7-Day Missouri Katy Trail Bike Tour - Explore Scenic Landscapes

Please meet at the Hilton St. Louis Airport at 6:30am. Bring your luggage and be ride-ready. After brief introductions, we will pile our luggage and bikes into the trailer and hop in the van. We will shuttle to the Clinton trailhead, at the far west end of the Katy Trail, where we will hold an Orientation Meeting, get fitted on our bikes, and begin our ride. After passing through the small towns of Calhoun, Windsor and Green Ridge, we will end the day in Sedalia. Once known as the “Sodom and Gomorrah of the nineteenth century,” Sedalia has a rich history from the railroad (make sure to see the Katy Sedalia Depot) and Civil War eras. We will stay the night at a hotel that catered to many famous guests, including Harry Truman, Bette Davis and Clint Eastwood. Welcome dinner is together.
Accommodation: Hotel Bothwell
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 12, 21, 28 or 38 miles (19, 34, 45 or 61 kilometres)
Terrain: Easier 

Though today’s scenery rolls through agricultural lands, we will continue along the relatively flat trailbed of the old MKT line. We will have a picnic lunch en route before ending the day with a subtle downhill roll into Boonville, at the edge of the Missouri River. Boonville derived its name from the sons of Daniel Boone, who established a salt business here in the early 1800s. The area is fondly called Boone’s Lick in honor of the nearby salt licks. We’ll have dinner tonight in Boonville.
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 12, 24, or 37 miles (19, 39 or 59 kilometres)
Terrain: Easier

We will begin the morning crossing the mighty Missouri River. For the remainder of the trip, we will parallel the north edge of the river, following the route of Lewis & Clark. Before reaching Rocheport, we will pass through a scenic tunnel. In town, enjoy lunch at the unique Meriwether Cafe or the Rocheport General Store before continuing on your way. In the latter part of the ride, we will divert off the Katy Trail and head towards Columbia, home of the University of Missouri, where we will spend the night. Tonight’s dinner will be in Columbia.
Accommodation: The Broadway Columbia DoubleTree Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 18, 28, or 31 miles (29, 45 or 49 kilometres)
Terrain: Easier

We will begin the morning by backtracking to The Katy Trail. After rejoining the trail, we will ride along the tree-lined path, through the Eagle Bluff Conservation Area. Keep your ears and eyes open for birds unique to this part of the Midwest. Near the end of the ride, we will cross a bridge over the Missouri River to get to Jefferson City. The capitol of Missouri, the city has a lot to offer. After visiting the Governor’s Mansion or the State Capitol, treat yourself to an ice cream from Central Dairy — said to be one of the best ice cream parlors in the Midwest. Or take a two-hour history or ghost tour through the Missouri State Penitentiary, once known as “the bloodiest 47 acres in America.” Tonight, you will be on your own to enjoy the fine dining options in Jefferson City.
Accommodation: Capitol Plaza Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Biking: 13, 29, or 39 miles (21, 46 or 62 kilometres)
Terrain: Easier 

We will begin the morning crossing the Missouri River to return to The Katy Trail. Today we will begin riding through Missouri’s wine country. German immigrants settled in this area in the 1800s, bringing their wine-making traditions to the fertile soil and grape-friendly land. We will end the day crossing the Missouri once again — this time to Hermann, which has a strong German influence as well as many wineries, distilleries and breweries. Dinner tonight will be at the Captain Wohlt Inn.
Accommodation: Captain Wohlt Inn
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 26, 32, or 47 miles (42, 51 or 76 kilometres)
Terrain: Easier

Today we will ride through even more wine territory. Enjoy lunch in Marthasville or Dutzow at a winery or at one of the local restaurants. We will end the day’s ride in Augusta. Though the town is tiny, it has a major presence in the Missouri Rhineland. Treat yourself to a post-ride beverage at the Augusta Brewhouse or to a post-ride massage at the Halycon Spa. Tonight we will enjoy fresh farm-to-table cuisine at The Silly Goose.
Accommodation: Best Western Plus Washington
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 11, 18, or 37 miles (18, 29 or 59 kilometres)
Terrain: Easier

Our final day of riding will get more urban as the miles progress. Our destination is St. Charles. Settled by French-speaking Canadians in its early days, St. Charles was deemed to be “the last civilized stop” by Lewis & Clark on their expedition. Enjoy this final destination on your journey along The Katy Trail. Consider having lunch at the popular Trailhead Brewing Company before visiting the Lewis & Clark Boat House & Museum or the Foundry Art Centre. We will end our ride at a riverside park in St. Charles. Or opt to ride an additional 10 miles beyond downtown to the true end of the Katy Trail at Machens. After lunch, we will shuttle back to our starting point, where we will say our goodbyes.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast

Biking: 24, 30, or 40 miles (39, 48 or 64 kilometres)
Terrain: Easier