Explore California
Discover local favorites, historic landmarks and small-town charm.
Burger Specialty Foods
A local staple known for traditional smoked meats, Burger’s Specialty Foods brings a taste of Missouri heritage to tables across the country. While not open for tours, their products are widely available and a point of pride for the community.
Cargill Baseball Fields
The City of California Parks & Recreation manages these beautiful lighted ball fields during the softball, baseball, and soccer seasons. Providing athletic events and experience for the youth in the community is the purpose for maintaining this facility.
Eitzen House
This fine old house located N Oak St in California was built in 1898 by Charles A. Eitzen at a cost of $30,000. The Architect was Oliver Sprouse, Blazer Bros. provided the stone masons and the Inmans were the bricklayers. It has 5 rooms on the first floor, 5 on the second and 4 rooms on the third. Nine fireplaces are in the house. Some of the large closets and pantries are now used as extra rooms, making a total of 19 rooms.The original slate roof is still in place. The outside walls are 22 inches thick and the inside ones are 14 inches. Iron fencing set in concrete and stone surround the grounds which cover an entire block. A “widow’s walk” can be seen on the top.
Walter Eitzen, a son, lived in the house until 1952 when he moved to a new home on Rice Blvd. A carriage house and stable with a room above for the coachman is still standing adjacent to the house on the west side. It was strictly modern with steam heat and private water works.
The Eitzen House is currently a private residence.
Moniteau County Fair
The Moniteau County Fair and Livestock Show began in 1866 and is the oldest continuous fair west of the Mississippi River. In addition to annual events such as the ham auction, livestock show, arts & crafts display, carnival rides and grandstand shows, there are numerous extra activities planned each year. The Moniteau County Fair is generally held during the first full week of August.
Rice House
This stately mansion built in 1867 by Niles Rice, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located at 205 South Oak Street, California, the Victorian home has 12-foot ceilings, six-foot hallways, and 36 narrow seven-foot windows.
The Rice House is currently a private residence.
California Country
A scenic nine-hole golf course just outside of town, perfect for a relaxed round. Open to visitors during the week.
Cultural Heritage Center
The Cultural Heritage Center, located at 201 North High Street, is a development by California Progress Inc. and the Moniteau County Historical Society. What was once the old Post Office is now a cultural center for the community and the county.
The center houses information and special exhibits on the history of Moniteau County, a library for genealogy research, public meeting rooms, an information center, and gift shop.
The outdoor area is landscaped and prepared for shows, demonstrations, and socials during the summer months. The meeting room and lawn are available for meetings and reunions.
Contact: 573-796-3563; email: moniteauchs@embarqmail.com.
Finke Theatre
Located at 315 North High Street in downtown California, MO, the historic Finke Theatre has been at the heart of local entertainment since 1885. Originally built as the California Opera House and designed by renowned St. Louis architect J.B. Legg, the building has long been a gathering place for performances, music, and community events.
Over the years, the theatre has welcomed everything from live stage productions and school performances to vaudeville acts and early motion pictures. Notable figures like famed pianist Blind Boone and outlaw-turned-lecturer Cole Younger, a member of the infamous James-Younger Gang alongside Jesse James—once took the stage, adding to the theatre’s rich and colorful history.
In 1937, the building was transformed from its original Victorian style into the Art Deco design you see today, operating for decades as the Ritz Theater. Today, it continues its legacy as the Finke Theatre, hosting performances and events that keep the spirit of local entertainment alive.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Finke Theatre remains a must-visit destination for anyone exploring California’s historic downtown.
Ozark Ham & Turkey Festival
Held annually on the third Saturday in September, the Ozark Ham & Turkey Festival is considered one of the fastest growing festivals in mid-Missouri. The Ozark Ham & Turkey festival is a one-day festival designed to showcase two of the major industries in California and Moniteau County. Billed as having “something for everyone”, the Ozark Ham & Turkey Festival has activities throughout town. See the Ham & Turkey Festival section of this web site for more information.
Moniteau County Library
The 1954 endowment from Elia Wood Paegelow provided the funds for the first California public lending library. The library is now located at 501 S. Oak Street. Individuals residing outside the California City Limits, pay a small out-of-tax-district annual fee to use this spacious modern library.
The library provides a complete children’s collection, subscriptions to newspapers and magazines, and adult fiction and non-fiction books. Selected works are available in large print books and audio books. Small video and Spanish language collections have been added as well. The library has computers, a copier, and a fax machine for public use. They regularly offer adult education classes, exhibits and programming for children.
Phone (573) 796-2642.
California Shooters Club
An outdoor destination for shooting sports, offering activities like trap, skeet, archery, and black powder events. A unique experience for both enthusiasts and newcomers.
Double X Speedway
Located west of California on Highway 50, Double X Speedway has dirt track auto races every Sunday night from mid-May through mid-September featuring street stock, sportmans, winged sprints, and hobby stocks.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m., races at 7:30 p.m. Grandstand Admission, $5.00. Ten and under free. Pit passes, $15.00.
Kyle Wirts, track owner.
Races promoted by the Sportsman Racing Association.
Moniteau County Courthouse
Located in the heart of downtown California, the Moniteau County Courthouse has stood since 1867 and remains one of the oldest working courthouses in Missouri. Its classic design and historic charm make it a standout landmark on the town square.
Surrounding the courthouse is Heritage Square, a beautifully landscaped area with benches, period lighting, and engraved brick walkways honoring local citizens, events, and organizations. Visitors can even leave their mark by purchasing a personalized brick, with proceeds supporting ongoing restoration efforts.
Inside, you’ll find small museum displays highlighting the county’s early history and the contributions of local servicemen. A selection of local history items—including books, postcards, and records—is also available for purchase.
Prairie Home Wildlife Area
The 1,455-acre Prairie Home Wildlife Area, located west of Jamestown near Prairie Home, is managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation for multiple use. Hunting and fishing are the primary uses. Other activities may include mushroom hunting, nature study, primitive camping, and horseback riding on a designated trail. The Buckhorn Hiking Trail, an eight-mile circular trail, is developed for hikers.
Contact: Missouri Department of Conservation, 1907 Hillcrest, Columbia, MO 65201.
Proctor Park
Located in the heart of town, California City Park is a favorite gathering place for families and visitors alike. With open green space, playground equipment, and picnic areas, it’s the perfect spot to relax, let the kids play, or enjoy a quiet afternoon outdoors.
Throughout the year, the park also hosts community events, making it a central hub for local activities and small-town charm. Whether you're passing through or spending the day, it’s a great place to experience everyday life in California, Missouri.