Why This One Little Town Is Missouri’s Best Kept Secret
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Stephanie Butler
Author
Rocheport is a quaint little river town in Boone County. With a population of just 239 at the 2010 census, the friendly local residents call each other by name. It includes the Rocheport Historic District, a charming area with buildings dating as far back as 1830. If you’ve never been to Rocheport, you might want to put it on the must-see list for your next weekend getaway.
The entire town of Rocheport is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as The Rocheport Historic District. It contains several buildings dating as far back as 1830.
You can go floating, canoeing, or enjoy other types of water related recreation, or you can simply sit on a bluff and admire the river’s beauty.
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The Famous Rocheport MKT Tunnel, constructed in 1892, is the only tunnel on the Missouri, Kansas and Texas (MKT) railroad, which is now the Katy Trail.
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Katy Trail is the country's longest Rails-to-Trails trail, and is a beautiful place for a stroll, jog or bike ride.
Rocheport only has 239 residents, and a lot of the town’s revenue comes from tourism and recreation. You are welcomed with a smile, and made to feel right at home.
Rocheport is home to several wineries and vineyards, most notably the popular Les Bourgeois Winery, an amazing escape with a beautiful bluff top view of the Missouri River Valley.
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Don’t miss Abigail’s, located 206 Central Street. With their inventive and eclectic American fare, the menu changes twice a day. The restaurant provides a relaxed environment and absolutely delicious food. Another notable restaurant in town is the Mulberry Grill and Bakery.
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Manitou Studio on Columbia street is a gallery of fine art and fine crafts featuring a new showroom displaying ceramics, handwoven crafts, photography and other one-of-a-kind items. Shirahaze Gallery on Second street sells pottery by the award-winning artist Yukari Kashihara and photography by Tom Scharenborg.
The quaint downtown, the mesmerizing Missouri river, bluff top wineries, the Diana Bend Conservation Area and the idyllic Katy Trail are all sure to provide fantastic views.
The School House Bed and Breakfast is housed in a converted brick schoolhouse on Third Street just 2 blocks from the Katy Trail. The Yates House on Second Street features a delicious gourmet breakfast, cooking classes and a bike shed.
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Irish Road Bowling on the 240 Spur is a tradition in Rocheport every March. Hosted by the Rocheport General Store, participants and spectators dressed in Irish-green watch teams tossing a small, iron ball down the road toward the city. The winning team is the one who makes it to the finish with the least amount of throws. After the game, the General Store plays host to a proper Irish meal and a pint of stout.
Have you ever been to Rocheport? Would you like to go? We would love to hear your comments and experiences!
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