Lexington, Missouri Area Attractions

Lexington, Missouri has a storied history and an abundance of charm and personality. Come visit our four districts on the National Register of Historic Places, travel agri-rich Scenic Byways that meet at Lexington, enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment in our Historic Downtown, or walk in history's footsteps at the Battle of Lexington State Historic site. With so many wonderful things to see and do, Lexington is fun for all ages. Here are a few of our visitors' favorite places ~

Saluda Memorial in Heritage Park

1852 ~ One of the worst steamboat disasters in history occurred in Lexington, Missouri. On April 19, the steamboat Saluda was carrying approximately 250 Mormons upriver towards the Great Salt Lake, and met with icy, heavy current and exploded, killing all but a few passengers. The Saluda Memorial in Heritage Park honors the many victims and heroes of the disaster.

Madonna of the Trail

Dedicated in 1928 by Jackson County Judge Harry S. Truman in honor of the brave women who helped settle the west. One of twelve marking the National Old Trails Road from Maryland to California.

Lexington Historical Museum

Located in an 1847 Cumberland Presbyterian Church, exhibits cover the history of Lexington with emphasis on the Osage Indians, steamboats, the Pony Express, and the Civil War Battle of Lexington.

Admission is $2.00 for adults, $1.00 for children.
Hours: May ~ October -Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.,
June ~ September - Sunday - Friday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Machpelah Cemetery

Machpelah Cemetery, established in 1849, mirrors the history of both Lexington, Missouri and America. Here lie immigrants, pioneers, statesmen, explorers, seekers of religious freedom, educators, soldiers, great and common men whose gravestones often reflect the style and times of their lives as well as our country.

Highland Avenue Historic District

Highland Avenue has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This historic area is a scenic Street that was part of the Santa Fe Trail and runs along the bluff of the Missouri River. It includes over 25 homes built in the mid to late 1800's.

Lafayette County Courthouse

Built in 1847, it is the oldest Courthouse in continuous operation west of the Mississippi. A stray Union cannon ball from the Civil War can still be seen lodged in the front column.

On display are many antique pieces of furniture used at the Court House along with paintings depicting the history of Lafayette County, Missouri.

Old Neighborhood Historic District

This seven block area that runs along the east side of Lexington includes a full variety of 19th and 20th Century Lexington Architecture. This area has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Wentworth Military Academy

Established in 1880, Wentworth is one of the oldest Military Academies in the U.S. The campus is one of four National Register Historic Districts. Tours can be arranged at the front desk in the Administration building.

Lafayette Hall

Built in 1905 as the City Hall of Lexington, Lafayette Hall now houses county offices. It is open to the public.

Civil War Battlefield & Anderson House

It was once called "the largest and best arranged dwelling house west of St. Louis." Today, Oliver Anderson's mansion is best known for the three bloody days in 1861 when it was a fiercely contested prize in a Civil War battle between the Union Army and the Missouri State Guard. Today it is restored and furnished in mid-19th century fashion, but it still displays damage from the shot and shell that hammered it during the Battle of Lexington. The house changed hands three times and soldiers met their death in the downstairs hallway.

The battlefield is quiet now, and restored gardens and orchards dot the landscape. Remnants of the trenches can still be seen, and the graves of unknown Union dead echo a time less peaceful. In addition to tours of the Anderson House, you may explore the 100 acres of the battlefield preserved at the historic site.

A visitor center with exhibits and audio-visual programs explains the events of September 18-20, 1861 and why the "Battle of the Hemp Bales" lifted Southern spirits and further dampened Northern hopes of an easy victory in the struggle for Missouri.

Santa Fe Driving Tour

15 stops through Lexington where covered wagons once rolled. American Settlers had been living in the Lexington area for only a few years when William Becknell left Franklin, in Central Missouri, for Santa Fe in September 1821. With the success of the new Santa Fe Trail, most of the early traders went through Lexington. Trade Goods such as tin ware, tobacco, whiskey and beeswax originated in Lexington.

Agri Tourism

Santa Fe Trail Growers Association ~ From the 1820's goods were hauled on wagons and horses down the Old Santa Fe Trail through rugged timber.

Today folks travel the same route on 24 Highway, a Missouri State designated Scenic Byway, along the northern edge of Lafayette County to stop at farms, greenhouses, roadside markets and vineyards. In 1933 this historic highway was built to replace mud roads like the Santa Fe Trail. Since Civil War times the area has been the largest apple producing area in Missouri.

For a list of greenhouses, roadside markets, vineyards, and more visit the Santa Fe Trails Growers Association web page at HistoricLexington.com

Old Trails Road

Missouri State designated Scenic Byway, Route 224, between Lexington and Napoleon, Missouri, follows a trail road used by American Indians, fur traders, trappers, pioneers and Civil War soldiers. Route 224, "Old Trails Road", follows the Missouri River as it winds through rich bottom farm land and the towns of Lexington, Wellington and Napoleon, in northern Lafayette County, Missouri.

Lexington's Historic Shopping District

A picturesque old shopping district with specialty and antique shops, galleries and boutiques. One of Lexington's four National Register of Historic Places districts.

Parks & Recreation

Lexington Parks’ hosts a variety of activities for all families. Our 6 different parks and activities are as follows:

Lion’s Community Park: Horse Shoe Pits, Sand Volleyball, Baseball/Softball, Swimming, Fishing/Boating, Bike/Walk Trail, Shelter Houses, Restrooms.
College Park: Play ground, Basketball, Horse Shoe Pits, College Pavilion (Historic), Restrooms, Picnic Area
Crystal Lake Park: Fishing/Boating, Shelter House
Irish Town Park: Picnic Area, Playground
Riverfront Park: Fishing/Boating (Missouri River Access), Restrooms, Picnic Area, Walk Trail
Sprint Park: Benches, Flower Garden

For more information about Lexington Parks and Recreation including contact information, hours, fees, events and tournaments, please visit their web site, click on the link above to visit their web site.