Continue on your journey along U.S. Highway 36 in Northern Missouri; the route spans the state and boasts an All-Star lineup of famous Missourians. From east to west, you find interesting sites and attractions related to author Mark Twain, animator Walt Disney, Gen. John J. Pershing, retailer J.C. Penney, and outlaw Jesse James. Oh, and did we mention the Home of Sliced Bread and the starting point for the Pony Express can be found along this route? No wonder it’s been dubbed The Way of American Genius.
Morning
A. General John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site
See the home of Gen. John J. Pershing, who lived here from 1866-1882. Pershing went on to become General of Armies and is known as one of the highest ranking military officers in American history. If you rise and shine to get there early, please note you would have made the general proud.
B. Pershing State Park
Named in honor of one of our country's most famous military leaders, Gen. John J. Pershing, this park features a boardwalk and backpack trail through, which wind through wet prairie. There are camp sites, areas to fish and spots to enjoy a picnic. Located about two miles west of Laclede and the Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site.
Evening
A. St. Jo Frontier Casino
This casino features lively action, table gaming, video games and more than 550 slots. The Bougainvillea Cafe and Lounge offers an all-you-can-eat buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Parking is free.
Afternoon
A. Wabash BBQ — Chillicothe Branch
You never need an excuse to eat good barbecue in Missouri, but we'll give you one anyway: This location is housed in a former train depot. Pretty cool, don't you think? Wabash offers specials and giant meals such as the Piggback Combo – or just order the award-winning ribs and get down to business. Whatever you choose, don't plan on walking away hungry.
B. Murals of Chillicothe
See beautiful pieces of art and learn more about this city's history through 17 murals located at different points around the city. One of the murals depicts Chillicothe as it might have been circa 1928, when the city became known as The Home of Sliced Bread. You find the murals along Elm, Washington, Locust and Second streets.
C. Pony Express National Museum
Explore this interactive and educational tribute to the people who launched the Pony Express; the first rider left from these very stables on April 3, 1860. A 60-foot diorama helps give visitors a feel for the route the riders traced from St. Joseph to California.
Day Two
A. Amish Community of Jamesport
Take a short trip 25 miles northwest of Chillicothe and spend the day exploring a different culture.“Quaint, quiet and a breath of fresh air in the country” is the most common phrase attributed to this area, which is home to the largest Old Order Amish Settlement west of the Mississippi River; one of the strictest Amish colonies in the world. Jamesport's Amish welcome visitors to their home-based stores and businesses, selling hand-crafted wares from baskets and furniture, to bakeries and dry goods, buggies and horses, and everything in between.Escorted tours of the area are available thru Step Back In Time Tours.