Located almost midway between Missouri's two largest cities, Missouri State Capitol, Jefferson City is not a big city. With a population of less than forty thousand people, Jefferson or "Jeff" City is a small city with a big role in the Show-Me State.

Jefferson City is located on the banks of the Missouri River and the primary focus of the town is to be the state capitol. The Missouri State Capitol today is the third building on the same site that has served as Missouri's capitol. This is where the State Legislature and Senate meet and the headquarters for Missouri government.

Although today many of the government offices have spilled out into the surrounding streets, the Capitol remains the focus and dominates the Jeff City skyline.

Tours of the Capitol are free and available daily. Tours are on the hour between 8 and 11 and from 1 until 4pm everyday except New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The Great Seal of the State of Missouri is a focal point but The State Museum on site is well worth a visit.

The State Museum includes the History and Resource Halls with exhibits that focus on Missouri history and products.

Paintings by noted Missouri native artist Thomas Hart Benton can be viewed including his famous mural of Missouri history. Other artwork by N.C. Wyeth, Frank Brangwyn, and others is also displayed.

With the Missouri River flowing past the back of the Capitol, visitors to Jefferson City should also take time to visit the Jefferson Landing Historic Site. Three different buildings - the 1839 Loham Building, the 1854 Christopher Maus house, and the 1855 Union Hotel - are part of the historical site.

Also nearby the Missouri Governer's Mansion is also open for tours. Current Missouri Governor Matt Blunt's family has chosen not to live in the Mansion and tours are given daily. The mansion is also rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a little girl.

Other local spots worth a look include the Missouri Veterinary Museum at 2500 Country Club Drive and the Law Enforcement Museum at the Missouri State Highway Patrol headquarters.

The original downtown district is along High Street and begins at the edge of the Capitol grounds. It's still a viable downtown district with a variety of shops and restaurants. Travel High Street a little further to take a look at the brick mansions that grace this old street.

The Missouri State Penitentary is also located in Jefferson City and for those so inclined, tours are available.

A small mall is also in Jefferson City. A number of hotels and motels are available; so are a line up of great restaurants.

Fans of German cuisine will want to try Das Steinhaus featuring, among other dishes, beef rouladen. Jefferson City is located on the edge of the Missouri Rhineland, an area along the banks of the Missouri River settled by German immigrants who brought their cuisine and culture along.