Discover Rocheport: History, Katy Trail, and Wine

In Rocheport, historic architecture, the Katy Trail, tastings, and events come together as distinct travel themes. You can tailor your plans to the interests that matter most to you.

Historic District and Local History

The Rocheport Historic District is designated a National Historic District and includes a significant collection of 19th-century timber-frame and brick buildings. The designation and the specific building stock offer two distinct perspectives on its historic character: a formal classification and building types from a clearly defined period. The District is also an example of a Missouri river town whose growth paralleled the development of steamboat traffic on the river. Rocheport’s history can therefore be explored both through its architecture and through the connection between the town’s development and river navigation.

Rocheport offers walking tours and bike tours of its historic buildings. If you want to make the buildings the focus of a tour, you can choose between a walking tour and a bike tour. The tours offer a practical way to explore the historic buildings; together with their designation and information about the town’s history, they provide a clear focus for a stay centered on Rocheport’s past.

Katy Trail: Tunnel and Opening History

The first section of the Katy Trail near Rocheport opened in 1990. A different date relates to the construction history of the tunnel near Rocheport: it was built around 1893. The stone-vaulted passage is 243 feet long, and Katy Trail users can travel through it today. The two dates refer to different events: 1990 marks the opening of the first section of the Trail near Rocheport, while circa 1893 refers to the construction of the tunnel. For your travel plans, the tunnel is a specific structure along the Trail, while the opening date adds historical context about the route.

Tastings and Events

The Tasting Room offers tastings or flights of wine, beer, and spirits. Offerings may change; check before your visit, especially if a particular beverage category is important to your plans.

The Blufftop at Rocheport hosts events throughout the year. These include live music, special tastings, holiday dinners, art exhibitions, and grape stomping. Individual event dates may change, so it is a good idea to check them before your trip. In addition, “Every Second Saturday” takes place in Rocheport on the second Saturday of each month from April through October. There are rotating and regular vendors each weekend. The scheduling information differs: events at The Blufftop at Rocheport are held throughout the year, and individual dates may change; “Every Second Saturday” is listed for a seasonal period with a regular schedule. Check the specific date of “Every Second Saturday” before your trip.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

Two different reference points are relevant for getting there. Rocheport is two miles from Interstate 70. The Tasting Room, by contrast, is right off Interstate 70 at Exit 115. The first figure describes the town’s location, while the second describes the Tasting Room’s location; they are not interchangeable distance references. Check the directions to the Tasting Room before you set out. When planning your trip, you can match these details to the focus you want: local history, the Katy Trail, tastings, or an event date each offer a different emphasis.

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