Your Next Adventure
Your Next Adventure
KATY Trail Bike Tour
DURATION
7 Day(s)
DAILY BIKING
12 to 47 miles
TRIP DIFFICULTY
1-Easier
STARTING FROM
$2895
SINGLES ADD FROM
$750
Trip Overview
The Katy Trail stretches for 237 miles across the most picturesque landscapes for a bike tour in Missouri. Built on the former railroad corridor of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) Railroad, the Katy Trail is the longest of the rails-to-trails routes. The trail derives its name from the MKT, which was widely known as the “KATY,” from its “K-T” stock exchange symbols.
Scenic, car-free and flat, the Katy Trail is a popular cycling destination. Most of the trail meanders along the Missouri River, with its beautiful flowing waters and towering bluffs. The remainder of the trail traverses through agricultural fields and small Americana towns.
Designated as part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic trail, the Katy Trail offers history buffs a window into the rich history of the explorers, which you can enjoy as you cycle along the trail. Wine lovers will appreciate that the trail passes through Missouri wine country. Others will appreciate that nothing compares to the simple pleasure of pedaling a bicycle along an idyllic trail.
Itinerary
From start to finish, check out the route.
DAY 1 - Arrival Day
Distance: 12, 21, 28 or 38 miles | Terrain: Easier | Hotel Bothwell
The trip begins with an 8:30 a.m. Meet’n’Greet near the airport in St. Louis. 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.
The trip begins with an 8:30 a.m. Meet’n’Greet near the airport in St. Louis. 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.
DAY 2 - MKT line
Distance: 12, 24, or 37 miles | Terrain: Easier | Hotel Frederick
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.
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.
DAY 3 - Mighty Missouri River
Distance: 18, 28, or 31 miles | Terrain: Easier | The Broadway Columbia DoubleTree Hotel
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.
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.
DAY 4 - Jefferson City
Distance: 13, 29, or 39 miles | Terrain: Easier | Capitol Plaza Hotel
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.
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.
DAY 5 - Hermann
Distance: 26, 32, or 47 miles | Terrain: Easier | Captain Wohlt Inn
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.
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.
DAY 6 - Missouri’s wine country
Distance: 11, 18, or 37 miles | Terrain: Easier | Best Western Plus Washington
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.
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.
DAY 7 - Departure Day
Distance: 24, 30, or 40 miles | 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.
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.
Map
Dates & Pricing
Prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 people in one room). Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $500 holds your reservation for most tours. For weekend tours, the deposit is $300.
What’s Included
All daily shuttles to/from the trail, 6 nights’ lodging, 6 breakfasts, 5 dinners (you are on your own for one dinner in Jefferson City), 4 lunches, leaders, van support, route directions, a bicycle and a helmet. Airfare is not included.
Dates & Pricing
Prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 people in one room). Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $500 holds your reservation for most tours. For weekend tours, the deposit is $300.
What’s Included
All daily shuttles to/from the trail, 6 nights’ lodging, 6 breakfasts, 5 dinners (you are on your own for one dinner in Jefferson City), 4 lunches, leaders, van support, route directions, a bicycle and a helmet. Airfare is not included.
Inns
Where you stay along the way.
Hotel Bothwell
The Hotel Bothwell is located in historic Sedalia, Missouri, near the Katy Trail. The hotel has been the destination of choice for travelers.
Hotel Frederick
Historic boutique hotel in Boonville, Missouri with convenient Katy Trail access, bike rentals, and dining at Revival Restaurant and Lounge.
The Broadway Columbia - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
Right on Broadway in downtown Columbia. This hotel is surrounded by the District's restaurants and bars and blocks from the University of Missouri, Columbia College, and Stephens College. Relax and enjoy city views from the eighth-floor rooftop bar. Every stay starts with a signature warm chocolate chip cookie.
Capitol Plaza Hotel
Discover Capitol Plaza Hotel Jefferson City. Located in Missouri's capital and offering deluxe rooms, pet friendly amenities, enticing dining and meeting venues.
Captain Wohlt Inn
Famous historic home of Captain Wohlt. Pleasant bed and breakfast. Best place to stay in Hermann Missouri.
Best Western Plus Washington Hotel
Nestled in a serene location, the hotel welcomes you with its warm, down-to-earth ambiance. The cozy rooms are designed to provide you with a comfortable stay, with everything you need to unwind after a long day.
Gallery
Images from this tour. Click each to see it larger.
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