Lexington Missouri, a small historic town overlooking the Missouri River was a site of one of Missouri's bloodiest Civil War Battles, and it is now home to Wentworth Military Academy, the Battle of Lexington Historic Site, wineries, orchards, a historic shopping district and family friendly restaurants, making it a quaint family day trip.
Day Trip Diary:
Battle of Lexington Historic Site:
Details: 1300 John Shea Drive Lexington, MO. 660.259.4654 www.mostateparks.com/lexington
Why I Recommend It: The Battle of Lexington was a central event of the Civil War in Missouri turning the tide in favor of the South. The Battle of Lexington State Historic Site includes a Visitor's Center where we watched a film on the Battle of Lexington, then walked through the exhibit hall with interactive exhibits on the Battle and the Civil War in Missouri. We then walked the battlefield where remnants of the trenches, graves of unknown Union dead, and orchards tell a story of a distant past. They also 
offer tours of the Anderson House, once called “the largest and best arranged dwelling house west of St. Louis.” The home is now restored and tours tell the story of life in Missouri in the 1850s and the three day battle between the Federal forces and the Missouri State Guard.
Browning Carriage Tours:
Details: Horse Drawn Carriage Tours of Historic Downtown Lexington, 816.797.2978. $2-5/person. osageoaks@embarqmail.comWhy I recommend it: One of the highlights of our Lexington Day Trip was a horse drawn surrey ride around the historic district of Lexington. Dennis & Laura Browning run a Carriage company and with the lead of Bessie (a beautiful black horse) we were guided through the town. The Browning's operate the carriage rides on weekends, holidays, and on occasion when the weather is nice. We were fortunate to be in Lexington on a "good weather/carriage ride day!" If you'd like to take a carriage ride, you can call the Browning's in advance for schedules.
Lexington Historical Museum:
Details: 112 South 13th Street Lexington, MO. 660.259.6313 www.lexingtonmuseum.org Admission: $2 for adults, $1 for children. Open Saturday 10 am-4 pm; Sunday 1-4 pm (May-October); Monday-Friday 1-4 pm (June-September) Other times by appointment only.Why I recommend it: Built in 1846 as the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The museum contains extensive exhibits on the steamboat era, the Pony Express, Civil War artifacts, coal mining and early Lexington history. The Museum is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Lafeyette County War Memorial:
Details: Old Trails Scenic Byway and Highland Ave.Why I recommend it: In 1925, a memorial was built to honor the Lafeyette County Veterans of four wars. The memorial has stairs leading from the Old Trails Scenic Byway to the top of the bluff on Highland Ave. The view of the Missouri River Valley is breathtaking!
Shopping in Lexington:
Main Street Lexington is lined with antique shops, bookstores, and local businesses:Il Bel Carrello 1109 Main St. 660.259.2616.
Blackthorn Trading Company 1115 Main St. 660.259.4231
Bruce Burstert, LLC 1010 Main St. 816.267.2222
The Curiosity Shop 1206 Main St. 660.259.6302
Lexington Antique Company 1122-1128 Main St. 660.259.9090
The Log House 309 Broadway 816.356.6467
Missouri River Antique Co. 912 Main St. 660.259.3097
Pickle Tree Antiques 908 Main St 660.259.6400
Strictly Victorian 1111 Main St. 816.739.2759
The Velvet Pumpkin 920 Main St. 660.259.4545
Family Friendly Dining in Lexington:
Riley's Irish Pub & Grill: www.rileyspub.net 913 Main Lexington, MO. 660.259.4770: Riley's dishes up traditional Irish fare from a classic Reuben to Fish & Chips and they have a delightfully themed menu for "The Wee Ones!" Children choose from Leprechaun Toes (mini corn dogs), Charmin' Fingers (Chicken Strips), Grilled Dublin Cheese Sandwich, or classic Fish 'N Chips (Kids' Meals are under $5). You can also order classic American burgers, boiled shrimp, catfish, or other delicious meals ranging from $6-10. Riley’s Irish Pub is located on Block 42 in Lexington, Missouri. Legend has it that "Block 42" was so named because it was the location of 42 Saloons and 1 Church... women and children were not permitted to walk on the "saloon side of the road." Today, Riley's is a family-friendly Irish Restaurant with a charming historic ambiance. Built in the 1890’s the pub has original stained glass windows, tile floor, tin ceiling, and back bar. Maid-Rite: 1401 Main St. 660.259.4444: Maid-Rite is one of Lexington's longest standing restaurants. Enjoy "Maid-Rite" sandwiches (a.k.a. Sloppy Joe's), fries, and soda.
Papa Jack’s Pizza www.papajackspizza.com 1014 Main St. 660.259.9095: This local pizzeria is a sure hit with kids!
Victorian Peddler Tea Room & VP Grill: 900 Main St. 660.259.4533: Enjoy a quiet atmosphere where a variety of delicious sandwiches and salads are served.
MORE To See In Lexington:
To learn more about Lexington, including local wine tours, events at Wentworth Military Academy, local farms and farmers' markets and more... see www.visitlexingtonmo.com
More MoKan Day Trips & Vacations!
- Missouri
- 20-30 Min. East: Independence: Log Cabins & Trails West
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- 2 1/2 - 3 Hours Southeast: Springfield: Ozark Country
- 4-5 Hours South: Branson: Vacation Capital of the Midwest
- 4-5 Hours East: St. Louis: Gateway to the West Kansas
- 20-30 Min. West: Bonner Springs: Be a Kid for a Day
- 30-45 Min. South: Louisburg: Apples, Autumn, and Astronomy
- 30-45 Min. West: Lawrence: Eclectic College Town & Family Fun
- 45-60 Min. Northwest: Atchison: History & Mystery
- 60-90 Min. West: Topeka: More than a Capital City
- 60-90 Min. South: Fort Scott: National Historic Site
- 3 1/2-4 Hours Southwest: Hutchinson: Soar to Outer Space