Rocheport MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Rocheport, Missouri.
1. Rocheport Historic District
PRESERVED RIVER TOWN CHARM
The Rocheport Historic District features a significant collection of 19th-century frame and brick buildings that exemplify a traditional Missouri river town. Visitors can explore the charming streets lined with historic structures that showcase the area's rich heritage. The district offers a glimpse into the past with its well-preserved architecture and small-town atmosphere.
2. The Blufftop at Rocheport
SCENIC VINEYARD VIEWS
The Blufftop at Rocheport offers breathtaking views overlooking the Missouri River valley from its elevated position. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting while taking in the panoramic scenery that stretches across the landscape. The venue combines natural beauty with local viticulture for a memorable experience.
3. Katy Trail State Park
HISTORIC RAIL-TRAIL PATH
Katy Trail State Park runs through Rocheport offering a scenic 237-mile path along the Missouri River for hiking and biking enthusiasts. The trail follows the former corridor of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad and provides access to natural landscapes, wildlife viewing, and river vistas. Rocheport serves as a popular trailhead with amenities for trail users including bike rentals and refreshment stops.
4. Les Bourgeois Vineyards
AWARD-WINNING MISSOURI WINES
Les Bourgeois Vineyards is an established winery offering award-winning wines and spectacular views of the Missouri River valley. Visitors can tour the vineyard, participate in tastings, and dine at the on-site restaurant featuring locally-sourced cuisine. The winery hosts various events throughout the year, making it a cultural hub for the Rocheport community.
5. Shirahaze Gallery
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
Shirahaze Gallery showcases the work of local and regional artists in a charming historic building in downtown Rocheport. The gallery features a rotating collection of paintings, sculptures, pottery, and other artistic media that reflect the cultural heritage of the region. Visitors can browse unique art pieces and often meet the artists who created them during special events.
6. Art & Antiques and Blacksmith Shop
HISTORIC CRAFTS DISPLAY
The Art & Antiques and Blacksmith Shop combines traditional craftsmanship with antique collection in a historic Rocheport building. Visitors can observe blacksmithing demonstrations that showcase this historical trade using authentic tools and techniques. The shop also offers a selection of antiques and artisanal crafts for purchase as unique souvenirs.
7. Meriwether Café and Bike Shop
TRAILSIDE EATS AND RENTALS
Meriwether Café and Bike Shop serves as both a dining establishment featuring locally-sourced food and a full-service bicycle rental facility along the Katy Trail. Cyclists and hikers can refuel with fresh, seasonal cuisine while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of this trail-adjacent spot. The shop provides everything needed for exploring the Katy Trail, from bike rentals to trail information and cycling accessories.
8. Rocheport General Store
HISTORIC COMMUNITY HUB
The Rocheport General Store has served the community since the 19th century and remains a focal point of local life. The store offers a blend of practical necessities, local products, and nostalgic merchandise in a historic setting. Visitors can experience small-town charm while browsing unique items and often enjoying live music or community gatherings hosted at this landmark establishment.
9. Missouri River
MIGHTY WATERWAY VIEWS
The Missouri River flows past Rocheport, offering spectacular views and recreational opportunities along its banks. Visitors can observe river wildlife, enjoy fishing spots, or simply take in the scenic vistas from various viewpoints around town. The river's presence has shaped the development and history of Rocheport since its founding.
10. Diana Bend Conservation Area
RIVERSIDE NATURE PRESERVE
Diana Bend Conservation Area encompasses over 1,000 acres of wetlands and forest along the Missouri River near Rocheport. The preserve provides habitat for diverse wildlife and offers hiking trails, bird watching opportunities, and seasonal hunting. Nature enthusiasts can explore the area's rich ecosystem while enjoying peaceful surroundings away from the bustle of more developed attractions.
11. Columbia
NEARBY COLLEGE TOWN
Columbia is a vibrant college town located just 15 miles from Rocheport that serves as home to the University of Missouri. Visitors can explore the downtown District with its shops, restaurants, and cultural venues including art galleries and performance spaces. The city offers additional attractions including Stephens Lake Park, the Museum of Art and Archaeology, and various sporting events throughout the year.
12. Arrow Rock State Historic Site
PRESERVED FRONTIER VILLAGE
Arrow Rock State Historic Site preserves a once-thriving 19th-century Missouri River town located within driving distance of Rocheport. Visitors can tour historic buildings including the J. Huston Tavern, which dates to 1834 and is the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi. The site hosts living history demonstrations, a visitor center with exhibits, and the professional Lyceum Theatre that stages productions in a historic building.
13. Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area
PREMIER WETLAND HABITAT
Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area encompasses over 4,400 acres of wetlands and Missouri River bottomland near Rocheport. Birdwatchers and wildlife photographers frequent the area to observe the diverse species including migratory waterfowl, bald eagles, and various marshland creatures. The conservation area features auto tour routes and hiking paths that allow visitors to explore this important ecological preserve.
14. Shelter Gardens
EDUCATIONAL BOTANICAL DISPLAY
Shelter Gardens is a five-acre botanical garden in nearby Columbia that showcases more than 300 varieties of trees and shrubs along with colorful flower displays. Visitors can wander through themed areas including a waterfall garden, rock garden, and an authentic one-room schoolhouse from the 1800s. The gardens host summer concerts and provide educational opportunities about horticulture and native plant species.
15. Cooper's Landing
RIVERSIDE CULTURAL HUB
Cooper's Landing is a unique riverside venue located along the Missouri River between Rocheport and Columbia. Visitors can enjoy live music, ethnic food vendors, and a general store while watching river traffic and socializing with locals and travelers alike. The landing serves as a popular stop for Katy Trail users and river enthusiasts, offering camping facilities and boat ramp access to the Missouri River.