Dig Deeper on Lupus
Jefferson City, along the Missouri River near the center of the state, is an uninspiring capital somewhat off the beaten path. There are some capital-city amenities and a number of historic buildings and sites especially near the riverfront. Nearby water and state parks provide some outdoor recreation, most notably the Lake of the Ozarks State Park 40 miles south.
The economy is largely tied to the state government. Cost of living is low for a capital city. Most culture and entertainment is found in Columbia to the north, home of the University of Missouri. The town is isolated from air service, found mainly in St. Louis, 100 miles east.
The area consists of gently rolling and partially wooded hills and plains located along the Missouri River Valley. The climate is continental with moderately cold winters and hot, muggy summers with daytime temperatures in the 90’s and occasionally over 100 degrees. Rain and thunderstorms are frequent in spring and early summer, while the air becomes still with less rain late summer and fall.
Winter weather varies, with occasional cold spells alternating with mild days with temperatures occasionally in the 60’s. Below-zero temperatures occur but not every winter. Snow falls every winter but snow cover does not persist for long. First freeze is mid-October, last is mid-April.