Things To Do
in St. Joseph
St. Joseph is a city located in northwestern Missouri along the Missouri River. It is known for its rich history as a major trading post on the frontier in the 19th century. Today, St. Joseph is a vibrant community with a mix of historic architecture, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreational activities.
The city is also home to Missouri Western State University and has a growing arts and culinary scene.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll along the picturesque Silver Beach. Don’t forget to grab a coffee from a local café to kickstart your relaxing beach day.
After a morning on the beach, enjoy a picnic lunch in the nearby Tiscornia Park. Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun or playing frisbee on the park's expansive lawn.
As the sun sets, head to the Saint Joseph Lighthouse for stunning views. Conclude your day with dinner at a local seafood restaurant with a view of the water.
Begin with a visit to the Curious Kids' Museum, perfect for families and history buffs alike. Explore interactive exhibits that engage both young and old.
Head over to the St. Joseph Museum to learn about the area's history and culture. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the quaint downtown eateries.
Take a calming evening walk through the historic district, admiring the architecture. Dine at a cozy restaurant that highlights local flavors.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical background with various museums and landmarks.
- Affordable cost of living compared to national averages.
- Strong sense of community and friendly residents.
- Access to outdoor recreational activities and parks.
- Growing local economy with opportunities in various sectors.
- Limited public transportation options.
- Some areas may experience higher crime rates.
- Weather can be harsh, especially in winter months.
- Fewer entertainment and dining options compared to larger cities.
- Job market can be competitive in certain fields.
Best Activities in St. Joseph
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a self-guided tour of over 30 large-scale sculptures located throughout downtown St. Joseph.
Explore the outdoor sculpture garden and enjoy art exhibitions within the museum's campus.
Take a leisurely walk, have a picnic, or enjoy the beautiful setting of this historic park with lush vegetation and walking trails.
Visit the monument commemorating the historic Pony Express and enjoy the outdoor setting of the area.
Tours
Uncover the best of St. Joseph with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in St. Joseph
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and the St. Joseph lighthouse, perfect for sunset photos
A popular spot to capture the fountain and the waterfront with the city skyline in the background
Scenic location overlooking Lake Michigan and the pier, great for capturing the beauty of the shoreline
Food in St. Joseph
St. Joseph Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Tender and flavorful ribs slow-cooked to perfection, often served with classic sides like coleslaw and cornbread. Must-try at Q39 or Jack Stack Barbecue.
Must-Try!
Sample the local take on barbecue with its signature tomato and molasses-based sauce, available at Woodyard Bar-B-Que or Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que.
Indulge in the juicy, charred ends of smoked brisket or pork, a delicacy at local spots like Arthur Bryant's Barbeque or LC's Bar-B-Q.
Savor the comforting dish of flaky biscuits smothered in savory sausage gravy, a breakfast staple at The Classic Cup or Succotash.
Experience the premium cut of steak cooked to perfection, available at The Majestic or Anton's Taproom.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit this historic market for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and a variety of street food vendors offering dishes from around the world.
Enjoy a vibrant gathering of food trucks showcasing diverse cuisines, held weekly at different locations across the city.
Explore this food park featuring a rotating selection of food trucks and pop-up vendors, offering an eclectic mix of gourmet street food.
Discover this community market offering locally grown produce, handmade products, and tasty street food offerings.
Experience an evening of international flavors and live music at this monthly market, where local vendors showcase their diverse culinary creations.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In St. Joseph, it is important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially during conversations.
Being punctual is considered respectful in St. Joseph. Arriving on time for meetings and appointments is appreciated.
Using polite greetings such as 'please', 'thank you', and 'excuse me' is a common cultural norm in St. Joseph and is considered respectful behavior.
Safety
Tipping in St. Joseph
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is a common practice in the service industry in St. Joseph, United States. It is customary to tip around 15-20% at restaurants, bars, and for other services such as haircuts, taxis, and hotel staff.
Payment in St. Joseph, United States is primarily done using credit or debit cards, but cash is also widely accepted. Contactless payments, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, are increasingly becoming popular. Additionally, mobile payment apps like Venmo and Cash App are also commonly used for peer-to-peer transactions.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a wonderful time to visit St. Joseph, with blooming flowers, moderate temperatures, and various outdoor events and activities.
Summer offers warm weather, perfect for enjoying the city's beaches, parks, and outdoor festivals.
Fall reveals beautiful foliage, and the weather is still pleasant, making it a great time for nature walks and sightseeing.
Winter can be cold in St. Joseph, but the city still has its charm with holiday events, cozy cafes, and beautiful winter scenery.
St. Joseph at Night
Hiking in St. Joseph
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic location with trails that offer beautiful views of Lake Michigan and the St. Joseph River. Perfect for a leisurely hike along the waterfront.
A tranquil park with walking trails, picnic areas, and natural landscapes, providing an enjoyable hiking experience while exploring the local flora.
Located a short drive from St. Joseph, this state park features towering sand dunes, wooded trails, and stunning views of Lake Michigan, making it an ideal hiking destination.
A 2-mile loop trail that is popular among local hikers, offering a mix of wooded paths and open areas with gentle elevation changes.
With over 7 miles of hiking trails through diverse ecosystems, this park offers a peaceful retreat in nature and opportunities for birdwatching and observing wildlife.
Aiports
How to reach St. Joseph by plane.
Located approximately 45 miles southwest of St. Joseph, this is the largest airport in the region, offering a variety of domestic and international flights.
About 500 miles northeast of St. Joseph, O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving as a major hub for international and domestic flights.
Located roughly 600 miles west of St. Joseph, Denver International Airport is a major gateway for international travel in the Rocky Mountain region.
Situated around 500 miles south of St. Joseph, DFW is one of the largest and busiest airports in the United States, offering extensive international flight options.
Located about 400 miles north of St. Joseph, MSP serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly non-Hispanic White population.
Significant population of African American residents.
Diverse Hispanic or Latino community, including various backgrounds.
Smaller but growing population of Asian residents.
Population identifying with two or more races.
Small population of Native American residents.
Very small population of Pacific Islander residents.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
American football is very popular in St. Joseph, with local high school teams drawing significant community support and engagement.
Basketball enjoys a strong following in St. Joseph, with both high school and recreational leagues promoting the sport throughout the community.
Soccer has been growing in popularity in St. Joseph, with various youth leagues and adult recreational teams making it accessible for all ages.
Baseball is a traditional American pastime and remains popular in St. Joseph, with local leagues and youth programs being widely supported.
Rugby is gaining traction in St. Joseph, with local clubs providing opportunities for both playing and spectating.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting St. Joseph.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants and cafes in St. Joseph offer diverse and creative vegetarian and vegan dishes, with options such as plant-based burgers, fresh salads, and innovative vegetable-based entrees.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can find accommodating menus at various dining establishments, featuring gluten-free pasta dishes, pizzas with gluten-free crust, and other suitable options.
Local eateries prioritize allergen awareness and are often willing to accommodate special dietary needs, including nut-free and dairy-free alternatives, upon request.