25 Jul 2026
Jefferson City: Capital, Convicts and Conservation
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 (https://mostateparks.com/page/missouri-state-museumjefferson-landing-state-historic-site/missouri-state-capitol)
Missouri State Penn Tours:
https://missouripentours.com/ (https://missouripentours.com/)
Missouri State Penitentiary History: https://www.visitjeffersoncity.com/missouri-state-penitentiary/ (https://www.visitjeffersoncity.com/missouri-state-penitentiary/)
DINING
NOTE FROM 2025 GROUND CREW: At Crains Country Store: https://cranes-country-store.com/ (https://cranes-country-store.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorWnAZGHOGgFq73g_eooQmJIiROScShQQb1gd_Sf9zraK9ZgqJC)
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 (https://www.facebook.com/Holzhausers/)
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/ (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 (https://www.facebook.com/Holzhausers?_rdr)
OFFICIAL 340 VENDORS IN THIS AREA:
Jefferson City (Checkpoint)
"Noren Access Diner" (https://mr340.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-NorenAccessDinerMR340.pdf)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/ (https://mr340.org/news/2026-race-barge-report/)
2026 Food - (scroll down the page)
https://mr340.org/resources/race-course/ (https://mr340.org/resources/race-course/)
