The town of Defiance is located in the Gateway to Missouri’s Historic Wine Country.
It’s an easy drive west of St. Louis, and is a great place to spend time with family and friends over the weekend.
Defiance offers a variety of activities and events, such as weddings and history exploration. The Katy Trail State Park is located in the community of Defiance.
The article covers several things to do in Defiance, Mo, including some of the most intriguing activities available in its several parks.
Where is Defiance, Missouri?
Located in Missouri’s Saint Charles County, the community of Defiance is an unincorporated area. As of the census of 2020, the population of this community was 159.
Daniel Boone’s home was the last house he lived in before he moved to the area in 1799. It was named after him after he received a Spanish land grant.
The three homes built in this area, including the Isaac McCormick House and the Daniel Boone Hays House, are currently on the national register.
The community was first named after the area’s landowner when the Katy Railroad arrived in the 1800s.
Initially, the town was called “Parsons.” Then, due to the nearby village called “Persington,” which was on the Katy line, the settlers considered other names, such as Bluff City and Missouriton.
Finally, they settled on “Defiance” because the hamlet refused to give up on its rival Matson and get a station on the line.
See Also: 21 Best & Fun Things to Do in Helena, MT
Fun Things to do in Defiance, MO
There are several things to do in Defiance, Missouri, and we will list some of them. These are the things to do in Defiance, Missouri;
1. Matson Hill Park
In the Daniel Boone Region, Matson Hill Park is a 475-acre woodland area that has become one of the region’s most popular hiking and biking destinations.
This property features over 6 miles of surface trails. It’s also ideal for individuals exploring the region’s various attractions.
This park’s newest attraction, a historic home, is now open to the public.
It was previously owned by the grandson of Daniel Boone, a Missouri pioneer. This home was renovated in December 2020.
The home was constructed in 1830 and featured a modern interpretive center showcasing the lives of the two families in it.
The main floor features a variety of modern furnishings, while the upper-level features relics that the family’s members once owned.
The Historic Daniel Boone Home is located off Highway F and is only a couple of miles from the park’s entrance.
To visit the home, guests should head to the park’s north end at Stub Road. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and 12 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
While at the park, you might also want to visit the Hays family cemetery.
Daniel and Mary Hays and their six children are buried in this area.
Address: Matson Hill Park is located at 3576 Stub Road, Defiance, MO 63341.
2. Klondike Park
Klondike Park features various activities for all ages, a 250-acre park with paved and natural trails. The area was once a silica sand quarry.
It was then preserved and turned into a beautiful park. A lookout bluff provides magnificent views of the Missouri River Valley.
The park’s modern meeting facility is the perfect spot for a business or family event.
It also has a large fishing lake stocked with bluegill, bass, and other fish.
Other facilities such as picnic shelters and wildlife areas are available at Klondike Park.
Address: Klondike Park is located at 4600 Highway 94 S. Augusta, MO 63332.
3. Broemmelsiek Park
Broemmelsiek Park is a 495-acre natural beauty that features several lakes and trails for equestrian and hiking.
It also has an off-leash dog area near a large pond. This area was voted Best Dog Park in the region.
It’s additionally the site of the annual Paws in the Park event.
The park’s Astronomy viewing area is the first in St. Charles County.
The park was named in honor of Broemmelsiek’s family, located in St. Charles County’s history.
The home that Jack and his family lived in for over 30 years was transformed into a visitors’ center.
Follow Highway 40/61 to the WingHaven Boulevard interchange and turn left onto Highway DD.
Follow this route for approximately 4 miles to the park entrance. There’s also a second entrance on Wilson Road. This is for the small fishing lake and dog park.
Address: This attraction is located at Main Park Entrance 1795 Highway DD Defiance, MO 63341.
4. August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area
In 1947, the Missouri Department of Conservation purchased the August Busch Memorial Conservation Area, made possible through a donation from the late August Busch Sr.
The area was used by the US Army during the 1940s to make TNT munitions.
Over a hundred former storage bunkers were still used during the war.
The Department of Conservation encourages the public to use the area for recreational activities.
It provides wildlife with the necessary resources to be healthy and abundant.
In addition to hiking trails and driving an auto tour, the public can enjoy the area’s various attractions.
Areas within the conservation area are also available for hunting. However, there are special regulations that apply to certain hunting activities.
From Interstate 64 in St. Charles County, take Highway 94 south to Route D, then west 1.50 miles to the area.
5. Chandler Hill
During the 1870s, a formerly enslaved person moved to Missouri from the Civil War-torn south and lived near the town of Defiance.
He became friends with the Fluesmeier family, next to Daniel Boone’s family. For several years, the free man worked on their farm.
Joseph, also known as Joseph Chandler, passed away in 1952. His property, now known as the Chandler Hill Vineyard, is on the same land he once owned.
The tasting room and winery can be found on the site of his modest cabin.
The facility’s design features an understated elegance. It’s additionally filled with authentic materials and signature details, such as the skylights and candle lighting in its tasting room.
The company’s owners invite visitors to come and experience what makes the facility Missouri’s most elegant.
Address: The vineyard is located at 596 Defiance Rd, Defiance, MO 63341, United States.
6. Defiance Ridge Vineyard
The 42-acre property is situated in the rolling hills of Missouri Wine Country and features a tranquil lake and a beautiful garden.
The gardens and terraces can enjoy breathtaking views of the Missouri River Valley.
Defiance Ridge Vineyard is the first stop for those seeking to experience the best of Missouri Wine Country.
It is located on Highway 94 and is easily accessible from the various areas of the region.
Address: Defiance Ridge Vineyard is located at 2711 South Highway 94, Defiance, MO 63341.
7. Bridal Cave and Thunder Mountain Park
Thunder Mountain Park and Bridal Cave are both fun family attractions in Missouri.
The former features a 60-degree cave environment that’s surrounded by concrete pathways.
Guided tours of the cave are available every few minutes. The park’s interpreters lead the way through the cave, taking in different areas of mineral deposits.
Thunder Mountain Park features facilities such as observation towers, a boat dock, a picnic area, and a gift shop.
It also has a variety of natural and mineral trails.
Address: This park is located at 526 Bridal Cave Rd, Camdenton, MO 65020.
8. Arabia Steamboat Museum
The Arabia Steamboat Museum is a unique cultural experience that showcases the lives of individuals who lived on the American frontier during the 1800s.
The Arabia Steamboat Museum is a hidden treasure in Kansas City. It features the largest collection of pre-Civil War artifacts in the world.
It has been featured by multiple television networks such as CNN, Southern Living, and National Geographic.
Address: Arabia Steamboat Museum is located at 400 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106.
9. Dickerson Park Zoo
The Springfield, Missouri, zoo, known as the Dickerson Park Zoo, offers various educational and entertaining activities for children and adults.
Visitors can get a close look at hundreds of animals from around the world through its various exhibits.
The zoo’s Tropical Asia exhibit features various animals such as tigers, elephants, and siamangs.
Its Missouri Habitats section features animals such as mountain lions, wolves, and black bears.
In addition, the zoo’s Diversity of Life building features a variety of reptiles.
Address: Dickerson Park Zoo is located at 1401 W Norton Rd, Springfield, MO 65803.
10. Auto World Museum
The Auto World Museum is located in Fulton and features various automobiles.
One of the most prominent vehicles in the museum’s collection is the 1903 Chevrolet Hobo.
Another vehicle featured in the collection is the UMC solar race Cary, produced in 1997.
The museum’s interactive kiosks provide audio and visual information about the various cars in its collection.
Address: Auto World Museum is located at 200 Peacock Dr., in Fulton.
If you wish to explore other parts of Missouri, check out Things to Do In Hannibal (Mo).
11. National World War 1 Museum
The National World War 1 Museum is located in Kansas City, Missouri. It’s an official museum of the country.
It aims to educate the public about the First World War. Various artifacts, photos, maps, and videos are featured in the museum. It also has a collection of old propaganda posters and guns.
Address: National World War 1 Museum is located at 2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States.
12. Waterfall Park
One of the most popular attractions in Missouri is the Waterfall Park.
This natural waterfall, which measures ten feet, crashes over rocks and into a pool below.
It’s surrounded by various rocks and vegetation, making it look like it’s part of a fairy tale.
Address: Waterfall Park is located at 4501 S Bass Pro Dr, Independence, MO 64055, United States.
13. Chocolate Company
Inside Willy Wonka’s world, you can explore his interactive playground and see how his famous peanut butter cups and chocolate fudge are made. Free tours are also available.
The Chocolate Factory is a must-visit in Missouri. Even if you’re not a sweets person, the waterfall of chocolate will leave you with a lasting impression.
Address: Chocolate Company is located at 5025 Pattison Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States.
14. St. Joseph
One of the last frontier towns in the country, St. Joseph is known for its history.
Besides being full of notable attractions, it also has a number of world-famous sites.
Some of these include the location where Jesse James was killed and the start of the famous Pony Express.
If you’re a fan of the Wild West, then you won’t want to miss St. Joseph. However, this town is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys history and old-school American culture.
Address: St. Joseph is located at 118 Pleasant St, Rochester, NY 14604, United States.
15. Meramec State Park
The Meramec State Park is located in Sullivan, Missouri, and has various natural features. Some of these include forests, caves, and canyons.
The caves in the state park are filled with various types of natural materials, such as stalactites and stalagmites.
If you’re science-minded, these natural features may look like limestone and dolomite.
Address: Meramec State Park is located at 115 Meramec Park Drive, Sullivan, MO 63080, United States.
16. Busch Stadium
One of the most popular attractions in Missouri is the Busch Stadium. It’s a baseball stadium that hosts various events, such as concerts.
It also has a variety of bars and restaurants. In addition, this facility is adjacent to a ballpark, which features multiple attractions such as a hall of fame for art and beer.
Address: Busch Stadium is located at 700 Clark Ave, St. Louis, MO 63102, United States.
17. National Museum of Transportation
The National Transportation Museum is a must-visit facility that spans the boundaries of Missouri.
It features a variety of exhibits about the history of transportation in the country.
Address: National Museum of Transportation is located at 2933 Barrett Station Rd, St. Louis, MO 63122, United States.
18. Missouri Botanical Garden
One of the most popular attractions in St. Louis is the Missouri Botanical Garden, located in downtown St. Louis and covers almost 80 acres.
This garden features various landscapes that include trees, flowers, and sculptures.
Address: Missouri Botanical Garden is located at 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States.
19. Hollywood Wax Museum
The various statues that are displayed in this area are so lifelike that you can do a double-take.
Others are so unusual that you may split your mind between the artist and the statue.
Address: This museum is located at 3030 W 76 Country Blvd A, Branson, MO 65616, United States.
20. Hidden Valley Ski Resort
Although Missouri isn’t the first place that comes to mind when it comes to snow, the Hidden Valley ski resort is a must-visit area.
This area is known for its beautiful winter landscape, which blankets the hills with snow.
This region is also known for its various outdoor activities, such as skiing and sledding.
Address: Hidden Valley Ski Resort is located at 17409 Hidden Valley Dr, Eureka, MO 63025, United States.
21. Katy Trail
The Katy Trail is a 240-mile-long hiking and biking trail across Missouri. It’s also a great way to explore the state’s various natural attractions.
Address: Katy Trail is located at 101 Lewis St Machens to Clinton, Boonville, MO 65039, United States.