Lafayette: River Landscapes, Wine and History

In the northeastern part of Lafayette County, Baltimore Bend Conservation Area sits on wooded river terraces overlooking the Missouri River. This connection to the landscape is one starting point for planning a trip to Lafayette: Lexington’s Civil War history, wine tastings and horseback riding offer options for other interests. Choose the focus that best fits your plans for your stay.

Missouri River and Landscapes

Baltimore Bend Conservation Area combines views of the Missouri River with a landscape of wooded river terraces. Lexington Riverfront Park offers a different kind of connection to the river: it has a concrete boat ramp and a picnic area. Check the condition of these facilities before your visit. This makes it easy to distinguish the two places by their specific features: the river terraces and views are the focus at one, while the named riverfront facilities are the focus at the other.

History in Lexington

The Battle of Lexington State Historic Site preserves a Civil War battlefield. The Anderson House served as a field hospital during the battle in September 1861. A self-guided interpretive trail leads across the battlefield; guided tours of the Anderson House and battlefield are also available. These tours are offered seasonally. Check the current schedule before your visit.

The Confederate Memorial State Historic Site has another historical connection: it was once the site of the Confederate Soldiers Home of Missouri. The facility provided lodging and refuge for 1,600 Civil War veterans and their families for nearly 60 years. The Historic Site’s park road is suitable for walking and cycling. Here, history and exercise can be explored through two specific features without conflating them.

The Lexington Historical Museum is housed in a Cumberland Presbyterian church built in 1846. Its exhibition topics include the Osage, the Pony Express, steamboats, the Civil War, coal mining and Wentworth Military Academy. In addition, “Legends of Lexington” offers audio tours through the historic districts of Lexington, Missouri. History enthusiasts can choose between exhibits and an audio offering in the city itself.

Machpelah Cemetery and the Saluda Memorial at Heritage Park also offer historical highlights. Machpelah Cemetery was established in 1849 by an act of the Missouri General Assembly and is one of Missouri’s oldest continuously existing corporations. The Saluda Memorial commemorates the Saluda disaster of April 19, 1852. The specific dates give each place its own connection to Missouri history.

Wine, Local Produce and Horseback Riding

Fahrmeier Family Vineyards offers wine tastings in a restored tasting barn dating from the 1930s. Since 1947, the Fahrmeier family has produced fresh seasonal produce, as well as garden plants and flowers, in the fertile hills of Lafayette County. At Baltimore Bend Vineyard, the focus is on tastings of Missouri wines on the wine terrace. Before visiting, check the current availability of the tasting room at Fahrmeier Family Vineyards; at Baltimore Bend Vineyard, ask about the availability of the tasting room and events. The two wine experiences differ in their specific settings: a restored barn at one, a wine terrace at the other.

Those who want to include a horseback ride in their stay can add another option to their plans at Big River Ranch in Lexington. The ranch is a facility on a 2,100-acre property and offers 65 miles of riding trails. Visitors can bring their own horse or rent one and ride along the Missouri River. Both the length of the trail network and the option of using your own or a rented horse are specific factors to consider when planning.

Explore more destinations: Napoleon, Higginsville, Odessa, Callaway, Livingston, Osage County, Jasper, Crawford County.

For the broader travel overview: Missouri.