844-2723.

The trailhead, which doesn’t have a physical address, is three miles north of Interstate 44 off Missouri 13. As you travel north from Springfield on Missouri 13, watch for a brown highway sign marking the westbound turn onto an unnamed road to the Northwest Water Treatment Plant. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out Two Rivers Mtn. Bike Park and Busiek State Park for more awesome, nearby dirt trails.

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Springfield

Galloway Creek Greenway Galloway Creek Greenway, James River Greenway and Trail of Honor, and James River Water Trail SUNSHINE ST.

D

SEMINOLE ST.

BLACKMAN RD.

Pershing Middle/ Elementary School INGRAM MILL RD.

GLENSTONE AVE.

Meador Park

C A TALINA AV

0

E.

156

Dan Kinney Park & Family Center 1

BATTLEFIELD RD.

FREMONT AVE.

LONE PINE AVE.

Sequiota Park

EL DORADO ST.

GASCONADE ST.

Galloway Creek Greenway

James River Water Trail

0

REPUBLIC RD.

REPUBLIC RD. 3

AY

er

FREE W

Jam

es

ER

Riv

CE

CHARLESTON AVE.

RE

TU

R Y S ME ER WA JA NT

IV

James River Greenway

MDC Springfield Conservation Nature Center

4.6 4

MDC Southwood Access

Lake Springfield Park

Boathouse

2.6

Trail of Honor Section

Paved Trail Unpaved Trail On-Street Bike Route Water Trail 0

1

2

3

4

5

6

1

Iron Bridge

FARM RD. 181

2

SOUTHWOOD RD.

KISSICK AVE.

164

2

GALLOWAY ST.

INDEPENDE NCE ST.

MDC Joe Creighton Access

MENTOR AVE.

Battlefield Towers Shopping Ctr.

NA

GALLOWAY CREEK GREENWAY in southeast Springfield was the first trail in Missouri to be named a National Recreation Trail by the National Park Service and American Trails.

Perhaps one of the most popular trails of the Ozark Greenways Trails System in Springfield, it begins at Pershing Middle School and concludes at the scenic James River bridge.

Along the route, walkers, runners, and bikers can explore several sites, including the historic Sequiota Park. The park began as a state fish hatchery in 1920 and became a popular destination for people seeking to enjoy the outdoors. Now it’s a beautiful park with a lovely pond, meandering Galloway Creek, and fun spots to picnic and play.

Just beyond the park is Galloway Village, a historic small town on Lone Pine Avenue. Several businesses can be enjoyed in the area, including retail shops, antique stores, a brewery, and others.

The trail also connects to the Springfield Conservation Nature Center where the natural flora and fauna of the Ozarks are highlighted. A free visitors center features aquariums filled with native fish, educational displays, a bird viewing area, and programs about the state’s wildlife, wildflowers, trees, insects, and more. The nature center does not allow bikes or dogs on its trails, but walkers and runners are welcome. There is a bike rack to lock up bikes where the greenway enters the back of the nature center.

The Galloway Creek Trail connects to the James River Greenway and James River Water Trail, a unique part of the Ozark Greenways Trail System that’s enjoyed by canoe or kayak.

Other highlights include the trail view going under the US 60 and US 65 interchange where the visual contrast between a huge concrete cloverleaf highway and the lushly wooded James River corridor make you pause and ponder. You’ll also find an oversized wheelchair sculpture you can climb into, a bike sculpture, and a pet cemetery, the final resting place of many fur babies.

Mile Markers Trailhead Park Bike Aide Station

0 ¼ ½

1

1½

2

Scale in Miles

Restrooms Drinking Water

6.8

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Springfield

Experience the Ozarks by Bicycle IF YOU’RE NOT IN the mood for hiking, it can be fun to blaze a few trails by bike. From rural America to urban metros, a bicycle ride helps you get off the beaten path, find the back alleys, and connect with the people that make a place unique. Head outside and experience someplace new by bike; there are many places that will catch your attention. We’ve highlighted three fun bicycle routes below!

The Frisco Highline Trail is full of great sights and open roads, including a few glimpses back in time, such as the history of the Willard Bank Robbery that happened in 1908. Cross some of the sixteen Railroad Bridges of Polk County, the same ones that Harry S. Truman road back in 1948. After leaving the Frisco Highline Trail, explore the surrounding history such as Phenix, an old mining quarry that still operates today. Learn more about Bonnie Parker of the famous Bonnie and Clyde duo who went to school in this little town.

Bike around Fellows and McDaniel lakes on the Loop the Lakes route.

Cyclists can enjoy the stunning lake scenery and cross the bridge over McDaniel Lake. Many stopping points include covered pavilions perfect for barbecues as well as playground equipment for some afternoon playtime.

Many of these paths aren’t open to motorists, which makes it the ideal route for those looking for some peace and quiet.

The Springfield Sculpture Walk is filled with unique artwork and one-ofa-kind sculptures immersed in downtown Springfield that you won’t see anywhere else. The great thing about these sculptures is they change annually, so there is always new artwork to see. For those looking for familiar faces, there are a few permanent pieces on the trail that have found a home.

Bike through the city for exercise and maybe a few photo opportunities with these art pieces.

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Ozark Greenways Trails Highlights With more than seventy-five miles of trails, ther ’s something for everyone regardless of age or ability.

All trails are free to use and are open from sunrise to sunset.

There are twelve outdoor bike aide stations along the Greenways trails and bicycle routes.

Dogs are allowed on the trails but must be leashed at all times.

Most of the trails are ADA accessible.

The trails are for non-motorized use only.

The James River Water Trail is a six-mile water route from Joe Crighton Access to Springfield ake boathouse.

417-864-2015 www.ozarkgreenways.org

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Ruby Jack Trail 16 miles

southwest

Community

The Ruby Jack Trail is maintained by the Joplin Trails Coalition and runs for sixteen miles between Carthage and the Kansas state line, linking the towns of Carthage, Oronogo, and Carl Junction.

The Ruby Jack Trail is a rails-to-trails project utilizing the former Burlington Northern rail line. It crosses many county roads with low-to-moderate traffic and just west of Carl Junction, the trail is disrupted for a few hundred yards as it crosses an active Kansas City Southern rail line and Highway 171.

The far western trailhead is in Carthage, adjacent to the Carthage Municipal Park along Historic Route 66 and Bicycle Route 66 and close to tourist attractions such as Boots Court Motel and Whisler’s Drive-Up burger joint. Or, for history buffs, a visit to the Carthage Civil War Museum can be an informative and solemn experience.

The first eight miles of the Ruby Jack, stretching from Carthage to Oronogo, are covered with crushed limestone and offer riders an eight-footwide swath through mostly open countryside. There are no trailhead facilities where the path enters town, but if you need to take a break or resupply, there are convenience stores within a few blocks.

While in Oronogo, an old zinc-mining settlement, check out the historic Oronogo Street Car Depot.

Carl Junction lies about six miles further west, and the Carl Junction Community Center’s parking lot acts as a Ruby Jack trailhead. This small, close-knit town has six public parks and an annual Bluegrass Festival every September that draws regional attention.

Construction is ongoing to convert the entire former railway surface to crushed limestone. By summer 2020, the coalition expects to have fourteen miles of trail completed, from Carthage through Carl Junction, and suitable for gravel and hybrid bikes.

Vistor Center

1 Carthage

402 S. Garrison Ave., Carthage

2 Carl Junction

303 N. Main St., Carl Junction

The Joplin Trails Coalition, in partnership with community support, has helped construct many trails, including the Ruby Jack Trail. Bicyclists enjoy a ride through a canopy of trees on a once-thriving railway now turned trail. Courtesy Joplin Trails Coalition and Braden Horst

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Bicycle Route 66 Trail 304 miles

Community

central

Visitor Center

1 St. Louis

I-270 at Riverview Dr., St. Louis

2 Cuba

71 Route P, Cuba

3 Rolla

1311 Kingshighway, Rolla

4 St. Robert

137 St. Robert Blvd., Suite A, St. Robert

5 Conway

110619 Interstate 44, Conway

6 Springfiel

815 E. St. Louis St., Suite 100, Springfiel

7 Joplin

I-44 Mile Marker 2 Rest Area, Joplin

Route 66 is the most storied highway in the United States, and you can cruise its entire length from Chicago to Santa Monica through the states of Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Be aware, however, that Bicycle Route 66 doesn’t follow the exact path of the original “Mother Road” and, at 2,493 miles, is actually fifty miles longer. You can purchase a detailed map at AdventureCycling.org.

Bicycle Route 66 crosses into Missouri via the historic Chain of Rocks Bridge, an iconic structure in its own right. It merges onto the paved Mississippi Greenway and shadows the mighty river to the foot of the Gateway Arch in downtown St. Louis. Various city and county roads carry riders southwest into the suburbs (don’t miss a stop at famed Ted Drewes Frozen Custard en route) and then parallel to Interstate 44, the highway that has replaced the old road across the state.

Start your ride at the Chain of Rocks Bridge at the Illinois-Missouri border near St. Louis. Cross Missouri parallel to I-44 all the way west to Joplin. Notley Hawkins

Not far out of St. Louis, cyclists will encounter the undulating turns and dynamic vistas of the Ozark Mountains. In Stanton, Meramec Caverns offers a must-see network of limestone caves that you can tour on foot. Bonus: The caves are a pleasant fifty-eight degrees year-round. Cuba offers the restored Wagon Wheel Motel, one of the oldest continuously operated motels on Route 66, and just down the road in Fanning, you can snap a selfie in front of the World’s Second-Largest Rocking Chair.

Springfield has the architectural lures of the Rock Fountain Court cabins and the Gillioz Theatre. West of town, the bike path leaves the original Route 66 in favor of quieter county roads and state highways, then rejoins it east of Joplin.

Here, you’ll find vintage service stations, burger drive-ins, and even Bonnie and Clyde’s hideout.

People from around the world still travel Historic Route 66 to honor its legacy and experience its pop-cultural charm. And sure, you can drive the 304 miles between Illinois and Kansas, but in this case we think two wheels are better than four.

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Surprises and Delights

Experience Yesteryear in Rolla NESTLED IN THE FOOTHILLS of the Ozarks, Rolla awaits you. Rolla will surprise and delight you with its colorful history lessons and vivid reminders of “how things were.” Take a step back in time and experience Rolla’s fascinating railroad history or “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” as you catch a glimpse of a younger America along the historic highway once known as the “Mother Road.”

Broadway talent can be found in Rolla. Ozark Actors Theatre, one of only two professional theaters in rural Missouri, and Missouri S&T’s Leach Theatre are wonderful venues to explore the performing arts. From orchestras to comedians, illusionists to acrobats, the options are endless.

Rolla offers a variety of recreational opportunities: SplashZone, Fugitive Beach, The Centre, golf courses, go-carts, and parks with lakes for fishing.

Some of the most beautiful trails and waterways are just outside the Rolla area. They are perfect for enjoying the pristine beauty of the Ozarks.

Additional highlights of Rolla include its beautiful downtown, which is a burgeoning venue of shopping and history that is home to unique gift shops, restaurants, Route 66 Bicycles, the award-winning Public House Brewing Company, and Benton Square, a renovated century-old schoolhouse that has been transformed into a restaurant, salon, and spa.

Annual Events June: Route 66 Summerfest July: Lions Club Carnival August: Phelps County Fair October: Fall Arts & Crafts Festival

From top: Fugitive Beach is a quarry-turned-swimming hole that resembles a beach with sand and a large swim area, water slides, and cliffs jumps. Founded in 1996, oute 66 Bicycles serves the needs of area cyclists, from sales to parts and service. Public House Brewing Company is an award-winning brewery in the Ozark Highlands of Missouri with locations in Rolla and St. James.

[18] MissouriLife

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Cape LaCroix Trail 6.3 miles

Access Site

Parking

Restrooms

Water

1 Shawnee Park

Yes

Yes

Yes

2 Arena Park

Yes

Yes

Yes

3 Osage Park

Yes

Yes

Yes

4 Cape County North Park

Yes

Yes

Yes

You’ve heard the saying about clouds and silver linings. When the city of Cape Girardeau decided it needed to control the episodic flooding of Cape LaCroix Creek, a side benefit of the construction project was the creation of an eight-foot-wide, paved recreational path along its length. A one-mile section through Arena Park is twelve feet wide.

The aptly named Cape LaCroix Trail stretches 6.3 miles north-south through the heart of town and allows cyclists—as well as runners, walkers, and skaters—a protected and user-friendly way to get around. Although the mileage isn’t considerable, the shaded path has become a pleasant link to four area parks without the need to hop in a car.

On the south end, the route starts at 131-acre Shawnee Park and winds north for a mile to the Brink Street Trailhead and Comfort Station. Another mile on the predominantly flat trail leads to Arena

Left: Cape LaCroix Trail’s paved path curves through the woods.

Courtesy VisitCape • Top Right: Add some simple exercises to your ride at the FitZone in Arena Park. Courtesy City of Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation • Bottom Right: The Cape LaCroix Trail is a great ride for cyclists of all ages. Courtesy VisitCape

southeast

Park, which includes a free FitZone with eight pieces of outdoor fitness equipment Cape Woods Conservation Area, a bit more than a mile away, is a small bottomland forest popular with birders. It has a trailhead, restrooms, and two bridges crossing the creek. The conservation area borders Osage Park and the Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center with towering water slides, a lazy river, and a pirate ship.

Cape LaCroix Trail ends about a mile to the north at Cape County North Park. This public green space is home to Melaina’s Magical Playland, featuring brightly colored, whimsical structures that are inclusive for kids of all abilities. The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center is also located in this park. Cape County South Park, just across the road, offers another large play area.

When your ride is over, Cape Girardeau has a wide range of dining and lodging options along with a variety of museums and other attractions to satisfy everyone in your crew—from the Fort D Historic Site to the Missouri Wall of Fame mural to the Century Casino. Stick around and let the good times roll.

[19] Missouri Biking Trails Guide

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Great Rivers Greenway 125 miles

The St. Louis region stretches westward from the banks of the Mississippi River. From the iconic Gateway Arch to points north and south, the region is rich with historic sites, entertainment districts, cultural institutions, parks, and more. It is also home to a growing network of greenways connecting those attractions, and highlighting hidden gems along the way.

The Great Rivers Greenway is a public agency tasked with building and caring for this planned six-hundred-mile network. There are more than 125 miles of greenways ready to experience throughout St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County. Some of the greenways traverse quiet wooded areas, while some offer an urban experience connecting to shopping districts, transit, parks, and schools.

A trip along the 12.5-mile Mississippi Greenway— also known as the Riverfront Trail—from downtown St. Louis to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge offer views of the working riverfront and Mississippi River.

The River des Peres Greenway is a wide-open green space that wraps around the River des Peres as it winds its way to the Mississippi River.

The St. Vincent Greenway connects Forest Park to Trojan Park.

east central The Gravois Greenway—commonly known as Grant’s Trail—is mostly flat and sunny, currently stretching eight miles between the City of Kirkwood and South St. Louis County.

The Sunset Greenway meanders through North St. Louis County from Historic Old Town Florissant down the bluff to the Missouri River in Sunset Park.

The four-mile Busch Greenway links the Katy Trail to the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Weldon Spring and Busch conservation areas. It also connects to the six-mile Hamburg Trail. Altogether, the Busch Greenway and Hamburg and Katy Trails create a 13.1 mile loop.

The Dardenne Greenway winds along Dardenne Creek and links hundreds of acres of parks as well as neighborhoods and communities in St. Charles County.

The Meramec Greenway stretches along the Meramec River. At its western end, the trail connects with the Western Greenway that leads to Rockwoods Reservation and more than twelve miles of hiking trails, and to its east is Castlewood State Park. Spurring from the middle of the greenway is Rock Hollow Trail, nine miles of mountainbiking trails that crisscross the river bluffs From bridges and underpasses that overcome physical barriers to collaborations and programs that connect people across zip codes, the greenways connect it all.

Visit GreatRiversGreenway.org for more information on each greenway. The site features three ways to find greenways: a list, a map, and an interactive search feature. You can search by keyword, location, or by selecting detailed search criteria.

St. Louis area greenways connect the city and its surrounding communities. Paths types vary from gravel to paved and are appropriate for all ages. Courtesy of Great Rivers Greenway

[20] MissouriLife

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Innovative Expansion

St. Charles County Parks trail system grows with the nation's largest track

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B 79

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O'FALLON

!

WENTZVILLE

70

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370

FORISTELL

67

ST. PAUL

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70

64

11

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364

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16

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ST. CHARLES

!

WITH MORE THAN FIFTY-FIVE MILES of natural, paved, and multi-use trails, it’s no surprise that St. Charles County Parks are some of the most popular destinations for cyclists from across the state.

In 2019, the county park system had more than 2.5 million visitors—one million more than 2018.

Maintained by the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department, the parks offer innovative and unique cycling amenities. The Youth Activity Park, where the largest asphalt pump track in the country now is under construction, is home to the largest outdoor skate/bike course in Missouri.

And, a downhill trail with challenging features is coming soon to Matson Hill Park in historic Missouri Wine Country.

The ever-growing trail system offers something exciting for riders of all skill levels. Tight switchbacks, rolling terrain winding through tree-lined forests, and scenic views of the Missouri River Valley and historic Missouri Wine Country are a few of the amazing sights you’ll see along the parks trails.

Currently, the department owns twenty parks, of which sixteen are open, with a total of 3,947 acres of acquired park land: Bangert Island, 1704 S. River Road, St. Charles This 160-acre park with four miles of natural-surface trails borders the Missouri River.

Broemmelsiek Park, 1795 Highway DD, Defianc Formerly farmland, this 495-acre park has nine miles of multi-use trails.

Flatwoods Park, Flatwoods Road off Highway 79, St. Paul This two-acre park opened in 2019 and features a launching area for canoes and kayaks to access the Cuivre River.

Heritage Museum, 1630 Heritage Landing, St. Peters This historic site is the trailhead for Great Rivers Greenway’s Centennial Trail, which connects to the popular Katy Trail.

Indian Camp Creek Park, 2679 Dietrich Road, Foristell At 603 acres, this park boasts more than ten miles of multi-use trails.

V

R

AUGUSTA

Klondike Park, 4600 Highway 94 S. Augusta Once the site of a silica sand quarry, this 250-acre park has more than four miles of natural and paved trails that connect to the Katy Trail, as well as white silica sand beaches surrounding the spacious lake.

Matson Hill Park, 670 Matson Hill Road, Defianc This heavily forested park land is 475 acres and has become the area’s number one hiking and biking destination. Offering more than six miles of natural surface trails, this historical property is situated in the Daniel Boone Region.

The Park at New Melle Lakes, 400 Foristell Road, New Melle Once the site of a golf course, this four-hundredacre park has more than four miles of paved trails and one mile of natural-surface trails.

Quail Ridge Park, 560 Interstate Drive, Wentzville This 262-acre park has more than seven miles of paved and natural trails.

4

1 Hideaway Harbor Park 1550 Hideaway Harbor Drive, Portage des Sioux, MO 2 Riverside Landing 600 Kampville Drive, St. Charles, MO 3 Bangert Island 1704 South River Road, St. Charles, MO 4 Spring Bend Park 2380 Upper Bottom Road, St. Charles, MO 5 Heritage Museum 1630 Heritage Landing, St. Peters, MO 6 Veterans Tribute Park 1031 Kisker Road, Weldon Spring, MO 7 College Meadows Park 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, Cottleville, MO 8 Hackmann Park 832 Hackmann Road, St. Paul, MO 9 Flatwoods Park Flatwoods Road, St. Paul, MO 10 Freymuth Park 1933 Freymuth Road, O’Fallon, MO 11 Youth Activity Park 7801 Hwy. N, Dardenne Prairie, MO

12 Missouri Bluffs 18 Research Park Cir, St. Charles, MO 13 Klondike Park 4600 Hwy. 94 South, Augusta, MO 14 Matson Hill Park 670 Matson Hill Road, Defiance, MO 15 Broemmelsiek Park 1795 Hwy. DD, Defiance, MO 16 Quail Ridge Park 560 Interstate Drive, Wentzville, MO 17 Towne Park 100 Towne Park Drive, Foristell, MO 18 Indian Camp Creek Park 2679 Dietrich Road, Foristell, MO 19 The Park at New Melle Lakes 400 Foristell Road, New Melle, MO 20 The Historic Daniel Boone Home 1868 Hwy. F, Defiance, MO St. Charles County Parks - Active St. Charles County Parks - Reserved

Towne Park, 100 Towne Park Drive, Foristell Perfect for new riders, this 109-acre park has more than four miles of flat paved and natural trails Veterans Tribute Park, 1031 Kisker Road, Weldon Spring More than two miles of paved trails wrap around and through the 120-acre park.

Youth Activity Park, 7801 Highway N, Dardenne Prairie Our 33,000-square-foot bike and skate course is equipped with nighttime lighting and has beginner, intermediate, and advanced bowls, plus a street course and snake run scattered with ramps, gaps, hubbas, and more. Coming soon: the largest asphalt pump track in the country is set to open in 2020.

For more information, visit StCCParks.org or call 636-949-7535.

[21] Missouri Biking Trails Guide

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Katy Trail State Park 237.7 miles

central

Access Site

In 2020, the Katy Trail State Park celebrates its thirtieth anniversary. At eight feet wide and about 240 miles long, the Katy Trail is the one route that should be on everyone’s biking bucket list. Built on the former corridor of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) Railroad, the crushed limestone path is the longest rails-to-trails project in the United States and draws outdoor recreationists, nature lovers, and history buffs from across the countr . ​It won’t take you an entire week to travel the mostly flat passage from Machens on the east to Clinton on the west—some pedal-mashers do it in just two days—but with more than thirty trailheads and four fully restored railroad depots along the way, you’ll want to take your time and enjoy the experience. Signs at the trailheads typically indicate the nearby services, such as grocery and snack stores, restaurants, bike shops or rental facilities, camping or lodging, and restrooms.

If you don’t have the time or interest to conquer the entire trail in one trip, hop on the path anywhere for a shorter cruise. The trail is open from sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year; a signpost marks every mile corresponding to the original railroad mileage system, which makes it relatively easy to keep track of your location and progress.

Almost any outing allows cyclists to cross several of the Katy Trail’s 472 bridges—count them! Scott Myers

The cross-state trail displays a travelogue-worthy array of wonders as it meanders along rugged river bluffs and through bucolic countryside, open farmland, and quaint towns. Since the trains stopped running, the forests along the Katy have grown thicker and provide cover for critters as well as welcome shade for cyclists.

In the spring, dogwoods and redbuds put on a show. Summer sun provides the perfect weather for a bike ride or a hike, and in the fall, the green canopy turns ablaze with red and gold. Even on a balmy winter day great views of the river can be had on eastern half of the trail where much of it follows the Missouri River from Machens to Boonville. This section also affords easy access to Missouri wine country, with several award-winning vineyards in Defianc , Augusta, and Dutzow. You’ll encounter iconic paintings on the grain elevator in Treloar and concrete silo in McKittrick, illustrating the area’s rich heartland heritage, as well as German-inspired communities in Hermann and Rhineland. Boonville showcases the only surviving Spanish mission-style train depot on the line.

No matter the length or logistics of your trip along hard-packed trail, there is seemingly no end to the natural and cultural discoveries. And the best part is you can return again and again— the Katy is always an adventure.

Marker Parking Restrooms Water

1 Machens

26.9

No

Yes

No

2 Marthasville

77.7

Yes

Yes

Yes

3 Jefferson Cit

143.2

Yes

Yes

Yes

4 Boonville

191.8

Yes

Yes

Yes

5 Sedalia

229

Yes

Yes

Yes

6 Clinton

264.6

Yes

Yes

Yes

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Rock Island Spur Trail 46.6 miles

Medford

Access Site

Marker Parking Restrooms Water

1 Windsor

216.5

Yes

Yes

Yes

2 Leeton

227

Yes

Yes

No

3 Chilhowee

235.6

Yes

Yes

No

4 Medford

245.4

Yes

No

Yes

5 Pleasant Hill

262.9

Yes

Yes

No

If the Katy Trail is the champion of Missouri bicycling routes, then the Rock Island Trail is the up-and-coming contender. In 2016, the first segment of nearly forty-seven miles connecting Windsor to Pleasant Hill opened, dubbed the Rock Island Spur of the Katy Trail State Park. Since then, progress has been made in the effort to convert the remaining 144 miles of former railroad corridor to stretch east from Windsor to Beaufort. If completed, this would create a 191-mile trail that, when paired with the Katy, which it crosses in Windsor, would make a nearly 430-mile loop covering nearly all of middle Missouri.

The process of rail banking, removal of old track, and trail building will take time and support.

The good news, however, is that Pleasant Hill and Windsor have already witnessed the positive impact of the Rock Island Trail.

In Pleasant Hill, the trailhead lies near the historic downtown, which features nearby cafes and stores. The city lake north of town has camping.

The Katy Trail has been good for Windsor the past thirty years, and adding the Rock Island Spur has generated a flood of folks who want a new rid-

northwest ing venue. Farrington City Park has campsites with fishing and boat rentals offered on the lake that once supplied water to steam locomotives.

In late 2019-early 2020, Missouri Rock Island Trail (MoRIT), the organization formed to preserve the Rock Island corridor, received a trio of boosts to make completion of the trail a future possibility. In December 2019, Missouri State Parks and Missouri Central Railroad reached a rail banking agreement, which created a two-year period to raise enough capital that Missouri State Parks could then take over development of the trail. This agreement allows the former rail line to be set aside and preserved for trail use as fundraising continues.

In addition, Gov. Mike Parson signed legislation that included the Rock Island Trail State Park Endowment creating a fund managed by the Missouri Treasurer’s offic to receive donations and grants for the trail’s development.

Lastly, in February MoRIT received news that the Rails to Trails Conservancy had awarded it a Doppelt Fund Grant: twenty thousand dollars to go toward bridge repurposing for trail use on the easternmost section of the corridor, forty-three miles from Belle to Beaufort. This section is in the crosshairs of developers as the next segment to be completed.

“We’re super excited that so many things have come together,” says MoRIT Executive Director Greg Harris.

Existing and future bed and breakfasts, restaurants, and other trail-friendly businesses are waiting for the trail to open, Harris adds. “The character of the Rock Island will lend itself to a lot more usage because it’s going through towns and being alongside highways as opposed to being in remote areas like the Katy. There are all kinds of restaurants. There’s a distillery, at least one winery, some breweries—all kinds of attractions all along the Rock Island.”

The future trail, for now however, is closed to the public.

Although the basic trail specs of the Rock and the Katy are similar—namely, the eight-foot-wide, mostly flat, crushed limestone surface—the landscape is distinct, featuring native grasses, farms, wetlands, streams, and forests. Get out and enjoy a change in direction now, and while you’re there, just imagine what the completed nearly two-hundred-mile trail could bring.

These riders parked and started biking the trail at the Windsor trailhead, Mile Marker 216.5. Courtesy Missouri Division of Tourism

[23] Missouri Biking Trails Guide

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Celebrate 30 years of katy trail State Park With 240 miles and dozens of small towns, the nation’s longest rails-to-trails park provides a way to experience nature and history from the back of a horse, the seat of your bicycle or the power of your feet.

VISIT MOSTATEPARKS.COM FOR ANNIVERSARY EVENTS IN 2020

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MOSTATEPARKS.COM 2020Trail Guide.indd 25

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MKT Trail 8.9 miles

central Access Site

Befitting its large, active student population, the city of Columbia features a superb network of “destination” trails—about 27.5 miles in all—that snake around town to connect people to where they work, shop, go to school, and play. These pathways run through recreation areas and along creek corridors where possible, which makes the journey scenic and tranquil.

The backbone of the ever-expanding system is the popular MKT Trail, a ten-foot-wide, crushed limestone path built on the old rail bed of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) Railroad. Originally a branch off the main railroad line, the route begins in downtown Columbia and connects with the 240-mile Katy Trail State Park in McBaine. Three trailheads offer parking and restrooms.

The first trailhead in Flat Branch Park provides access to a 2.5-acre green space edging the University of Missouri campus that has picnic areas, a playground, spraygrounds, a rain garden, an amphitheater, and art sculptures—plus a rippling stream running through it all. About a mile to the southwest, the trail conThe MKT Trail is perfect for riders of all ages and experience.

Courtesy Columbia Parks and Recreation

Marker

Parking Restrooms

Water

1 Flat Branch Park

8.97

Yes

Yes

Yes

2 MKT Plaza

8.4

No

No

No

3 M L King Memorial

7.4

Yes

Yes

Yes

4 Hinkson Creek

6.9

No

No

No

5 Forum Nature Area

6.15

Yes

Yes

Yes

6 Jay Dix Station Park

4.1

Yes

No

No

nects with the 4.5-acre Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial at Battle Garden, which features a commemorative earth mound with semicircular granite steps and a radial design. It’s complemented by beautiful landscaping and flowers.

The 3M Flat Branch-Hinkson Creek Wetlands half a mile further down the path provides a habitat for wildlife in the marshes and surrounding forest and includes twenty-four interpretive signs.

The MKT bisects both the Forum Nature Area and Twin Lakes Recreation Area next. The former offers its own 1.8-mile spur trail through the woodlands and wetlands; the latter has the Little Mates Cove swim area and a dog park.

The trail exits the city of Columbia and continues into Boone County at its junction with Jay Dix Station. This thirty-acre park has a mountain-bike skills course as well as fitness stations, a basketball court, and playground. The MKT continues through wooded hillsides and attractive rock formations until it eventually joins with the Katy Trail 4.2 miles later.

Take a ride on the MKT Trail and see for yourself why it was ranked second in the nation for “Best Urban Trail” in USA Today’s 2016 Readers’ Choice Awards.

[26] MissouriLife

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An Unexpected Experience

Big adventures beckon in Boonville NESTLED HIGH atop the wooded bluffs overlooking the Missouri River, Boonville is a beautiful city rooted in history, which offers visitors an unexpected experience: a small town with big adventures.

Boonville is located in the heart of the state, halfway between Kansas City and St. Louis right off Interstate 70, as well as being right in the middle of the nationally acclaimed 237-mile-long Katy Trail. With three exits that funnel into the historic downtown, the Katy Trail running through Boonville’s downtown, and the Depot District, there are many amenities for travelers coming by both car and by bike.

Boonville is the river crossing point for the Katy Trail and home to the Katy Railroad Bridge, which has been restored on the Boonville side to allow access to the lift span portion with lookouts to take in both upriver and downriver views. Boonville is also home to the world famous Budweiser Clydesdale breeding facility at Warm Springs Ranch on the outskirts of town. Advanced reservations are required to enjoy this incredible attraction.

There are over 450 historic sites and structures on the National Registry in Boonville. Along with those on the register, historic architecture across Boonville is featured in a comprehensive Walking/ Driving Tour booklet that can be picked up at the Visitor Center or at various locations in town.

Boonville’s Visitor Center is located in the Depot District and is housed in a refurbished old grocery wholesale warehouse originally built in 1902 next to the Katy trailhead. It is also home to the River, Rails & Trails Museum. This free attraction features a half-scale Lewis and Clark Keelboat, original Steamboat artifacts, a model railroad, railroad memorabilia, and an authentic Mitchell wagon all set for the trail. This museum is interactive and kid-friendly with a dedicated children’s fort play area and is welcoming to your furry traveling companion as well. This is a great place to begin your experience in Boonville, and the friendly staff is happy to help you with travel and trail information, maps, shuttles, and places to stay, eat, and experience while you are in town.

For cyclists, the Katy Depot houses a bike shop for rental, repair, and merchandise. In the Depot District, a half a block from the Katy Trail, is the unique Mitchell Antique Motorcar Muse-

um, which is a private collection of beautifully restored Mitchell wagons, bicycles, motorcycles, and early motorcars that date from the late 1800s to the 1920s. Tours are available through the Visitor Center and are easy to schedule.

The last big item in the Depot District is the Isle of Capri Casino Hotel, which features Boonville’s largest hotel, three restaurants, and an exciting gaming experience. Boonville has over

450 rooms to accommodate you including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and Airbnb. There is something for everyone including the beautifully restored Hotel Frederick right in the historic downtown that features a unique experience and bike rental options.

While in Boonville, friendly smiles will greet you in the shops and delectable dining options will make your experience complete.

For more information, visit GoBoonville.com or call 660-882-3967.

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WELCOME TO WINDSOR !

Mile Marker 248

WHERE THE KATY TRAIL AND THE ROCK ISLAND TRAIL INTERSECT Windsor’s railroad history began when the Tebo & Neosho Railroad Co. pursued construction from Sedalia to Fort Scott, Kansas, through Windsor in 1865. The Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway Co. (MKT or Katy) absorbed that operation and built the railroad into Windsor, opening it on June 30, 1870. The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific, built from St. Louis to Kansas City, arrived in Windsor in 1904. Through the years, the railroads shipped a wide range of Windsor products, from brooms and buttons to chickens and cheese. At the same time, trains imported products from around the world and connected its citizens to the technology of the day. The railroads hit hard times and the last train ever to leave Windsor pulled away in 1991.

Though the whistle remains silent, visitors from all over the world still arrive in Windsor along the age-old corridor. Travelers coming in on either trail will find great restaurants, inviting and comfortable places to rest for the night, and a community that thoroughly enjoys and appreciates them being here. The Windsor Area Chamber of Commerce is here to serve you and the truly remarkable businesses it represents.

Visit WindsorMO.org

102 N. Main, Windsor I Office Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 10 am - 1 pm I (660) 647-2318 I contact@windsorcommerce.org

Cruce’s Cabooses

Welcome to

Cinco de Mayo

Bed & Breakfast

Come and enjoy a relaxing stay at Cruce's Cabooses.

781 N.E. 901 Road, Windsor 660-694-3506 CrucesCabooses.net

Family-owned restaurant serving authentic Mexican food and delicious margaritas.

Come in to unwind from a long ride!

Open 11 am to 9 pm Mon-Sat 109 E. Benton St., Windsor 660-647-0280 WindsorMo.org/Cinco-De-Mayo

WAGON W HEEL C A F É

121 N. Main Street, Windsor 660-647-3443

[28] MissouriLife

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Kim’s Cabins Nightly Rentals

403 Cherry St., Windsor 660-351-0905 kimh_316@yahoo.com Find us on Facebook

Comfort at the crossroads of the Katy and Rock Island Trails in Windsor

There’s a New Campsite in Town Katy-Rock Junction in Windsor, Missouri

Conveniently located just west of the intersection of the Katy and Rock Island trails, right next to the trailhead parking lot. Stay at one of our primitive camping sites or sleeping cabins, and enjoy ammenities such as bike storage, bathrooms with showers and outdoor seating with firepit. For updates, check us out on Facebook.

506 W. Florence St., Windsor 660-525-2032 katyrockjunction@yahoo.com Look for us on Facebook!

Reserve Your Cabin Today!

One 11 Cyclery & Commons Windsor, MO

Windsor

Travel By Gravel

The Broken Spoke sits on a beautiful acre of land along the Katy Trail in Windsor, MO. We can sleep up to 6 and are located just minutes from local restaurants and stores.

660-525-4193 the-broken-spoke-nightly-rental-property.business.site/ @TheBrokenSpokeWindsorMO TheBrokenSpokeWindsorMO@gmail.com

www.surlevelo.com owner@surlevelo.com

[29] Missouri Biking Trails Guide

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Biking Safety

Tips on Good Practices and Bad Weather

What to Do if You Are Caught in the Open During a Tornado 1. Find shelter in the nearest sturdy building.

2. Do not try to outrun a tornado.

3. Avoid areas with a lot of trees.

4. Stay away from overpasses or bridges.

5. Lie down in the lowest place you can find–typically a ditch is the best option.

Lie flat on your front, with your face toward the ground and cover your head with your arms.

6. Avoid power lines and puddles with power lines nearby, or downed power lines.

7. Keep your group together and wait for emergency personnel to arrive if needed.

8. Remain calm and listen for instructions from emergency personnel if they are on the scene.

What to Do if You Are Caught Outside in a

Thunderstorm

1. If you hear thunder, find the closes shelter. If none is in sight, get to the lowest elevation available.

2. Avoid puddles and areas close to water.

3. Stay away from isolated structures such as trees, fences, and telephone poles.

4. Put distance between your metal bike and yourself.

5. If you are with many people, spread out! Keep a distance of at least 50 to 100 feet between each person.

6. Get in the “lightning crouch” position.

Assume a squatting position, with your head tucked toward your chest or in between your knees. Do not lie down on the ground as this is more surface area for lightning to strike.

7. Close your eyes and cover your ears.

[30] MissouriLife

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Sedalia!

Must do!

Union Station Kansas City

Independence

New Franklin Boonville

Lee’s Summit

Must see!

Rocheport Machens

McBaine Warrensburg

Pleasant Hill

Pilot Grove Clifton City

Medford Chilhowee

Leeton

Green Ridge Windsor

Calhoun

Hartsburg

Mokane Tebbetts

Portland

McKittrick

Hermann

SEDALIA

Clinton

Treloar

St. Charles Weldon Spring Greens Marthasville Bottom Dutzow

Matson Augusta

St. Louis

Kirkwood

Washington

800-827-5295

visitsedaliamo.com

GATEWAY

OUTD R expo+summit

March 27-28, 2020

america’s center convention complex | downtown St. Louis, MO THE ST. LOUIS AREA'S OLDEST AND LARGEST BIKE AND OUTDOOR GEAR EXPO

gatewayoutdoorexpo.com

MAGAZINE

ST. LOUIS

[31] Missouri Biking Trails Guide

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MISSOURI STATE PARKS HAS

Missouri’s state park trail system has something for every type of cyclist including flat paved trails, more than 200 miles of mountain biking trails and 240 miles of the scenic Katy Trail.

Visit mostateparks.com for more information on bicycling trail options.

Starting in 2020...

Working with Forest Lake Area Trail System (FLATS), a community-wide volunteer group supporting trails in Adair County, Missouri State Parks will be expanding Thousand Hills Trail at Thousand Hills State Park to almost 15 miles with a complete loop around Forest Lake, linking the park to the city of Kirksville. Keep an eye on this exciting development.

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