The Katy Trail, which spans nearly the entire width of Missouri, is a multiuse trail often used for walking, running, cycling and in some sections, horseback riding. Now, the Katy Trail is offering another enticing activity to encourage people to get outside: tram tours. 

Katy Trail founders Ted and Pat Jones hoped the trail could be a place where anyone could go to learn about the environment and enjoy nature. The trams allow more people to access the trail, fulfilling the Jones’ wish. Currently, there are two tram programs on the Katy Trail: Tuesdays on the Trail tours and Fall Colors tours.

Tuesdays on the Trails tours are designed to provide senior citizens and people with mobility issues access to parts of the trail they may not be able to experience otherwise. Offered twice a month in May, June, September and October, these tours provide riders a chance to see different sections of the trail. On the days they are offered, two tours depart twice daily at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Each tour is a round trip and can accommodate up to 50 people. The tours include a guide who will talk about the Katy Trail’s history and point out significant features along the way. 

“The tram tours are very popular and seats fill up fast,” said Cassie Brandt, Katy Trail coordinator. 

Due to the high demand of Tuesdays on the Trail tours, registration is required. However, registering for and participating in this program are free.

The other program is the Fall Colors tram tour, which is offered in October for people of all ages. These tours run between Rocheport and McBaine on the Katy Trail, with an interpretive guide who gives a presentation on the trail’s history and points out local, natural and cultural history along the way. The tours involve the use of six trams, each with seating for 20 people. While registration is free, a donation of $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under is greatly appreciated.

The trams used for these tours were generously donated to Missouri State Parks by the Missouri Parks Association as part of its Seniors to State Parks initiative. 

“They donated the first tram to Missouri State Parks in 2015 and opened up requests for senior program funding,” said Brandt. 

The first tram was later joined by a second one, donated by the association in 2022. The association was able to fund the trams through a generous donation from Ben and Bettie Breeding, which was to be used specifically for this cause.

For more information about these programs visit the Missouri State Parks webpage.