Paddle Sports Lifestyle: Finding Your Epic Adventure Through Kayaking and Paddling, MR340 and Beyond

The final stretch of the Missouri River 340 tells a story of reinvention. In this episode, we explore the fascinating history of Klondike Park, where ancient silica sand fueled America's glass industry before becoming a beloved outdoor destination. We'll visit Weldon Spring, one of the nation's largest environmental cleanup success stories, and finish in historic St. Charles - a town that has welcomed explorers, immigrants, cyclists, and MR340 paddlers.

From Lewis and Clark's departure point to today's finish line, these communities remind us that every ending holds the promise of another adventure.

ATTRACTIONS, RESOURCES, DINING

Augusta Attractions

Root Food & Wine - Augusta (this place has great reviews)

Augusta Wineries

Painted Sunflower Silos

Klondike Park

Former Klondike Silica Quarry

Weldon Spring Site

Weldon Spring Conservation Area

Discover St. Charles

Bike Stop Cafe - St. Charles

St. Charles Historic District

Lewis and Clark Boathouse and Museum

OFFICIAL MR340 2026 FOOD VENDORS:

Klondike (Checkpoint) - Hamburgers, hot dogs, ham/turkey and cheese sandwiches, coffee and snacks and drinks provided by The Nature Conservancy of Missouri and local volunteers. Food prepared by local volunteers – Bonnie Marquart & Crew.

Finish Line (Checkpoint) - Lewis & Clark Boat House & Museum Thursday July 30 & Friday July 31 11am to 7pm - Food: tacos, drinks (hard and soft) and a larger menu.

The Missouri River has always attracted dreamers. In this episode, we travel through Hermann, New Haven, and Washington to meet the immigrants, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who saw opportunity where others saw uncertainty.

Discover how one travel writer inspired thousands of Germans to settle in Missouri, how Hermann's vineyards helped save the French wine industry, why New Haven continues to embrace life on the river, and how a simple woodworking project became the world's most famous corncob pipe.

These are the stories of the people whose dreams came to life along the Missouri and whose legacies are still alive today.

ENTERTAINMENT, TOURISM, HISTORY NOTES AND FOOD:

RESOURCES:

Article on Hermann's history from the Columbia Daily Tribune

Visit Hermann Site

New Haven Preservation Society

Visit WashMo Site

EATING:

Hermann Wurst Haus

Hermann 1837 Cellar Bar and Grill
Vintage 1847 Restaurant

Washington, MO Restaurant List - Taste Downtown WashMO

Birdies Bake Shop (Recommendation from a 2025 ground crew member via Facebook) - Washington

ENTERTAINMENT:

Stone Hill Winery - Hermann

Adam Puchta Wine - Hermann

Hermanhof Wine - Hermann

Astral Glass Art Studio - New Haven

Pickney Bend Distillery - New Haven

Washington Historical Society- Washington

Missouri Meerschaum Company (corncob pipe place) - Washington

OFFICIAL MR340 2026 FOOD VENDORS:

Hermann (Checkpoint)-

Appetize Charcuterie : Wednesday, July 29 to Friday, July 31 with break Thursday afternoon. Food: various meats, cheeses, snacks

Trail Boss BBQ: Thursday July 30 12pm to 7ish - Food: classic BBQ and sides

New Haven (Paddlestop) - Restaurants and shops in downtown and along Hwy 100.

Washington (Paddlestop) - 

Tribal Crunch Food Truck with cold drinks, popcorn, hot dogs and nachos. Local restaurants and shops a short walk away in downtown Washington.

NOTES FROM 2026 FACEBOOK GROUP ON FOOD RECS:

Downtown Deli and Custard Shop in Hermann.

The Wurst Haus in Hermann. Best brats anywhere. 

Three Sisters Flower Farm -U-Pick flower farm specializing in various cut flowers and native wildflowers. Able to host groups of 1-20. Flowers sold by the cup or bucket other options including delivery, floral arrangements, photo sessions and special events Villa Ridge, MO, United States, 63089 (After Hermann)

NEW HAVEN: Hilltop in New Haven for burgers. 

·WASHINGTON:

-Breakfast at Cowans in Washington has been a staple. 

 -Also the meringue on the pies at Cowan’s are a foot tall. Delicious.

- Silver Spoon Ice cream in Washington

- Wimpy’s for burgers in Washington,

- Aldo’s if you want pizza. 

- Tropical sno in Washington for snow cones.

- Dirt cheap in Washington for bourbon hunting

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2026 Barge Report

https://mr340.org/news/2026-race-barge-report/

2026 Food - (scroll down the page)

https://mr340.org/resources/race-course/

After hundreds of miles on the Missouri River, we arrive at Jefferson City, the capital of Missouri.

But Jefferson City wasn't a bustling river town that naturally grew into the state's political center. It was intentionally created to become Missouri's capital.

We'll also visit the infamous Missouri State Penitentiary, discover the story behind Carl R. Noren Access, and make brief stops in the river communities of Mokane and Chamois before continuing downstream.

TOURISM, ENTERTAINMENT, HISTORY & DINING:

Missouri State Capitol: https://mostateparks.com/page/missouri-state-museumjefferson-landing-state-historic-site/missouri-state-capitol

Missouri State Penn Tours:

https://missouripentours.com/

Missouri State Penitentiary History: https://www.visitjeffersoncity.com/missouri-state-penitentiary/

DINING

NOTE FROM 2025 GROUND CREW: At Crains Country Store: https://cranes-country-store.com/

At Williamsburg, in Crane’s Country Store, you could get a meat sandwich on white bread with mayo and mustard for $1!! Or meat and cheese for $2!!

And they had a big selection of different meats and cheeses.

PORTLAND AREA:

Note from 2025 Crew:

Holzhauser's Bar & Grill in Portland 

The pork tenderloin is epic. This requires staying on the same side of the river until Hermann bridge. So you'd miss your peeps at Chamois if they stopped there.

DOWNTOWN JEFFERSON CITY DINING OPTIONS ( just across the bridge):

Paddy Malone's Irish Pub: Located at 700 W Main St; serves traditional pub classics, burgers, and drinks in a cozy space roughly half a mile from where the pedestrian bridge meets the city side.

Sweet Smoke BBQ: Located at 127 E High St; a casual counter-serve spot known for pulled pork, brisket, and fried sides. 

The Grand Cafe: Located at 107 E High St; a refined yet casual choice offering contemporary American sandwiches, salads, and dinner plates. 

Towne Grill: Located at 315 Jefferson St; a classic, affordable neighborhood diner serving breakfast and classic American lunch favorites. 

DINING BEYOND JEFFERSON CITY:

Riders Roost Bar & Grill in Chamois, 

Lisabee's in Chamois,

Roomerz Restaurant and Bar in Chamois https://www.facebook.com/RoomerzChamois/

Riverfront Bar & Grill in Portland, 

Holzhauser’s Bar and Grill in Portland

10501 Main Cross Street, Portland, MO

https://www.facebook.com/Holzhausers?_rdr

OFFICIAL 340 VENDORS IN THIS AREA:

Jefferson City (Checkpoint) 

⁠"Noren Access Diner" ⁠hosted by Jefferson City Boy Scout Troop 10: Wednesday 11am through Thurs 4pm Food: Cheese/hamburgers, Sausage Egg Biscuit, Biscuit and Gravy, Breakfast Burrito; Snacks: dill pickles, chips, bananas; Drinks: soda, Rocket Fuel coffee, energy drinks, iced tea, water.

Missouri American Water - water tent

Chamois - Restaurant in town. No ramp food vendor.

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2026 Barge Report

https://mr340.org/news/2026-race-barge-report/

2026 Food - (scroll down the page)

https://mr340.org/resources/race-course/

Every stretch of the Missouri River has a story. Some are about commerce. Some are about exploration. This one is about community.

In this episode, we paddle into one of the most beloved stops along the entire MR340 route: Cooper's Landing. Long before it became a gathering place for paddlers, cyclists, campers, and live music, this bend in the river was home to the forgotten town of Nashville, Missouri.

We'll explore how the Great Flood of 1844 erased an entire community, why people never stopped returning to this special place, and how Cooper's Landing has become one of the river's most iconic destinations.

ENTERTAINMENT, ATTRACTIONS, DINING & RESOURCES

Coopers Landing (reserve a campsite or check out the music schedule)

Places to eat in Hartsburg:

Hartsburg Grand – This would be my first recommendation. Housed in a beautifully restored 1897 historic building, it serves hearty American comfort food, burgers, sandwiches, steaks, and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. It's become a popular stop for Katy Trail cyclists looking to refuel and soak up some small-town hospitality. 

The Burg – A casual local favorite known for handmade burgers, weekly specials, outdoor seating, and live music on many Saturdays. It's just the kind of laid-back place where you'll likely end up chatting with locals or fellow cyclists. 

Hartsburg Hitching Post – More of a classic small-town bar and grill. Think cold beer, pizza, burgers, and friendly conversation. If you're looking for an authentic local hangout after a day on the trail, this is it.

PLACES TO STAY NEAR THE KATY TRAIL:

I'm saving this link here for myself so I can find it later! It's the cutest caboose you can stay in near Hartsburg

THINGS TO DO:

The Nature Conservancy

Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area

Boat Henge

Eagle Bluffs Overlook Trail

OFFICIAL 2026 MR340 Food Vendors in This Area:

Huntsdale - Hosted by The Nature Conservancy of Missouri. Snacks provided.

Cooper's Landing (Paddlestop)

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2026 Barge Report

https://mr340.org/news/2026-race-barge-report/

2026 Food - (scroll down the page)

https://mr340.org/resources/race-course/

Towering limestone bluffs. The only railroad tunnel on the Katy Trail. Seasonal waterfalls cascading down ancient rock faces. A bluff-top winery overlooking the Missouri River.

Rocheport is more than just another town along the MR340 course; it's one of the most scenic places on the entire river.

In this episode we explore how a natural harbor at the mouth of Moniteau Creek helped transform Rocheport into one of Missouri's busiest river ports, why Lewis and Clark stopped here, and how railroad engineers created the Rocheport Tunnel.

Whether you're preparing for the MR340, planning a Katy Trail adventure, or simply curious about Missouri's river history, Rocheport is worth a visit, or even a long weekend.

TOURISM, ENTERTAINMENT, DINING & RESOURCES

EATING:

Meriwether Cafe and Bike Shop – Great breakfast and lunch, outdoor patio, and bike rentals right on the Katy Trail.

https://meriwethercafeandbikeshop.com

Rocheport General Store: A longtime favorite for sandwiches, soups, desserts, and a relaxed small-town atmosphere.

The A-Frame at Les Bourgeois Vineyards: Casual bluff-top wine garden with incredible Missouri River views.

Blufftop at Rocheport ⁠https://missouriwine.com/⁠

The Bistro at Les Bourgeois Vineyards: Looks like this is events only now. But you can still visit the Blufftop and the A-Frame

The Rocheport Winery at Mount Nebo Inn: A nice option if you're looking for wine, dinner, and live music in town.

Attractions:

The Rocheport Historical Museum is tiny, AND closed for 2026!! But if you are in the area later, it tells the story of the town's river heritage, Lewis & Clark, the MKT Railroad, the Civil War, and even includes a mural depicting more than 200 years of local history.

⁠https://friendsofrocheport.org/⁠

Huntsdale Nature Conservancy

McBaine Burr Oak- right after the Huntsdale ramp. Estimated to be between 350 and 400 years old, locals know it as “the big tree.” It stands alone – no other tree is within 1,000 feet. As the largest burr oak tree in Missouri, it’s tied with another in Kentucky for the title of the national champion (largest) of the specie, Quercus macrocarpa. 

Official MR340 2026 Food Vendors for this stretch of river:

• Franklin Island (Paddlestop) - Turkey sandwiches on hawaiian sweet rolls and drinks provided by local volunteers, purchased by The Nature Conservancy of Missouri.
• Huntsdale - Hosted by The Nature Conservancy of Missouri. Snacks provided.
• Cooper's Landing (Paddlestop)




*****




2026 Barge Report

https://mr340.org/news/2026-race-barge-report/




2026 Food - (scroll down the page)

https://mr340.org/resources/race-course/

Discover the story of Boone's Lick Country, visit the preserved village of Arrow Rock, untangle the history of Franklin, New Franklin, and Franklin Island, and see how Boonville became the place where Missouri's river, railroad, and frontier stories all came together.

The episode also traces the transformation of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad into today's Katy Trail, where cyclists now follow the same river corridor once traveled by explorers, steamboats, settlers... now MR340 paddlers.

DINING, ENTERTAINMENT AND TOURISM LINKS:

Places to see:

Booneville's Historic Walking Tour

Arrow Rock State Historic Site

Arrow Rock - Plan Your Visit Link

https://goboonville.com/about/

Start your Boonville adventure at the Visitor Center and free River, Rails & Trails Museum, run by the Tourism Department for the City of Boonville.  Located in the Depot District right next to the Katy Trailhead, the Visitor Center is housed in a restored historic grocery wholesaler warehouse building.  

While at the Visitor Center, you can experience Boonville’s transportation history at the very kid friendly and free River, Rails, & Trails Museum in the same building.  If you are looking for information, maps, area attractions and souvenirs on the area, the Visitor Center is a great place to start.  If you are interested in touring the Mitchell Antique Motorcar Museum, this is where you arrange a tour and get your tickets.   For cyclists off the trail, it is a perfect stop to fill up your water, make a quick fix on their bike, use the restroom or find a Katy Trail souvenir. 

If you have the ability to divide and conquer, you could take a side trip to Warm Springs Ranch and see the Budweiser Clydesdales while in Boonville. Check the website

and make advance reservations.

Where to Eat:

J. Huston Tavern is owned by Missouri State Parks, and operated by the J Huston Tavern Society. There’s a production of Into the Woods taking place in 2026 through July 26th at the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theater and I noticed that the tavern has Into the Woods themed desserts!

hustontavern.com

Current Hours: Thursday 5-8 dinner, Friday 4:30-9 dinner, Saturday 11-2 and 4:30-9, Sunday 10-2 brunch 

Coco Loco Cafe: ⁠⁠

310 Main St, Boonville, MO, United States, 65233

Book Lovers: the book store, Bloom & Bindings was recommended in Boonville. It is across the street from Coco Loco Cafe... a book and a bite. Sounds perfect!

NOTES FOR KATY TRAIL CYCLISTS:

Last year, we stayed at the Katy Roundhouse campground, which is just a few miles from Boonville. We had a lovely meal at the Hotel Frederick in Boonville. You would either need to bike back in or stop before you get to the campground.

The Katy Trail Guidebook by Brett Dufur (also paddling the MR340!!) recommends the Derailed Coffee Bar & Cafe, 104 W Spring St. in Boonville

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2026 Barge Report

https://mr340.org/news/2026-race-barge-report/

2026 Food - (scroll down the page)

https://mr340.org/resources/race-course/

For many MR340 racers, Glasgow marks the late-night end of a long first day on the river.... or it's the point you're racing toward on day two.

But long before it became a welcome checkpoint for tired paddlers, it was the site of one of the Confederacy's most significant victories in Missouri.

In this episode, we explore the Battle of Glasgow during Sterling Price's 1864 Missouri Campaign, follow the story of Confederate General Jo Shelby after his time in Waverly, and discover how a decisive battlefield victory ultimately failed to change the course of the Civil War.

Along the way, we'll wander Glasgow's beautifully preserved downtown, visit scenic overlooks above the Missouri River, and learn why this quiet river town was once considered one of the most strategically important places in the state.

MR340 2026 TOURISM, DINING, ATTRACTIONS & RESOURCES:

History:

https://www.visitglasgowmo.org/

https://missourilife.com/scenic-drives-karbelle-mansion-glasgow-2/

https://theclio.com/entry/185538

Dining and Entertainment Notes:

Fresh on the Go food truck says they will be serving food at the Glasgow checkpoint in 2026. (RAVING comments in the FB group about the gyros, lemonade, breakfast, coffee, and burritos from this truck!)

2025 Notes From Racers...

Don't miss the cinnamon rolls at The Rolling Pin

Breakfast at River Bend Family Restaurant

Spent the afternoon at Beckett's Winery in Glasgow, great wine and cocktails. Ordered mozzarella sticks to go from Beckett's Restaurant and daughter said they were delicious. 

MORE NOTES FROM 2026 IN THE FACEBOOK GROUP:

GLASGOW  like the River Bend Cafe and Becketts restaurant in Glasgow, 

Best B&B - Orchard Inn, Glasgow.

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2026 RAMP NOTE FROM STEVE:

GROUND CREWS! Heads up that the normal entrance to Stump Island Park in Glasgow (the second checkpoint on the race course) is closed. There is a detour! If you are getting to Glasgow from the west, across the 240 Missouri River bridge, you will pass by the normal entrance stay on the highway until it turns into 87 south and keep going. Take a right onto "Old Hwy 87" (paved road) and follow back north to the park. Look for the MR340 Detour signs. Not all navigation apps are showing the detour. This information, along with a lot more helpful info on ramps, is available on our Ramps Resource page. https://mr340.org/resources/ramps/







*****

2026 Barge Report

⁠https://mr340.org/news/2026-race-barge-report/⁠




2026 Ramp Food Vendors - (scroll down the page)

⁠https://mr340.org/resources/race-course/⁠

For one weekend each summer, hundreds of MR340 paddlers stop in Miami to refuel, rest, and continue downriver. But long before it became a paddle stop on the MR340, Miami was one of the Missouri River's important transportation hubs.

In this episode, Kim explores how a bend in the river first attracted Native communities centuries before European settlement, later became a thriving steamboat landing, and eventually watched the railroad and highways choose different routes.

Along the way, you'll discover the remarkable history preserved at Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park, learn why this stretch of the Missouri has been a crossroads for more than 700 years.

As today's paddlers pull into Miami under the cover of darkness, the river briefly returns to its original purpose: bringing people together. It's a reminder that the Missouri River has always been a place of connection.

TOURISM, DINING, ATTRACTIONS & RESOURCES:

Van Meter State Park: https://mostateparks.com/park/annie-and-abel-van-meter-state-park

American Indian Cultural Center: https://mostateparks.com/key-location/missouris-american-indian-cultural-center

Miami Missouri Facts for Kids: https://kids.kiddle.co/Miami,_Missouri

Brunswick is the Pecan Capital of Missouri and as you leave Miami, you can swing by to check out what was once the world's largest pecan.

FOOD:

A little south of Miami, but a note from 2025 says: Before heading to Miami, had a great burger and beer at the Leaning Side Bar in Marshall.

https://theleaningside.com

And another note from 2025: Found a great diner/ coffee shop called Montague's in Marshall. (My online search indicates the hours may be 10-5. 152 W Arrow St, Marshall, Missouri)

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2026 Barge Report

⁠https://mr340.org/news/2026-race-barge-report/⁠

2026 Ramp Food Vendors - (scroll down the page)

⁠https://mr340.org/resources/race-course/⁠

Waverly may seem like just another quiet checkpoint along the MR340, but its history reflects many of the larger forces that shaped communities all along the Missouri River.

We look at the difficult realities behind the area's early prosperity; like much of Missouri's Little Dixie region, Waverly's agricultural economy depended heavily on the labor of enslaved people before the Civil War, a history that is essential to understanding how the town developed.

We'll also talk about the complicated legacy of Confederate General Jo Shelby, and how Waverly adapted as the Missouri River and transportation continued to change.

In this season, we are looking at the river towns along the MR340 race route, learning about the communities

and their history.

TOURISM, DINING, ATTRACTIONS

NOTES FOR 2026 MR340 -

I have seen posts since I recorded this episode telling people that The Bridge Inn in Waverly is open this year. The post's author says that it has a complete menu.... and is an alternative to Casey's, which is the only other place in town to get food. The Bridge Inn will also be serving healthy snacks, and have ice and water available.

I've seen additional posts telling people to get their peaches in Waverly at Peters Orchard and Market 32615 Highway 65 South, Waverly, MO, United States, 64096

Chrisolyn's Gluten Free Bakery in Waverly has also been recommended. https://www.chrisolyns.com

321 E Walnut St
Waverly, Missouri 64096-8239

When I asked about favorite foods after the 2025 race, someone mentioned the peach milkshakes at Schreiman Orchards  29032 Highway 24, Waverly, MO, United States, 64096

MORE NOTES ON FOOD FROM 2026 FACEBOOK POSTS:

- Schreiman Orchards just before Waverly has shakes, blasts, sundaes, etc…. The peach shakes, blasts and peach nachos are the best!!

·On the the way to Waverly, there is a produce stand/place that has watermelon, peaches, etc.

We got a watermelon last year, and peaches. We chopped the melon in half and our racer ate it like a bowl. The peaches were delicious and we gave our extras to other racers.

-Particularly fond of Peters Market 1 mi east of Waverly on Hwy 65. It’s open till 5 pm every day.

-Bridge Inn Restaurant and Lounge in Waverly is making food packages - they posted something on their Facebook page earlier. Great food!!!!

Dankenbring Orchards is in Malta Bend and has FANTASTIC produce- We get all of our peaches from them - they grow all of their own stuff and don’t ship in like all of the other places.

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2026 Barge Report

⁠https://mr340.org/news/2026-race-barge-report/⁠

2026 Ramp Food Vendors - (scroll down the page)

⁠https://mr340.org/resources/race-course/⁠

What do hemp bales, a Civil War battle, and one of the deadliest steamboat explosions in Missouri River history have in common? They all happened in Lexington.

Learn how Lexington's booming hemp industry played a role in the famous Battle of the Hemp Bales, and how the tragic explosion of the steamboat Saluda became one of the greatest disasters ever to occur on the Missouri River.

This season of Paddle Sports Lifestyle is a look at the river towns we pass through on the MR340.

LEXINGTON NOTES:

As you travel through Lexington, you might want to stop and visit their museums and walking paths:

https://www.visitlexingtonmo.org/pointsofinterest

History: https://www.visitlexingtonmo.org/history

Walking and driving tours: https://www.visitlexingtonmo.org/tours

Vineyards and Orchards: https://www.visitlexingtonmo.org/wineries

Food:

The Feed House: https://feed-house.com

Maid Rite: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100053120036560

Papa Jack's Pizza: https://www.facebook.com/papajackspizza

When I asked about favorite foods after the 2025 race, a ground crew member said it was a must to get peach nachos on the way to Waverly at a little road side market (name of market was not mentioned, so keep your eyes peeled!)

Another note said: Schreiman's orchards just before Waverly - incredible peaches, cantaloupe, and soft serve ice cream treats with fresh fruit.

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2026 Barge Report

⁠https://mr340.org/news/2026-race-barge-report/⁠

2026 Ramp Food Vendors - (scroll down the page)

⁠https://mr340.org/resources/race-course/⁠