Boonville - Katy Trail State Park

Returning from our August 2017 trip to Minnesota and the Dakotas, we traveled east across Missouri on Interstate 70. About 100 miles east of the Kansas border, we passed under a railroad bridge that was signed "Katy Trail State Park." Knowing this was a long-distance rail trail, but not knowing much more, we decided to explore a bit to see if this was a trail we wanted to bike.

The Katy Trail is a gravel surface path that follows the route of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad for nearly 240 miles across Missouri from Clinton to Manchens. The railroad ceased operations in 1986 and the first segment of the trail was opened in 1990. Twenty-six trailheads are located along the route. Facilities at the trailheads include a gravel parking area, covered benches, and signs with information about the local area. Many trailheads also have drinking water fountains and restrooms with flush toilets. The water at some of these modern restrooms is turned off and the restrooms are winterized and locked from November 1 until April 1. At many of these locations, portable toilets have been placed for winter use. Some trailheads have vault toilets that are open year-round. Several trailheads also include bicycle maintenance tools, including a bike stand and an air pump. 

To reach the Katy Trail trailhead in Boonville, take exit 103 on I-70 and head north on Missouri route B toward Boonville. Continue north for 2.7 miles as Highway B became Main Street and turn west onto Spring Street. Drive four blocks, crossing the trail and turn south onto 1st Street. The parking area is on the left about 200 feet from Spring Street.

While exploring the area on foot, we found one of the major route deviations from the railroad right-of-way. The trail follows the sidewalks for a block down Morgan Street and another block on Isle of Capri Boulevard before returning to a dedicated path on Water Street and climbing up to Main Street. Once on Main Street, the trail follows a dedicated, separated lane across the Missouri River on the Boonslick Bridge.

The railroad bridge over the Missouri River in Boonville is a lift-span. It has been locked in the raised position to allow commercial river traffic to pass unimpeded. A side trail leads from the Boonville Depot to the southern approach to the bridge. A concrete deck has been placed on the southern fixed span of the bridge up to the southern bridge pier and tower. This provides visitors with expansive views of the river and closeup views of the bridge. In order to raise the lift span with minimum effort, a large counterweight is mounted in each tower. The counterweights descend to nearly track level when the span is raised and block views directly across the river.

We met a couple who were biking the trail and they patiently answered our many questions about the trail and the area. The well-maintained trail, beautiful scenery, and friendly people we met convinced us to add the Katy Trail to our ever growing list of places to go.

Covered benches with local historical information

Trail coming from Pilot Grove

Boonville trailhead with the depot in the distance

What's in a name?

History

Services

Mileage chart

Permanent detour

Boonville Depot from the trailhead

Restroom

Boonville Visitor Center is housed in this former wholesale grocer

Trail crossing at Spring Street

Another view of the visitor center

Built in 1911-1912, the Boonville Depot is the only remaining Spanish mission style depot on the MKT

Track side of the depot

The Boonville Depot now houses the Chamber of Commerce and a bike shop

Caboose 134

Interior of caboose 134

Side trail to the lift bridge

Approaching the bridge

Looking eastward over the Union Pacific Railroad

View west of the UP

Boonslick Bridge over the Missouri River

On the first span

Counterweight and far tower

View upstream

The north shore

Looking back

Entry and use of the Katy Trail State Park is free.

The Boonville Tourism website is https://goboonville.com/.
The park website is https://mostateparks.com/park/katy-trail-state-park.