Richmond MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Richmond, Missouri.
1. Ray County Museum
RICH LOCAL HERITAGE
The Ray County Museum is housed in a unique three-story building with 54 rooms that earned a place on the National Register of Historical Places. The museum displays preserve Ray County's rich heritage with rooms dedicated to various historical events including The Civil War, World War I and II. Other subjects represented in this vast museum include Indian Artifacts, The Shotwell Parlor, Coal Mining, Black History, Country Kitchen, and The Mormon History Exhibit Room.
2. The Farris Theatre
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Farris Theatre is a historic theatre built in 1901 in the heart of Richmond that embodies turn-of-the-century architecture. Now fully restored, the theatre hosts movies, concerts, and festivals, including the annual Mushroom Festival held each spring. The Farris Theatre stands as the beacon of Richmond's arts district and is just the beginning of the treasures that Richmond holds.
3. Shirkey Golf Course
CHALLENGING 18-HOLE COURSE
Shirkey Golf Course is a challenging 18-hole course located in Richmond, only a short distance from Kansas City at Highways 210 and 13. The course offers golfers of all skill levels an opportunity to enjoy the sport in a picturesque setting. Visitors can enjoy a full day of golf while taking in the beautiful Missouri countryside.
4. Ray County Courthouse
HISTORIC COUNTY CENTER
The Ray County Courthouse sits at the center of Richmond, following a pattern common for county seat towns in the rural Midwest. The present courthouse was dedicated on November 20, 1915, and was built at a cost of $100,000. It is the last of four courthouses in the county, with the first being a log jail built in 1828.
5. Shotwell Cemetery
HISTORIC BURIAL GROUND
Shotwell Cemetery is one of the top attractions in Richmond according to visitors. The cemetery offers a glimpse into the area's past with historic gravestones and peaceful surroundings. Visitors interested in local history and genealogy often spend time exploring this important cultural site.
6. Pioneer Cemetery
EARLY SETTLER MEMORIAL
Pioneer Cemetery stands as one of Richmond's notable historical attractions. The cemetery contains the final resting places of many early settlers who helped establish the community. Visitors can walk among the historic gravestones while contemplating the lives of those who laid the foundation for present-day Richmond.
7. Roberts Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION SPACE
Roberts Park serves as a popular recreational destination for Richmond residents and visitors alike. The park offers various amenities for outdoor activities and community gatherings throughout the year. Families particularly enjoy the open spaces and opportunities for leisure in this well-maintained public area.
8. Friends Gallery
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
Friends Gallery is recognized as one of the notable attractions in Richmond's cultural scene. The gallery showcases works from local and regional artists, contributing to the community's artistic identity. Visitors can appreciate various art forms and perhaps even purchase unique pieces to remember their time in Richmond.
9. West Park
OUTDOOR COMMUNITY SPACE
West Park provides Richmond residents and visitors with a pleasant outdoor space for recreation and relaxation. The park features amenities that cater to various age groups and interests throughout the seasons. Community events are often held here, making it a social hub for the town.
10. Ray County Community Lake
FISHING AND BOATING DESTINATION
Ray County Community Lake is a 25-acre body of water just north of Richmond offering boating and fishing opportunities. The lake serves as a peaceful retreat where visitors can connect with nature and enjoy water-based recreation. Both locals and tourists appreciate this natural resource for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities.
11. Van Till Family Farm Winery
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Van Till Family Farm Winery is located in nearby Rayville, just a short drive from Richmond. The winery offers visitors a chance to sample locally produced wines in a charming rural setting. Guests can enjoy wine tastings while learning about the vineyard's operations and the region's wine-making traditions.
12. Anderson House
CIVIL WAR HISTORY
The Anderson House in nearby Lexington stands as an important historical site related to the Civil War. The house witnessed significant action during the Battle of Lexington and now serves as a museum preserving this chapter of Missouri history. Visitors can tour the premises to learn about the house's role during this pivotal period in American history.
13. Battle of Lexington State Historic Site
CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD
The Battle of Lexington State Historic Site commemorates an important Civil War battle fought in September 1861. The site includes a visitor center with exhibits detailing the battle's significance and the broader context of the Civil War in Missouri. Visitors can walk the grounds where Union and Confederate forces clashed in what became known as the 'Battle of the Hemp Bales.'
14. Madonna of the Trail
PIONEER WOMEN MONUMENT
The Madonna of the Trail monument in Lexington stands as a tribute to the pioneer women who played a crucial role in America's westward expansion. The statue is one of twelve identical monuments placed along the National Old Trails Road stretching from Maryland to California. Visitors can reflect on the courage and determination of these women who faced tremendous hardships during the nation's early development.
15. Annual Mushroom Festival
FUNGI CELEBRATION EVENT
The Annual Mushroom Festival celebrates Richmond's reputation as 'The Mushroom Capital of the World' with a variety of fungi-focused activities each spring. The festival, often hosted at the Farris Theatre, draws visitors from throughout the region to participate in mushroom hunting, culinary events, and community celebrations. This unique cultural event highlights Richmond's special relationship with morel mushrooms and the surrounding natural environment.