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Rocheport offers many amenities for the Katy Trail user and is
a popular starting point for many Sunday saunterers. Here you'll
find many historic homes, nationally renowned antique shops, craft
shops and cafés. One of the bed & breakfasts is a restored,
80-year-old schoolhouse, which was recently named one of the "Top
10 Most Romantic B & Bs in the U.S."
French for "port of rocks," Rocheport is better known
today for its pleasant shopping district and historic flavor. With
a population of 255, Rocheport entertains as many as 30,000 visitors
annually. The local museum, (573) 698-7301, is an ideal place to
recapture some of the early pioneer spirit. Open weekends from
1 p.m. to 4 p.m., it features artifacts and an extensive collection
of black-and-white historical photographs.
The blackened ceiling of the Rocheport train tunnel is another
reminder of the area's past. You can't say you've ridden the Katy
Trail until you've passed through the MK&T tunnel, a 243-foot-long
train tunnel built in 1893.
The towering limestone bluffs beside the Missouri River reflect
another important aspect of Rocheport's history. The Moniteau bluffs
are considered sacred by several tribes. "Moniteau" is
a French derivative of "Manitou," the Indian word for
Great Spirit, hence the naming of Moniteau Creek.
The bluffs southeast of town bear a faded remnant of a Native
American petroglyph. This is visible from the trail a few miles
east of Rocheport above the Lewis and Clark cave, otherwise known
as Torbett Spring. The maroon-colored petroglyph of a "V" with
a dot is right beside the bottom edge of the left bow of a prominent
fracture impression. The crescent moon and dot symbol is thought
to signify water, thus indicating the water source below for fellow
travelers.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition reported many "uncouth" murals
and symbols upon the bluffs here, but couldn't examine them due
to a severe infestation of rattlesnakes. Many were under overhanging
bluffs that were summarily blasted off in later years to prevent
train accidents.
Located on the Missouri River at the mouth of the Moniteau Creek,
Rocheport grew rapidly as steamboat traffic increased. In 1849,
57 steamboats made 500 landings at Rocheport. That's more than
one a day!
Though fires in 1892 and 1922 destroyed many historic buildings,
Rocheport was placed on the National Register of Historic Places
in 1976. Historic walking tours are offered April through October
by the Friends of Rocheport. Call for a current schedule: (573)
698-3595.
The Katy Trail Bed & Bikefest is a popular stop for cyclists,
since it's right on the trail, has a hot tub, and offers a full
breakfast. Stay in the 1880s historic home, or stretch out in the
spacious, Adirondack-style carriage house. Families are welcome.
(573) 698-BIKE. www.katytrailbb.com
Most eateries and shops are generally open on a Wednesday through
Sunday schedule. Try to plan your trip so that you can dine in
Rocheport. The restaurants are outstanding.
Take a rest day in Rocheport and paddle the Mighty Mo with an
area naturalist and river historian as your guide along this incredibly
scenic portion of the river. (573) 698-3903. www.mighty-mo.com . |
