Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Jamestown, MO

  • Published 2022/09/19

Jamestown is a small village in Missouri with a rich history and a simple yet heartwarming community atmosphere.

The humble town started as the location of S.L. and E.H. James’ mercantile house in 1846.

By 1873, the settlement attracted over 300 people, leading to its local government’s establishment.

Today, it is home to a tight-knit community of around 400 members.

There are many fun and exciting activities in this tiny village, so check out the best things to do in Jamestown, Missouri!

Explore the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish Historic District

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish Historic District is an excellent piece of architecture with humble beginnings.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish Historic District is at the intersection of Cedron Road and Zey Lane.

The church began as a small building made of logs, which residents built.

Soon, the number of people began to overflow the building.

In 1867, they constructed a brick gable-end church, which has survived the centuries.

Because of its architectural and historical significance, the church has become part of the National Register of Historic Places.

Make a quick stop at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish Historic District for a peek into one of the state’s architectural marvels.

Bond with Deer at Broken Road Whitetails

Broken Road Whitetails is a family-run deer farm located on Highway 87, about three miles south of the town center.

The owners and their kids work together to manage the farm’s operations, offering various services such as consulting and sales.

The main attraction in Broken Road Whitetails is the opportunity to interact with the farm’s does and bucks.

Get ready to meet Snowman, a deer whose fur is as white as snow, and Violet, her childhood friend.

They also have Moonshine, a majestic hard-horned buck that’ll make you marvel in his presence.

If you’re looking for a place to bond with nature’s aristocrats, visit Broken Road Whitetails.

Get Fresh Produce at Happy Hollow Farm

Buying fresh, local produce is always fun, especially at Happy Hollow Farm.

Happy Hollow Farm is near the Missouri River, the best place to get organic produce in town.

The farm’s soils are rich in organic matter, benefiting the fruits and vegetables being grown in the area.

They offer various products such as tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and more!

They even sell flowers, from seasonal bouquets to centerpiece arrangements.

Moreover, it is home to cute and friendly animals.

You’ll see the farm dogs Loki, Sobek, and Nyla, roaming around and keeping the farm safe.

Farm cats Oliver, Sophie, and Simon, control the mice population, and the farm guineas keep insects away.

Stop by Happy Hollow Farm if you want fresh air and organic, locally grown produce.

Experience the Great Outdoors at Prairie Home Conservation Area

Prairie Home Conversation Area is a must-visit for nature and outdoor enthusiasts.

Located 12 miles east of the town center, the Missouri Department of Conservation regulates the area.

Prairie Home Conservation Area is rich in flora and fauna and offers various outdoor activities.

Hunters will marvel at the deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, and quail.

Birdwatchers can find all sorts of songbirds like summer tanagers, woodpeckers, vireos, and sparrows.

Three fishing lakes, with a total area of 20 acres, provide fishing enthusiasts with a plethora of fish such as black bass, catfish, and crappie.

The area also has five designated campsites.

Just make sure to bring equipment and supplies as there are no available camping amenities.

The Prairie Home Conservation Area is a hunting, fishing, and camping paradise.

Before going there, read the area’s regulations and policies so you won’t get in trouble with the authorities.

Beat the Heat at Jamestown Community Pool

Nothing beats the summer heat better than a dip in the pool.

When you’re in Jamestown, Jamestown Community Pool is the best place for cooling off.

Jamestown Community Pool is in the heart of Jamestown and is everyone’s go-to place for a fun and refreshing swimming session.

You can swim, chat, and enjoy with the locals as you battle summertime’s excruciating temperatures.

What’s great about this place is that the community funds the maintenance of the pool through fundraising events like the Taco Lunch Fundraiser.

You can find Jamestown Community Pool near the town’s community building.

Enjoy the Food and Entertainment at Twisted Pickles

What’s more exciting than great food?

It’s great food and great entertainment, of course.

No one in Jamestown does excellent food and entertainment better than Twisted Pickles.

Located on West Row Street, Twisted Pickles sells generous helpings of American staples, such as burgers and sandwiches that’ll surely fill you up.

If you’re up for a challenge, you are more than welcome to face the Roho, a sandwich of epic proportions and many curly fries on the side.

Clear your plate in 45 minutes or less, and it’s free!

Moreover, Twisted Pickle hosts entertaining events during the weekends.

Every Sunday, they host Unordinary Ride Day, where customers showcase all kinds of cars, from vintage pieces to luxurious rides.

Twisted Pickles is the best place if you’re bored and hungry.

Grab Ice Cream at Mill and Row Emporium

If you’re craving some creamy, delicious ice cream, Mill and Row Emporium has got you covered.

Mill and Row Emporium sells neat collectibles and décor, but they’re well-known for their delicious homemade ice cream.

They sell a variety of flavors like chocolate, strawberry, and mint chocolate chip!

They also have different kinds of candy if ice cream isn’t your thing.

They’re located on West Row Street and are not that hard to find; look for a two-story brick building once you’re there.

Stop by Mill and Row Emporium and have the best homemade ice cream in Jamestown.

Buy a Doll at the Dianna Effner Doll House

Many people find dolls unsettling, but if you give them a chance, you’ll come to admire the Dianna Effner Doll House’s rich history and artistry.

Dianna Effner, a world-renowned artist specializing in porcelain dolls, founded the doll house.

She passed away in October 2020, but her spirit lives on in the fantastic collection of dolls collected in the doll studio.

You can find all sorts of dolls, from vinyl to porcelain, with dresses and accessories made explicitly for them.

The Dianna Effner Doll House is on West Row Street, beside the post office.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Catch Amazing Performances in the Finke Theatre

View of Finke Theatre

Logan Bush / Shutterstock.com

The Finke Theatre in California, Missouri, is the perfect place to watch world-class acts and performances.

For over 135 years, Finke Theatre has hosted various shows, from school performances and plays to musicals and stage shows.

Even the world-renowned pianist John William “Blind” Boone has played in the theatre.

Exterior view of Finke Theatre

BigRigTravels, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Today, they are still the number one place for musicals and concerts.

You can check out Finke Theatre’s official website for more details about its events and schedule.

This theater is 14 minutes from Jamestown.

Relax at Proctor Park Lake

Proctor Park Lake is an excellent place for a quiet and relaxing time with your family.

Located in California, Missouri, Proctor Park Lake has a total area of seven acres with cool and tranquil spaces for a picnic with loved ones.

The trees provide a lovely shade, and the pristine atmosphere takes all the stress away.

The lake has a scenic view and is home to sunfish, catfish, crappie, and black bass, making it a superb fishing spot.

The park also provides a hiking trail surrounding the lake, perfect for a pleasant afternoon stroll with your friends.

You can find Proctor Park Lake after an 18-minute drive from Jamestown.

Bask in the Missouri Sunshine at Trapper Ridge

Feel the warmth of the Missouri sun at Trapper Ridge.

Situated at Waterford Road, Centertown, Trapper Ridge offers tourists breathtaking views, from the rolling hills to the dense hardwood forest.

It is a perfect place for a stroll, as the cool, gentle breeze and the great cries of wildlife give you a sense of peace and tranquility.

The smell of the oak trees and the water creek makes you feel like you’re one with nature.

Just 24 minutes from Jamestown, Trapper Ridge is the best place to relieve all your stress.

Meet the Famous Budweiser Clydesdales at Warm Spring Ranch

Signage of Warm Spring Ranch

Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock.com

Get ready to be starstruck by the Budweiser Clydesdales at Warm Spring Ranch in Boonsville, Missouri, 22 minutes from Jamestown.

Warm Spring Ranch is a 300-acre, state-of-the-art establishment which houses the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales.

The Budweiser Clydesdales is the official mascot of Anheuser-Busch Brewery, the mastermind of Budweiser and other beer brands.

They regularly travel around the country to perform in major events, most notably the Super Bowl.

Exterior view of Warm Spring Ranch

Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock.com

Meet these majestic and elegant creatures with the ranch’s different tours and experiences.

Their prices are extremely reasonable, ranging from a 15-dollar guided tour to an exclusive VIP tour worth 500 dollars.

They also offer other experiences, such as the Wheels and Reins Excursion, where you’ll go on a luxury ride and learn about the ranch and the horses’ lifestyle.

Besides interacting with the Budweiser Clydesdales, Warm Spring Ranch has a gift shop that sells apparel, accessories, and of course, their world-famous Budweiser beer.

A trainer with a horse at Warm Spring Ranch

Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock.com

Learn History at Rivers, Rails & Trails Museum and Visitors Center

If you’re up for some history, you must go to the Rivers, Rails & Trails Museum and Visitors Center.

Rivers, Rails & Trails Museum and Visitors Center is in the heart of Boonville, Missouri, where visitors get sent back to the past with its historical exhibits and memorabilia.

One example is the authentic wagon used by pioneers to travel to the west on the Santa Fe Trail.

Touring the museum, you’ll also learn about steamboat and railroad history.

At the Visitors Center, you’ll find brochures with information to help you with your tour and stores selling snacks and refreshments.

Rivers, Rails & Trails Museum and Visitors Center is a great places to visit for a fun and educational time.

Drive 29 minutes from Jamestown to reach the museum.

Support Local Artists at Capital Arts

Capital Arts in Jefferson City, Missouri, is a volunteer-based organization that promotes the local art scene by working with artists in the community.

Its mission is to empower and transform the community and its members through visual arts.

Capital Arts’ gallery hosts nine exhibitions annually, featuring thousands of pieces from Missouri-based artists.

These artists showcase their talent and skills by displaying and selling their artworks.

They also offer classes, workshops, and camps to help others discover the colorful art world.

You can reach this gallery after a 31-minute drive from Jamestown.

Chow Down on Barbecue at Sweet Smoke BBQ

Taste Mid-Missouri’s best barbecue at Sweet Smoke BBQ in Downtown Jefferson City, 34 minutes from Jamestown.

In 2018, Sweet Smoke BBQ opened its doors to the public.

One of its first customers asked owner John Biggs if the food was any good, to which he replied, “It doesn’t suck.”

Since then, they have consistently served the best selection of barbecue, thanks to Bigg’s unique cooking techniques.

Sweet Smoke BBQ has a comprehensive food menu, from sandwiches to meat plates everyone will enjoy.

Their signature dish is the Boss Hog, a meat plate with four ounces of brisket, pulled pork, turkey, sausage, and four ribs, served with two sides.

Final Thoughts

The tiny village of Jamestown, Missouri, provides visitors with a relaxing atmosphere away from the stress of city life.

From scenic views to quirky establishments, the town gives you fun and relaxation at the same time.

Plan your trip today and discover the best things to do in Jamestown!

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