Held captive in Jefferson City

Meeting-goers to Jefferson City can not only can get behind the walls of the infamous 176-year-old penitentiary but also visit Civil War landmarks and even see what a museum is like at night, ala the popular movie "A Night at the Museum."

Present day attractions include alfresco restaurants and a variety of retail shopping adventures.

For the meeting business itself, a common venue is the Capitol Plaza Hotel and Convention Center Jefferson City. Just steps from the Missouri State Capitol building, Governor’s Mansion, and prestigious downtown businesses, the center has 22,000 square feet of meeting space. It is Central Missouri’s largest meeting space, according to the CVB. All guest and meeting rooms have high-speed Internet access.

Off-duty visitors can take a relaxing stroll at one of six area parks, enjoy a live performance at one of several local theatres or view original works (many available for purchase) by local artisans at one of the area’s art galleries.

The MSP or Missouri State Prison was once the oldest continually operated prison west of the Mississippi. Once called the "Bloodiest 47 acres in America" by Time magazine, the penitentiary was "home" to infamous inmates James Earl Ray and Pretty Boy Floyd, as well as former heavyweight boxing champion Charles "Sonny" Liston.

 "Discover what life was like for the inmates and guards at one of America’s most historic prisons," says the CVB.

There are also 10 Jefferson City Civil War sites that are popular visitor stops.

For the first time in the rich history of the Missouri State Museum (located inside the State Capitol Building), the exhibits are open after dark. During exclusive "Museum After Hours" events, visitors leisurely view the various exhibits.

 Special programs will be presented during a summer Civil War series, including presentations about tombstone iconography and imagery, the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, the Civil War and others.

For the sports-minded, golfers can tee off on one of four public courses or hit the Washington Park Complex, which offers an ice arena, skateboard park, and tennis courts. There’s also the Runge Nature Center and Katy Trail State Park for hiking and biking. co

Jefferson City also shuts down the streets in downtown to host a block party celebration of live music every Thursday in June.

Other popular attractions include the Truman State Office building and Lincoln University. There’s also shopping at The Crossings or Capital Mall.

By David Wilkening