Rock Island Trail construction
- + I just looked at the Agenda for Public Works' meeting this Monday and it includes this----
AN ORDINANCE appropriating $950,000.00 from the undesignated
fund balance of the 2025 Grant Fund and awardi...
Discussion started 12/11/25 5:08:56 PM by Rick - 0 repliesRick from KC on 12/11/25 5:08:56 PM
I just looked at the Agenda for Public Works' meeting this Monday and it includes this----
AN ORDINANCE appropriating $950,000.00 from the undesignated
fund balance of the 2025 Grant Fund and awarding a contract for the
furnishing of construction services to Terry Snelling of Independence, MO for the Rock Island Trail Greenwood Connector, under the terms
and conditions of Invitation to Bid No. 25-034 at a cost to the County not to exceed $1,914,489.00.
I hadn't heard anything about this portion of the trail for awhile now and hope this is good news about getting a portion finished between Pleasant Hill and Lee's Summit.
Katy Trail Celebrity Spotting!
- + Kim and Ray!
https://youtube.com/clip/Ugkx8i2Py3U10aVwh4nsU9tu2EiEM67dsKGX?si=KNlt797O_dFQTRmK
Discussion started 12/04/25 1:51:29 PM by Bill in Columbia (was Houston) - 5 replies (last reply by Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins at 12/09/25 3:52:53 PM)Bill in Columbia (was Houston) on 12/04/25 1:51:29 PM
Kim and Ray!
https://youtube.com/clip/Ugkx8i2Py3U10aVwh4nsU9tu2EiEM67dsKGX?si=KNlt797O_dFQTRmK
Ray (webmaster) on 12/04/25 3:40:19 PM
Vlady had a very interesting story! I would highly recommend watching his youtube videos.
And Kim has an interesting story too. You'll have to stay at her cabins for that. :-)
Bill in Columbia (was Houston) on 12/04/25 6:22:34 PM
I'm working my way through the videos! He is interesting. The algorithm showed me the Katy video first, so now I need to go back to watch the earlier ones.
I got to meet Kim in person last year, so that was nice. I didn't know that you also lived nearby.
Ray (webmaster) on 12/04/25 7:26:26 PM
Bill no actually I live in the St Louis area, but I have a lot of family spread around the Calhoun to Clinton to Holden area.
I was at a family event that day, and on a whim swung past the cabins on my way home - had the good fortune to meet both Kim and Vlady, and got a nice walk on the trail too!
Bill in Columbia (was Houston) on 12/08/25 12:39:35 AM
Ah, gotcha!
Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins from Windsor on 12/09/25 3:52:53 PM
Oh nice - thanks for sharing!! Not sure I'd ever seen that after our visit. You meet the most wonderful people on the trails!
Dutzow General Store in Dutzow
- + As far as I can tell, this place is just a cutesy "antique" store, and not any kind of grocery store.
Discussion started 12/08/25 7:54:03 PM by Bill in Columbia (was Houston) - 1 reply (last reply by Bill R. at 12/09/25 6:57:37 AM)Bill in Columbia (was Houston) on 12/08/25 7:54:03 PM
As far as I can tell, this place is just a cutesy "antique" store, and not any kind of grocery store.
Bill R. from Wentzville on 12/09/25 6:57:37 AM
I guess it depends on your definition of "grocery." I have gotten some immediately consumable foods from there, both liquid and solid. I would not limit it to dry goods only. I normally stop in there after I end at the Dutzow trailhead.
Katy Trail stuff
- + If you're thinking about giving Katy Trail ornaments, shirts, patches, or stickers as a Christmas gift, please be aware that DECEMBER 16 is the last day to order and be sure of delivery by Christmas.
...
Discussion started 12/06/25 7:14:13 PM by Ray (webmaster) - 0 repliesRay (webmaster) on 12/06/25 7:14:13 PM
If you're thinking about giving Katy Trail ornaments, shirts, patches, or stickers as a Christmas gift, please be aware that DECEMBER 16 is the last day to order and be sure of delivery by Christmas.
And to help encourage you to do that.... if your merchandise order includes a Katy Trail ornament and is over $20 (excluding books), the shipping is free!
See merchandise here:
https://bikekatytrail.com/merchandise.aspxHappy trails, Merry Christmas, and thanks for visiting BikeKatyTrail.com!
Kim's Cabins in Windsor
- + Stayed at Kim's Cabins November 5, 2025. Excellent place to stay. I was by myself, but the cabin had two queen beds, a pull out couch and a rollaway. Has kitchen and is right on the trail. She has...
Discussion started 11/19/25 11:49:50 AM by Haughwout - 2 replies (last reply by Cathy at 11/22/25 11:14:35 PM)Haughwout from Flagstaff on 11/19/25 11:49:50 AM
Stayed at Kim's Cabins November 5, 2025. Excellent place to stay. I was by myself, but the cabin had two queen beds, a pull out couch and a rollaway. Has kitchen and is right on the trail. She has a total of four of these cabins.
I came from the Rock Island trail which goes UNDER the Katy trail and then you have to make a right to stay on the KATY trail (if you go straight the trail will eventually end). When you leave Kim's Cabins to continue towards Machens, be sure to turn left which takes you over the bridge over the Rock Island Trail. Otherwise you are going the wrong way.
I ate at the Mexican food place which was good enough and cheap enough - walking distance... like everything in the small town.
Kim was super friendly and helpful.
Kim Henderson - Kim's Cabins from Windsor on 11/20/25 12:11:16 PM
Thanks so much- it was great to meet you and have you stay at Kim's Cabins! Ive enjoyed all your reviews and know all of us, as small businesses, appreciate the feedback, as do other trail users! As the tracks were taken out and the Katy evolved, I watched trail activity start, from the windows of the bank by Caseys where I was an officer. I felt Windsor had lots of potential as a trail town and started following this site to get ideas of what was needed by trail users. Lodging stood out to me and the year before the 47 miles of Rock Island opened in 2016 I to I took the plunge and put in little Cabin #1 ??
Cathy from Churchill, PA on 11/22/25 11:14:35 PM
Thanks Kim for filling us in on how you came to building your cabins. I moved from Jefferson City, MO to Pittsburgh, PA in 2017 and never got to ride on the Rock Island Trail. I hope to get back to central Missouri one day and ride the Rock Island and revisit the Katy. I will certainly try to plan a stay in one of your cabins.
Native American Petroglyphs in Huntsdale
- + Two of the pictographs in question were still there in 2010 when I rode the KATY often, then. Yet, they were small and hard to find visually.
Recently, however, on June 29th, 2023, I rode the Rochp...
Discussion started 06/30/23 9:57:02 AM by JD - 10 replies (last reply by JD at 11/21/25 12:23:53 PM)JD from Shawnee, KS on 06/30/23 9:57:02 AM
Two of the pictographs in question were still there in 2010 when I rode the KATY often, then. Yet, they were small and hard to find visually.
Recently, however, on June 29th, 2023, I rode the Rochport/Huntsdale section to discover these pictographs no longer exist. To me it looks like large slap-layers of rock from the face of this bluff have fallen. The face of this bluff no longer looks like it did 13-years ago.
Probably a combination of fading paint and fallen rock caused their demise.
Bill in Houston from Houston on 06/30/23 11:00:01 AM
Sad to hear that they are gone.
JD from Shawnee, KS on 07/02/23 11:23:06 AM
Yeah. The red/orange upside-down eyebrow with a dot above it on the far-left side of the bluff appears to have fallen with a large slap of rock. Not sure what happened to the black one on the far-right side of it. Sad.
anonymous on 07/02/23 12:20:49 PM
A slap of rock?
JD from Shawnee, KS on 07/08/23 11:59:40 AM
Yes. These limestone bluffs are known for their falling rocks. In fact, trail signage encourages users to keep moving while under them to avoid being hit by falling rocks.
If you look at the Big Moniteau Bluff's face today, it looks like its missing rocks fall in layers six to 10-inches thick. You can see the rough edges of slab-like missing rocks.
This bluff has lost lots of rock. Its rough looking crevices have almost disappeared.
anonymous on 07/09/23 9:34:16 AM
I see….now they are slabs. Not a geologist here so thought there was a distinguishable difference between a slap of rock and a slab of rock. I see now that they are slabs so it’s not a geological difference.
JD from Shawnee, KS on 08/30/23 10:03:21 AM
Yeah. Slabs of rock.
Kdbilyeu from Columbia, MO on 09/02/23 7:11:15 PM
I rode my bike by there today and saw the amazon looking pictograph clearly. I wasn’t sure they would be visible with the foliage on the trees, but they were almost as visible as when I rode by in early April. So don’t despair yet!
anonymous on 09/04/23 1:36:07 PM
Interesting. Am wondering why it was reported that they were no longer there.
Guessing they are there and someone just couldn’t see them and assumed they were no longer there.
JD from Shawnee on 11/23/24 10:19:59 AM
Actually, these painted pictographs are now gone. In fact, the whole face of this bluff is much smoother, now, from past recent years. Quite a bit of rock has fallen from it.
JD from Shawnee, KS on 11/21/25 12:23:53 PM
After studying photos of these pictographs from several Internet websites, I'm guessing they fell on or near 2019 plus or minus a year or two.
The entire face of this bluff has changed radically over recent years.
Yet, I wonder if their remains are in the rock rubble at the bottom of this bluff??
AmTrak in Kirkwood MO
- + Checking to see if anyone has used the Kirkwood AmTrak station to gain access and return trip from the Katy. Starting my ride in St. Charles. Would like to hear the pros and cons. This does seem like ...
Discussion started 11/17/25 6:29:46 PM by Gordon - 2 replies (last reply by Gordon Stutts at 11/19/25 5:36:30 PM)Gordon from Hartwell,GA on 11/17/25 6:29:46 PM
Checking to see if anyone has used the Kirkwood AmTrak station to gain access and return trip from the Katy. Starting my ride in St. Charles. Would like to hear the pros and cons. This does seem like a better option than the St Louis Amtrak when starting near the eastern terminus of the Katy.
Thanks for all your thoughts and information.
Bill in Columbia (was Houston) on 11/19/25 4:13:48 PM
At the top of the page, click Search and then type Kirkwood into the box. Lots of people have used the Kirkwood station, so it will be great to see their experiences. Just in case nobody replies to this post.
Gordon Stutts from Lavonia on 11/19/25 5:36:20 PM
Thanks Bill...
New to this forum... still trying to figure out..... your info helps lot
... thanks
Mount Nebo Cottage in Rocheport
- + Great place to eat. But I think the name has changed.
Indoor and outdoor seating. Wood fired pizza and some other tasty options. Full bar.
Was open 5pm-8pm+ when I was there. The only other plac...
Discussion started 11/19/25 12:10:31 PM by Haughwout - 0 repliesHaughwout from Flagstaff on 11/19/25 12:10:31 PM
Great place to eat. But I think the name has changed.
Indoor and outdoor seating. Wood fired pizza and some other tasty options. Full bar.
Was open 5pm-8pm+ when I was there. The only other place to eat at night is the "general store" which is actually a restaurant.
I enjoyed the pizza and atmosphere.
Rocheport General Store in Rocheport
- + This is a restaurant - NOT a store. At best they have a few bags of chips or cookies for sale, but don't plan on stocking up with provisions for your ride. There are no "stores" per se in the town. ...
Discussion started 11/19/25 12:07:16 PM by Haughwout - 0 repliesHaughwout from Flagstaff on 11/19/25 12:07:16 PM
This is a restaurant - NOT a store. At best they have a few bags of chips or cookies for sale, but don't plan on stocking up with provisions for your ride. There are no "stores" per se in the town. The bike shop also has some snacks.
Katy Trail Bed & Bikefest in Rocheport
- + Great place to stay. They stock the fridge with lots of breakfast food for you to self-prepare. Which is great, because there is no store in town. (The General Store is a restaurant - not a store)....
Discussion started 11/19/25 12:04:57 PM by Haughwout - 0 repliesHaughwout from Flagstaff on 11/19/25 12:04:57 PM
Great place to stay. They stock the fridge with lots of breakfast food for you to self-prepare. Which is great, because there is no store in town. (The General Store is a restaurant - not a store). They also stock free snacks and a couple items to buy (frozen pizza and soda).
Worth a second night just to explore the area.
I had the Jefferson room which shared a bath with the other room on the first floor - no problem sharing. Also did some free laundry in there machines.
They have a shed for locking up your bike (no bikes in room).
Self check-in and out. I would stay here again.
I ate at the winery in town - they serve wood fired pizza, salads and a few other dishes, plus a full bar if you want a drink. The other place to eat at night is the General store which has a similar menu and maybe live music.
Big Creek Cafe in Pleasant Hill
- + Small town diner food. Table cross talk, friendly waitresses. Right on the trail. Glad I stopped here. Get dessert....
BTW - stayed at a place in pleasant hill that I found on Airbnb - an airst...
Discussion started 11/19/25 11:59:31 AM by Haughwout - 0 repliesHaughwout from Flagstaff on 11/19/25 11:59:31 AM
Small town diner food. Table cross talk, friendly waitresses. Right on the trail. Glad I stopped here. Get dessert....
BTW - stayed at a place in pleasant hill that I found on Airbnb - an airstream trailer about 1.6 miles off the trail.
Country Inn & Suites On Historic Main Street in St Charles
- + November 9, 2025
Excellent place to stay. Right on the trail (but no sign on the trail side, so don't miss it).
Allowed bike in room and gave me a first floor room.
Breakfast was included - ty...
Discussion started 11/19/25 11:57:06 AM by Haughwout - 0 repliesHaughwout from Flagstaff on 11/19/25 11:57:06 AM
November 9, 2025
Excellent place to stay. Right on the trail (but no sign on the trail side, so don't miss it).
Allowed bike in room and gave me a first floor room.
Breakfast was included - typical hotel breakfast.
Free Wifi.
Joey's Bird House B&B in McKittrick
- + Stay here!!
I stayed here November 7 2025. Very comfortable, right by the trail. Easy ride to Hermann for sunset on the bridge and dinner.
She had a fresh loaf of banana bread waiting for me an...
Discussion started 11/19/25 11:54:04 AM by Haughwout - 0 repliesHaughwout from Flagstaff on 11/19/25 11:54:04 AM
Stay here!!
I stayed here November 7 2025. Very comfortable, right by the trail. Easy ride to Hermann for sunset on the bridge and dinner.
She had a fresh loaf of banana bread waiting for me and also cooked me the best breakfast I've had in a really long time, including fresh veggies from her garden.
So glad I stayed here instead of a hotel.
Also Verizon phone reception was good.
Turner Katy Trail Shelter Winter Changes
- + The Turner Katy Trail Shelter will be going to reservations only for the winter season beginning Monday, November 17th. This means there will be no key left outside. You can make your reservation he...
Discussion started 11/13/25 5:15:07 PM by Jim - 0 repliesJim from St. Thomas on 11/13/25 5:15:07 PM
The Turner Katy Trail Shelter will be going to reservations only for the winter season beginning Monday, November 17th. This means there will be no key left outside. You can make your reservation here: https://www.conservemo.org/turner-katy-trail-shelter Please make your reservation a couple of days in advance to allow the volunteers time to leave the key out and turn the heat up.
Machens to St.Louis arch
- + I know this been done to death, but I finally have the time this week to ride this part of the trail and want to know if this route is still viable?
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=10pT0DW...
Discussion started 11/02/25 9:27:05 AM by Rick - 8 replies (last reply by Rick at 11/09/25 8:20:56 AM)Rick from KC on 11/02/25 9:27:05 AM
I know this been done to death, but I finally have the time this week to ride this part of the trail and want to know if this route is still viable?
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=10pT0DWCIWs9I7xKTnzq3tfX99QKhqHw&usp=sharing
I’m attempting it from Machens to the Arch.
Appreciate any guidance you could throw my way!
Rick
Mark from Lee's Summit on 11/02/25 2:21:18 PM
That paved Mississippi Riverfront Trail is open and you want to ride it during the daylight hours. The section just north of Downtown St. Louis and the Arch is very industrial and you just jog a couple of blocks away from the river due to one closed flood gate at Carr. Take Biddle Street up to 2nd Street and not 1st Street as you head towards the Arch grounds.
Rick from KC on 11/03/25 8:11:56 AM
Thanks so much Mark.
I believe it’s your map on that link that I’m following? I’ll check it out the week!
Eric from KCMO on 11/03/25 1:31:17 PM
The topic about the trail ending at Machens trailhead has been discussed a lot including it being trespassing to go beyond there. I saw a recent YouTube video about the trail and although it wasn’t discussed in the video I noticed that in the background the trail appears to be growing over with trees and shrubs. If this is the case it may create a barrier that will eventually make this “problem” go away for the unfriendly landowner. My Katy ride in 2021 was a ride across the entire state and my route took me through that way before I meandered back west towards the St Charles airport area to reach the Grafton Ferry across the Mississippi (seasonal route, google that name for more info) If the east end of the trail is closed there appears to be another access to Machens Road further west and very close to the “A” on the map link you posted. Please follow up with this page if you observe more information about these access points. Of course that’s theoretical information….wink, wink and I’m not encouraging unlawful behavior, but anyone that does, I hope they leave no trace, bring no vehicles, and generally get out of the area without incident. Safe travels!
Rick from KC on 11/04/25 5:58:55 PM
Are there any no trespassing signs out there that you know of?
Eric from KCMO on 11/05/25 5:19:30 PM
Yes. If you want to exit the trail lawfully, and avoid any drama the very closest place to do so is Ell Road which is 1.3 miles west of the Machens shelter. Obviously easier than backtracking 3 miles to Black Walnut. Note that Ell Road gives good access due north to the Our Lady Of the Rivers Shrine in Portage Des Sioux. This is a lesser known place to stop and see the Mississippi up close.
Rick from KC on 11/06/25 5:12:01 PM
So... I did the Ell Road turn off and didn't even try the Machens trailhead.(it's a trailhead, shouldn't it have public access?) and Ell Road worked great. You're on Hwy 94 a little longer but it wasn't bad (w/ a great tailwind). My only problem with this route is the West Alton Trail which is nearly impossible to get to on the South end. It doesn't make it all the way to Machens Club Dr. on the map. Or maybe I just flat out missed it but I ended up having to drag my bike and stuff up an embankment made of loose dirt. This was a little further North up the highway 67 shoulder. I'm glad I attempted this route but not sure I need to do it again. Thanks for the help Eric.
Eric from KCMO on 11/07/25 6:44:54 PM
Good to hear. You had a better trip than me, or at least my recent one. Two months ago I traveled to St Louis by Amtrak, visited the Arch and began my 30 mile ride on a scenic route through the city with the destination being St Charles. I made it to the last intersection before Creve Couer park when I collided with a car. I ended up in an ambulance which was my first time as a patient for this 30 year career paramedic. Worse, I had to call my wife to come get me from home near KCI. And my Salsa Cutthroat was totaled. My 23 mile ride was mostly enjoyable before that. Could have been much worse. Big shout out to Maryland Heights Fire Department for taking my bike and belongings to their station for safekeeping.
Rick from KC on 11/09/25 8:20:56 AM
Sorry to hear that man. I’ve been hit as well. On a county highway in Wisconsin and rehabbed for months. Also could’ve been way worse.
Joey's Bird House B&B in McKittrick
- + Joe’s Birdhouse was amazing! We had a great time and it was the perfect location to get into Herman for dinner. Joey was an amazing host and we had a delicious breakfast. Highly recommen! Charlie wa...
Discussion started 11/08/25 10:57:16 AM by David S - 0 repliesDavid S from KCMO on 11/08/25 10:57:16 AM
Joe’s Birdhouse was amazing! We had a great time and it was the perfect location to get into Herman for dinner. Joey was an amazing host and we had a delicious breakfast. Highly recommen! Charlie was an excellent chauffeur!
Red Wheel Bike Shop in Jefferson City
- + they set me up with a new tubeless tire on my gravel touring bike. Did a great job. Fair price. Also gave me good dining and entertainment advice.
Discussion started 11/08/25 1:10:14 AM by Haughwout - 0 repliesHaughwout on 11/08/25 1:10:14 AM
they set me up with a new tubeless tire on my gravel touring bike. Did a great job. Fair price. Also gave me good dining and entertainment advice.
Katy Trail Cottage in Jefferson City
- + stayed here, November 7, 2025. Great location right across the bridge. bike shop a few blocks away. close to downtown and dining. Bottom floor of a two bedroom duplex, one room as a queen the other ...
Discussion started 11/08/25 1:06:02 AM by Haughwout - 0 repliesHaughwout on 11/08/25 1:06:02 AM
stayed here, November 7, 2025. Great location right across the bridge. bike shop a few blocks away. close to downtown and dining. Bottom floor of a two bedroom duplex, one room as a queen the other has two twins. payment by Zelle. recommended.
Lee's Summit municipal airport cycle to Rock Island trail
- + Bike-friendly route from Lee's Summit Airport to Rock Island trail (heading north to Kansas city.)
Discussion started 11/01/25 5:46:56 PM by Joshua Tree - 2 replies (last reply by Joshua Tree, Morro Bay at 11/02/25 8:12:36 AM)Joshua Tree from Morro Bay on 11/01/25 5:46:56 PM
Bike-friendly route from Lee's Summit Airport to Rock Island trail (heading north to Kansas city.)
Mark from Lee's Summit on 11/02/25 12:45:09 AM
There are quite a few different bike friendly routes available through Kansas City. Are you trying to get to Union Station near Downtown Kansas City or through Kansas City? With the Rock Island Bridge over 350 Hwy. being closed for the winter, I would adjust your route to another trail connection ... but I need a better idea about where in the city you are heading.
Joshua Tree from Morro Bay on 11/02/25 8:12:36 AM
Thanks Mark,
We're in Lee's Summit near the Lee's Summit municipal airport.
We just like to get on to the Rock Island trail heading north.
We're planning on staying in a down town Kansas City hotel.
Yes, understand that there is a trail cycling bridge on the Rock Island trail in the process of being demolished/closed/replaced
Not sure where that bridge is located. We will spend the weekend checking out the Kansas City and looking for to bike boxes at local bike shops to pack our bikes to fly out of Kansas city airport.
Rock Island Bridge demolition
- + Bridge demolition north of Lee's Summit?
Where is this decommissioned bridge?
Any information on detour?
Is detour on busy road, bike friendly?
Discussion started 11/01/25 6:00:26 PM by Joshua Tree - 0 repliesJoshua Tree from Morro Bay on 11/01/25 6:00:26 PM
Bridge demolition north of Lee's Summit?
Where is this decommissioned bridge?
Any information on detour?
Is detour on busy road, bike friendly?
Quality Inn Booneville
- + Has anyone stayed at the Quality Inn Booneville? It appears to be near a spur off the main trail in the SW part of town. Interested in safety of travel off the trail.
Online info:
Quality Inn & Suit...
Discussion started 10/22/25 6:27:28 AM by Mark - 2 replies (last reply by Tim Bl at 10/25/25 10:44:07 PM)Mark from Bentonville on 10/22/25 6:27:28 AM
Has anyone stayed at the Quality Inn Booneville? It appears to be near a spur off the main trail in the SW part of town. Interested in safety of travel off the trail.
Online info:
Quality Inn & Suites Boonville - Columbia
Just off Interstate 70, this modern hotel is 1.2 miles from the Katy Trail State Park and 3.3 miles from downtown Boonville.
anonymous on 10/22/25 9:30:18 AM
We've ridden the trail and stayed at the Quality Inn. It's a short ride from the Katy to Industrial Drive, then Fuqua Drive to the hotel on low traffic roads. Google maps will give a good view of the route.
I've never perceived any of Boonville to be unsafe making this route or around Main street on the northern end of town.
Tim Bl from Paragould on 10/25/25 10:44:07 PM
I've stayed at the casino in Boonville on all 3 of my Katy Trail adventures the past 2 years and it is located right on the trail - I mean right on the trail. Reasonable rates (except on the weekends!!!), clean, and quiet.
Wagon Wheel Cafe in Windsor
- + Ate early lunch at the Wagon Wheel Mid October 2025. I am not sure what may have changed since the previous glowing reviews however beware things seem to have changed dramatically for the worse.
...
Discussion started 10/25/25 7:25:10 PM by R - 0 repliesR on 10/25/25 7:25:10 PM
Ate early lunch at the Wagon Wheel Mid October 2025. I am not sure what may have changed since the previous glowing reviews however beware things seem to have changed dramatically for the worse.
The coffee tasted like it had been brewed days earlier. I barely managed a few sips and still had a stale ashtray taste heading to Kaseys for a palette cleansing cup of gas station coffee. My sandwich and fries were high school cafeteria adequate but certainly not something to return for.
I may have gotten them on an off day, but it takes time and neglected sanitation to get coffee that bad.