Sprawling on the east bank of the Missouri River, Saint Joseph was founded as a 19th-century frontier town for travellers heading into the “Wild West”. It was the departure point of the Pony Express, a rapid mail service that operated in the 1860s, with its horse-mounted riders delivering mail to California.
Things to do in St Joseph
Occupying historic stables is the Pony Express Museum, which details the legendary mail service that once travelled across the United States. It exhibits vintage maps, archaeological findings and dioramas that bring the past to life. The Hall of Riders celebrates those who played a vital role in relaying mail along the Pony Express.
Nearby is the Jesse James Home Museum, which occupies a Greek Revival-style building where the outlaw was living when he was shot and killed in 1882. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it exhibits a large bullet hole on its northern wall. Step inside to learn about the life and legacy of Jesse James as you browse the family belongings and photographs on display.
N-east of Saint Joseph is the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art, which occupies a mansion once owned by the family behind the Western Tablet Company. It showcases an outstanding collection of American art dating from the 18th to 20th centuries and hosts pop-up exhibitions of contemporary works. In addition to paintings by James Reynolds and Thomas Hart Benton, there are prints by Grant Wood on display.
Getting around St Joseph
Saint Joseph is around 1.5 hours’ drive from the centre of Kansas City and one hour from Kansas City International Airport, which has flights to destinations across North America. Inter-city buses connect to Saint Joseph while local services travel throughout the city, connecting most of its attractions.