First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site
First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site
First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site
4.5
About
Located within a stone’s throw of the Missouri River and Katy Trail State Park, and in the heart of historic St. Charles, First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site is the first seat of the state’s government. Its rough hewn timbers and dark wood floors whisper the tales of the state’s first legislature. Interpretive programs help visitors understand how the state’s government was formed and what life was like in the early 1800s.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
63 reviews
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Dewayne P
Elizabethtown, KY1,985 contributions
Sept 2021
The tours are on the hour and last about 45 minutes, or at least mine did. It is interesting how the government was temporarily set up here. The building is a wonder to walk through and the docent was extremely knowledgeable. There is plenty of area parking and after you are done you can walk the historic district of the earliest town in MO.
Written 8 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kansas57
Saint Charles, MO23 contributions
Jul 2013 • Solo
When Missouri achieved statehood in 1821, its constitution stipulated that the capital be located within 40 miles of the mouth of the Osage River. That site turned out to be Jefferson City, but in 1821 there was nothing there, so the new government needed a place to meet. The residents of the small French fur-trapping village of St. Charles offered a free meeting place and the state government moved here from St. Louis. The building they used for the legislative meeting space and governor's office was saved from demolition by the state in 1961 and restored to how it may have appeared in 1821. The lower level was a dry-goods store and a residence for its owners. The tour shows you the space used by the government as well as the residence and store. The spaces are furnished with period furniture and the store features items typical of a store of that type and period. Together, they give the visitor a glimpse at life in the 1820s. The tour includes an explanation of Missouri's route to statehood, slavery's role in the debate, and how it was another step in the nation's march toward civil war.
Written 29 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen B
Hannibal, Missouri, United States8 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
We went to the Visitor's Center and borrowed a pre-loaded iPod that guided us and informed us about the various historic buildings (this was free). This is a very charming area.
Written 5 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Becki U
Springfield, MO71 contributions
May 2018 • Family
We have a 14 year old son and an 8 year old daughter (who uses a wheelchair). The first floor has a gift shop, which was fun. The 2nd floor is where the tour takes place. It is not wheelchair accessible. The alternative was to watch a tour on video from the 1970s. I understand that this is a historical building and that they are not required to be ADA compliant. It’s just a bummer that there isn’t a better way for my daughter to experience Missouri state history.
Written 29 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JulieVR R
Kahoka, MO117 contributions
Sept 2014 • Family
You are guided through a row of several buildings. They give you the history, show you examples, and you learn a lot.
Written 15 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tnanna
Eads, TN363 contributions
May 2014 • Family
If you are there, you should visit! The area is a treat to wander and experience - the historical landmarks are interesting to note.
Written 2 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pamela B
Saint Charles, MO521 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
The kids and I were just walking down Main Street one day and I said, "Let's stop in here." Little did I know they were celebrating Missouri's birthday and we were directed out back to enjoy some activities. One was to show how to start fire with a flint rock, which my daughter loved. Another was to explore the old store, capital rooms and see how they made things back then. It was so wonderful! I love St. Charles and I LOVE the people who participate in activities like this.
This is a wonderful place to visit!
This is a wonderful place to visit!
Written 4 March 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rbell63303
St. Charles,Mo12 contributions
Oct 2013 • Solo
While the Capitol was being built in Jefferson City ,Mo-St. Charles was the capitol for about five years. Basically because the state was given free rent.
The building has been restored to it original look. The visitors bureau offer guided tours. The main street of St. Charles is filled with restaurants and shops.
You can also take a buggy ride for $12.00 for adults for 20 minutes.
Main street has its share of Ghosts and Ghost tours are available!.
The building has been restored to it original look. The visitors bureau offer guided tours. The main street of St. Charles is filled with restaurants and shops.
You can also take a buggy ride for $12.00 for adults for 20 minutes.
Main street has its share of Ghosts and Ghost tours are available!.
Written 17 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave S
Omaha, NE203 contributions
Jul 2019 • Solo
I try to visit state capitols (current and former) on our summer trips. The First Missouri Capitol is a nice stop if you are in the area. The original Capitol is well restored as is the entire area around it. Be sure to let are the guided tour ($4.50) as it is the only way to see the interior of the building. It only took about an hour to see the building, museum and tour.
Written 1 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John D
Tulsa, OK200 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
The building is in great condition. It has a lot of history and the surrounding attractions make the trip worth while. It was closed when we got there, but otherwise nice to view a building with a lot of history
Written 11 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monday is a very slow day...I would recommend a Thursday or Friday as a good visit day. Weekends, especially during the summer, are a beast. Oh...park at the casino, for a free shuttle to downtown on an old trolley car. This free trolley goes all over St. Charles. Eat at "Tony's on Main" or "Braddens." These are, by far, the best two restaurants in St. Charles.
Written 23 March 2019
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