25 best places to visit in missouri

• Destinations

25 Best Places to Visit in Missouri

Last Updated By VI on April 13, 2024 in Things to Do in Missouri & Places to Visit

Kansas City

• See the Complete List

St. Louis is a large city and a major river port in Missouri on the banks of the Mississippi River. The city’s symbol and its most visible icon is the 30-foot Gateway Arch , which commemorates the 1804 start of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Charming replicas of traditional Mississippi paddlewheelers tour the river, offering views of the city and the arch. The best spot to try famous St. Louis barbecue and hear some real blues is the Soulard district. To learn more about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, visit the Museum of Westward Expansion. Don’t miss the Cardinals Hall of Fame & Museum, check out the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral, and take the Anheuser-Busch beer factory tour. Take the kids to the Magic House or go on a stroll through the lush Forest Park.

Branson is a small Missouri town in the Ozark Mountains, a popular vacation destination for the region, famous for its diverse and lively entertainment offers. The theaters along 76 Country Boulevard once hosted only famous country music performers, but today include all kinds of music. One of the most popular attractions is Silver Dollar City, created as an 1880s town, with all manner of entertainment as well as tours of the famous Marvel Cave. Check out the Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction, created in the Wild West style, the Hollywood Wax Museum Branson, White Water, Ziplines, the National Tiger Sanctuary, the Butterfly Palace, the Rainforest Adventure, Ripley's Odditorium and several wineries.

Columbia is a lively Midwestern college town with a reputation for progressive politics, powerful journalism, and excellent public art. Visit the Museum of Art and Archaeology to learn about the city’s past, enjoy modern art at the Columbia Art League, have fun at the old-fashioned cornfield mazes at the Shryocks Callaway Farms, take a kayak to the tranquil Finger Lakes State Park, and catch a magnificent view of the whole area from the Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area. A visit to the campus of the University of Missouri will take you to the fascinating symbolic pillars at the Francis Quadrangle. Go see some beautiful tigers at the D&D Animal Sanctuary, which takes care of abandoned animals.

It comes as a surprise to many that Kansas City is not actually in Kansas, but in Missouri, on the state’s border with Kansas. Today one of the largest cities in the States, Kansas City was founded in the 1830s as a river port at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers. It is famous for its unique barbecue, jazz, craft breweries, and major league teams. Learn more about it at the downtown American Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art with its world-class collection, stroll by the huge National World War I Memorial, take the kids to the Kansas City Zoo, catch a Chiefs game at the Arrowhead stadium, and enjoy the fragrant Lose Park Rose Garden.

Springfield

Springfield is a modern, thriving city in the Ozark Mountains with three universities that give it a lively vibe. The city was the site of some fierce battles during the Civil War and is famous for the legendary shootout between Wild Bill Hickok and Davis Tutt in the town square. The location of the shootout is marked by a brass plaque in the pavement on Park Central Square. Get the feel of the city by taking a stroll through historic C-Street District, enjoy a history tour, or even better a ghost tour of the magnificent, spooky Pythian Castle. Catch a game of the city’s pride, the Springfield Cardinals, or take a jeep-drawn tram tour of the Fantastic Caverns and go on an easy stroll through the Springfield Conservation Nature Center.

Carthage is a small Missouri town which, just like its Greek namesake, has had a turbulent history with historic battles during the Civil War as well as wild west outlaws, Fortune 500 capitalists, ragtime musicians, and women’s rights pioneers. Burned to the ground during the Civil War, the city was rapidly rebuilt with beautiful Victorian architecture spread across four districts and more than 600 buildings, all listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The massive Jasper County Courthouse particularly stands out. Learn about Carthage’s history at the Battle of Carthage State Historic Site. Stroll through Red Oaks II, a reconstructed 19th-century town created by artist Lowell Davis. Enjoy the curious Precious Moments chapel and the art gallery created by artist and creator, Samuel J. Butcher. He was inspired by Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel to create colorful mural depicting scenes from the Bible.

Elephant Rocks State Park

Elephant Rocks State Park is located in the Saint Francois Mountains in southeastern Missouri. It is a geologic reserve and a popular hiking area with a very unusual outcropping of granite boulders that resemble a train of walking elephants. The elephant-looking rocks were formed about 1.5 billion years ago from a dome of molten magma that fractured and became eroded, exposing the old granite. The area was quarried in the 19th century and today is a popular rock climbing and hiking area and a heaven for geology buffs. The main trail through the park is the Braille Trail, which winds among the rocks, leading eventually to an old abandoned railroad engine house. There are picnic areas with benches and tables in the shade of the trees all over the park.

Grant's Farm

Grant's Farm is a 281-acre fascinating historic farm and landmark in Grantwood Village, St. Louis, Missouri. It was originally built and farmed by Ulysses S. Grant and later bought by the Busch family, known for their love of animals. In 1954 they turned it into a popular tourist attraction and animal reserve with buffaloes, elephants, donkeys, kangaroos, camels, goats, the famous Budweiser Clydesdales, peacocks, and many others. There is a tram tour through the deer park, where the Clydesdales graze near their barn. A cabin called Hardscrabble, built by Ulysses S. Grant in 1856, was brought to the farm from another property.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a 3,700-acre public recreation area on the Lake of the Ozarks, about 5 miles from Camdenton , Missouri. The park is breathtakingly beautiful with a number of fascinating geological features. There is a 70-feet wide natural bridge that has a span of 60 feet and is over 100 feet high. A steep sinkhole called The Colosseum is 300 feet wide and 500 feet long. The 150-foot-deep Whispering Dell sink basin has two caves – Robber's Cave and Counterfeiter's Cave – both known to have been hide-outs for 19th-century criminals. A 250-foot-high bluff towers over the gorge through which the Ha Ha Tonka Spring runs, discharging about 58 million gallons of water every day. High up on a bluff are the stone ruins of a castle built at the turn of the 20th century by a Kansas City businessman. There are over 15 miles of well-maintained trails in the park, which pass by natural sinkholes, bridges, and caves, ending at a lovely clear blue lake.

Hannibal is a city on the Mississippi River about 100 miles from St. Louis, best known as the childhood home of author Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. Many of Tom Sawyer’s and Huckleberry Finn’s adventures were set in Hannibal. The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum is one of the popular attractions. Rockcliffe Mansion is a beautifully restored museum home with many original furnishings and décor. Kids will love exploring Mark Twain Cave and Cameron Cave on a hot summer day, especially if they read about them in Tom Sawyer’s adventures. The Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse is worth the steep climb as it offers fantastic views. Get a real feel of the place by taking one of boat tours on the mighty Mississippi.

Hermann is a small picturesque town in the Missouri River Valley, in the heart of the Missouri Rhineland. Its colorful 19th-century brick buildings line the sidewalk, as they often do in Germany. Start your exploration of Hermann at the Deutschheim State Historic Site, where the restored 1840s and 1850s structures tell the story of how Germans settled the Hermann area. Catch a play at the Showboat Theatre and take a tour of the Stone Hill Winery and the lush vineyards that cover the surrounding steep hills. You can taste some of the best wines produced in Missouri in one of many typical German taverns, or try some of their famous German sausages.

Independence

Today a part of the Kansas City metropolitan area stretched along the south bank of the Missouri River, Independence was once an important frontier town, a starting point for many adventurers heading to California or Oregon. Follow the path of the California, Santa Fe, and Oregon Trails along the tracks carved by real wagon trains, go for a mule-drawn wagon ride, or take a tour of historic Independence Square and the jail, where famous outlaw Frank James spent some time. Stop by the Mormon Visitors Center to learn about the importance of this faith in Independence. Visit the Englewood Station Arts District, filled with art galleries, small shops, and restaurants. Don’t miss the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site.

Jefferson City

Jefferson City is the capital of the state of Missouri, stretched along the picturesque Missouri River and surrounded by tree-lined bluffs. The historic downtown is dominated by the stately Missouri State Capitol, supreme court building and the governor’s mansion. Learn more about the city’s history at the very informative Cole County Historical Museum. Next to the Governor’s Mansion is the lovely Carnahan Memorial Garden, with walkways, flowers, and pools. See the latest exhibit at the Elizabeth Rozier Gallery at Jefferson Landing. Couples will get a kick out of a ghost tour of the former Missouri State Penitentiary, which was once a temporary home to some of the country’s most notorious criminals. Take a bike ride through the Binder Park Bike Trails or enjoy a slow kayak cruise on the lake.

Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

More ideas: Best Missouri State Parks

Joplin, Missouri

More ideas: Best Missouri Beaches

Lake of the Ozarks

The Lake of the Ozarks is a huge reservoir in the northern Ozark mountains that formed when the Osage River was dammed. As it twists and turns, the lake looks like a dragon, earning it the nickname the Magic Dragon. The lake is surrounded by small and large communities, which offer all kinds of accommodations, from fancy resorts to campgrounds, as well as services to the visitors that flock to this popular tourist destination. The lake offers world-class boating, fishing, golfing, camping, hiking, and much more. Kids will enjoy the Big Surf Waterpark and games at Miner Mike’s and Busters Adventure. Learn to paddleboard on the lake’s tranquil waters or get a view from high up while parasailing.

Lee's Summit

More ideas: Best Caves in Missouri

Meramec Caverns

Meramec Caverns is a 4.6-mile-long cavern system in the Ozark Mountains near Stanton, Missouri. The caverns were created by millions of years of water eroding the limestone rocks. Today, Meramec Caverns is the largest commercial cave in Missouri and a major tourist attraction on famous Route 66. The cave system has seven levels and is best explored by taking one of the guided tours led well-trained rangers. Some of the most popular attractions are the Wine Room with its famous Wine Table, which is a 6-foot high onyx table; a sheet wall cavern called the Greatest Show Under the Earth, where the popular show is run; the Mirror Room, a cavern with a 1.5-foot deep stream of water that mirrors the cavern’s ceiling; and many others.

Ste. Genevieve

More ideas: Best Lakes in Missouri

Rolla is located approximately midway between St. Louis and Springfield, a lively college town home to the Missouri University of Science and Technology, famous for its engineering and computer sciences departments. The hills around Rolla were planted with vines by Italian immigrants a century ago, and Rolla is today a part of the Ozark Highlands American Viticultural Area. After strolling through the charming Rolla downtown, visit the fascinating Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology. Take a hike through the lush Mark Twain National Forest on the slopes of the Ozark Mountains. Take the kids to have some fun at the Zone Rolla's Family Entertainment or Kokomo Joe's Family Fun Center. Catch a play at the Ozark Actors Theatre and take a splash at the Fugitive Beach, located at an old rock quarry.

Saint Charles

Located on the Missouri River, St. Charles is a suburb of rapidly growing St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1769 mostly by French-Canadian fur traders, Lewis and Clark considered it “the last civilized stop” when their expedition passed through in 1804. Today’s St. Charles has a charming historic shopping area on Main Street lined with a number of meticulously restored historic buildings that now house boutiques and restaurants. Forest Park was the site of the 1904 World's Fair and today is home to the famous St. Louis Zoo, the local Art Museum, the hands-on interactive Science Center, and the fascinating Missouri History Museum. Try to catch a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium and enjoy the lush and highly renowned Missouri Botanical Garden.

Saint Joseph

A rough frontier town and a busy fur trading post at the end of the 19th century, today’s Saint Joseph is a thriving modern town where history blends seamlessly with culture, art, wonderful green spaces, and endless entertainment for all ages. There is so much beautiful architecture left from times past here, such as highly ornate movie palace, the Missouri Theatre, and the Patee House, once a luxury hotel and today a museum of transportation. All Saint Joseph green spaces are linked into the St. Joseph Parkway, which threads through the city of Saint Joseph for 26 miles. Just outside Saint Joseph is the Walnut Park Farm Historic District, well worth the visit. More things to do in St. Joseph

Table Rock Lake for Couples

More ideas: Hotels & Resorts in Missouri

Talking Rocks Cavern

Talking Rocks Cavern is a system of caves located about 15 minutes from Branson, discovered by accident in the late 1800s. It is privately owned and operated by Herschend Family Entertainment, which offers regular tours of the caves. The tour starts by going down a series of 265 steps connected by platforms that reach to the floor of the cave. The caves are well lit and have a number of beautiful crystalline formations, such as “curtain” and the “bacon.” The tour includes a sound and light show and on the outside offers visitors additional activities such as a SpeleoBox crawl maze, a lookout tower, nature trails, and picnic areas.

Roaring River State Park

Roaring River State Park is a 4,093-acre park about 8 miles from Cassville in Barry County. It is snuggled into a deep, shady, narrow valley and surrounded by the rugged rocks of the Ozark Mountains. Roaring River State Park is a popular state park for many reasons, but the presence of rainbow trout in the river is one of the main ones, bringing anglers from all over the place. The park has seven hiking trails, picnic areas with tables and barbecues, a swimming pool, and a nature center. There is a large campground, charming rustic cabins, or the Emory Melton Inn for those who are not keen on roughing it.

Defined by the magnificent Ozark Mountains, caves , lakes and the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, Missouri is a Midwestern state that was once known for its thriving, rough frontier towns, outlaws, and adventurers. It is a state with modern metropolitan centers such as Kansas City and charming, touristy towns like Branson . Visitors on their weekend getaway or day trip can enjoy great beaches , resorts , parks , and more.

More Features

Beach Destinations: 15 Most Awesome Beach Picnics

21 Best Romantic Restaurants in St. Louis, MO

25 Best Things to Do in St. Louis, Missouri

• 1. St Louis
• 3. Columbia
• 4. Kansas City
• 5. Springfield
• 6. Carthage
• 7. Elephant Rocks State Park
• 8. Grant's Farm
• 9. Ha Ha Tonka State Park
• 10. Hannibal
• 11. Hermann
• 12. Independence
• 13. Jefferson City
• 14. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
• 15. Joplin, Missouri
• 16. Lake of the Ozarks
• 17. Lee's Summit
• 18. Meramec Caverns
• 19. Ste. Genevieve
• 21. Saint Charles
• 22. Saint Joseph
• 23. Table Rock Lake for Couples
• 24. Talking Rocks Cavern
• 25. Roaring River State Park

• About Us/Contact Us
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

• Roadside Attractions
• Small Towns
• Hall Of Fames
• National Parks
• Theme Parks
• BILL’S BOOKS
• Meet Bill On The Road

The ruins of a stone castle are only part of what makes Ha Ha Tonka State Park one of the best things to do in Missouri! Located in Camdenton, the park features sinkholes, caves, a huge natural bridge, sheer bluffs and Missouri’s 12th-largest spring. There are many great hiking trails and beautiful views of Lake of the Ozarks.

2. World’s First Bread Slicer

It’s hard to believe that at one time, stores didn’t sell sliced bread. But, in 1928, Otto Rohwedder invented the world’s first bread slicer in the small town of Chillicothe, Missouri. Travelers can stop by the Grand River Historical Society Museum and see the gigantic machine in person! Chillicothe, known as “home of sliced bread” has a nice downtown and cool murals around town. It’s located along Missouri’s “Genius Highway ” that includes the hometowns of Walt Disney, J.C. Penney, and Mark Twain.

3. Budweiser Clydesdales Breeding Farm

The World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales have their breeding facility located in the town of Boonville along Interstate 70 about two hours west of St. Louis. If you’ve ever wanted to see where many of the company’s Super Bowl ads are filmed and get up close to baby clydesdales – this is your chance! It’s a wonderful place to tour and you’ll never forget being so close to these gentle giants.

4. Walt Disney Hometown Museum

Walt Disney grew up in the tiny town of Marceline located along Highway 36 in mid-Missouri. These days the train station where Walt and his brother spent time playing is now a wonderful museum. The Walt Disney Hometown Missouri is one of the cool things to see in Missouri with great exhibits about Disney’s younger days and his family’s ties to Marceline. Disney’s childhood home is also still there and you can drive by and see it in person. Even Marceline’s downtown will remind you of Main Street in Disneyland. As you walk around, it’s obvious to see where he got his inspiration.

5. BIGFOOT – The First Monster Truck

Saint Louis native Bob Chandler fathered the “monster truck” industry in the 1970s. BIGFOOT has taken on various looks over the years and travelers can see one of the original vehicles in person in Pacific, Missouri. You can even drop in to their world headquarters and ask for a tour of their shop. They’re super nice and it’s fun to see these huge vehicles in person!

6. Pony Express Headquarters

Though the Pony Express only lasted for just over a year, (1860-1861) its history has remained fascinating ever since. The Pony Express Headquarters was located in St. Joseph, Missouri and is one of the most historical things to see in Missouri. Travelers can step inside the very place where riders (and their horses) went in to pick up and drop off the U.S. Mail. The museum has lots of great artifacts and stories!

7. City Museum

One of the most unique things to see in Missouri is the City Museum in St. Louis. The museum which has both a school bus and a ferris wheel on top of its roof is a former shoe factory. The museum has tunnels, slides, and a hodgepodge of wacky art displays and exhibits. It’s unlike any museum you’ve ever been to.

8. Wonders of Wildlife

Johnny Morris, the founder of Bass Pro Shops is a Missouri native who wanted a massive wildlife museum and aquarium to educate the public. Wonders of Wildlife has been recognized as one of the best things to do in Missouri and a top tourist attraction in America. The aquarium section of the complex is absolutely amazing! It’s located right next door to the flagship Bass Pro Shops store in Springfield.

9. Gateway Arch

A symbol of westward expansion, the Gateway Arch was recently recognized as a National Park. Standing 630 feet high (and 630 feet wide), an elevator takes you all the way to the top. You’ll find windows that face both east and west for amazing views of St. Louis and Southern Illinois. The museum beneath the Arch recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation and includes state of the art exhibits and displays.

10. Glore Psychiactric Hospital

Definitely the creepiest of all the things to do in Missouri – the Glore Psychiatric Museum opened in 1874 with 250 patients. Known then as “State Mental Hospital #2”, the stories of patients and the disturbing gadgets and treatments used on them will blow your mind. One patient swallowed more than 450 nails. Some patients were put inside contraptions like the one above, called the “insanity box”. The museum is in St. Joseph, Missouri.

11. Toy & Miniature Museum

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures is a favorite things to do in Missouri – for people of all ages! Located on the campus of University of Missouri – Kansas City. It features an incredible collection of fine scaled 1/16th miniatures and displays of vintage toys that you will probably recognize from your childhood.

12. The Soda Museum

The Soda Museum is one of the newest things to do in Missouri! It’s the personal collection of St. Charles resident Tom Smith who has been collecting soda related items since the age of ten. Located on historic Main Street, the museum has two floors of Coca-Cola memorabilia and historical artifacts. However, the museum features more than just Coke items. The displays include soda bottles, packaging, advertising, and souvenirs from brands like Dr Pepper, Pepsi, 7-Up, Sprite, and more. There’s also an arcade of vintage video games in the museum’s basement!

13. National Churchill Museum

For travelers that know their world history, the town of Fulton is where Winston Churchill coined the phrase “The Iron Curtain” during a famous speech in 1946. The Winston Churchill Museum is located on the campus of Westminster College in Fulton and includes a large section of the Berlin Wall outside. The museum itself has more than 10,000 pieces of historical artifacts relating to Churchill in its archives.

14. Truman Presidential Library

Recently updated and now a state of the art museum, The Truman Presidential Library and Museum is a must-do on our list of interesting things to do in Missouri. Located in Independence, not far from Kansas City – the museum has wonderful exhibits that showcase life in America during Truman’s time in office. The president’s house is right down the street and also open for tours.

15. Missouri Bottoms Sunflower Fields

Each summer, 14 large fields of sunflowers are planted at the Missouri Bottoms Conservation Area just north of St. Louis and near the Illinois state line along Highway 270. Even in drought conditions, the sunflowers tend to bloom big in July or August, about 60 days after they’re planted. It’s a popular spot for photos and sightseeing in the area!

16. Precious Moments Chapel

Did you or your relatives collect Precious Moments statues in the 1980s and 90s? If so, you might find this one of the more interesting things to see in Missouri. A Precious Moments Chapel and museum dedicated to the figures in located in the town of Carthage. The chapel features beautiful paintings of Precious Moments characters. However the giant statues around the building are a tad creepy. And yes – they still sell these things!

17. Giant Shuttlecocks

On the campus of Nelson Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, you’ll find three gigantic badminton shuttlecocks. The shuttlecocks (birdies) make for great photo ops and are located on both sides of the building. Don’t skip out on visiting the museum itself! It’s a fantastic art museum!

18. Quilting Mecca of America – Hamilton

You can thank YouTube sensation and quilter Jenny Doan for the rebirth of Hamilton, Missouri. Once known only as the hometown of J.C. Penney, Hamilton is now a bucket list stop for quilters from around the world. The once desolate downtown is now bustling with stores and travelers hoping to find unique sewing materials or maybe even meeting Jenny herself. If you’re a quilter, you definitely want to add this to your list of things to do in Missouri.

19. World’s Largest Fork

Ok, technically it’s now the “2nd” largest fork in America – but it’s still a great Instagram photo stop! The huge fork (35 feet high!) in Springfield used to sit in front of a local restaurant but has been moved to a low key area with office buildings. The address is: 2215 W Chesterfield St, Springfield, MO 65807. If you love quirky roadside attractions, the giant fork needs to be one of your top things to do in Missouri!

20. St. Genevieve Settlement

Experience the charms of the oldest permanent European settlement west of the Mississippi River. St Genevieve makes the list of things to see in Missouri with its new distinction as a National Historic site. You’ll see historic buildings from early settlers and lovely small town shops and dining. It’s also close to Hawn State Park, one of the most beautiful and peaceful state parks in the state.

21. The Town of Uranus

No, Uranus isn’t a real town in Missouri but it is a fun and quirky roadside attraction along historic Route 66 near the town of St. James. It’s definitely on the list of fun things to do in Missouri.

22. Walter Cronkite Memorial & Museum

Legendary TV newsman Walter Cronkite was from the town of St. Joseph. A museum and memorial in his honor is located in St. Joseph on the campus of Missouri Western University . The museum features a replica anchor desk from The CBS Evening News and Cronkites actual desk he used during his time at the network.

23. Negro Leauges Museum

This museum is one of my favorite things to do in Missouri! The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum gives a fascinating look at the history and players of the Negro Baseball League. Exhibits include hundreds of photographs, historical artifacts and interactive exhibits. A replica baseball diamond features 10 life-sized bronze sculptures of Negro Leagues greats. A documentary film, narrated by actor James Earl Jones, tells the story of the leagues through vintage film footage.

24. Meramec Caverns

This quirky roadside attraction supposedly was a hideout for the notorious criminal, Jesse James. Meramec Caverns is the only five-story cave in the world and the largest west of the Mississippi River. It was discovered by accident in the 1700s by an Osage Indian and a French explorer. Today it’s definitely a tourist trap but as far as caves go, it’s pretty cool to tour.

25. Giant Eyeball Sculpture

Seven feet tall and displayed at ground level, artist Tony Tasset created the gigantic eyeball in 2007. Ever since, it’s been a centerpiece of the Laumeier Sculpture Park in St. Louis County.

• Travel Tips

Things To See

The soda museum: everything you need to know, how to take a tour of the white house, dig this las vegas: here’s what you need to know, 5 quick reasons to visit the hall of flame museum, six amazing places you need to see in oregon, 8 unique experiences you need to try in oconee county, 25 amazing small towns in america you need to visit this year (2024), how to see utah’s national parks in winter, top 20 amazing things to do in the midwest, search the site:, recent stories, swingers in the villages here’s what i found, what is a parador an easy guide to historic hotels in spain, 10 amazing things to do in vegas if you hate gambling, west coast ideas, jeopardy: here’s what really happens during a show taping, this is where you’ll find the first mcdonald’s, 8 cool experiences you need to have in san francisco, how to see pasadena in one day, how to find the first in-n-out burger, how to spend a day in palm springs.

BILL ON THE ROAD | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2024

Top 20 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Missouri

Famous for providing the inspiration and backdrop for the legendary ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, ‘ the state is located in the Midwestern United States.

Bordering Iowa , Illinois, Kentucky , Arkansas, Kansas, and Nebraska, it’s a laid-back place filled with wide-open spaces, a famous sprawling mountain range, extensive plains, meandering rivers, and gorgeous hidden gems.

From my time exploring, here are my favorite spots I’d like to share…

1. Ozark Mountains and Lake of The Ozarks

Made famous by a popular Netflix series and a huge sprawling expanse covering Missouri, Arkansas , Oklahoma and the far southeastern corner of Kansas, in my opinion this is a must-see (and stay!).

The area comprises three separate areas: Boston, Springfield, and Salem Plateaus, and it is heavily forested. 

It’s a tranquil place and a family vacation favorite. There are many great things to do here, including hiking, golfing, boating, camping, and exploring the many quirky little gems dotted around the area.

I would highly recommend not missing the Lake of the Ozarks, a reservoir created by impounding the Osage River and one of Missouri’s premier vacation destinations! 

My must-do highlights…

• Check out the magnificent rock formations at the Bridal Cave, well known for being one of the most scenic caverns in America.
• Visit the ruins of the 20th-century castle in Ha Ha Tonka State Park where you can also see spectacular views of the lake.
• Taste the delicious flavors of handmade dipped chocolate, fudge and saltwater taffy at Grandma’s Candy Kitchen.

Book A Trip!

We can book your trip hopping around Missouri’s beautiful places through our free, top-rated travel planning service !

2. Blue Spring

Located in Eminence Township, the spring is stunning with its clear turquoise water! It has been around for over four decades, and I thought it was a wonderful natural attraction.

Surrounding the spring are trails that you can hike for roughly three miles, and they end right where the spring is; both the trail and the spring are very easy on the eye.

Even if all you want to do is visit the spring and take photographs (sadly, you can’t swim here to preserve its beauty), in my opinion, it’s still worth a trip to Eminence Township.

• Snap an Insta-worthy shot in the vibrant blue water.
• Admire the scenery along the hiking trail to get to the Blue Spring.
• Pack a picnic for lunch and stop off at one of the picnic areas for a break.

3. Wah’Kon-Tah Prairie

This is a gorgeous and unspoiled spot to explore in Missouri. It’s a huge 3,350-acre area, and a large part of it is a conservation area owned by The Nature Conservancy of Missouri . The trust aims to restore native grasslands and protect the prairie ecosystem that once covered a much larger part of Missouri.

It’s a stunning and tranquil spot dotted with wildflowers, rare plants, and wildlife, and is well worth exploring with your camera, especially during the Fall when the leaves change.

My highlights…

• Soaking up the tranquillity of the area whilst surrounded by the most beautiful wildflowers.
• Going for a walk through the unspoiled area before catching a breathtaking sunset.

4. Big Cedar Lodge

Big Cedar Lodge is located in Ridgedale on Table Rock Lake. It is a beautiful vacation resort visited by many people every year. It sits in the heart of the Ozarks and offers an incredible view regardless of where you are.

With mountains in the background and plenty of trees to enjoy, you will love Big Cedar Lodge, regardless of which season you choose to visit.

Indeed, from the bright orange and red leaves in the Fall to the warm temperatures of the summer, I promise you’ll fall in love with this place just like I did! 

• Take the 2.5-mile golf cart tour to discover the rock formations and waterfalls surrounding the Top of the Rock Lost Canyon.
• Play a round of golf at the award-winning courses designed by famous players.
• Stay overnight at one of the unique accommodations in Camp Long Creek for an unforgettable experience.

5. Dogwood Canyon

With water, trees, and lots of stuff to do, this facility – located in Lampe – truly offers something for everyone. You can go riding, bike riding, or even take a Segway tour if you want some unique fun!

There’s a restaurant and a great view of some amazing waterfalls, so if you’re looking for a place that is fun and stunning at the same time, I would suggest this place! 

Dogwood Canyon is much-loved but not well-known to tourists outside the state, so the facility is working hard to make this happen.

• Hire a bike and go cycling through the designated paths to view the picturesque scenery.
• Discover the nature around the area by booking a wildlife tour on one of the open-air trams or segways.
• With over 15 miles of paved paths and nature trails, going for a hike is a must-do activity.

6. Elephant Rocks State Park

Located in Belleview, Elephant Rocks State Park offers gorgeous views and many hiking trails for those who love to hike or jog.

It also offers picnic tables for anyone who wishes to relax for a while and enjoy a nice picnic lunch. In my opinion, though, the highlight of the entire park is the set of rocks shaped like elephants in an old-fashioned circus line!

• Getting photos of the uniquely formed rocks for Instagram.
• Hiking along the Braille Trail for the easiest way to view the rocks and an old railroad engine house.
• I walked to the lookout point, which then took me down to a sheltered cove and a small swimming spot.

7. Missouri State Capitol and Governor’s Mansion, Jefferson City

These are both impressive historical attractions to add to your Missouri itinerary. Located in the capital of Missouri Jefferson City, the State Capitol Building was completed in 1918 and covers a sprawling three acres in the downtown area.

It’s a beautiful Neoclassical-style Dome building and is also home to The Missouri State Museum , where you can learn about the state’s history. Free guided tours are also offered year-round, and I  suggest going on one if you can.

The Governor’s Mansion is another great historic attraction. Built in 1871, the three-story brick  mansion is a fine example of Renaissance Revival Architecture. It offers tours that allow guests  to step back in time and learn about the state’s history.

When in the city, I highly recommend visiting Jefferson City’s attractions, including the Carnahan Memorial Garden, Missouri State Penitentiary Museum, and the Missouri State Penitentiary .

• Embark on a historic tour inside the Gouverneur’s Mansion, perfect for those who want to step back in time.
• Wander through the city to admire the stunning architecture and well known landmarks.
• With many markets and boutiques around the area, a bit of shopping is an ideal way to spend an afternoon.

8. Prairie State Park

Located at NW 150th Lane in Mindenmines, it is the largest remaining tallgrass prairie in the state. Its perfect combination of lush green grass that blooms most of the year and tons of gorgeous wildflowers during the summer months makes it a must-visit place.

Picture a beautiful field filled with lavender wildflowers and healthy green grass dotted with buffalo, birds, deer, and snakes, and you’ll understand what makes this state park so special.

I’m a big fan of the natural beauty and colorful landscapes here!

• Visit the coast with a picnic to enjoy a spot of lunch along the beach.
• Hike along the Prairie Creek Redwoods Walk. This trail is great for all abilities and is surrounded by a jungle of giants.
• Check out the 50-foot-tall canyon covered with majestic primal ferns.

9. Gateway Arch, St. Louis

This St. Louis icon promises not to disappoint, and it is one of the most recognizable spots in the state. If you are anywhere near St. Louis, I highly recommend exploring this iconic landmark. I suggest visiting the museum and taking a cruise on the waters surrounding the Arch for an even better look at it.

I would also recommend visiting the Arch at nighttime so you can see how it lights up the sky and makes the entire area look stunning! 

• Ride in the retro elevator for a one-of-a-kind experience which rotates whilst you are in it.
• Cruise along the river with a riverboat tour to witness beautiful skyline views.
• Take a moment to appreciate the incredible architecture of this iconic landmark.

10. Ha Ha Tonka State Park

This is a beautiful park with gorgeous protected scenery. It spreads across over 3,700 acres and is located on the Niangua arm of the Lake of the Ozarks. It’s home to caves, lakes, sinkholes, a large natural bridge, towering bluffs, and Missouri’s twelfth-largest spring.

There are many excellent hiking trails (including some paved walkways) here as well as a special-use camping site and flora and fauna such as prairie grasses, wildflowers and valley woodlands.

I would highly recommend visiting the ruins of the Ha Ha Tonka castle , built in 1905 by businessman Robert McClure Snyder.

Even though it was badly burned in a fire, it’s still a photogenic sight on a 250-foot bluff. The park offers cabins, a campsite, and an RV park for vacationers .

• Visit the naturally formed bridge which reaches over 100 feet tall and was once the entrance to the castle.
• Climb up the 316 wooden steps from the spring head to the top of the bluff.
• Hire a kayak or paddleboard to spend some time exploring the river trail.

11. Grand Falls

Grand Falls, located in Joplin, is one of Missouri’s many incredible waterfalls. It is the largest continuously flowing natural waterfall in the state.

In my opinion, it’s breathtaking, and while these incredible waterfalls surround you, you can enjoy a picnic on the shore or even dip in the cool water.

Most people in Missouri consider this the most beautiful waterfall in the state, and once you visit it just one time, I’m sure you’ll understand what all of the fuss is about! 

• Go for a swim in the still pools located downstream of the falls, don’t forget your water shoes.
• Watch a dramatic and vibrant sunset go down over the west side of this location.
• Embark on a kayak journey in the calm water pools by the waterfall before heading downstream with the current. 

12. Jacob L Loose Park, Kansas City

Kanas City is known for its fountains, great shopping, and jazz heritage. There are many awesome things to do in Kansas City, but I personally think one of the prettiest attractions is Jacob L Loose Park, a major tourist site and the third largest park in the city.

It is home to a lovely lake with a central fountain, a shelter house, and Civil War markers, as well as recreational highlights such as tennis courts, a water park, picnic areas, and a Rose Garden.

It’s located at 51st Street and Wornall Road. Once you have explored it, I recommend taking the time to visit some of the other attractions in the city, including the beautiful Union Station, The Vine District, Arabia Steamboat Museum , and its many excellent Craft Beer Breweries.

• Admire the beautiful rose garden filled with nearly 3,000 flowers across 1.5 acres of land.
• Check out an exhibition at the Garden Center which also hosts a library.
• Wander along the trails throughout the park to discover the wonderful greenery.

13. Clifty Creek Natural Bridge

I love this place! This stunning natural bridge is 40 feet long and is lcoated at the end of the 2.5-mile Clifty Creek Natural Area Trail.

Offering breathtaking views and scenery, the bridge is something you’ll want to see when you’re visiting this town that sits almost smack-dab in the middle of the state! Mother Nature provides us with some pretty amazing natural phenomena, and I would highly recommend not missing this one!

• Take the scenic 2.5-mile trail that leads you from the conservation area right to the bridge.
• Keep an eye out for the beautiful natural features along the trail, and have your camera on hand to grab a shot.

14. Cape Girardeau

This city, perched on the western bank of the Mississippi River, has been named one of the prettiest towns in the state. The city is located in Cape Girardeau and Scott County in the state of Missouri in the U.S., with over 250 bars of history.

I suggest heading for the historic Old Town for the most charming part. Here, you’ll also find a great collection of restaurants, boutique shops, and historic landmarks.

Other awesome things to do in Cape Girardeau include the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail , the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, the Missouri Wall of Fame, the many Antique Shops, and also the nearby Bollinger Mill State Historic Site, which is home to one of the only few covered bridges in the state and is especially stunning in the Fall.

• Visit the Wall of Fame to check out the murals created by famous Missourians.
• For those who love to shop, spend an afternoon at the West Park Mall.
• Discover the historic site of Fort D which was built during the civil war.

15. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park

This has a funny name, but it’s a great place! This state park is located in Little Brook, and if there’s one thing you can say about it, there is a lot of water surrounding it.

You’ll see lots of large rocks and swimming holes, so if you go there any time during the summer months, then also consider bringing your swimming suit! 

Here, you can hike, view waterfalls, picnic, and explore some seriously stunning and unique terrain. If you’re looking for a great family-oriented activity, I highly recommend visiting! 

• Stop by the visitor center to see the geological wonders of the park and learn about its history.
• Hike through the forest to the valley then along the stream bed and up to the ridge on the Scour Trail loop.
• Take a quick refreshing dip in the cold waters after hiking along the trails.

16. Meramec Caverns

Meramec Caverns is located in Sullivan, and it’s both a breathtaking and interesting attraction! You can choose between a half-hour tour or a slightly longer one when you choose a tour here.

When you come up above ground, you can enjoy activities such as ziplining and a great climbing wall so you can make a fun-filled day of it! 

• Explore the caverns to see the spectacular natural mineral formations that have taken thousands of years to create.
• For those seeking an adrenaline adventure, soar through the sky on a zipline tour.
• After all of the fun, stop for some delicious food at the restaurant located just by the caverns.

17. Table Rock Lake

Located in Branson, Table Rock Lake offers gorgeous water and stunning natural views. Although no areas are considered official beaches, you can still swim there in several locations, such as kayaking, canoeing, and boating.

It is such a versatile lake that you can take your family, spend the entire day there, and never get bored. If you love beautiful sunsets and water-based activities, I suggest visiting here! 

• With lots of water sports available to do, choose your favourite activity and have some fun out on the lake.
• Find out what concerts are being held at Black Oak Amp and watch some live entertainment.
• Soak up the marvellous views of the surrounding lush and vibrant scenery.

18. Meramec River and State Park

I’m a big fan of the Meramec River, perfect for rafting, canoeing, or simply relaxing on the shore. It offers sand, lots of green trees, and a lot of water!

There are lots of activities on offer here, including hiking and biking, but I would definitely suggest getting involved in the fun rafting!

• Take a guided tour inside the fascinating and large Fisher Cave.
• One of the most popular activities is to go rafting along the magnificent river.
• Lounge about along the sands of the river shores.

19. Powell Gardens

Powell Gardens is located in Kingsville, Kansas City. It consists of seven themed gardens, tons of beautiful wildflowers to admire, and unique sections such as the Fountain Garden, the Heartland Harvest Garden, and the Perennial Garden.

If you love flowers, natural grasses, and lots of color, then I personally think you’ll love Powell Gardens. It is a great place for flower-lovers and nature-lovers alike, and just one trip there will help you understand why this is one of Kansas City’s most popular tourist attractions, especially if you’re a nature lover!

• Find out what programmes they are currently running and get involved in their interesting classes.
• Wander around to admire the array of beautiful garden displays and incredible contemporary architecture.
• Check out the Visitor Education Center where you can grab a bite to eat.

20. Taum Sauk Mountain

If you love mountains, don’t skip this place! These mountains are at the highest elevations in the entire state and offer views like you’ve never seen before.

From unique rock formations to the majesty of the different nearby forests, I personally think you’ll never tire of hiking to the top of these mountains and looking out at the scenery and the fantastic panoramic views. If you’re near Highway CC in Ironton, I recommend stopping by! 

• Hike to Mina Sauk Falls which is the highest wet-weather waterfall in Missouri.
• Witness spectacular panoramic views overlooking the lush scenic land.

Michael Cowley - writer and photographer Ever since he was knee-high to a grasshopper Michael has always had an affinity for adventure. Growing up he was lucky enough to live in a handful of exotic far flung locations including Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya and Tanzania and since then he’s continued seeking out new places and cultures. In his spare time he explores everywhere from the sizzling street markets in Bangkok to random back alleys in Sri Lanka and everything in between! He also has a special fondness for Cohibas, trying all kinds of street food, playing carrom with random strangers, and fine wine - he knows his clarets from his chiantis. He counts Cuba, Amsterdam, Indonesia, Goa, Cambodia and Italy as his favourite destinations. Find Michael on Instagram or Twitter . Hotel Reviewing Experience –Asked by many tourist boards and many high-profile travel brands to formally review hotels including Discover Greece, Barcelo Hotels, and Rickshaw Travel. Also travelled around the world scouting out and reviewing all the most unique hotels in the world, check out our Instagram page for photos . Also mentioned as a top UK travel journalist .

1 thought on “Top 20 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Missouri”

Wow! I loved these pictures and these places are such beautiful. I want to visit these places in Missouri. Thank you for your article.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Missouri

Written by Lana Law Updated Sep 26, 2022

Home to the lovely Ozark Mountains , culturally rich capitals, and deep threads of United States history, Missouri offers a long list of attractions. While there are plenty of things to see and do in Kansas City and St. Louis , other sights and cities in Missouri offer even more to explore.

Branson is a wonderful place for outdoor attractions, as well as its thriving live music scene, and the Wilson Creek National Battlefield in Springfield preserves a dynamic moment in Civil War history. To really savor the flavor of Missouri relaxation, Lake of the Ozarks , and its welcoming waters, is a defining vacation destination, with resorts, campgrounds, and thousands of miles of shoreline.

Plan your itinerary with our list of the top attractions in Missouri.

1. Visit the St. Louis Gateway Arch

2. hear the music in branson, 3. nelson-atkins museum of art, 4. enjoy the rides at silver dollar city, 5. visit the animals at the saint louis zoo, 6. stroll through forest park, 7. wilson's creek national battlefield, 8. mark twain boyhood home and museum, 9. harry s. truman presidential library and museum, 10. enjoy nature at the lake of the ozarks, 11. national world war i museum and memorial, 12. see the sights of jefferson city, 13. springfield, 14. missouri botanical garden, 15. university of missouri, columbia.

The Gateway Arch is the iconic structure that visually defines St. Louis and is also the symbolic " Gateway to the West. "

Visitors can take a tram up to a viewing platform at the top, which reaches 630 feet, for stunning views out over the city. Tram rides include a series of exhibits about the history of the arch, and visitors can also explore the numerous galleries within the Museum at Gateway Arch .

The arch is located in Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park but can be seen from all over the city and even from great distances on the surrounding highways.

Other ways to enjoy the arch are helicopter tours, riverboat cruises, and visiting the Old Courthouse for some historical perspective on the area.

Official site: http://www.gatewayarch.com/

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. Louis

Branson, in southwest Missouri, with no false modesty, calls itself the " Live country music capital of the universe. " It draws millions of tourists each year, mainly country music fans.

The "Strip" is crowded with music palaces, motels, restaurants, and souvenir booths selling all imaginable kinds of kitsch. The music venues here host some of country music's greatest performers.

Branson is also a good base for excursions into the surrounding Ozark Mountains. Natural points of interest include Table Rock Lake State Park and Talking Rocks Cavern .

A fun way to experience Branson's wild side is to hop aboard the Branson Scenic Railroad , complete with refurbished 1930s passenger cars. For more adrenaline action, the roller coasters and rides at Silver Dollar City provide the thrills.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Branson, MO

One of Kansas City's most important cultural attractions is the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. It holds a comprehensive collection, with pieces from around the world, but with a particular emphasis on East Asian art. On the museum grounds is a sculpture garden that everyone can appreciate without even having to enter the building.

Admission is always free to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and rotating exhibits keep each visit unique. Community events at the museum include free-fun weekends for the family, live music on every third Thursday of the month, and a wide variety of art classes for all ages.

Address: 4525 Oak Street, Kansas City, Missouri

Official site: http://www.nelson-atkins.org/

Silver Dollar City in Branson combines a major theme park with crafts and the preservation of 1880s Ozark culture. Craftsmen in the park demonstrate glassblowing, basket weaving, blacksmithing, pottery, candy making, and candle making. The park also has rides and attractions, shops, restaurants, and live shows .

Marvel Cave is part of Silver Dollar City. It carries on the tradition of the 1880s mining town, which once stood at the entrance to the cave. The cave was first discovered by the Osage Indians in the 1500s and since that time has attracted explorers looking for the Fountain of Youth, miners of marble and bat guano, and archaeologists.

Address: 399 Silver Dollar City Parkway, Branson, Missouri

Official site: http://www.silverdollarcity.com/

One of the best free things to do in Missouri is visit the Saint Louis Zoo. Take the family to see the animals and keep your wallet in your pocket. You won't lack for furry creatures to see – the zoo has over 14,000 animals from around the world, which represent almost 500 species.

The zoo has six major regions: River's Edge, The Wild, Discovery Corner, Historic Hill, Red Rocks, and Lakeside Crossing. Each of these areas has its own set of animals related to that particular environment.

The zoo also offers popular behind-the-scenes tours for a fee, including opportunities to hand-feed reticulated giraffes, see the incubator area for the zoo's rare birds, meet the staff at the park veterinary hospital, and help prepare specialty meals with the zoo's nutritionists.

Official site: https://www.stlzoo.org/

Host to the 1904 World Fair, this wonderful St. Louis city park sprawls out over more than 1,300 acres and receives millions of visitors a year.

Regarded as one of the most beautiful urban parks in the world , Forest Park not only delivers appealing natural settings via ponds, gardens, and more than 45,000 trees, but it's also home to many of the city's top cultural attractions.

Tourists can visit the St. Louis Zoo , Saint Louis Art Museum , the Missouri History Museum , and the St. Louis Science Center all on the grounds, or enjoy a live show at The Muny , America's oldest and largest outdoor musical theater.

Address: 5595 Grand Drive, St. Louis, Missouri

Official site: https://www.forestparkforever.org

Around 5,400 Union troops and 11,000 Confederates fought on the site of Wilson's Creek National Battlefield on August 10, 1861. The Confederates were victorious, but this battle led to more fighting in Missouri.

On site is the Wilson's Creek Civil War Museum housing artifacts that include the sword belt and sash of Arkansas General Patrick Cleburne.

Visitors can tour the battlefield and remaining historical structures via a 4.9-mile tour road , which provides plenty of parking spots to explore the seven miles of trails that connect throughout this scenic area.

Address: 6424 West Farm Road 182, Republic, Missouri

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/wicr/index.htm

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Springfield, MO

Samuel Clemens, before adopting the pen name Mark Twain, first moved into this two-story home with his family in 1843 and lived there from the age of seven to 18. The home has been open for public tours since 1912 and has since been restored and decorated in period.

The adjoining museum consists of two buildings that contain Twain memorabilia, such as first editions of his books, photographs, original manuscripts, and the desk where he sat to write The Adventures of Tom Sawyer .

Address: 120 North Main, Hannibal, Missouri

Official site: http://www.marktwainmuseum.org/

Historic and artistic objects are displayed at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence. Truman's career and US history covering the period from 1945 to 1953 is the main focus of the museum. A replica of Truman's office in the White House is on display, and President and Mrs. Truman's graves are in the courtyard.

A mile down the road, at the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site , visitors can tour the Victorian home where the Truman family lived from 1919 until his death in 1972. The house contains original furnishings and other Truman family possessions.

Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum

• Address: 500 W US Highway 24, Independence, Missouri
• https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/

Harry S. Truman National Historic Site

• Address: 219 N. Delaware Street, Independence, Missouri
• https://www.nps.gov/hstr/index.htm

Created by an impoundment of the Osage River in 1931, Lake of the Ozarks is one of the most popular lake destinations in the Midwest. Favorite reasons to visit include professionally designed golf courses , scenic campgrounds , and lakefront resorts, as well as an array of water activities including boating, fishing, and swimming at sandy beaches .

Lake of the Ozarks State Park is reason enough to visit, but the massive shoreline offers plenty of attractions and things to do , including shopping, dining, and a community that always welcomes out-of-towners. To see the marvel of engineering that created the Lake of the Ozarks, a drive over the Bagnell Dam is recommended.

Another top attraction in the area is Bridal Cave located in Camdenton. This subterranean cathedral beneath Thunder Mountain was used by Native Americans for centuries. Today it's a major tourist attraction known for its beautiful rock formations.

Home to one of the largest collections of World War I artifacts in the world, the National World War I Museum first opened in 2006 and has since hosted millions of visitors from around the world. Long before the museum was established, the adjacent Liberty Memorial has looked over the streets of Kansas City for more than 90 years.

Completed in 1926 and dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge in front of a massive crowd, the Liberty Memorial still stands tribute today to the Great War. Visitors to the museum can learn more about this history through interactive exhibits, documented eye-witness accounts, and more than 75,000 historical items on rotating display.

Address: 2 Memorial Drive, Kansas City, Missouri

Official site: https://www.theworldwar.org/

As the state capitol, Jefferson City is worth a visit. The museums and galleries are home to some of the finest collections in the state, and the historic government buildings give the city a well defined sense of grandeur.

Some of the must-see sights are the state capitol building, the Governor's Mansion , the Missouri State Penitentiary, and the Missouri State Museum . The Lewis & Clark Monument at the Lewis & Clark Trailhead Plaza , located near the state capitol building, is a beautiful sculpture and a tribute to these explorers.

Springfield is a lovely city with a small town feel and all kinds of parks, green space, and other attractions.

Among the outdoor highlights are the Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park , with walking trails, gardens, and playgrounds, and the beautifully laid out Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden .

Another interesting site near Springfield is the Fantastic Caverns , which claims to be "America's only drive-through caverns." There is no walking required on this tram tour of the cave.

Another popular Springfield attraction is the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium , adjacent to the original Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, which provides a look into an underwater world.

Spread out over 79 acres, the Missouri Botanical Garden is a wonderful spot for a stroll. One of the state's National Historic Landmarks, the gardens date from 1859 .

Not content to rest on its historical laurels, the gardens are undertaking a significant upgrade to their facilities with the new addition of the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center.

One of the highlights of a trip to the gardens is to experience the Climatron. This giant geodesic dome encloses 24,000 square feet, and growing within are 2,800 plants spread over 1,400 species.

Other notable places to visit in the gardens are the Japanese Garden and the Linnean House. A tram runs throughout the park on the half hour.

Address: 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri

Official site: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/

Located in Columbia, the university is the heart of the city, with a lovely campus that radiates from the David R. Francis Quadrangle . As popular with locals and tourists as it is with students, this picturesque area is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is home to the stunning Jesse Hall and six imposing columns that are the last remains of Academic Hall, which was destroyed in a fire in 1892.

There are many cultural events on campus throughout the year, and the university is also home to the Museum of Art and Archaeology. This free museum offers a wide range of exhibits, as well as docent-led tours and workshops.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Columbia, MO

More on Missouri

The 25 Best Things to do in Missouri

• Facebook 30

Known as the Show-Me State, Missouri is known for its beautiful scenery, abundance of outdoor activities, and tough-minded locals that embody the “Show-Me” philosophy. While Missouri doesn’t always get all the love it deserves, the fact is that it’s one of the best places to visit in the Midwest!

The Ozarks is one of the most popular Missouri attractions, offering everything from hiking and horseback riding to water sports and adventure theme parks. But a visit to any of the state’s major cities like St. Louis , Kansas City, or Springfield is a great way to get indoors and visit museums before dining on local cuisine at a restaurant. And if it’s outdoor adventure you’re after, Missouri’s got you covered with everything from ancient underground cave systems to epic ski resorts!

With so many things to see and do in the Show-Me State, you might not know where to begin. So we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in Missouri for you. Stick to these fun and unique Missouri bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time exploring this gorgeous Midwestern state!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

25 Fun and Unique Things to do in Missouri 

1. boat your way around the lake of the ozarks.

One of the top Missouri attractions, the Lake of the Ozarks was formed in 1931 with the completion of Bagnell Dam. This expansive reservoir has more than 1,100 miles of shoreline that you are sure to fall in love with. Explore the area at your own leisurely pace by canoe or kayak, and then go bar hopping along the colorful Bagnell Dam Strip, famous for its party atmosphere. 

Rent a boat to experience panoramic views of the lake, make your way to Lake of the Ozarks State Park, then dock at one of the numerous lakeside restaurants. Nearby you’ll find hiking trails abundant with breathtaking views of fresh springs and flowing rivers.

Don’t miss the mesmerizing Bridal Caves , famous for being the most scenic caverns in America and having more formations per square foot than any other known cave in the United States. If you want a quirky yet historically authentic tour, then you have to take the evening Lantern Tour through these fascinating caverns to experience the Bridal Caves the same way they were first seen by explorers! 

2. Go Back in Time in the Meramec Caverns 

The Meramec Caverns have existed deep within the earth for a whopping 400 million years thanks to underground water that slowly trickled its way through the bedrock of the Ozark hills. Almost 5 miles of passages and chambers awaited exploration until they were first discovered in 1720 – meaning they have been a popular tourist destination for over 300 years! 

The Meramec Caverns offer so much more than just the cave tour. Put on your prospector hat and discover 24k treasures in their panning for gold stations, or dive into their exhilarating adventure course with outdoor rock climbing and ziplining. 

If you’d prefer to kick your feet up, then embrace the gentle swaying and scenic views from the Cavern Queen Riverboat Ride. They even have a campsite making it the perfect place to rest your head while on your unique Route 66 adventure.

The grand finale of this amazing attraction is the colorful light show inside the caverns, where a kaleidoscope of colors illuminates the jagged stalagmites and prehistoric rock formations. 

3. Get Tipsy on the Hermann Wine Trail

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Missouri with friends, the Hermann Wine Trail is a group of seven family-owned wineries located in the stunning town of Hermann, Missouri. Enjoy the rustic vibes of these quaint country farms and explore their historic wine cellars while tasting your way through a delicious variety of the finest wines Missouri has to offer.

Have you ever thought of pairing wine with bacon? If not, then you have been missing out! Head to Hermann in May to experience the Wild Bacon Wine Trail to try delicacies like garlic parm bacon knots or bacon ragu, all paired with their amazing local wine. The Hermann Wine Trail offers the perfect day out for any foodie or wine aficionado.

For the ultimate luxury, head there in February for their famous Chocolate Wine Trail to try mouthwatering raspberry fudge brownies paired with raspberry weisser flieder at the beautiful Bias Winery and Gabrielle’s Blush complimented by triple chocolate chili in Röbller Vineyard .

Don’t worry about being the designated driver. The Hermann trolley will conveniently drop you off at each winery, allowing you to totally relax and soak up the beautiful scenery. 

If you have extra time and want to experience a full peaceful retreat, Hermann also offers world-class spas, golfing, and biking trails, making it the perfect weekend getaway in Missouri.

4. Enjoy Everything St. Louis Has to Offer

St. Louis is jam-packed with many of the best things to do in Missouri. Don’t miss the Missouri Botanical Garden. This place first opened in 1859 and is now the oldest botanical garden that’s still in operation in the country. This place is abundant with waterfalls, delicate orchids, and perfectly manicured gardens. 

The City Museum in downtown St. Louis is a great place for people of all ages to explore caves and mazes, fall down slides, and enjoy the surrealistic pavilion.

St. Louis offers so much for art lovers, including the quirky outdoor sculptures in Citygarden and the intricate mosaic-covered walls inside the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, the largest such collection in the Western world! There are also countless amazing art galleries, from the City Museum to the Saint Louis Art Museum . 

Forest Park is in the heart of St. Louis and is adored by locals. Walk here, and take in the historic buildings, monuments, and landscapes. You’ll find the Missouri History Museum and Science Center here.

Spend an evening soaking up the sights and smells of the historic Soulard Farmers Market . Dating back to 1779, this is one of the oldest markets in the Midwest, where you can still pick up an edible souvenir at any one of over 100 beautiful stalls. Follow it with a tour of the historic Budweiser Brewery , where you can even take a class to learn how to brew beer at home!

Kids will love the Saint Louis Zoo , which is home to puffins, polar bears, and everything in between. It is also free entry for everyone! 

If the little ones are feeling brave, they can feed sharks and stingrays their lunch at the St. Louis Aquarium . Bird lovers will be delighted to visit the World Bird Sanctuary , where their dedicated bird hospital nurses over 600 birds of prey back to health annually.

See All Popular Sights of St. Louis

5. Visit the Live Music Capital of Missouri 

Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, Branson has plenty of family-friendly Missouri attractions that will keep everyone in vacation mode. This charming city is most known for its good old-fashion live entertainment, featuring over 100 shows in just about every genre you can think of. 

Beyond the music strip known as Country Music Boulevard, a stop at Silver Dollar City is a must. What sets it apart from other theme parks in the area is that it is pioneer themed, so it’s like you are stepping back into the 1800s. 

Plus, if you are an outdoor enthusiast, Branson is surrounded by a few lakes. If you want to camp out or just rent a boat for the day, visit Table Rock Lake, which is located just a short drive from the city. 

Another must-visit is Moonshine Beach, a sandy beach where you can swim, sunbathe, picnic, hike, or play volleyball. For a unique way to get on the water, hop aboard the Branson Belle , a replica of an 1800s steamboat that features a 3-course dinner and live entertainment. 

6. Climb the Giant Boulders in Elephant Rocks State Park

Witness the 1.5-billion-year-old boulders of the Arcadia Valley at Elephant Rocks State Park.

The easiest way to see these enormous rocks is through the Braille Trail, which will lead you to the park’s most impressive boulders, including Dumbo, their largest rock that stands at 27 feet tall and weighs a terrifying 680 tons – that’s the weight of over 100 actual elephants!

The Braille Trail penetrates the surrounding woods, leading to a small, tranquil lake that once functioned as a rock quarry. Bring your rod and spend the day fishing, or simply pack a picnic to enjoy at one of their many picnic areas.

This now peaceful park was once filled with the sounds of clanks from heavy machinery and the busy hammers and chisels of local quarrymen cutting giant chunks of red granite. These days you can walk the Engine House Ruins Trail to take a glimpse at Missouri’s bustling industrial past. While there, you can check out the impressive stone schoolhouse, several small homes, and, of course, the old railroad engine house, all of which were in use in the late 1800s.

Can’t get enough of the great outdoors? Check out the other two nearby parks. The popular Johnson’s Shut-ins State Park is absolutely gorgeous and is the perfect place to go for a swim. Or, pack your hiking boots and climb the highest summit in Missouri at Sauk Mountain Park!

7.  See History Come Alive at St. Charles

The former capital of the state, St. Charles is a charming town that is overflowing with history. Located on the Missouri River, take in the views from the Lewis and Clark Boat House and Nature Center , which houses full-size replicas of the boat that the explorers used. 

Rent a bicycle from the nearby Bike Stop Cafe for a quick bite to eat before you access the Katy Trail . This 240-mile riverside trail system is popular with cyclists, joggers, and hikers and is a great way to discover the city.  

Stroll down the cobblestone streets of its Main Street in the Historic District and take a self-guided walking tour. Here, you’ll find the restored buildings, some of which are 250 years old. Now, these same buildings have been transformed into boutique shops, galleries, and over 25 restaurants with a pick of your favorite cuisines. 

To check out art, head to the Foundry Art Centre or Missouri Artists on Main , both housed in historic buildings like an old stagecoach station and a renovated train car factory. At night, the streets are lit up with gas lamps, giving it an authentic and romantic ambiance of the city’s rich past meeting the present day. 

8. Take a Scenic Hike in Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Pack your hiking boots because you’re going to want to spend the whole day exploring this beautiful park. For one of the coolest things to do in Missouri, go in the fall when the trees turn rich shades of red, ochre, and amber between the glistening sapphire water of Trout Glen Pool and the crumbling castle backdrop. Hiking here is easily one of the top Missouri activities, and you’ll feel like you are lost in a fairytale forest in Germany.

Follow the Spring Trail boardwalk to experience incredible views of the lake shoreline and the gushing springs. This is where the park got its name from – Ha Ha Tonka is from the Osage tribe phrase meaning “big laugh” or “laughing spirit” in reference to the sounds and spirit of the springs.

Take the Colosseum Trail to walk directly under the unusual natural stone bridge, which leads through to the massive sinkhole. For those feeling adventurous, you can climb the 316-step staircase up to the castle ruins or explore the Island Trail for more stunning views. 

Whichever trail you choose, you’ll enjoy stunning views of natural streams, castle ruins, unique rock formations, natural rock bridges, and sinkholes.

9. Visit the Inspirational Boyhood Home of Mark Twain in Hannibal

If you stayed up well past your bedtime reading about the adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, then a visit to Hannibal town is an absolute must on your Missouri bucket list. This is where Mark Twain spent his childhood and served as an inspiration for his books. 

You can explore the town’s rich history at the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum , which is now a National Historic Landmark. The museum houses his original manuscripts, photographs, incredibly valuable rare first editions of his books, as well as original furniture from his childhood home, such as the desk where he wrote his books. The museum contains plenty of information, interactive exhibits, displays of treasured artifacts, and Twain memorabilia.

While in Hannibal, be sure to take the Mark Twain Riverboat, where you can cruise the mighty Mississippi River on an old-fashioned paddle-wheeler. Explore the underground passages of the Mark Twain Cave Complex, where he played as a boy and later featured in his books. There is also a Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse and a statue of Tom and Huck. 

10. Wander Around Kansas City’s Museums 

Kansas City is worth a spot on your Missouri bucket list. It’s not widely known for being an artsy or cultured city, but you’d be surprised at the city’s many impressive museums. The Missouri side of KC is home to vibrant art museums and the only museum in the country dedicated to World War I . 

Check out the extensive collection at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art , featuring over 40,000 works of art, including the outdoor sculpture area. The smaller but equally awesome Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art has free admission for everyone year-round! 

If you want to learn about musicians like KC’s Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and other jazz artists, head to the American Jazz Museum located in the historic 18th and Vine District. 

If you work up an appetite during your exploring and are a meat eater, Kansas City has tons of barbeque joints that have made a name for themselves on the barbeque circuit with their award-winning pitmasters. 

The city is known for its fall-off-the-bone ribs, smoked brisket, tender pulled pork, and sweet, tangy sauce. So head to any of their BBQ restaurants, like Gate’s or Jack Steak Barbeque !

11. Discover the Incredibly Rare Fantastic Caverns

One of the most unique things to do in Missouri, the Fantastic Caverns is America’s only ride-through cave! To protect these rare caves and ensure their preservation for generations to come, the only way to experience these stunning caverns is by a Jeep-drawn tram tour, giving you an absolutely effortless experience! No stairs or steep climbs required.

Your tour follows the remains of an underground river, uncovering the mysteries of a world hidden beneath your feet. Think soda straws, giant columns, and formations from a land before time. The best thing is that the tours are fully guided, so you won’t miss a detail about this wonderful place!

This place was discovered in 1862 by a local farmer, or more specifically, his pet dog, who crawled through one of the smaller entrances in the hillside. Unbeknownst to this furry fella, the cave he found was so rare, there are only three more of its kind in the world. 

The cave was first explored by humans several years later when a group of women answered an ad in the local paper “seeking explorers.” These brave explorers’ names are still written on the cave walls to this day.

12. Go Back in Time at Silver Dollar City

Every state has its share of theme parks, but what sets Silver Dollar City apart is its focus on traditional crafts and artisanal skills. Themed to look like the 1880s, the entertainment complex is a mix of the old-fashion Ozark charm and modern roller coasters and amusement park rides. Here you’ll see blacksmiths, candle makers, glassblowers, and other skilled craftsmen at work in traditional clothing from that era.

Located in Branson, you can spend a few days here. Just take your pick among its 40 thrilling rides and attractions. If you want to give your feet some rest, catch one of their live shows – they have over 40 live shows daily. They have something to suit your tastes, from classic country music to comedy to magicians. 

Cool off from the heat in the summer at the water rides found at the adjoining White Water theme park. This must-visit attraction even has a cave to explore that will take you 500 feet below the surface.  

To see what pioneer life was like, check out authentic 1880s buildings at McHaffies Homestead & Barnyard and the Oak Trail School, which were moved to the park from their original Ozark location. 

13. Go Scuba Diving in an Abandoned Mine at Bonne Terre Mines

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Missouri, squeeze yourself into a wetsuit and explore the transparent waters of this underground mine. With visibility in the water at well over 100 feet, this place is a diver’s dream. Plus, the ambient overhead lights provide soft illumination of the lake for divers.

Led by a guide, you’ll see mining artifacts under the water that sit frozen in time. You are encouraged to touch things in the cavernous rooms, providing a full sensory experience. The abandoned mine cart filled with ore and tools stands as a reminder of this cave’s industrial past. 

Bonne Terre Mine was founded in the 1860s and operated until the 1960s. At one stage, they were the largest producer of lead ore in the world. It is constantly raining inside the mine, which leads to over a billion gallons of water forming the underground lake. 

When the area was used for mining, there were pumps running 24/7 to remove the water and allow extraction of the lead ore. These days most of the pumps are long gone, and the natural lake has returned.

While the cave is famous for its diving, there are other ways you can happily explore it! You can take the guided walking tour of the upper levels along the old mule trails, showing where the miners dug with shovels and picks, or take the boat tour to explore the lake with spectacular views of the abandoned shafts and equipment lying beneath the depths.

14. Sample the Locally-Made Brews

Home to one of the largest breweries in the country, Anheuser-Busch, Missouri is also home to over 150 independent craft breweries and microbreweries, which are scattered around the state. So basically, at every town you visit, you can sample their locally crafted lagers, ales, and craft beers, and most of the time, the tour and taste are complimentary. 

For a more family-friendly attraction, visit Grant’s Farm in St. Louis. This has been the Busch family home since 1903, and today the family still runs the 200-acre attraction. Here you can get your picture taken with one of their famous Clydesdale horses, see a variety of different animals on a tram ride, and tour the actual mansion. 

If you meet the age requirements, you can sample one of the beers. You can also visit the actual brewery and biergarten and take one of their tours for a behind-the-scenes look at the beer-making process. 

15. See Nature in Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Loved by the locals in Branson, Dogwood Canyon boasts 10,000 acres of lush forest, clear rivers abundant in rainbow trout, and cascading waterfalls that will put you in a state of meditation. 

Hike or bike any one of the many picturesque trails to totally immerse yourself in nature. You can discover hidden areas of the park that can’t be otherwise accessed by horseback riding.

Nature lovers will adore the Wildlife Tram Tour. This 2-hour guided ride through the canyon will show you the native herds of elk, deer, and bison. Maybe you’ll even be lucky enough to spot Takoda, the rare white American bison hiding among the herd.

Finish off your day at The Lodge to try their amazing bison burgers, among other delicious dishes. Ask to sit at the table that is right in front of the waterfall – it takes dinner with a view to a whole new level!

16. Explore the Underrated Springfield 

Springfield is one of the largest cities in Missouri, and thanks to its small-town hospitality vibes, it is growing in popularity to visit. Located just an hour north of Branson, the city is known as the start of the famous Route 66 and serves as a gateway to the Ozarks.

Plus, if you’re on a budget, the city offers plenty of attractions that are free to visit. Tour the Springfield Art Museum for a look at their permanent collection, which has over 10,000 works of art with an emphasis on Americana art from the 18th century to contemporary works. If you’re more of a science buff, visit Henry the a triceratops skeleton and the other fossils at the Missouri Institute of Natural Science . 

The city also provides lots of free outdoor attractions, including the Roston Native Butterfly House , a botanical garden featuring lots of butterflies and flora and fauna. To get familiar with the layout of the city, do a self-guided outdoor sculpture tour of the city that features rotating art pieces throughout the year. 

A stop at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center is a must. It’s one of the best free things to do outside within the city limits. The center has 3 miles of walking trails, nature exhibits, and educational activities for all ages.

17. Go Skiing at the Hidden Valley Ski Resort

Enjoy the exhilarating rush of skiing down a mountain in Missouri at the Hidden Valley Ski Resort ! It’s the perfect place if you’re planning a winter trip and looking for fun things to do in Missouri. Ski, snowboard, sled, and snow tube your way down over 16 trails spread across two epic mountain peaks. Hidden Valley is guaranteed to satiate the appetite of any adrenaline junkie.

If you’re new to skiing, be sure to book a session at the Snowsports Academy to learn how to glide through the snow like a warm knife through butter. Bond with your friends and family by taking a group lesson. Nothing is guaranteed to crack you up like watching your clumsier relatives flail helplessly at the mercy of their skis.

Kids will have a blast speedily snow tubing down the lanes while mom and dad have time to relax and watch from the nearby outdoor fire pit in the tubing base area. With no skills necessary, this is the perfect introductory activity for little ones who have no ski experience.

When your joints are achy from your long day on the slopes, be sure to visit the ski lodge, where you can sit by the crackling open fire to soak up the cozy winter ambiance. Treat yourself to some hot chocolate for the ultimate hygge vibes.

18. Take a Stroll Through Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

Enjoy a lovely stroll through Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, home to some of Missouri’s best examples of restored grasslands, forests, streams, karst landscapes, and a surprising amount of sinkholes! Follow the boardwalk to see fascinating geologic formations and the unique natural rock bridge. And don’t forget to pack a picnic to really soak it all in.

Located just 5 miles from Columbia, you can visit the park to view its diverse karst topography that has led to its unique cave ecosystem. Here, you can walk both above and under a rock that naturally forms a bridge.

It also has some of the most popular hiking trails in the state, offering eight trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. There are plenty of stopping points to rest with informative displays to tell you about the area and the hike.

At the Devil’s Icebox, you can see a large cave with sinkholes, a stream that comes from underground, and a picturesque rock bridge. During the day, be sure to check out Connor’s Cave to explore underground. 

19. Camp Out at Table Rock Lake

Crystal-clear water lined with shady trees and secret beaches, Table Rock Lake offers the ultimate weekend getaway for when you’re visiting Branson. Located just 5 miles from the city, there are plenty of places to camp or park your RV. Or, have a more unusual stay by sleeping in a yurt or rustic cabin, or go all out and treat yourself to a luxurious resort. 

Adrenaline junkies will love scuba diving, as well as trying out thrilling water sports and tackling the impressive mountain biking trail. If you’re seeking something a little more peaceful, you can enjoy hiking, picnicking, or simply relaxing in the marina with a good book. 

Table Rock Lake is most famous for fishing, with a plethora of large bluegill, giant catfish, and Kentucky spotted bass. From swimming, sunbathing, and viewing wildlife to boating and sailing along the 800 miles of coast, you’ll find some of the best outdoor Missouri activities here!

20. Step Aboard the World’s Most Famous Boat at the Titanic Museum

As you enter the Titanic Museum , you’ll be given your own boarding pass detailing the persona of a real person who undertook the voyage, and at the end of the exhibit you’ll find out whether that person survived. 

In this Branson museum, you’ll go back over 100 years in time as you walk the beautifully replicated hallways and the famous grand staircase perfectly illuminated with soft lighting, showcasing its stunningly ornate woodwork. Learn all about the Titanic through over 400 artifacts sourced directly from the ship and her passengers.

You’ll be gripped with emotion as a pianist plays “Nearer, My God, to Thee,” the song that the orchestra played as the Titanic sank. On a lighter note, you’ll be quite surprised to see the vast differences between the 1st class cabins compared to the 2nd and 3rd class as you walk into the phenomenally re-created bedrooms.

The bridge and outside deck were built to look and feel exactly the same way they did that fateful night when the Titanic hit an iceberg. When you walk near the bridge, all is dark except for the fiber optic stars. 

This museum is so committed to giving guests an authentic, immersive, and surreal experience that they even have a tank of water cooled to a chilling 28 degrees, the exact temperature the Titanic sank in.

Get a Titanic Museum Ticket

21. Take the Tram to the Top of the Gateway Arch

A trip to the top of the Gateway Arch is one of the best things to do in Missouri. Standing proudly at 630 feet, it is architectural ingenuity at its finest. Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen designed the arch, which is the tallest monument in the Western Hemisphere that is manmade. This historical feat of engineering took over two years to build and was completed on October 28, 1965. 

Enter through the arch’s dedicated museum to take the quirky tram, which is made up of eight small pods/capsules, all the way to the top to enjoy the breathtaking views of downtown St. Louis to the west, and see all the way as far as Illinois to the east. On a clear day, you can see up to 30 miles in either direction.

Gateway Arch National Park consists of an entire park, meaning there is so much more to explore around the arch. Take a stroll around the carefully landscaped grounds, through their gently curved walkways, to see peaceful ponds and manicured trees. Follow it up with some shopping at the arch store or sit down and enjoy a cup of joe at the cafe.

Have a Photoshoot at the Gateway Arch

22. Read the Works of Laura Ingalls Wilder at Her Family’s Historic Home and Museum

To visit the home of one of America’s most beloved writers, visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum , which is located in Mansfield, about 45 miles east of Springfield, Missouri. Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote a series of novels called Little House on the Prairie that is based on her real-life adventures on the American frontier in the late 19th century. 

Through the museum’s exhibits and tours of her family’s Rocky Ridge Farm, you’ll get a glimpse of the challenges of pioneer life. Museum artifacts include her father’s fiddles, needlework made by Laura, photographs, handwritten manuscripts of the books, and other keepsakes of her family. 

You’ll see the desk where she wrote and learn about the author’s process of writing the books. Outside, you can follow the trail and walk the very grounds that were the inspiration behind her books. They also hold various events throughout the year, like Wilder Day, Fiddle Off, and other celebrations that commemorate Laura Ingalls Wilder. 

23. See Kansas City’s Historic Union Station

Built in 1914 as a train station, today it’s one of Kansas City’s most historical landmarks and one of the top Missouri attractions. What once was one of the Midwest’s most used transportation hubs, this place has been beautifully restored and maintained to its original Beaux-Arts architectural style. 

There’s plenty of attractions here, but even a stop to admire its 95-foot-tall ornate ceilings, 6-foot-wide clock, and multiple chandeliers in the Grand Hall that weigh over 3,000 pounds.

After exploring the main terminal, you can visit the award-winning Science City, Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, movie theater, restaurants, or live entertainment City Stage Theatre. Just like it was a hundred years ago, you can still catch a train here. 

Back in the day, hundreds of trains would pass through. But today, the only train stopping here is the Amtrak Train. For train lovers, there is also an impressive 8,000-square-foot train model gallery with running mini-trains. 

One of the most popular attractions is the interactive Science City, which features over 300 interactive hands-on STEM activities. Throughout the year, Union Station also hosts rotating touring exhibits from big names like Smithsonian and National Geographic, so it’s always worth a look at its website to see what their current events are. 

24. Learn about the Ozarks at Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock , an attraction just 10 minutes south of Branson, is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon outside the city with a variety of recreational activities to do all in one place. Start out by traveling the 2.5-mile Lost Canyon Nature Trail on an electric cart, which passes through the Lost Canyon Cave.

There are observation balconies to view the rock formations and flowing waterfalls in this four-story cave. End your cave exploration at the Bat Bar, where you can relax with your favorite drink and take in spectacular Ozarks views.

The Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum is also included in the admission ticket, which is a great place to learn about the local history. Around 75,000 historical relics, interactive displays, and historical mementos are on display at the museum. You’ll see dinosaur skeletons, Civil War relics, and dioramas of how the Ozarks looked in ancient times.

Two full-sized golf courses are also available, with world-class driving ranges and putting greens. If golf isn’t your thing, visit the Buffalo Bar or the End of the Trail All-American Wine Cellar before spending your evening at one of the four restaurants. Stay until the sun sets to see a mini Civil War reenactment and hear a cannon blast with a ceremony held nightly.

25. Discover the Impact of the First World War at the National WWI Museum and Memorial 

Steeped in history, the National WWI Museum and Memorial boasts the most extensive collection of objects from the First World War, not just in the country but also in the world. In 1926, the Liberty Memorial was built to commemorate the men and women who served in the war. 

Today,  it’s a National Historic Landmark with some of the best 360-degree views of downtown Kansas City from its observation deck. At night, the 217-foot-tall tower is lit with a flame. 

Inside the museum, you’ll find interactive and intriguing displays with lots of eyewitness testimonies from those who survived it. The permanent collection, “The World War, 1914-1919,” holds thought-provoking exhibits like life-sized trenches that you can walk through and gripping films shown at the Kemper Horizon Theater. 

From full-sized tanks to cannons, uniforms from several countries, and war posters, the museum shows the war unfold chronologically. Even if you aren’t a history buff, this meditative museum will surely evoke emotion in you and allow you to learn lots about this important period of time in the world’s history. 

There you have it! The 25 best things to do in Missouri. What’s your favorite thing to do in the Show-Me State?

Planning a trip to Missouri? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

SHARE THIS ON PINTEREST

About the Author:

Carrie Ann Back is part-time travel writer and full-time globetrotter based in Southeast Asia. Recent bylines include Travel + Leisure, Parents Magazine, Postcards Magazine, Culture Trip, Matador Network, & more! Leaving her home in 2015, she has embarked on an around-the-world journey and has been traveling continuously ever since. Her most recent adventures include working in the Bolivian Amazon jungle, surfing in Sri Lanka, and exploring Laos via a slow boat up the Mekong River. She’s a proud member of the Cherokee Nation and is passionate about sustainable travel. She now lives in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with her cat Lil’ Mama. Most nights, you can find her munching down at the street food vendors.

View all posts

Related Posts

The 15 Best Things to Do in Orlando with Kids

12 Incredible Airbnbs in Denver, Colorado

12 Incredible Airbnbs in Berkeley, California

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Top 10 Things to Do in Missouri

 Suman Roychoudhury/Getty Images

From human-made wonders like the Gateway Arch to the natural beauty of the Johnson's Shut-Ins , Missouri has a lot to offer. The state's two biggest cities, St. Louis and Kansas City, are filled with museums, monuments, and other urban treasures. In more rural areas, visitors will find small communities brimming with history and hospitality. Here are the top ten places to visit in Missouri.

National World War I Museum: Kansas City

The brave Americans who fought in the Great War are honored and remembered at the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City . The museum houses one of the world's largest collections of war artifacts, along with interactive exhibits and displays depicting key moments and battles. But the most powerful part of the experience is the personal stories and eyewitness accounts of what it was like to be in the war.

The museum's Main Gallery is home to a permanent exhibit, The World War, 1914-1919 . It provides a comprehensive history of the war though original documents, videos and other artifacts. There are also several limited-run exhibits that focus on particular aspects of the war. Another highlight is the Liberty Memorial Tower. Visitors can enjoy a great view of the Kansas City skyline from the open-air observation deck at the top of the tower.

The National World War I Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are extended summer hours from Memorial Day to Labor Day. During the summer, the museum is open Sunday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $16 for adults and $10 for children.

Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park: Reynolds County

The natural beauty of Missouri is on full display at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park in Reynolds County. The popular swimming and hiking area formed millions of years ago when molten volcanic rock cooled along the Black River. Today, that cooled volcanic rock protrudes from river bed creating waterfalls, chutes, and deep pools for swimming. For those who prefer to see the beauty of the shut-ins from a distance, there is a hiking trail and observation area high above the river.

Johnson's Shut-Ins is a great place to spend the day, but the park can also accommodate longer visits. There are six log cabins for overnight stays, as well as a campground for both tents and RVs. Other amenities include a general store and a visitor's center with information about wildlife, plants and the history of the area. The main gates to the park open daily at 8 a.m. 

The Gateway Arch: St. Louis

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis welcomes visitors from around the world. The iconic symbol of the city rises 630 feet above the St. Louis Riverfront, making it the tallest monument in the United States. The Arch is an impressive sight from the ground, but don't miss the chance to see it from the top. A tram system shuttles visitors to an observation area inside the top of the Arch. Windows offer a great view of the surrounding city and the Mississippi River below.

The Arch just part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. The memorial celebrates Thomas Jefferson and his role in the expansion of the American West. It also includes the Old Courthouse where slave Dred Scott sued for his freedom.

The Gateway Arch is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended summer hours from Memorial Day to Labor Day. In the summer, the Arch is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The entrance fee is $3 for adults. Children get in free. Tram rides are $10 per person. 

Missouri Wine Country: Gasconade & St. Charles Counties

German immigrants brought their wine-making skills to Missouri more than 150 years ago. The fertile soil along the Missouri River proved a great location for growing grapes. Today, the state has more than 120 wineries. Many of the most popular vineyards are located west of St. Louis in St. Charles and Gasconade Counties.

The small town of Hermann in Gasconade County is the heart of Missouri Wine Country. It's home to two of the state's most well-known wineries, Stone Hill  and Hermannhof. It's also where to explore the Hermann Wine Trail. The trail is a cooperative effort of seven local wineries that come together to host events and celebrations throughout the year.

Another favorite stop in wine country is Augusta in St. Charles County. Augusta's largest vineyard is  Mount Pleasant Winery , with its award-winning wines, wine cellar tours, and live entertainment. In addition, Augusta is home to three smaller wineries located along the Missouri Winestrasse. These wineries offer a more intimate tasting experience.

Pony Express National Museum: St. Joseph

Learn about the nation's first "high-speed" mail service at the Pony Express National Museum in St. Joseph, Missouri. St. Joe was the starting point for Pony Express riders who delivered mail to California in the early 1860s.

A visit today includes a tour of the stables where the riders began their 2,000-mile journey. The museum also has interactive exhibits telling the brief history of the Pony Express and showing the many dangers the riders faced. Visitors can also see other historic exhibits like a 1860s coin collection and a one-room schoolhouse. 

The Pony Express National Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for students and $1 for children.

Mark Twain's Boyhood Home: Hannibal

Hannibal is a small Mississippi River town in the northeast corner of the state. Its claim to fame is as the boyhood home of the author Mark Twain . Readers can learn all about historic Hannibal in Twain's novels, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn .

The most popular tourist spots in Hannibal celebrate this connection to Twain. Visitors can tour the author's boyhood home, see Tom Sawyer's whitewashed fence, visit nearby caves or navigate the Mighty Mississippi on the Mark Twain Riverboat.   

The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $11 for adults and $6 for children ages six to 17. Children five and younger get in free.

Bonne Terre Mine: St. Francois County

With more than 6,000 caves and caverns, Missouri is also known as the Cave State.

One of the most unique is Bonne Terre Mine in St. Francois County. It's one of the largest underground caverns in the world. The lower part of the mine is filled with a billion gallons of groundwater creating the world's largest subterranean lake. 

Visitors can take a walking or boat tour of the mine. The walking tour follows an old mule trail down the first two levels of the mine. From there, it's a boat ride across the huge underground lake. The crystal clear water offers 100 feet of visibility. For those looking for more adventure, Bonne Terre Mine also offers scuba diving. There are 24 lighted, dive trails exploring the submerged architecture of the mine.

Bonne Terre Mine is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, from mid-May to October 1. It's open weekends only in the winter. Walking and boat tours are $27 for adults and $20 for children. Prices vary for scuba diving tours.

Missouri's Oldest Settlement: Ste. Genevieve

The history of Missouri starts in Ste. Genevieve, a small town on the Mississippi River. The area was first settled by the French in the early 1700s, making it the state's oldest settlement. Visitors can still experience much of that French Colonial heritage. The town has retained its historic feel with narrow streets, fenced gardens, and colonial buildings.

Ste. Genevieve's most historic buildings are located in an area known as the National Landmark Historic District. The district includes the 1792 Bolduc Museum House, the 1818 Felix Valle State Historic Site and four other prominent sites. Visitors can see all six sites during the Historic Passport Tour. 

In addition to its rich history, Ste. Genevieve is a charming small town with nice boutique hotels and bed & breakfasts. There are restaurants, wineries and quaint stores for shopping.

Lake of the Ozarks: Camden & Miller Counties

For fun in the sun in Missouri, there's no better place than the Lake of the Ozarks. The 85 square miles, man-made lake is the state's top destination for boating, swimming, and other water sports. Along the lake's extensive shoreline, there are several small towns with a variety of hotels, restaurants and resorts to cater to tourists.  

Another option for enjoying the area is the Lake of the Ozarks State Park. The park offers a more outdoorsy experience. Lodging includes log cabins, RV and tent camping. Visitors can also rent canoes and kayaks, or spend the day at a public swimming beach. For those looking to spend time out of the water, there are 12l hiking and biking trails spread out over thousands of wooded acres.

Berlin Wall Sculpture: Fulton

Fulton is a small Missouri town with a big history. Fulton's Westminster College is where former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill gave his famous "Iron Curtain" speech in 1946. Visitors can learn more about the speech and the Cold War at the Churchill Museum on the college campus.    

One prominent exhibit at the Churchill Museum is the Berlin Wall Sculpture. The artwork titled Breakthrough was created by Edwina Sandys, Churchill's granddaughter. It's made from a section of the wall that was located near the Brandenburg Gate.

10 Top Things to Do in St. Louis

9 Great Museums to Visit in St. Louis

Great State Parks Near St. Louis

9 Best Things to Do for Under $15 in St. Louis

Guide to Father's Day in St. Louis: Festivals, Events, Things to Do

The Best Small Town in Every State

25 Best Free Things to Do With Kids in St. Louis

Wine Trails to Explore in Missouri

48 Hours in St. Louis: The Perfect Itinerary

A Complete Guide to the Mississippi River Road Trip

Great Day Trips From St. Louis

The 11 Best Day Trips from New Orleans

Science Says This Is the Perfect U.S. Road Trip

9 Top Things to Do in Walla Walla, Washington

The Best Staycation in Every State

The Best Day Trips From Kansas City, Missouri

41 Fun Things To Do & Places To Visit In Missouri

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: December 6, 2020  - Last updated: October 15, 2023

With busy streets framed by mountains, forests, lakes and waterfalls, Missouri is a state that has it all.

You can enjoy resorts and restaurants in the big cities; you can go camping under the stars in the wilderness.

You can also enjoy the cultural depth of Missouri.

From the iconic landmarks to the little-known shops, diners and roadside attractions, there’s a reason why this uniquely Midwestern destination is nicknamed the “Show Me State.”

Maybe you’re planning an imminent vacation.

Maybe you’re making a bucket list for the distant future.

Either way, here are 41 awesome things to do in Missouri!

Table of Contents

1. Gateway Arch

f11photo / Shutterstock

The Gateway Arch is one of the most famous places in Missouri.

Located in the heart of St. Louis , its gleaming curve peaks at more than 600 feet above the city skyline, and it can be seen for miles around.

You don’t have to admire it from afar, however.

One of the coolest things about the arch is its observation deck!

You can take a ride to the very top and gaze out at the marvelous scenery below, including parks, bridges, buildings and the Mississippi River.

There’s also a visitor center if you want to learn more about the construction of the arch and the role that it played in the city’s development.

Additionally, there’s a gift shop if you want to do the tourist thing and grab a “I (Heart) St. Louis” key chain.

The Gateway Arch is one of the premiere tourist attractions of Missouri.

It’s the kind of place that you won’t want to miss.

Every time you tell someone that you visited St. Louis, they’ll ask if you visited the arch, so make it a true story and go!

Address: St. Louis, MO 63102, United States

2. Bogart’s Smokehouse

Bogart’s Smokehouse

Ask a dozen different people about the best restaurants in Missouri, and you’ll get a dozen different answers depending on what that person likes the most.

However, one common thread is simple: barbecue.

Missouri loves its barbecue!

Bogart’s Smokehouse isn’t the only place specializing in things like pulled pork sandwiches and sauce-slathered ribs served on piping hot platters, but it’s one of the most renowned.

All of its meat is smoked for more than 24 house before being rubbed down with herbs and spices and slow-cooked on cherry wood.

Its head chef actually trained in Memphis , another barbecue haven, before bringing his talents north, and you can taste his experience in every juicy bite.

You can’t leave Missouri without tasting some of its barbecue.

When you work up an appetite during your vacation, stop by Bogart’s Smokehouse for some life-changing pork.

Address: 1627 S 9th St, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States

3. City Museum

Chris857 , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

At first glance, City Museum might seem like any other plain, square-bricked building in St. Louis.

When you look a little higher, however, you’ll see the strange shapes jutting off the roof, and you’ll realize that it’s actually one of the craziest vacation spots in Missouri!

Planes and school buses jut over the edge of the building.

A Ferris wheel slowly turns over a pond filled with stepping stones and gigantic statues of bugs.

A glass dome, salvaged from the renovations of a local science center, sits in the middle of twisted metal sculptures that are both viewable and climbable.

The fun continues inside of the building as well.

Exhibits include everything from taxidermy animals to mineral collections.

Interactive rooms will let you paint, build, ride a train, skateboard in an indoor park or attend lessons at circus school.

Oddities include things like “The World’s Largest Underwear.”

Long story short, City Museum isn’t your typical museum.

It’s a crazy cross between a playground, fun house and kooky art installation, and it’s definitely one of the top things to do in Missouri.

Address: 750 N 16th St, St. Louis, MO 63103, United States

4. Lake of the Ozarks

TommyBrison / Shutterstock

With its slow, lazy waves surrounded by beautiful foliage, the Lake of the Ozarks is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Missouri.

Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, rafting, hiking, biking, camping and more.

The surface of the lake covers 54,000 acres, so there’s plenty of space to spread out.

There’s also a lot of room on the sandy coasts; the shoreline stretches for 1,150 miles.

That’s more shoreline than the entire state of California , and it’s located in the landlocked state of Missouri!

Events are common on the lake.

There are fireworks in the summer and holiday lights in the winter; there are garden shows in the spring and food festivals in the fall.

You can also have fun year-round at destinations like the “Party Cove,” a gathering hole for swimmers.

If you’re looking for a good time in Missouri, visit the Lake of the Ozarks.

You can hop in for a quick swim; you can rent a lakeside cabin for the entire summer.

It’s a place with endless possibilities.

5. Silver Dollar City

Shane Adams / flickr

As one of the biggest amusement parks in Missouri, Silver Dollar City definitely lives up to its name.

It’s so big that it’s actually divided into “districts” as a play on its theme.

Rivertown has rides and restaurants along the water.

Wilson’s Farm has fun, family-friendly activities with an agricultural motif.

Midtown has more carnival games that you can shake a stick at, and Homestead Ridge offers vintage-style shops for all of your souvenir needs.

Main Street is a boulevard that connects them all.

You can choose your own adventure at this amusement park.

Whether you want to watch a demonstration at a pottery store or make your stomach drop with death-defying roller coasters, there’s a little something for everyone here.

Silver Dollar City is another one of those Missouri attractions that everyone knows.

If you don’t want to be left out of the fun, book your tickets this weekend and get ready for a wild ride!

Address: 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson, MO 65616, United States

Visiting other areas of Missouri? Why not check out some of the fun things to do in Springfield, MO ?

6. Adrenaline Zone

Adrenaline Zone

If you’re wondering where to go in Missouri on a rainy day, look no further than the Adrenaline Zone .

It offers all kinds of heart-pumping activities to get your blood racing, and since they’re all indoors, you can enjoy them rain or shine!

Traditional games include pool, foosball, skeeball and laser tag.

More involved activities range from timed laser mazes to “demolition ball,” a unique basketball-and-hockey hybrid that’s played in bumper cars.

You can eat and drink when you’re done, or you can play arcade games to earn tickets and win prizes.

If you’re traveling to Missouri with a group, you can rent out the entire facility for parties, work retreats or “lock-in” events.

Long story short, the fun never stops at the Adrenaline Zone.

Rain or shine, its doors are always open for folks who want to unleash their inner child by running around and shooting at each other with laser guns.

Address: 1875 S Old Hwy 94, St Charles, MO 63303, United States

7. Hermann Wine Trail

Hermann Wine Trail

What’s the first place that comes to mind when you think about wine?

It probably isn’t Missouri, but the Hermann Wine Trail has every bit of splendor as Napa Valley .

Founded by German immigrants in 1836, the Hermann Wine Trail started as a single vineyard that grew over the years to encompass everything from wine halls to artisan wine shops.

Today, it stretches for more than 25 miles, and there’s a trolley that connects all of the stores and villas in the area.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities on the trail.

There’s wine tasting, of course, but there’s also shopping and sightseeing, and you can sleep at cozy little bed-and-breakfasts if you want to stay overnight.

Have you always wanted to wake up to a home-cooked breakfast in a soft bed with rolling green hills outside of your window?

The Hermann Wine Trail can turn your dreams into reality.

There’s a reason why it’s a top 10 spot in Missouri, so pack your goblets and get ready to drink!

Address: 150A Market St, Hermann, MO 65041, United States

8. National World War I Museum

EQRoy / Shutterstock

World War I isn’t always studied as much as World War II, but this museum is a great way to educate yourself on a major point in U.S. history.

Located in Kansas City , Missouri, it’s been designated by the government as the country’s official WWI museum .

You’ll start by following the 265-foot tower to the main building.

From there, you’ll walk across a glass bridge that covers 9,000 red poppies symbolizing the 9,000,000 lives lost during the war.

Features of the museum include photos, videos, maps, flags, letters and artifacts ranging from rusted guns to old propaganda posters.

There’s a sound booth for audio recordings; there are two theaters that run educational films and reels.

There’s also a preserved Renault FT tank and a 1918 Ford Model T ambulance.

You don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate the National World War I Museum.

It’s one of the most interesting places in Missouri, so do yourself a favor and check it out if you’ll be near Kansas City during your trip.

Address: 2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States

9. Waterfall Park

Lemuwah / Shutterstock

Waterfall Park is one of the most fun things to do in Missouri.

Its namesake is a beautiful, ten-foot waterfall that crashes over rocks and into the pool below, and it’s surrounded by boulders and mossy lichens that make it look like something out of a fairy tale.

You don’t have to hike into the wilderness to see it, however.

The best thing about Waterfall Park is that it’s a man-made feature located in the middle of a metropolis!

The city is called Independence, Missouri, and it’s a tourist attraction in its own right.

You’ll find plenty of entertainment options in the form of bars, shops, restaurants and movie theaters.

That said, the main draw of the city is definitely Waterfall Park.

How many times in your life can you see a waterfall in the middle of a busy street?

If you’re looking for cool and unique vacation ideas in Missouri, put this one on your shortlist.

Address: 4501 S Bass Pro Dr, Independence, MO 64055, United States

10. Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company

Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company

There’s chocolate, and then there’s chocolate chocolate chocolate.

The latter can be found at the Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company located in St. Louis, Missouri.

Treats include bars, bites, truffles, drops, crunches and caramels.

There are handcrafted, artisan-made gourmet chocolates tucked carefully into gift boxes; there are sloppy, sticky and messy chocolates offered on factory tours and during tasting events.

That’s right: You don’t have to stay behind the counter.

You can wander deep inside Willy Wonka’s playground and see how your favorite fudges and peanut butter cups are made.

It won’t even cost you anything since tours are free!

You just have to make arrangements in advance.

The Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company is one of the best places to see in Missouri.

Even if you aren’t a sweets person going in, the cascading waterfalls of chocolate are sure to change your mind.

Address: 5025 Pattison Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States

11. St. Joseph

APN Photography / Shutterstock

Saddle up, boys, because this one is a doozy!

St. Joseph was one of the last frontier towns of the Wild West.

Not only is it rich with history, but it’s also home to a number of world-famous tourist attractions, including the starting point of the Pony Express and the death site of outlaw Jesse James.

While some parts of the city have been modernized, others are still dedicated to days gone by.

You can see this historical preservation in everything from the architecture to the large number of museums, mansions and courthouses dotting the downtown area.

Modern features at St. Joseph include shopping malls and high-class restaurants.

You don’t have to eat 17th century jerky just because you’re in a place with 17th century buildings!

If you enjoy learning about the Wild West, you won’t want to miss St. Joseph.

It’s one of the coolest vacation spots in Missouri, especially for those with an interest in old-school American.

Grab your spurs, don your cowboy hat and get to riding!

12. Meramec State Park

Rklawton , CC BY-SA 2.5 , via Wikimedia Commons

Most Missouri attractions are located above ground.

Every so often, however, you’ll come across a subterranean area with a story to tell, and that’s exactly the case with Meramec State Park .

Located in Sullivan, Missouri, Meramec State Park is home to a diverse range of landscapes.

These include forests and glades as well as canyons and caves.

One of the most famous places to visit is Fisher Cave.

Filled with stalagmites and stalactites, it offers a dark, dimly-lit adventure into passageways filled with hard rock.

If you’re science-minded, you might recognize them as limestone and dolomite.

If you’re a layman, you can still appreciate the cool-looking rock formations!

Grab your flashlight and head down into the caves of Meramec State Park… if you dare.

Address: 115 Meramec Park Drive, Sullivan, MO 63080, United States

13. Busch Stadium

Joe Hendrickson / Shutterstock

Attracting thousands of visitors each year, Busch Stadium is one of the best sites in Missouri.

It hosts everything from concerts to championship baseball games, and it’s also adjacent to a “ballpark village” that offers bars, shops, breweries and hall-of-fame exhibits, so it’s always bustling with energy!

The stadium itself has seen all kinds of events.

Baseball is the most common sport played on the green, but there’s also been football, soccer and hockey.

Concerts have welcomed everyone from Ed Sheeran to Metallica.

As for the village, it’s also a lively place.

There’s an outdoor marketplace under a retractable canopy; there are bars with mechanical bulls and restaurants with karaoke machines.

If you’re wondering what to do on a Missouri vacation, you might enjoy a trip to Busch Stadium.

There’s always something on the schedule, so whether you’re visiting during the blazing hot days of summer or the cold, windy days of winter, you can find something fun to do here.

Address: 700 Clark Ave, St. Louis, MO 63102, United States

14. National Museum of Transportation

artistmac / flickr

If you like planes, trains and automobiles, you’ll love the life-sized models at the National Museum of Transportation .

Like its name suggests, it transcends the boundaries of Missouri to serve as the biggest transportation museum in the whole of the United States.

It’s a national treasure in every respect.

Visitors can enjoy all kinds of exhibits about the various transportation methods of the past.

While the emphasis is on railroads and locomotives, just about everything is covered, including planes, ships, trucks, cars and more.

Models are displayed in both real and miniature sizes.

Engines are dissected and labeled.

A tiny railroad chugs around the tracks of the museum, and a real, rideable trolley echoes it, giving you the chance to get off your feet for a while as you explore the grounds.

If you’re the type of person who never grew out of their train phase, the National Museum of Transportation is the destination for you.

It’ll awaken all of your old passions while also introducing you to exciting new facts about the hobby!

Address: 2933 Barrett Station Rd, St. Louis, MO 63122, United States

15. Missouri Botanical Garden

Rob Neville Photos / Shutterstock

Missouri is renowned for its scenery, but you don’t have to trek into remote mountains to enjoy it.

You can find a slice of paradise in the heart of downtown St. Louis when you visit the Missouri Botanical Garden .

Covering almost 80 acres, this “garden” is actually a collection of landscapes that showcases everything from flowers and trees to sculptures and cultural artifacts.

Many of the gardens are themed, so you can travel the world with the Seiwa-en Japanese Garden and the Strassenfest German Garden, or you can learn more about specific species with rose gardens, woodland gardens and even “Biblical gardens.”

Other features of the garden include fountains, bridges, reflection pools, hedge mazes and historic houses.

There’s also a geodesic dome greenhouse that was the first of its kind!

The Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the best things to do in Missouri.

It’s a resplendent place, and you won’t believe that so much greenery can be located right in the middle of a bustling city.

Address: 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States

16. Hollywood Wax Museum

Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau / flickr

Snap a selfie with a celebrity when you visit the Hollywood Wax Museum .

While the celebrity won’t be able to sign any autographs, they also won’t be able to deny your requests for silly or ridiculous poses.

That’s because they’re all made of wax!

The star-studded lineup includes everyone from Bruce Lee to Michael Jackson, so you’ll have your pick of photo ops.

Some of the statues are so lifelike that you’ll do a double take; others are so funky-looking that you’ll split your sides at the thought of the artist who created them.

There are other attractions at the museum as well.

From mirror mazes to interactive adventures, you’ll find plenty of kitschy, touristy ways to pass the time.

The Hollywood Wax Museum isn’t a particularly dignified place.

However, that’s exactly why it’s so much fun.

If you just want to cut loose for awhile, this is a great place for having a blast!

Address: 3030 W 76 Country Blvd A, Branson, MO 65616, United States

17. Hidden Valley Ski Resort

Hidden Valley Ski Resort

Missouri might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think about snow, but at the Hidden Valley Ski Resort , you can perform alley-oops like you’re at the Alps!

The powder is artificial, but it’s so cold and crisp that you won’t be able to tell the difference from the real thing.

It blankets the hills of the landscape like a winter wonderland that’s ready for all sorts of outdoor activities.

Skiing is popular, of course, but there’s also sledding, snowboarding and snow tubing.

There’s even a zipline that will send you hurtling over the snow in midair!

When you’re too cold to carry on, visit the ski lodge; there’s an open fireplace for warming up, and you can order food and drink while enjoying the ambiance of a cozy wintertime setting.

Who needs the Alps when you have the Hidden Valley Ski Resort?

Address: 17409 Hidden Valley Dr, Eureka, MO 63025, United States

18. Katy Trail

Wspin / Shutterstock

Nature lovers, you won’t want to miss the Katy Trail.

It runs for 240 miles along the Missouri River, and it crosses other famous trails like the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, so it offers all kinds of opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Located within Katy Trail State Park , the Katy Trail gets its name from the “KT” abbreviation that originally defined the Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad.

The railroad was abandoned over the years, but the path became a popular site seeing destination.

Today, Katy Trail is used by hikers, joggers, cyclists, dog walkers and more.

It’s open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset, and its landmarks include everything from steel bridges to rugged limestone deposits framing canyon-like paths.

Pedal through the Katy Trail if you’re looking to experience beautiful places in Missouri.

Whether you’re traveling in spring, summer, autumn or winter, the scenery will always be waiting for you.

Address: 101 Lewis St Machens to Clinton, Boonville, MO 65039, United States

19. Laumeier Sculpture Park

Cheryl Zion / Shutterstock

If you’ve never seen a seven-foot eyeball sitting in the middle of a grassy green field, have you really lived at all?

This is a question posed by Laumeier Sculpture Park , one of the most eclectic places to visit in Missouri.

Its sculptures range from mythical creatures in flight to oil tanks tossed on top of each other as an expression of modernist art.

A walking trail will take you on a tour of the park’s outdoor pieces, or you can explore an indoor gallery or the preserved remains of a Tudor mansion built in 1816.

If you time your trip right, you can catch special shows, events and educational programs centered around art.

Laumeier Sculpture Park is definitely one of the weirder things to see in Missouri, but if you want to make unforgettable memories, it’s also one of the best.

Drop by with your camera to start a one-of-a-kind vacation scrapbook.

Address: 12580 Rott Rd, St. Louis, MO 63127, United States

20. Highway 76 Strip

Blayne Downs / Shutterstock

Located in Branson , Missouri, the Highway 76 Strip is one of the best places to visit to get your groove on.

It’s home to dozens of clubs, studios, theaters and dance halls, including famous tourist attractions like Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater.

There’s other entertainment to be enjoyed, too.

You can dine on everything from trendy salads to thick, gourmet cuts of steak, and there are also shops, museums, hotels and more.

The main draw of the Strip is definitely its music scene, however.

Whether you’re interested in a top-tapping concert at the Grand Country Music Hall or a wild and wacky adventure at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction, the Grand Country Music Hall is a must see destination when you’re in Missouri.

21. Elephant Rocks State Park

Brian Doty / Shutterstock

The gigantic boulders of Elephant Rocks State Park are some of the most impressive sights in Missouri.

In addition to their size, they’re also a rosy pink color, which is where they get their nickname.

They can look a lot like circus elephants when you squint!

Natural trails will let you explore all of the rocks at length.

In an impressive first, the trails are accessible to all travelers, including those with disabilities.

One is actually named the “Braille Trail” for its use of braille on signposts.

Other places to visit include “The Maze,” a series of scattershot rocks that will require a strong sense of direction to navigate, and “Fat Man’s Squeeze,” a gap between two boulders that’s narrow enough to be quite the crunch.

All things considered, Elephant Rocks State Park is one of the most fun things to do in Missouri.

The landscapes are unique; the attractions are accessible for everyone.

Why wouldn’t you want to visit?

Address: 7390, 7406 MO-21, Belleview, MO 63623, United States

22. Activity and Recreation Center

ARC (Activity & Recreation Center)

You’re in Missouri.

You’re eating your weight in barbecue and cole slaw.

Are you wondering what to do to burn off some calories?

Consider a trip to the Activity and Recreation Center (ARC) of Columbia .

Covering more than 73,000 square feet, it’s a massive space with everything from pools to gyms to indoor tracks, so it’ll be more than suitable for anyone who wants to work up a sweat.

Do you like sports?

Join a friendly game at the basketball, volleyball or pickleball courts.

Are you serious about your weekly workout?

Hit the cardio or weight training rooms.

Do you like to swim?

Enjoy the pools, slides, vortexes, lazy rivers and lap lanes of the aquatic floor.

The Activity and Recreation Center of Columbia, Missouri is a must do for folks who want to stay active while on vacation.

There’s never an excuse for skipping leg day, right?

Address: 1701 W Ash St, Columbia, MO 65203, United States

23. Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Ben Stults / Shutterstock

Located near the small town of Camdenton, Missouri, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is named for the natural springs located on the grounds of its ruined castle.

“Ha ha tonka” translates to “smiling waters.”

You might not expect Missouri to have ruined castles, but that’s exactly why the park is so popular.

It’s one of the most unique places to visit in the state!

The landscape is filled with fun and unusual features, including caves, sinkholes, bluffs and overgrown woods.

Another nice thing about the park is that it’s located near the Lakes of the Ozark, so if you’re interested in normal summertime activities like swimming and camping, those are an option as well.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a must see destination when you’re in Missouri.

Between its caves and its castles, it has so many cool things to do that you won’t want to miss it.

Address: 1491 Missouri D, Camdenton, MO 65020, United States

24. Missouri State Capitol Building

Grindstone Media Group / Shutterstock

With its gigantic white dome flanked by towers, columns and archways, you can be forgiven for thinking that the Missouri State Capitol Building is a piece of Roman architecture rather than a government building.

It’s a real workplace, however, and it’s one of the major places of interest in the state.

Tours are available for anyone who wants to wander the plushly-carpeted halls and admire the winding staircases and heavy bronze doors.

You can also view a sizable collection of artwork on loan from the Missouri State Museum.

Statuary is everywhere, including on top of the dome; a statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, towers more than 235 feet above the skyline.

She’s often one of the first things that people see when they enter the city.

Whether you’re interested in art, culture, history or government, the Missouri State Capitol Building can be a fun day trip for some unusual site seeing.

You don’t even need a reservation, so feel free to drop by at any time!

Address: 201 W Capitol Ave, Jefferson City, MO 65101, United States

25. Lake Taneycomo

steve palmer 1962 / Shutterstock

Lake Taneycomo is one of the nicest places to vacation in Missouri.

With its deep blue waters surrounded by misty forests, it’s very picturesque, and it’ll make an ideal destination for couples, families and travelers of all types.

Outdoor enthusiasts can go swimming, boating or water skiing.

Nature lovers can wander the trails and picnic in the parks.

Lovers can hold hands under shaded tree groves; kids can run around like crazy in open fields.

You can also rent cabins along the coastline if you want to wake up to the sounds of the waves.

Another possibility is camping or renting an RV to take into the woods.

Maybe you’re a honeymooner looking for romantic spots in Missouri.

Maybe you’re an overworked career professional who just wants to “get away from it all” for awhile.

Either way, a visit to Lake Taneycomo can relax your body and soothe your spirits, so it’s a must do for anyone who desires tranquility on their trip.

26. Boulevard Brewing Company

Boulevard Brewing Company

Do you like beer?

Are you looking for free things to do in Missouri?

Enjoy the best of both worlds with a tour of the Boulevard Brewing Company .

Located in Kansas City, Missouri, the Boulevard Brewing Company is a place where alcohol is turned into an art form.

Its brewers have been toiling for decades to perfect their craft, and rather than locking away their secrets, they’ve opened their doors to anyone who’s curious about their process.

Take a tour of the factory.

Sample different brews.

Visit the “Beer Hall” and marvel at more than 100,000 square feet of taps.

Some activities do require a paid ticket, but most are free.

You just have to reserve your spot in advance.

If you’re thinking about what to see in Missouri that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, schedule a tour at the Boulevard Brewing Company.

It’ll be so much fun that you won’t believe it’s free!

Address: 2501 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States

27. Hannibal

Photos BrianScantlebury / Shutterstock

Hannibal isn’t just a character played by Sir Anthony Hopkins.

It’s also a town in Missouri, and though it lacks the grand, flashy tourist attractions of the big cities, it’s a great place to spend the weekend.

Part of its appeal comes from its down-home Midwestern charm.

The city is nicknamed “America’s hometown,” and it takes the moniker seriously.

The locals are friendly; the servers in the old-fashioned diners will remember your name.

Many of the shops are mom-and-pop establishments with deep roots in the community.

As for things to see, you can visit the homes of author Mark Twain or Titanic survivor Molly Brown.

There are also parks, caves, trails, lighthouses and other scenic points of interest.

If you’re looking for nice places to stay this weekend, consider a stop in Hannibal, Missouri.

It’s highly accommodating to visitors, and it’ll give you a taste of the real Missouri while you’re there.

28. J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain

While not the biggest or wildest of Missouri attractions, the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain is worth a visit if you’re in Kansas City.

Not only is it a great place for photo ops, but it’s also centrally located to help you explore the rest of the city.

The fountain itself is a collection of marble sculptures that shoot water jets into a central pool.

There are bucking horses; there are children riding dragons; there are scowling bears with their paws extended for a swipe.

At night, the city illuminates the fountain with bedazzling lights and colors.

When you’re done snapping selfies with the dragons, hit the sidewalks of Kansas City.

There are lots of fun places to see, including malls, museums, bars, pubs and performance halls.

Did we mention that a visit to the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain is free?

You won’t have to pay a dime.

If you’re wondering what to do in Kansas City when you’re on a budget, this fountain is a great idea.

Address: 47th Mill Creek Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64111, United States

29. Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium

CameliaTWU / flickr

If you’re looking for cool places in Missouri, it’s hard to beat the glass tunnels of Sea Life Kansas City .

You won’t just peer into fish tanks; you’ll actually walk underwater through ghostly, blue-colored corridors with all kinds of brilliant sea life swimming overhead.

Live feedings are open to the public if you want to see sharks and stingrays gobble up their lunches.

If you enjoy hands-on interaction with the animals, there’s a touch pool where you can feel the slippery backs of sea jellies and the sticky surfaces of anemones.

There are also countless displays, exhibits and information stands where you can learn more about the animals that you’re seeing.

Sea Life Kansas City is one of the most delightful places to visit in Missouri.

Kids will love it, and adults will feel like kids again as they marvel at all of the wonders of the deep.

Book your tickets today, and you could be petting a sea urchin as soon as this weekend!

Address: 2475 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States

30. Missouri State Penitentiary

Nagel Photography / Shutterstock

A prison might not be at the top of your list of tourist attractions, but if you’re looking for unique things to do on your vacation, the Missouri State Penitentiary can provide a rare glimpse into a little-known world.

The prison itself is a maximum security facility that was built in 1836.

It shut down a few years ago, which is why it’s available for tours today, but it still retains a heavy atmosphere that befits its gruesome legacy.

Inmates were executed here.

The gas chambers were used multiple times.

Inmates were also killed during riots, escape attempts and interpersonal conflicts.

In short, there’s a lot of history within the walls of the Missouri State Penitentiary.

You can learn all about it by visiting the museum across the street from the prison, or you can arrange for a tour of the prison itself.

Just make sure that you’re emotionally ready for it!

Address: 115 Lafayette St, Jefferson City, MO 65101, United States

31. Alley Mill and Spring

Steven Schremp / Shutterstock

You won’t find the Alley Mill and Spring in a lot of Missouri travel guides.

It’s a little-known spot located a few miles outside of the nearest city, and it doesn’t offer the flashy trappings of famous tourist attractions.

If you’re looking for authenticity, however, the Alley Mill and Spring has it in spades.

It’s a real gristmill that operated for years to provide Missouri residents with grain, and its springs were a popular place for swimming in colonial times.

At various points in history, it also served as a home, farm, schoolhouse and gathering place for the community.

Today, you can take tours of this iconic, red-colored mill, and you can explore the grounds around it to take some really beautiful pictures.

It’s particularly striking in the fall when the leaves scatter across the water, but it’s open during all seasons.

The Alley Mill and Spring is one of the nicest places to go in Missouri.

If you want to see what life was really like for Midwesterners at the turn of the century, this is a prime destination to get a little taste of history.

Address: Eminence, MO 65466, United States

32. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park

Lilith Munck / Shutterstock

Missouri is no stranger to state parks, but Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is special.

The “shut-in” part of its name refers to the fact that its hard rock formations are resistant to erosion, so they form pools, tides and natural springs that are amazingly beautiful.

Some people go to the park just for sightseeing.

Others don their swimming trunks and take a dip when the water levels aren’t too high.

It’s allowed; you just have to be careful.

When you’re done in the water, shake yourself off and go for a hike along one of the many nature trails around the park, or set up a tent and spend a night under the stars.

If you know how to rock climb, you can also scale the cliffs to reach observation decks that overlook miles and miles of scenery.

If you’re wondering what to do in Missouri that’s different from the usual tourist attractions, you’ll love Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park.

Its unique geology will make an unforgettable vacation destination for all.

Address: 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO 63656, United States

33. Porter’s Candy World and Ice Cream Parlor

Porter’s Candy World and Ice Cream Parlor

If you’ve always wanted to kick your heels at a high-topped counter while licking at a strawberry ice cream cone, this is your chance to make all of your 1950s visions come true!

Porter’s Candy World and Ice Cream Parlor is a candy shop in Arcadia, Missouri that offers dazzlingly colorful displays of sweet treats.

Some are frozen, including their famous ice creams and malts; others are warm and freshly-baked, including their breads, cookies and cinnamon rolls.

Visitors can pull up a chair in the bright, clean dining areas, or they can wander the walls stuffed with jars, bags and candy boxes to see if there’s anything that they’d like to take home.

The ambiance is just as awesome as the sweets, so it’ll be a fun experience either way.

Porter’s Candy World and Ice Cream Parlor is one of those Missouri attractions that you won’t want to miss.

It’s a small destination in a small town, but that just adds to its charm.

As a bonus, its goodies are genuinely delicious!

Address: 211 south College St, Arcadia, MO 63621, United States

34. Heartland Harvest Garden

Heartland Harvest Garden

If you’re looking for educational opportunities in Missouri, consider a trip to the Heartland Harvest Garden .

It’ll take you and the kids on a fun, informative journey through agricultural practices in Midwestern farmlands.

One of the coolest things to see at the garden is the vineyard.

Its grapes and blueberries are grown on beautiful, storybook vines surrounded by green fields in every direction.

Another great attraction is the “Seed to Plate” greenhouse that follows every step of the planting, growing, harvesting and cooking process; you’ll learn a lot even as your stomach rumbles.

Other features of the garden include barns, gardens, silos and similar agricultural staples.

There are even fun things like an Apple Cider Court!

The Heartland Harvest Garden calls itself an “edible landscape” where every flower, tree, bush and shrub has a story to tell.

If you’re intrigued by the thought, pack up the family and take a tour of the grounds and greenhouses.

It’ll be an educational experience for everyone!

Address: 1609 NW US Hwy 50, Kingsville, MO 64061, United States

35. Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park

The Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park is one of the most fun things to do in Missouri.

On top of offering all sorts of fun, family-friendly activities, it’s also host to seasonal events that are famous for their festive spirit!

The year-round attractions at the park are the outdoor activities.

There’s a zipline and a rope course; there’s an area for off-roading in an ATV; there’s an observation deck with incredible views at the top.

You can also take in historical re-enactments at the old-fashioned villages or musical performances and puppet shows at the theater.

When the holidays roll around, the activity roster is even more packed.

The “Trail of Lights” offers a scenic drive through thousands of twinkling lights, and there’s always a Santa Claus on site to hear the requests of good little boys and girls.

If you’re looking for ways to enjoy yourself in Missouri, check out the Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park.

No matter when you’re traveling to the Show Me State, it’ll have something interesting for you to do.

Address: 5583 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616, United States

36. Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Jordan Schaefer / Shutterstock

Missouri is one of the most beautiful states in the US, and when you’re walking under a canopy of red-and-yellow leaves in Dogwood Canyon Nature Park , you’ll feel like you’re traveling through a postcard.

There are stone bridges over babbling brooks; there are waterfalls cascading down stone cliffs; there are prairies filled with wildflowers.

It’s definitely one of the most scenic places in the state.

Activities range from leisurely strolls around the ponds to epic horseback rides through the open fields.

You can take the whole family and go camping; you can rent a cabin for a honeymoon or work retreat.

There’s also a tram tour if you don’t want to spend all day on your feet.

Consider a trip to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park if you’re looking for amazing sites to see in Missouri.

Between its landscapes and its activity rosters, it’ll provide plenty of entertainment for your vacation.

Address: 2038 West, State Hwy 86, Lampe, MO 65681, United States

37. Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure

Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure

You’ve heard of butterfly houses.

Have you ever visited a butterfly palace?

The Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure is an incredible destination where you can cover yourself in butterflies from head to toe.

The aviary has colorful species from all around the world, so whether you’re interested in handling exotic insects or learning to recognize common, everyday butterflies, this place has you covered.

There’s other cool stuff to do as well.

You can pet snakes in a science center; you can undertake a “tree adventure” through a labyrinth of hanging vines; you can twist yourself in circles in a mirror maze.

Offering all kinds of fun, family-friendly entertainment, the Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure will provide an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

It’s easily one of the best trips to take in Missouri, so you’ll be in the area, buy a ticket and prepare for an amazing time!

Address: 4106 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616, United States

38. Welch Spring Hospital Ruin

Sandra Sapp / Shutterstock

Nestled in the woodlands of Missouri, the Welch Spring Hospital Ruin is one of those hidden places that you won’t find in a lot of travel guides.

It’s quiet and remote, and it doesn’t even have an exact address; you just have to set out from a nearby trail and head in the right direction.

The ruins themselves are the remains of a building purchased by a doctor in 1913.

He called it a hospital, but it was really more like a health spa; he believed that the natural springs would have healing properties for his patients.

Unfortunately, those patients never materialized, and the doctor died without passing on the property to anyone.

It was left to deteriorate in the wilderness.

Today, the Welch Spring Hospital Ruin is a crumbling, vine-covered building that makes for a nice sightseeing spot.

You can hike, bike or even canoe to it.

It might not heal you, but it’ll be fun to explore.

Address: Jadwin, MO 65501, United States

39. Saint Louis Zoo

RozenskiP / Shutterstock

With more than 13,000 critters, the Saint Louis Zoo is one of the best places to go for animal lovers.

It’s also a favorite of budgeters and penny pinchers since admission is free!

That’s right: You can enjoy everything that the Saint Louis Zoo has to offer without paying a dime.

It’s funded through a cultural subsidy granted by the state of Missouri, so you can laugh at the lemurs, gawk at the geckos and marvel at the monarchs without ever reaching for your wallet.

Other attractions at the Saint Louis Zoo include aquariums, butterfly gardens, reptile houses, bird aviaries and “touch pools” for marine life.

You can ride a trolley throughout the park; you can hop aboard an old-fashioned, hand-painted wooden carousel.

There’s a lot of fun to be had at the Saint Louis Zoo.

As a bonus, the experience won’t cost you anything but time.

If you’re looking for free things to do in Missouri, this should be one of your top picks!

Address: 1 Government Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States

40. Noir Arts and Oddities

Noir Arts and Oddities

You’ve never seen an antique shop quite like this one.

Rather than selling grandma’s jewelry and embroidery, it sells things like skulls, coffins, porcelain dolls, weird medical devices and eerie scientific specimens in jars.

That’s the way of Noir Arts and Oddities , a location that specializes in the macabre.

Its shelves are filled with everything from snake oil tonics to iron-wrought mirrors that are said to be cursed.

Nothing is too strange for this little shop.

You don’t have to buy anything to explore it.

The owner welcomes anyone who’s interested in the strange and the unusual, and she’ll often chat with visitors and share stories about the more grisly items that she’s highlighting at the time.

A visit to Noir Arts and Oddities will be unlike anything else that you do in Missouri.

If you have the stomach for it, however, it’ll also be one of the most memorable.

Address: 1101 Mulberry St, Kansas City, MO 64101, United States

41. National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures is one of the best places to visit for folks who have never grown up.

It boasts more than 72,000 objects in total, and they include dolls, instruments, puzzles, model trains, board games, stuffed animals and more.

Some of the toys can be played with, so if you want to fly a colorful hang glider or walk the dog with an old-fashioned yo-yo, those are distinct possibilities.

Other toys are so old or valuable that they’re hidden behind glass, but you can still admire them, and you can learn their history through helpful museum exhibits.

If you want to rediscover a little of the delight and wonder of childhood, plan a visit to the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures.

If you’re able to walk by a 1800s Victorian dollhouse without fiddling with it, you’ll be a stronger person than most!

Address: 5235 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64112, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Missouri

These are just a few of the best things to do in Missouri.

Whether you’re looking for major points of interest or hidden gems that are only known to locals, this list should give you some idea of the fun that can be had in the Show Me State.

Happy travels!

Touropia Travel Experts

Discover the World

10 Best Places to Visit in Missouri

Despite often being overlooked, the Midwest state of Missouri is a fascinating place to visit that has a number of different sides to it. You can find everything from incredible wilderness, wide-open spaces and waterways to large and lively cities and quiet country towns.

While metropolises such as St. Louis and Kansas City boast lots of spectacular sights and thriving culinary and music scenes, others like Hamilton offer a taste of down-home country life.

Map of Places to Visit in Missouri

Named after the roaring river that runs through it, the ‘Show-Me State’ is home to beautiful scenery and landscapes. While hiking and horseback riding can be enjoyed in the rolling Ozark Mountains, the lovely Lake of the Ozarks and Ozark National Scenic Riverways offer some excellent swimming and boating. With so much going for it, the best places to visit in Missouri are a perfect fit if you want to experience life on the Great Plains.

10. Springfield

Known for being the ‘Birthplace of Route 66’, Springfield is located in the southwest of Missouri and is the third-largest city in the state. Dotted around town are numerous attractions related to the famous and historic road, with themed diners and motels found alongside an antique mall and vintage car museum.

The city also boasts some great interactive and educational tourist attractions. Its excellent Discovery Center and the well-preserved Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield both attract plenty of visitors. Its standout attraction, however, is undoubtedly Fantastic Caverns – a vast cave system that guests can explore in a jeep-drawn tram.

On top of this, Springfield is also nicknamed the ‘Queen City of the Ozarks’ due to all the great forests, mountains, and natural beauty lying nearby. Many people who visit go hiking and cycling amid the splendid scenery and landscapes surrounding the city.

9. Mark Twain National Forest

Encompassing everything from mountains and forests to springs, streams and lakes, Mark Twain National Forest is a wonderful place that will delight nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Spread across a huge swathe of the southeast of the state, it consists of various wilderness areas and national scenic rivers.

It is named for the famous author and Missouri native Mark Twain. Joining the pockets of pristine forest and untouched nature is the lovely Ozark Trail, which winds through the idyllic landscapes for more than 350 kilometers. Due to the stunning scenery, hiking and cycling in the national forest are very popular; fishing, swimming and canoeing in its rivers and lakes are just as delightful.

Dotted about are numerous campsites and picnic areas. Eleven Point National Scenic River is one of the most scenic spots to visit as it cuts its way through the picturesque Ozark hills. Another of the many highlights is the Glade Top Trail National Scenic Byway, which boasts phenomenal views over the surrounding countryside.

8. Ha Ha Tonka State Park

While it is most known for the hulking castle ruins lying at its heart, Ha Ha Tonka State Park in the center of Missouri has much much more to it. Set alongside the Niangua arm of the Lake of the Ozarks, the park was bought and developed in 1905 to be a private property by Robert McClure Snyder, Sr, a Kansas City businessman.

Sadly destroyed by a fire in the 40s, the remains of the stone mansion he built now make for fabulous viewing and are the defining feature of the park. Modelled after European castles of the 16th century, its beautiful brick arches and sturdy stone walls overlook the glimmering lake below, which is now used for swimming and boating.

Surrounding the castle are some amazing caves, sinkholes, and bluffs, while scenic hiking trails weave through the park’s forests and karst landscapes.

Set in the southwest of Missouri, Branson is a fun, festive place often billed as a ‘family-friendly Las Vegas.’ This is because it hosts a myriad of mesmerizing magic, music, and comedy shows, with more than a hundred entertainment theaters dotted about its neon-lit strip.

Alongside its flashily decorated performance venues are countless motels and restaurants, as well as sights such as the Titanic Museum, Ripley’s Odditorium, and Hollywood Wax Museum. Amusement parks also abound in Branson, while go-karting, mini-golf, and ziplining make for some fun family-friendly activities.

While the bright lights and loud music are what attract most people, the city’s setting amid the pristine and picturesque nature of the Ozarks means there is plenty of marvelous scenery nearby. At Table Rock Lake, for instance, locals and tourists can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and watersports or go hiking along the scenic lakeshore.

6. Meramec State Park

Full of majestic bluffs, lush forests, and gloomy caves, Meramec State Park is a beautiful place to visit if you want to immerse yourself in nature. Located not far from St. Louis in the east of the state, it encompasses lovely landscapes and lies on the banks of the magnificent Meramec River.

While hiking along its trails or kayaking and fishing in its roaring waters is a treat, the park is most known for its captivating caves, which number more than 40. Of these, Fraser Cave is the most impressive due to the spectacular stalactites and stalagmites covering its sparkling interior.

Guests can learn all about its fantastic formations and the park’s ecology and environment at its interesting and informative visitor center. Many people choose to camp or stay the night in one of Meramec State Park’s lodges so they can wake up to the breathtaking scenery.

5. Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Remarkably the first national park to protect a river system, Ozark National Scenic Riverways was established all the way back in 1964. Set around the Current and Jacks Fork rivers, it includes everything from meadows and forests to springs, caves and cliffs.

Due to its wondrous wilderness and outstanding natural beauty, many people visit every year to enjoy the ample outdoor activities it offers up. While hiking and horseback riding along the idyllic Ozark Trail are popular pastimes, you can’t beat floating lazily along one of the peaceful waterways in a kayak or canoe.

The scenic rivers and streams are great for fishing and swimming, and there are more than 300 caves for visitors to explore. The headquarters of the park are at Van Buren, where you’ll find a visitor center and small museum dedicated to its history.

4. Hannibal

Lying in the northeast of the state, on the border with Illinois, Hannibal is a pleasant and picturesque city best known for being the boyhood home of Mark Twain. In fact, the settings of his two most famous and popular novels, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, were inspired by the lovely laidback town he grew up in.

As such, you’ll come across numerous historical sites either depicted in his writings or related to the revered novelist himself while wandering around town. One of the best places to get a sense of the author and the inspiration behind his works is at the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, which is full of memorabilia and personal artifacts.

Besides this, visitors to Hannibal can enjoy strolling along the town’s Mississippi River waterfront or take a trip to the magical Mark Twain Cave Complex, which featured in five of his works.

3. Lake of the Ozarks

The Midwest’s most popular lake resort destination, the Lake of the Ozarks is home to lots of divine scenery and a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities. Nicknamed ‘Puff the Magic Dragon’ due to its serpentine shape, the vast human-made reservoir and its three tributaries were formed in 1931 by damming the Osage River.

Altogether, they boast more than 1,800 kilometers of scenic shoreline – more than the whole of California. Nestled away along its coves, creeks, and channels are countless waterfront accommodations and restaurants, with Osage Beach its largest city. While some parts of the lake are quiet and laidback, others are more loud and lively, with fantastic boating, fishing, and watersports wherever you go.

In addition, there are some great waterparks and golf courses, as well as excellent shops and state parks. Whether it’s for a family holiday or weekend getaway with friends, the Lake of the Ozarks certainly has something for everyone.

2. Kansas City

Although often overlooked by tourists, Kansas City has a lot going for it and is one of the largest and liveliest metropolitan areas in the Midwest. Straddling the Kansas-Missouri state line, it lies on the banks of the Missouri River, somewhat confusingly bordered by the smaller Kansas City, Kansas (KCK).

Besides boasting more boulevards than any other city on Earth except for Paris, it is also delightfully nicknamed the ‘City of Fountains’ – more than 200 of them are dotted about its scenic streets. Wandering around is a treat: world-class museums and performing arts theatres lie side-by-side with attractive and artsy neighborhoods.

While the city has also attracted great renown for its jazz and live music scene, it is equally noted for its Southern Cuisine and Kansas City-style barbecue. With more than a hundred barbecue joints scattered around town, no visit can ever be complete without sampling some of its sizzling strip steaks.

1. St. Louis

Presided over by the iconic Gateway Arch, which dominates and defines the city’s skyline, St. Louis is a lovely yet laidback place to visit. Located on the west bank of the Mississippi River, it lies on the border with Illinois and is named after Louis IX of France.

Long nicknamed the ‘Gateway to the West’, it now fittingly boasts the gorgeous Gateway Arch, the world’s tallest human-made monument. Besides this show-stopping sight, the city is very pretty and pleasant to explore. Abundant green spaces can be found amid its delightfully different districts and neighborhoods.

While Downtown is home to lots of upmarket hotels, corporate headquarters, and sparkling sports stadia, Laclede’s Landing and Lafayette Square both have magnificent old architecture on show. In addition, St. Louis has a number of fantastic museums for visitors to check out, as well as thriving culinary, nightlife, and live music scenes.

Share this post:

18 Best Things to Do in Missouri

25 Most Beautiful Places in America

25 Top Tourist Attractions in the USA

16 Best Things to do in Kansas City, MO

17 Best Things to Do in St. Louis, Missouri

12 Best Things to do in Branson, MO

6 Beautiful Rocky Mountain States

12 Most Beautiful Regions of the United States

6 Beautiful New England States

23 Most Beautiful Islands in the US

Reader interactions, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Home » Travel Guides » United States » Missouri (MO) » 30 Amazing Hidden Gems in Missouri

30 Amazing Hidden Gems in Missouri

Popularly known as the “Cave State” after the 6,000 plus recorded caves in the state, Missouri is a part of the Midwestern region of the United States of America. Named after the third US president Thomas Jefferson, Jefferson City is the state’s capital and is regarded as the most beautiful town in America.

The 18th most populous state in the nation, Missouri has been the birthplace of several eminent personalities of American history, notably Mark Twain, Chuck Berry, Walt Disney, and Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States of America.

With Mississippi River to its east and the Ozark Mountains to the south, Missouri has been inhabited by human population for over 12,000 years.

Kansas City is the largest city in the state and is most famous around the country and the world for its barbeques and jazz music. Officially dubbed as the ‘City of Fountains’, Kansas City is home to the fountains at Kauffman Stadium, the world’s largest privately funded fountain.

The ‘Show Me’ state of Missouri is known in the American history and culture as a pool of diverse opportunities and attractions. From the indigenous tribes to the 21st-century literati, the state has seen it all and done it all.

Let’s take a moment to delve deeper and find out the best hidden gems in Missouri so we can cherish them for years to come.

1. Welch Spring Hospital Ruins, Jadwin

Now nothing more than a camping spot to passing tourists, Welch Springs Hospital Ruins, by the banks of Current River in Jadwin, Missouri was once a popular healing site (or could have been) which was discovered and later bought by C.H. Diehl in 1913, an Illinois based doctor, who claimed that the water at the springs had brilliant healing powers.

Reportedly, the fresh, pollen-free waters that sprouted out of the surrounding caves had helped him with his hay fever which made him believe that the soothing waters could heal prolonged ailments such as tuberculosis, asthma, and emphysema. And, in an attempt to materialize the same and invite visitors to gain from the discovery, he established a ‘hospital’ at the mouth of the caves.

Unfortunately, accessibility to the caves was not so convenient, and, so, his plans of building a natural health spa never took a substantial shape. After the good doctor passed away, his family couldn’t be bothered about the site, and, thus, the site today sits as just another ruin forgotten in time.

2. Bonne Terre Mines, Bonne Terre

Once the largest lead ore producer in the world, Bonne Terre Mines were used to dig ores from 1870 till 1962. Hundreds of workers mined at the site and huge mining machinery was installed around the underground caves to reap the maximum benefit out of the chambers.

However, flooding and a sudden strike of underground water submerged the chambers underwater and with it sank millions of dollars’ worth of equipment that resulted in permanent closure of the mining business.

As if nature had other plans for the wonderful channels of caves and tunnels, the chambers were reopened and now are regarded as the largest freshwater diving site in the world.

Completely lifeless due to the toxic lead particles in the flowing water, the dive location offers 24 different diving pathways across 17 miles of subterranean channels and an amazing collection of rusted mining tools and machinery resting at the bottom of the “Billion Gallon Lake.”

If you are not a professional diver, you could take a boat tour or a walking trail to the regions which allow access.

3. Glore Psychiatric Museum, St. Joseph

While most of the original building serves as a section of the city’s prison, what’s left of this brilliant structure are the four floors of collection that depict the evolution of mental illness cure and medicine along with 130 years of State Lunatic Asylum’s history.

The Glore Psychiatric Museum in St. Joseph, Missouri is named after George Glore who dedicated the majority of 41 years of work and expertise to creating replicas of the devices that were used in the 16th, 17th, and 18th century to treat mental illness patients.

A collection that started off as a passion of a history buff, the present-day museum is an end result of Glore’s work which was highly encouraged and respected by the officials of Missouri Department of Mental Health, his workplace.

Aside from the original equipment like the Wheel, lobotomy instruments, and Benjamin Rush’s Tranquilizer Chair, the museum also displays life-like replicas and dioramas along with artworks created by patients.

4. Devil’s Icebox, Columbia

Missouri may be known to the world as the ‘Show Me’ state or the home of the ‘Cave City’, but there is more to this Midwestern gem than meets the eye. The Devil’s Icebox, amidst the Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, is a one-of-a-kind cave that manages to retain its calm, 56-degree temperature throughout the year.

Frequented by students and visitors from Columbia, the Icebox serves as an entrance to two other caves and houses a flowing river within.

From April to May and August to October each year, the Icebox holds caving tours through its various sections – starting with level A for the novices to level D for the expert spelunkers.

During summer, the caves are flocked by numerous bats and the karst topography of the surrounding ambiance makes for a perfect vacation for those in search of a natural retreat.

5. Lemp Mansion, St. Louis

The story of Lemp Mansion goes hand in hand with the history of German immigration and beer brewing in the city of St. Louis, Missouri.

One of the first beer breweries in the United States of America, Western Brewery was the brainchild and prodigy of Johann “Adam” Lemp who moved to the city in 1839 and started brewing and selling beer in 1840. The business was handed over to Adam’s first son, William J. Lemp, under whose supervision, Western Brewery grew to be the largest of its kind in the city and outside New York with a sole owner.

Even though William’s fourth son, Frederick, was to run the company as per his desire, but William J. Lemp Jr. aka Billy, William Sr.’s first son followed the family path and inherited the heirloom. William and his wife moved to the Lemp Mansion in 1873 and changed the business name to William J. Lemp brewing company.

Frederick, the fourth son, had significant health problems which were unknown to the Lemp family, and after his death of a heart attack in 1901, hell came crashing down on the family and family business. As if the whole family was cursed, William Sr. committed suicide by shooting himself in 1904. Shortly after, Billy faced a divorce charge and shot himself to death in 1922.

Elsa Lemp Wright, William Sr.’s daughter and the youngest child, shot herself in bed in 1920, and the last remaining of the family, Charles Lemp shot his dog and himself in 1949.

Now, the property serves as a restaurant and inn and hosts periodic tours into the history and haunting past of the Lemp Mansion.

6. Kansas City Library’s Giant Bookshelf, Kansas City

Undoubtedly, the magnificent town of Kansas City is known to the world for its amazing collection of caves, however, that is not all. Aside from the caves, the garage for the public library Central branch is considered as intriguing as the Cave City’s other jewels.

A thoughtful façade that looks like a Giant Bookshelf with a row of books that are 25 feet in the air and nine feet wide encloses the parking garage from outside. Built in 2006, this themed parking garage was designed to solve the parking problems of the downtown area and the idea for the ‘Bookshelf’ exterior was a joint effort of the community members.

Among many others, some of the book titles include J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man, Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching, and Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities.

7. Kansas City Workhouse, Kansas City

Known as the “Workhouse Castle”, this giant hulk of a structure was built in 1897 and was meant to serve as a towered prison. The prisoners, often beggars and drunks who committed petty thefts, were involved in local public work by the jail. The “castle” is known to be one of their first creations which were created by the first inmates using limestone boulders dug right out of the surrounding ground.

The prison’s medieval European architecture not only made the structure stand out but also gave it an air of dominance in the area.

After a few decades of passing over from one owner to another, the Workhouse Castle finally shut down permanently in 1972.

The abandoned structure was soon discovered by graffiti artists who used the walls to create bold, intriguing expressions of their artwork. Though talks of turning the space into a community center have been going around for some time now, ironically, the walls of this imposing castle stays preserved and decorated in art created by those who may have easily found their way in if the prison still stood to function!

8. Leila’s Hair Museum, Independence

So, you thought you know of all the ‘strange’ museums in the world and there is nothing more to surprise you? Think again. Leila’s Hair Museum, the ONLY one of its kind in the whole universe, is located in Independence, Missouri, and it boasts of collection that includes over 600 wreaths and 2000 pieces of exquisite jewelry made from HUMAN HAIR!

The history to know when this art form was first started is slightly vague but it is believed that it goes all the way back to the Victorian era and the 12th century when hair was used to create memorabilia that could be kept as a keepsake from a loved one (no, there were no cameras back then!). These interesting pieces also served as a memory of a deceased family member.

The museum’s oldest brooch was made in 1680 and donated to the museum in the 1800s by the last standing member of a Swedish family.

Leila Cohoon, the owner and caretaker, reportedly has mastered 30 out of 35 techniques that were used to create the various pieces of jewelry and tokens, and offers classes to those who are interested.

9. Treasures of the Steamboat Arabia, Kansas City

On September 5th, 1856, the expansive Arabia hit a submerged walnut tree during its usual tour of the Missouri River, and despite several efforts, sank to the bottom of the river with 200 tons of cargo and a mule!

The steamboat hit the river bottom within a day and even after several attempts, neither the boat nor the cargo could be recovered. The shipwreck remained abandoned and a folklore for over a century until 1987 when Bob Hawley and his sons, located the ‘lost’ steamboat under a pile of mud and silt.

The Hawleys along with a few friends and family members decided to unearth the sunken monster, and after a year’s dedication and hard work, the group started to unveil the treasures of Arabia.

Today, all of Arabia’s treasures including remarkably preserved guns, tools, clothing, entire crates of China and food is stored at the Treasures of the Steamboat Arabia Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, and is regarded as the largest exclusive collection of pre-Civil War artifacts.

10. Turtle Playground, St. Louis

As a child, you probably have been warned numerous times about playing by the highway, but the Turtle Playground isn’t just another spot or stopover at the intersection between Oakland Ave and Tamm Ave, St. Louis, Missouri. An intriguing themed playground, the public park was designed by Bob Cassilly of the City Museum (St. Louis) fame.

Created in the late 90s, the Turtle Playground comprises larger-than-life sculptures of reptiles made of concrete. Most ‘reptiles’ in the park were inspired by the local species found in the area. Consisting many turtles and a really long snake, whose body is designed to serve as an entrance to the park, are the usual inhabitants of the Turtle Playground.

When threats of destroying the establishment due to a construction on Highway 40 surfaced in 2007, Cassilly disguised himself as a thief and chopped the snake’s head off, thus making a statement that only he had the power and rights to damage his creation. Message well-received, the ‘head’ and the playground have both been restored and reopened since then.

11. The Ozark Spooklight, Joplin

Also known as the Hornet Ghost Light, the Tri-State Spook Light, and the Joplin Ghost Light (and so on), the Ozark Spooklight is apparently a mysterious round glow that appears periodically eleven miles southwest of Joplin. The light has made infrequent appearances since 1881, though some claim to have seen the event way before the recorded time.

Several ‘logical’ explanations have been derived from the phenomenon, the most sensible of which that they are the reflections of car lights. However, the theory has been challenged by the fact that the lights were visible before there were any cars driving down this road.

There are several stories (read ‘rumours’) behind the Ozark Spooklight – some say it’s the ghost of a Confederate soldier looking for his head, or the ghost of a decapitated miner, or that it is the ghost of a beheaded Osage Indian who is searching for HIS head.

12. Taum Sauk Mountain, Ironton

The Ozarks dominate the southern part of Missouri, and Taum Sauk Mountain is known to be the oldest and the highest peak of St. Francois Mountains (a part of the Ozarks).

Apparently, Piankeshaw chief Sauk-Ton-Qua’s daughter fell in love with a warrior from an enemy tribe. When Sauk found out, he killed the warrior by throwing him off the cliff, and Sauk’s daughter followed her lover in death. This infuriated the mystical Storm King, who, out of his wrath, summoned a hurricane to destroy the entire tribe.

The Mountain is supposedly named after the tribe leader and his tragic tale.

Taum Sauk’s summit is marked by granite inscription from the Missouri Association of Registered Land Surveyors.

13. The Pinnacles, Sturgeon

Not to be confused by the national park in California, the Pinnacles in Missouri are considered as a geological anomaly. River erosion causing steep cliffs to be formed out of large boulders is not so uncommon, but, in this case, a 300-year-old limestone formation which was wedged between two rivers eroded over a period of time and formed the ‘Pinnacles’.

A spiky formation, the Pinnacles stand 75 feet high and stretch up to 1,000 feet. The limestone formation, known as the Burlington Limestone, stands between Kelley Creek and Silver Fork Creek, as the streams gradually dissolve portions of the stone.

A part of the Pinnacles Youth Park, the formations are unique and make a perfect spot for hiking and rock climbing.

14. Pruitt-Igoe’s Remains, St. Louis

Pruitt-Igoe, a housing project completed in 1954, was to be the most-perfect community in the entire United States of America, but, within a decade of habitation, it became the most notorious housing project in the nation.

Designer Minoru Yamasaki (best known for his work on World Trade Center) and George Hellmuth planned to house the whites in Igoe while the blacks were to stay at the Pruitt. But, the idea of coexisting in the same community didn’t charm the whites, and, soon, the whole community was taken over by African-Americans.

Though an iconic failure of what it was meant to be, the former residents recall the initial experience as that of extreme joy and a blessing filled with amenities from the 20th century.

As drug trafficking, gang wars, prostitution, and shooting became a daily thing, the residents and project owners finally gave up hope, and in a haunting display of their dismay, blew up the entire housing project with dynamites.

All that remains now is an urban jungle and a graveyard for all those aspirations of a better future attached to it in the middle of St. Louis, Missouri.

15. Bothwell Lodge, Sedalia

Worried much about the effects of air-conditioning on high consumption of energy and how it affects our environment (and pockets)? Take a page from the designing book of Bothwell Lodge – a house that has been built over a natural cave so it could keep the interiors pleasant and cool, naturally!

Originally named the Stonyridge Farm, the structure was built over 30 years ago by John Homer Bothwell, a wealthy lawyer, as a retreat location for himself and his friends. Spreading over 12,000 square feet, the Lodge had 31 rooms and a medieval European style of architecture.

Though the edifice itself resonated of ultimate beauty, the most intriguing feature of the Bothwell Lodge were the three underground caves that were discovered during construction. To benefit from this natural occurrence, Bothwell ordered several access points to be built within the building so fresh, natural breeze could pass conveniently through the whole house.

The estate grounds are open for biking and hiking, and tours are easily available.

16. Jesse James Home Museum, St. Joseph

Americans, as we know it, are fair to all – celebrities, humanitarians, soldiers, criminals! The Jesse James Home Museum in St. Joseph, Missouri is one such example of how a notorious criminal is remembered even after decades of him being shot dead.

As the story goes, Jesse James, one of the most notorious outlaws in the history of the United States of America, had a great run as a criminal, and finally decided to settle down with his family in the city. Despite being feared as one of the deadliest bandits, James was also known as a concerned family man.

Unfortunately, by the time he decided to come clean, there was a $10,000 bounty on James’ capture. An offer too lucrative to avoid, Robert Ford, a former accomplice of James, put a bullet to James’ head at his own residence.

While Ford was arrested for the crime and has been forgotten, Jesse James is considered an American icon and is celebrated as a legacy at his former home that has been redesigned to serve as the ‘Jesse James Home Museum’.

17. BoatHenge, Columbia

It is hard to explain America’s obsession with Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument in England, but, the nation sure has a way of expressing its appreciation towards the iconic structure. After the Foamhenge in Virginia and Carhenge in Nebraska, it is time we take a look at BoatHenge in Columbia, Missouri.

A work of anonymous artists, BoatHenge was first seen in 1993 on a lawn next to the Katy Trail. Seeming like a bunch of boats stuck in the ground in upright position at first, the collection of six fiberglass boats lined in a semilunar formation can only be reached via a canoe, a bicycle, or a lot of walking.

Mysteriously enough, research and observation of the site yielded that the boats’ height, width, and depth underground is EXACTLY the same as that of Stonehenge (Why, America, Why?).

18. The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, Kansas City

Established in 1882 as the Kansas City Toy and Miniature Museum, the mansion boasts one of the largest and the finest collections of vintage toys and miniatures to be found in the United States of America. Rewarded with its current ‘national’ status in 2015, the Museum originally started with a collective assortment by Mary Harris Francis and Barbara Marshall.

Since its establishment, the Museum has expanded dramatically and had undergone multiple expansions in 1985, 2004, and 2014.

72,000 items were recorded at the museum during its 2004 expansion.

Expect to find antique dollhouses that look 1000 times better than the real ones we live in, wooden boats, vintage cars, tin toys, and thought-provoking miniature replicas that look like a shrunken version of the original items.

19. The Holy Finger of Kansas City, Kansas City

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a highly recognized and valued collection that houses several significant Christian relics, but, one of the items on display at the museum stands apart than any other under the roof – a human finger bone and not just any finger bone, but, one that belongs to John the Baptist, the first cousin of Jesus of Nazareth.

A part of the Guelph Treasure housed in Germany’s Brunswick Cathedral, the artifact was brought here when the Nelson Trust decided to buy it.

Reportedly, the right hand of John the Baptist with which he baptized Jesus is in Serbian Orthodox Church, Montenegro, while other body parts are spread over various locations around the world including France and Bulgaria.

20. Kirksville Devil’s Chair, Kirksville

Officially the “Baird Chair”, the structure was placed by Kirksville’s prominent banker, William Baird.

Baird may not be alive anymore but his influence on the city can be easily spotted around Kirksville. His former home now serves as the Chamber of Commerce while his bank is now Pagliai’s Pizza.

Renamed (unofficially) as the Devil’s Chair by locals, it is believed that something ghastly will happen to those who dare to sit on it at midnight – like an undead hand will appear from the grave and drag you to hell. The legend further elaborates that these occurrences are more likely to happen during special occasions such as Halloween.

21. Former World’s Largest Rocking Chair, Cuba

Replaced by the new World’s Largest Rocking Chair created by Jim Bolin and installed in Casey, Illinois, the former World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Cuba, Missouri, was the first of its kind to have gained the reputation when it was created and installed on April Fool’s Day in 2008.

Standing at 42 feet, the welded steel Chair can be found on the stretch of Route 66 that passes through the town of Cuba.

Built with the sole purpose of breaking all records and making it to the Guinness Book of World Records, the Chair’s mammoth structure soon became a serious safety concern. The rocking chair that could actually sway back and forth was securely welded into the ground to save any possible accidents.

Sitting on the chair is prohibited except for a single day every year, the “Picture on Rocker day’, when a lift is commissioned to carry people up and down from the chair.

22. World’s Largest Shuttlecocks, Kansas City

The finger bone of John the Baptist may be the most intriguing piece of relic inside the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, but the Kansas City museum has much more in store for the keen visitors, for example, four 18-foot shuttlecocks!

The mammoth badminton shuttlecocks look like they have been left casually on the ground after a game of badminton played by giant humans. The structures were commissioned after the Sosland family donated the funds to the museum.

Crafted by Claes Oldenburg and his wife, Coosje Van Bruggen, the shuttlecocks are made from fiberglass and aluminum and were installed at the museum grounds in July 1994.

Now considered a permanent part of the city’s folklore, the surrounding grounds have become increasingly popular as a wedding destination and other community events.

23. Cotton Belt Freight Depot, St. Louis

Originally a cotton depot and a significant stopover in the then booming cotton trade that spread over the cities of Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri, the Cotton Belt Freight Depot, with its sculpted terra cotta elements and giant façade covered in remarkable paintwork is an abandoned but exquisite structure on the streets of St. Louis.

Constructed in 1911, the former Freight Depot is a quirky representation of the city’s industrial history.

Standing at a five-story height, the construction is extremely thin and extremely long – about 750 feet long.

Resembling a wall more than an actual building, most of the Freight Depot is covered in graffiti art, of which, the most notable is the “Migrate” mural that was drawn as a part of the depot’s renaissance project.

24. Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum, Mansfield

Laura Ingalls Wilder, a celebrated American Writer is best known for her children’s book series “Little House on the Prairie”, loved traveling and spent a lot of her time traversing through the states of Kansas, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Missouri.

While there are several significant sites across the trail dedicated to her life and travels, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum in Mansfield, Missouri, features the final years of her life when she lived with Almanzo, and their daughter, Rose, and wrote her Little House series.

At the Home & Museum, you can experience the writer’s home, her farmhouse, and the Rock House. A garden dedicated to Laura’s passion for gardening, “Laura’s Vegetable Garden”, was added later.

There are sections of the museum which are dedicated to Almanzo and Rose.

25. World Chess Hall of Fame, St. Louis

WCHOF, short for the World Chess Hall of Fame, is a museum, an educational center, a monument, and a dream destination for every chess lover in the world. The only museum of its kind in America, WCHOF was established in 2011 and is managed by the United States Chess Trust.

Among the many notable pieces in the museum, a book signed by Bobby Fisher depicted various chess openings, a Senet piece as old as 500 years, Paul Murphy’s silver chess set, and the first chess-playing computer stands out as special attractions.

Along with the local chess club, WCHOF offers educational programs for chess enthusiasts of all age and also hosts some of the most competitive tournaments in the nation.

26. Boots Court Motel, Carthage

Constructed in 1939 on the intersection of Route 66 and U.S. 71, the Boots Court Motel is a historic motel that was established by Arthur Boots, a machinery salesman.

Located at the ‘crossroads of America’, the iconic motel is most known for its “a radio in every room” feature (if not for its fabulous location”. The motel follows a Streamline Moderne Style of architecture and has a covered carport for night visitors.

Famed celebrities like Clark Gable are known to have stayed at the motel.

A neon sign announced its presence on the route for several decades until it was finally shut down. A demolition attempt in 2003 was objected by the locals, and in 2011, two sisters purchased the property and have been making restorations around the motel since then.

New elements have been added even though the owners are trying their best to restore the structure’s original set up from the 1940s.

The reopened Boots Court Motel offers all modern facilities except televisions, however, there is still “a radio in every room.”

27. Lyle Van Houten’s Automotive Museum, Clarence

At first glance, the structure looks like a functional gas station stuck in time, but, take a closer look and you will see that it is, in fact, a preserved filling station that now serves as an Automotive Museum.

Situated off the Highway 36 in Clarence, Missouri, the Automotive Museum was created by former owner and operator, Lyle Van Houten, who, instead of selling his little station after 40 years of working here, chose to turn it into a display of vintage cars stuck in the classic era filling station in America.

After retirement, Houten dedicated his time to preserving the original filling pumps and original signboards, a collection of vintage cars with mannequins in costumes from the old era.

An old Clarence squad car, a couple driving their fancy sedan, and an unusual taxi filled with figurines dressed as marching band monkeys are some of the notable displays.

28. Vacuum Cleaner Museum and Factory Outlet, Saint James

America’s fascination with the world’s weirdest collectibles is well-known by now. First, there is the shaker museum, then the hair museum, and now, we discover the Vacuum Cleaner Museum! Like really! Who would have thought Vacuum Cleaners were so important to mankind as to have a museum dedicated to them?

Tom Gasko, the collector of over 600 vacuum cleaners that form the Vacuum Cleaner Museum and Factory Outlet in Saint James, Missouri, started obsessing over these tools at a tender age of 16 (maybe even before that), just a few months before he started working as a sales boy for the product in 1979.

The President of the Vacuum Cleaner Club in 1995 (yes, there is a club like that), Gasko tied up a few other enthusiasts and started collecting different models, antique and modern, and formed the Vacuum Collectors Association (yes, this is also a thing).

Finally, in 2009, Gasko believed he collected enough to start a public display, now known as the Vacuum Cleaner Museum and Factory Outlet. Till today, the owner-turned-curator gives personal tours of his prized collection and is happy to answer all your vacuum-related questions.

29. Maxie, The World’s Largest Goose, Sumner

Sumner is known as the World’s Wise Goose Capital, and what could be more befitting to the city in Missouri than Maxie, a 40-foot Canadian Goose that stands proudly amidst a public park ready to fly.

More majestic than monstrous, the 4,000-pound goose is not only the mascot of Sumner but is also the reason behind the city’s strange reputation. Standing on its extremely skinny legs, Maxie is known to take a little flight when faced with heavy wind.

The city of Sumner attracts a lot of hunters every year as it sits on the migratory trail of a large number of wild geese that gather around the local lake. An annual goose-themed festival takes place in the city since 1955.

30. Missouri State Penitentiary, Jefferson City

Missouri gained statehood in 1821 and just after a year, Jefferson City was named as the state’s capital. However, John Miller, the then governor, realized that efforts had to be made to materialize the city’s significance. Hence, he ordered the construction of Missouri State Penitentiary, a maximum-security prison for the most notorious criminals.

The Penitentiary saw its first inmate in 1836 and its first female inmate in 1842. The cells at the prison and any other nearby homes were built by the Penitentiary prisoners. With over 5,000 prisoners, the compound was known to hold the largest outlaw population in the nation in 1932.

However, a major riot in 1954 and other related injuries and deaths gave the State Penitentiary its foul nickname – the bloodiest 47 acres in America.

Charles ‘Sonny’ Lisbon learned to box during his time at the prison and then went on to win the 1953 National Heavyweight Championship held in Chicago.

James Earl Ray was acquitted here in 1959, but, he managed to escape in 1967, and killed Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.

Since its closure in 2004, the Missouri State Penitentiary serves as a museum and has been the subject of over 100 supernatural investigations. Scared much?

30 Amazing Hidden Gems in Missouri:

• Welch Spring Hospital Ruins, Jadwin
• Bonne Terre Mines, Bonne Terre
• Glore Psychiatric Museum, St. Joseph
• Devil's Icebox, Columbia
• Lemp Mansion, St. Louis
• Kansas City Library's Giant Bookshelf, Kansas City
• Kansas City Workhouse, Kansas City
• Leila's Hair Museum, Independence
• Treasures of the Steamboat Arabia, Kansas City
• Turtle Playground, St. Louis
• The Ozark Spooklight, Joplin
• Taum Sauk Mountain, Ironton
• The Pinnacles, Sturgeon
• Pruitt-Igoe's Remains, St. Louis
• Bothwell Lodge, Sedalia
• Jesse James Home Museum, St. Joseph
• BoatHenge, Columbia
• The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, Kansas City
• The Holy Finger of Kansas City, Kansas City
• Kirksville Devil's Chair, Kirksville
• Former World's Largest Rocking Chair, Cuba
• World's Largest Shuttlecocks, Kansas City
• Cotton Belt Freight Depot, St. Louis
• Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum, Mansfield
• World Chess Hall of Fame, St. Louis
• Boots Court Motel, Carthage
• Lyle Van Houten's Automotive Museum, Clarence
• Vacuum Cleaner Museum and Factory Outlet, Saint James
• Maxie, The World's Largest Goose, Sumner
• Missouri State Penitentiary, Jefferson City

11 Fantastic Summer Vacation Spots in Missouri

Last updated on July 21st, 2023 at 07:04 am.

Missouri is one of the most underrated states for tourism in the United States. From the natural beauty, like the Ozarks and Table Rock State Park, to historical landmarks like the World War I Museum and Memorial and National Parks like Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield and everything in between, Missouri has dozens of fantastic summer vacation spots for a weekend getaway or a full week family vacation.

Missouri is a vibrant and diverse Midwestern state that boasts several beautiful lakes and even a few beaches, including Lake of the Ozarks. You can plan a day out hiking or biking in one of Missouri’s state parks.

Art lovers can explore Kansas City, among other large cities, to appreciate the renowned artwork. For your upcoming summer vacation, consider booking a stay at one of Missouri’s many vacation rentals . Don’t forget to check out the best things to do in Missouri as you plan your summer vacation.

Table of Contents

Best Summer Vacation Spots in Missouri

I have taken the time to narrow down the best options the Show-Me State has to offer into my top 11 summer destinations in the state of Missouri for 2023. With everything from family vacations with extravagant attractions, to fine dining, and beautiful nature and wildlife, this list has a destination for all types of travelers, ensuring a fantastic vacation this summer. 

Here are our recommended travel destinations in Missouri for this summer. But, don’t forget to check out our summer camping guide as well as our list of treehouse vacation rentals in Missouri!

Kansas City (big City Summer Vacation)

An obvious top choice for travelers looking to spend their summer vacation in Missouri, Kansas City is full of vibrant culture, activities, as well as both natural beauty, and tons of historically significant landmarks. It’s also a great starting point if you plan a multi-city Missouri vacation or road trip.

Home to what is in my opinion, the best barbecue in the world, Kansas City barbecue is a must try for anyone who hasn’t had it before, and those who have had it know that it’s a must get when they are in Kansas City. Some of the top places for barbecue in Kansas City include Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que and Q39. Famous for its burnt ends and ribs, Kansas City barbecue is a staple of the culture of the city, and something everyone who goes to Kansas City should try at least once.

Some of the other top of the list activities to do in Kansas City this summer is to visit the National World War I Museum and Memorial. It is not only a monument, but a beautifully done museum where you can take a tour and learn about America’s history during World War I.

Another museum I would recommend checking out is the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, which is within a mile of the Country Club Plaza. Country Club Plaza is a famous part of Kansas City as it has pretty much any retail shop, you can imagine, as well as dozens of restaurants, ranging from high class, to affordable lunch spots.

Some more spots to visit while you’re in Kansas City include the world famous Kansas City Zoo, Worlds Of Fun, which is a fantastic amusement park for families, SEA LIFE Kansas City, the Arabia Steamboat Museum and so much more. Kansas City is a fantastic destination for long weekend trips, as well as even spending a whole week. With countless activities to do and places to explore in the large Kansas City metropolitan area, it is sure to be a fun vacation at an affordable price. 

Best Hotels in Kansas City

• Luxury: The Raphael Hotel (Find prices on Hotels.com or Booking.com )
• Boutique: The Fontaine (Find prices on Hotels.com or Booking.com )
• Budget: Seville Plaza Hotel (Find prices on Hotels.com or Booking.com )
• Find the best House Rentals in KCMO

Hannibal (Mark Twain History Trip)

Located right on the Mississippi river, Hannibal, Missouri, is a beautiful town with loads of historical significance. It is most well known for being where famous author Mark Twain spent most of his childhood.

With places to visit like the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, the Mark Twain Cave, and the Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse, you will get more than enough Mark Twain knowledge for a lifetime.

Outside of the Mark Twain attractions, Hannibal also offers activities and attractions such as Historic Downtown Hannibal, Lovers Leap, Riverview Park, Bluff City Theater, Center Street Landing, and so much more. A perfect weekend getaway trip for those who live near the St. Louis area, or a fun day. Stop for people going on a road trip, Hannibal is a charming little town in the countryside in Missouri. That is definitely worth stopping by to check out. 

Best Hotels in Hannibal

• Luxury: Garth Woodside Mansion Bed and Breakfast (Find prices on Booking.com )
• Boutique: Main Street Bed & Breakfast (Find prices on Hotels.com or Booking.com )
• Budget: Howard Johnson by Wyndham (Find prices on Hotels.com )
• Find the best House Rentals in Hannibal

Hermann ( A Wine Country Trip)

A summer vacation in Hermann, Missouri is a great choice for anyone interested in wine tasting, German-American culture, early Missouri history, and outdoor adventures. This charming town is located in the heart of Missouri’s wine country and is known for its picturesque vineyards, historic architecture, and strong German heritage.

One of the top attractions in Hermann is the wineries. The town is home to more than a dozen wineries, each with its unique ambiance and wine offerings. Visitors can sample a variety of award-winning wines, take vineyard tours, and learn about the winemaking process. Some of the most popular wineries in Hermann include Stone Hill Winery , Hermannhof Winery, and Adam Puchta Winery.

For those interested in German-American culture and early Missouri history, Hermann is a treasure trove of fascinating sites and attractions. The town was founded in the 19th century by German immigrants, and visitors can explore historic buildings, museums, and other sites that showcase the town’s German heritage. The Hermann Farm Museum and the Deutschheim State Historic Site are two must-visit attractions for history buffs.

Nature lovers will also find plenty to enjoy in Hermann. The town is located near the Katy Trail, a 240-mile trail that winds through some of Missouri’s most beautiful scenery. Visitors can hike or bike along the trail, taking in breathtaking views of the Missouri River and the surrounding countryside.

When it comes to dining, Hermann offers a variety of options for foodies. The town is known for its German cuisine, with many restaurants serving traditional dishes like schnitzel, sauerbraten, and bratwurst. Some popular restaurants in Hermann include the Tin Mill Brewery, Stone Hill Winery Restaurant, and Black Walnut Bistro.

Best Hotels in Hermann

• Luxury: Inn At Hermannhof (Find prices on Hotels.com or Booking.com )
• Budget: Hermann Motel (Find prices on Hotels.com or Booking.com )
• Stay in a Treehouse in Hermann !
• Find the best House Rentals in Hermann

Lake of the Ozarks (for Outdoor Beauty and Exploring Caves)

Wake up, the Ozarks can be a pretty big umbrella term, but for clarification, when I say Lake of the Ozarks, I am speaking specifically of the Osage Beach area. I picked the Osage Beach area because it is probably the most tourist friendly area in the Lake of the Ozarks, not including Branson.

The Lake of the Ozarks is a beautiful waterway, filled with cute towns throughout, as well as some other natural beauty attractions, such as the stunning Ha Ha Tonka State Park, right outside of Osage Beach. While in the area, if you’re looking for fun day, trips around massage beach, Clinton, Warsaw, and Village of Four Seasons are all beautiful little towns to visit within a short driving distance of Osage Beach.

There are several caves near Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri that you can visit. The two most popular caves are Bridal Cave and Jacob’s Cave.

Bridal Cave is located in Camdenton, Missouri, just a short drive from Lake of the Ozarks. The cave features unique rock formations and crystal-clear underground lakes. Guided tours are available, which take visitors through the cave’s various chambers and provide insight into the cave’s history and geology.

Jacob’s Cave is located in Versailles, Missouri, approximately 25 miles from Lake of the Ozarks. The cave features stunning rock formations and underground lakes, as well as a gift shop and mini-golf course. Guided tours are available year-round.

For the adults, the Ozark Distillery and Brewery, Seven Springs Winery, Big Surf Waterpark and Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park, and the Funny Farm Petting Zoo.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park is one of the most popular state parks near Lake of the Ozarks. It is located approximately 15 miles southwest of the lake and offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The park is home to a historic castle ruins that visitors can explore.

Another nearby state park is Lake of the Ozarks State Park, which is located on the northeast side of the lake. It is Missouri’s largest state park and offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, swimming, boating, and fishing. The park also has several campgrounds and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy.

Other state parks in the area include Bennett Spring State Park, located approximately 40 miles to the east, and Thousand Hills State Park, located approximately 50 miles to the west.

A great summer getaway to check out some beaches and some natural beauty with the family, the Lake of the Ozarks is a great, and affordable pick for the summer, and it will be for Summers to come, with the Oasis At Lakeport, a huge amusement park due to open, in the next couple years. 

Best Hotels in Lake of the Ozarks

• Luxury: Lodge of Four Seasons Golf Resort (Find prices on Hotels.com or Booking.com )
• Boutique: The Lodge at Old Kinderhook Golf Resort (Find prices on Hotels.com or Booking.com )
• Budget: Quail’s Nest Inn & Suites (Find prices on Hotels.com or Booking.com )
• Find the best House Rentals in Lake of the Ozarks

Table Rock Lake (Fun at the Lake Summer Trip)

Table Rock Lake and Lake of the Ozarks are both popular summer destinations in Missouri, each offering its unique charm and attractions.

Table Rock Lake is located in the southwestern part of the state and is a popular spot for fishing, boating, swimming, and other water activities. The lake’s clear waters and beautiful scenery make it a favorite among nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can rent boats, jet skis, and other watercraft, or book a guided fishing trip with a local outfitter. Additionally, the lake has several marinas, campgrounds, and picnic areas where visitors can spend the day or even the night.

Horseback riding near Table Rock Lake is also popular. There are several stables and ranches in the area that offer horseback riding tours and trail rides, including Bear Creek Trail Rides and Cowboy Up Trail Rides. These guided rides take visitors through the Ozark Mountains, offering scenic views of the lake and surrounding countryside. Some stables also offer pony rides for younger children. Horseback riding can be a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area and enjoy the outdoors in a unique way.

There are several resorts, hotels, and house rentals around Table Rock Lake that provide easy access to the lake and its surrounding attractions. Some popular resorts on Table Rock Lake include the Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center and the Big Cedar Lodge, both of which offer luxury accommodations, dining, and a range of outdoor activities.

Visitors to Table Rock Lake can stay on the lake in house rentals or cabins. There are many options for lakefront vacation rentals that offer beautiful views and direct access to the water. These rentals range from cozy cottages to spacious homes and can be found through various vacation rental websites and local property management companies.

Find the best House Rentals at Table Rock Lake

Arcadia Valley (An Outdoor Adventure Trip)

Arcadia Valley, Missouri is an excellent summer getaway destination for those who love outdoor adventure and exploring nature. Located in the St. Francois Mountains of the Ozarks, this area boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the state, as well as a wide range of activities and attractions that are sure to please visitors of all ages and interests.

One of the most popular outdoor activities in Arcadia Valley is hiking. The area is home to several hiking trails, including the Ozark Trail, which runs through the region and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can also hike to the top of Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, which includes the highest point in the state of Missouri. The park’s 7,500 acres offer a variety of hiking options, from easy walks to more challenging hikes for experienced hikers.

Another popular activity in Arcadia Valley is biking. The area boasts several scenic bike trails, including the Katy Trail State Park and the St. Francis River Trail. Visitors can also explore the historic towns and villages of the area on bike, taking in the local culture and scenery along the way.

For those looking for a unique outdoor adventure, the Elephant Rocks State Park and Johnson Shut-ins State Park are not to be missed. Elephant Rocks features massive granite boulders that are over a billion years old, and visitors can climb on and around these unique rock formations. Johnson Shut-ins offers natural water slides and pools, perfect for swimming and cooling off on a hot summer day.

The Black River in Arcadia Valley is a crystal clear river that is perfect for water activities such as floating, tubing, and swimming. Visitors can rent tubes or kayaks and spend a relaxing day on the river, taking in the beautiful scenery and soaking up the summer sun.

The Black River is also home to several great fishing spots, with a variety of fish species such as smallmouth bass, goggle-eye, and catfish, making it a great spot for anglers as well. With so many fun water activities to enjoy, the Black River is another great reason to visit Arcadia Valley this summer.

Lodging Suggestion: Shepherd Mountain Inn (Find prices on Hotels.com or Booking.com )

Springfield (Cave & Nature Getaway)

A vibrant college town, home to Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri is Nestled in between the lake of the Ozarks, and Branson. With beautiful nature, just a short drive away whether it be the Ozarks, or one of the state parks near the town, Springfield is a great place to stay while exploring a natural beauty of Missouri.

With attractions, such as the Fantastic Caverns, the Springfield Botanical Gardens, the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, and the Mizumoto Japanese Garden in the town, as well as natural beauty in places like Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, Bennet Spring State Park, Sequiota Park and much more. Springfield is a fantastic getaway for nature lovers of all sorts.

Springfield is not just nature, however.

The town has many types of attractions, from animal life like the Johny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, and the Dickerson Zoo, to drinking options like Mother’s Brewing Company, and highly recommended dining options like Civil Kitchen, and Café Carouso, that you can dine out after walking through Springfield downtown where you can see things like the worlds largest fork, Springfield really has something for everyone.

Whether you are a nature loving family, looking into colleges, and wanting to check out, Missouri State University, or someone who just loves to travel and experience new parts of nature, Springfield is a great place for anyone looking to get away for a few days. 

Branson (Family Fun & Live Entertainment)

Drowns out this list comes one of the most obvious choices. Branson has for a long time been known as one of the best tourist spots and vacation destinations in all of Missouri. sitting in the middle of the Ozarks, Branson has everything a family on vacation could want from beautiful lakes to swim in, to amusement parks, to incredible, live, entertainment, and more.

Some of the top attractions in Branson include the Titanic Museum, Silver Dollar City a fantastic amusement park, one of the best in the Midwest, Aquarim on the Boardwalk, Dolly apatron’s Stampede, Sight & Sound Theatres and much more.

For those who prefer to spend more time, exploring the outdoors in nature, Table Rock State Park, one of the most beautiful state parks in the entire state, is right outside of Branson. Some other notable attractions in the Branson area include Table Rock State Lake, Brandon’s Promised Land Zoo, White Water, a water park, Veterans Memorial Musuem, Bigfoot Fun Park, The Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, Runaway Mountain, and so much more.

All around in my opinion, the best place for a family vacation this summer, Branson, Missouri is a beautiful tourist town filled with anything family on vacation could want, from fantastic food, to live theater, two dozens of activities, to some of the best natural beauty and the entire state, grandson is a fantastic option for a family vacation this summer. 

Jesse James Road Trip (for Wild West history)

A Jesse James road trip in Missouri would be a fantastic summer getaway for anyone interested in the Wild West history of the United States. Jesse James, one of America’s most infamous outlaws, spent much of his life in Missouri, and there are many historic sites throughout the state that tell the story of his life and legacy.

The Jesse James Trail is a great place to start a Jesse James road trip in Missouri. The trail stretches from St. Joseph, where Jesse James was shot and killed in 1882, to the James Farm and Museum in Kearney, where he grew up. Along the way, visitors can explore historic sites such as the Jesse James Home Museum and the Patee House Museum in St. Joseph, which offer a fascinating look into the life of Jesse James and the Wild West era.

Another must-visit site on a Jesse James road trip is the James Farm and Museum in Kearney. This historic site is the family home of the James family, and visitors can explore the farmhouse and see artifacts related to Jesse James and his family. The museum also offers guided tours that provide insight into the life of the James family and the history of the Wild West.

In addition to these historic sites, a Jesse James road trip in Missouri offers visitors the opportunity to explore the beautiful countryside of the state. Visitors can take scenic drives through the rolling hills and lush forests of Missouri, stopping along the way to enjoy local cuisine and explore charming small towns.

Overall, a Jesse James road trip in Missouri is a great summer getaway for history buffs and anyone interested in the Wild West era of American history. With historic sites such as the Jesse James Home Museum and the James Farm and Museum, as well as scenic drives through the beautiful Missouri countryside, there is something for everyone on a Jesse James road trip in Missouri.

Jefferson City (For Missouri Cultural Heritage)

Jefferson City, Missouri is an excellent summer getaway destination for history buffs and anyone interested in exploring the unique cultural heritage of the Midwest. This capital city of Missouri offers a wide range of activities and attractions that are sure to please visitors of all ages and interests.

One of the most notable historical landmarks in Jefferson City is the Missouri State Capitol Building. This iconic structure is a must-visit for anyone interested in politics or architecture, as it features stunning murals, intricate artwork, and a magnificent dome that is visible from miles away. The building is also home to the Missouri State Museum, where visitors can learn more about the state’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Another fascinating historical site in Jefferson City is the Missouri State Penitentiary. Once one of the most notorious prisons in the country, the facility has been closed since 2004 but now serves as a museum where visitors can learn about the lives of the prisoners and the history of the prison system in the United States.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Jefferson City offers several parks and recreational areas to explore. The Katy Trail State Park, which runs through the heart of the city, offers miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as stunning views of the Missouri River. Visitors can also take a scenic paddleboat ride on the river, or take a beautiful drive to nearby Lake of the Ozarks for water activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing.

When it comes to dining, Jefferson City has plenty of options to satisfy any palate. For a casual lunch or dinner, try the Prison Brews Brewery, which offers a wide range of craft beers and delicious pub fare. For a more upscale dining experience, the historic Canterbury Hill Winery & Restaurant offers delicious cuisine and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. And if you’re looking for a sweet treat, be sure to stop by Central Dairy for some of the best ice cream in town.

St. Joseph (Great Getaway for History Buffs)

St. Joseph, Missouri is off-the-beaten-path destination that’s perfect for a summer getaway. Located in the northwest part of the state, St. Joseph boasts a rich history, charming downtown area, and plenty of outdoor activities, museums, and filled with wild west history for visitors to enjoy.

One of the top attractions in St. Joseph is the Pony Express Museum, which celebrates the city’s role as the starting point of the famous Pony Express mail delivery system. Visitors can see original artifacts from the Pony Express, including a restored stagecoach, and learn about the daring riders who carried the mail across the country in the mid-1800s.

The Jesse James Home Museum is another popular destination, where visitors can learn about the notorious outlaw who spent his final days in St. Joseph. The museum includes exhibits about James’ life and the events that led to his death. And just across the street, you’ll find the Patee House Museum, which was once a luxurious hotel that served as the Pony Express headquarters. Today, the museum features exhibits about the hotel’s history, as well as displays on transportation and industry in St. Joseph.

For outdoor enthusiasts, St. Joseph offers several parks and recreational areas to explore. Krug Park is a popular destination, with its beautiful gardens, walking trails, and scenic overlooks of the Missouri River. Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll through the Rosecrans Memorial Garden, which features a stunning collection of roses and other flowers.

When it comes to dining, St. Joseph has plenty of options to satisfy any palate. For a casual lunch or dinner, try Boudreaux’s Louisiana Seafood & Steaks, which offers delicious Cajun-style cuisine. For a more upscale dining experience, the Frederick Inn Steakhouse is a local favorite, known for its delicious steaks and elegant atmosphere. And if you’re looking for a sweet treat, be sure to stop by the Donut Shop for some of the best donuts in town.

Overall, St. Joseph, Missouri is a great summer getaway destination with something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor activities, or simply relaxing and enjoying great food, St. Joseph has it all.

Golf Resort Weekend in Innsbrook MO

Golfing is a favorite summer activity and fortunately, Missouri has a number of golf resorts that offer the best amenities and facilities.

Innsbrook’s 18-hole public championship golf course is carved out of the rolling wooded hillsides of eastern Missouri and is the centerpiece of this golf getaway weekend.

Looking for an unforgettable golf getaway weekend in Missouri? Look no further than Innsbrook Resort Golf Course (596 Aspen Way Dr. Innsbrook, Missouri 63390). Recognized by Golf Digest with a prestigious “Four-Star Rating,” our course is among the top-rated resort facilities in the state. According to Golf Digest, Innsbrook is renowned for its “great golf, great people, great challenge, great price.” And that’s not all – Sports Illustrated gave our facility a phenomenal “4.8 out of 5” rating, calling it the “best value in the area,” with “very scenic and peaceful” surroundings and “exceptional course” quality.

The beautiful 137-acre lake is one of the larger lakes in the area, with many smaller lakes in the surrounding area. In fact there are over 100 lakes in Innsbrook MO.

When you visit Innsbrook, you’ll have your pick of lakeside condos with easy access to beaches and amenities, or cozy A-frame chalets nestled in the woods or on a lake. And with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, like canoeing, hiking, and of course, golfing, Innsbrook is the perfect summer getaway destination. Don’t miss your chance to experience this hidden gem for yourself!

More Missouri Summer Fun!

• 14 Delicious U-Pick Farms in Missouri
• Visiting Elephant Rocks State Park
• Johnson’s Shut-ins State Park
• Best 11 Camping Sites in Missouri
• Glamping in Missouri: 9 Cool Yurts, Campers, Treehouses, Silos

Sharing is caring!

Related Posts

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• North Dakota
• South Dakota
• Exciting Cities
• Food And Drink
• Outdoor Adventures
• Where To Stay
• Skip to right header navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to the Midwest!

15 Best Places To Experience Fall In Missouri 

July 24, 2022 by //  by  Midwest Explored Leave a Comment

If you’re looking for the best places to experience fall in Missouri, then you’ve come to the right place!

Missouri is probably best known for big cities like Kansas City and St. Louis. Or rugged cities like Branson, where you’ll find plenty of things to do.

But there’s so much more to the state than just its major cities!

From its sweeping plains, agricultural history, and some awesome landscapes, it’s a beautiful Midwestern state.

In fact, some of the best places to enjoy Fall colors in Missouri are at many of the amazing state and national parks in Missouri .

Missouri in the fall can be a truly magical experience, especially if you know the best places to go.

However, there are tons of other great places to explore in Missouri in the Fall too.

On this list, I’ve tried to include a variety of different places to enjoy the beautiful Fall colors in Missouri.

Whether you enjoy scenic hikes , camping adventures , or exploring the cities , there is a place to see fall in Missouri on this list!

So, let’s take a look at the 15 best places to experience Fall in Missouri!

15 Best Places To Experience Fall In Missouri 

See fall colors at elephant rocks state park.

One of the best places to enjoy fall in Missouri is at Elephant Rocks State Park.

Elephant Rocks State Park is gorgeous and has some of the best scenic hikes in Missouri .

The park is known for its elephant-shaped boulders, which is how it gets its name.

As you hike to the boulders, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful Missouri fall foliage.

When you get to the elephant-shaped boulders, you’ll get a picturesque view of the valley below that is full of trees.

During the Fall, those trees are beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Trees surround the uniquely shaped boulders too.

So, it’s a really unique view of Missouri’s fall foliage!

Stroll Through Forest Park While You’re In St. Louis

There are tons of fun things to do in St. Louis Missouri .

If you’re visiting Missouri in the fall, you may want to consider strolling through Forest Park.

Forest Park is over 1,000 acres and is one of the most prominent parks in the city.

As the summer ends, Forest Park is one of the best places to enjoy autumn in Missouri.

You can walk the trails, enjoy the beautiful fall foliage, and you’ll be right in the city too.

Throughout the fall, Forest Park hosts a variety of different events.

They have Fun Runs, the Cross Country Festival, a Hot Air Balloon Race, and tons more.

It’s easily one of the most fun places to see fall foliage in Missouri.

Go Camping In The Mark Twain National Forest

If you want to spend a few days immersed in Missouri fall colors, I suggest camping in Missouri Mark Twain National Forest.

The Mark Twain National Forest is over 1.5 million acres of dense woods.

Those dense woods come alive with some of the most beautiful fall foliage in Missouri when the weather starts to cool down.

You’ll be able to spend a few days surrounded by fall leaf colors while you hike throughout the national forest.

Spend your nights around the fire enjoying smores and the stars!

You’re sure to enjoy spending a few days camping in the Mark Twain National Forest during the fall.

Visit Washington MO For Pumpkin Palooza

In Washington Missouri, you’ll find the Pumpkin Palooza festival.

It’s easily one of the best things to do in Missouri in the fall!

You’ll be surrounded by all things pumpkin when you take part in this Missouri fall festival.

Start the day with the ‘Great Pumpkin Weigh-in’ where you could see pumpkins that weigh over 100lbs.

Then walk the streets of Downtown Washington. That’s where you’ll see local vendors selling food, handmade goods, and even more pumpkin-themed items.

Throughout the day they have a variety of different competitions as well.

There is a baking competition, pumpkin rolling, a ghost hunt, storytime for the kids, and tons more.

It’s a super fun Missouri autumn activity that the whole family will enjoy.

Spend A Weekend In Kansas City, Missouri In The Fall

There are tons and tons of things to do in Kansas City , Missouri.

That’s especially true in the fall!

As autumn time starts, Kansas City becomes one of the best places to enjoy Missouri in the fall.

In the heartland, you can find a variety of different autumn activities that everyone in the whole family will enjoy.

You’ll find a variety of different pumpkin patches, so you can pick out your own pumpkins for jack-o-lanterns.

Or, take part in one of the city’s many festivals, like Weston’s Apple Fest, or explore the botanical gardens.

Kansas City is also home to several cider mills, which are a great way to spend an autumn day in Missouri.

No matter what you’re interested in, you’ll enjoy spending time in Kansas City, Missouri in the fall.

Hike The Katy Trail To See Beautiful Fall Foliage In Missouri

One of the best ways to see the stunning fall foliage in Missouri is to hike the Katy Trail.

You’ll find the Katy Trail in the Katy Trail State Park. The entire trail is 240 miles long and runs between Clinton and Machens Missouri.

When you hike the Katy Trail, you’ll get to experience some of the most scenic areas of Missouri.

This makes it perfect for admiring Missouri’s fall foliage!

You don’t have to hike the entire 240 miles to experience the beauty of autumn in Missouri.

There are a variety of different trailheads that you can pick up throughout the state, or of course, start in Katy Trail State Park.

No matter how you choose to hike the trail, it’s an excellent way to see fall foliage in Missouri.

Enjoy Missouri Fall Foliage In The Ozarks At The Alley Spring

You’ll find Alley Spring nestled in the Ozarks of Missouri.

The Ozarks are one of the best places to visit in Missouri , especially in the fall.

It’s the 7th largest spring in Missouri and the original bright red spring house is surrounded by dense woods.

At Alley Spring, the fall colors in Missouri are some of the best during the autumn months.

The beautiful waters around the spring, the spring house, and the fall foliage are absolutely stunning.

All around the Spring, there are hiking trails you can explore, where you’ll get to enjoy more of the stunning fall foliage in Missouri.

It’s easily one of the best places to enjoy fall colors in Missouri while you explore the Ozarks.

Take Part In The Maple Leaf Festival In Carthage

The Maple Leaf Festival started in Carthage Missouri in 1966 as a marching band competition.

Carthage is one of the coolest towns in Missouri!

Today, it has evolved into a huge festival that people come from all over to enjoy and take part in.

Every year, the city expects around 80,000 visitors to take part in the festival. So it’s kind of a big deal!

The Maple Leaf Festival takes place annually on the third Saturday of October.

It begins with the largest parade in Southwest Missouri. The parade is so big that it typically lasts from 9 am to 12 pm.

Throughout the day, you can find vendors on the streets, tractor and car shows, food stalls, and live entertainment.

There are even marching bands, a nod to the original Maple Leaf Festival.

Explore The Hermann Wine Country During Fall In Missouri

Missouri’s Wine Country is undoubtedly Hermann, Missouri.

In fact, it’s where you’ll find many of the best Missouri wineries .

It’s also a beautiful area to explore during autumn in Missouri.

While you’re in Hermann, you can take a fall drive in Missouri on the Hermann Wine Trail.

On the trail, you’ll find a number of different wineries where you can sample delicious wine blends.

All along this Missouri fall drive, you’ll get to see some spectacular fall foliage too!

Exploring Missouri’s wine country is easily one of the best activities to enjoy in Missouri in the fall.

Have Fun At The Harvest Festival And Pumpkin Nights In Branson

There are tons of different activities to enjoy during the fall in Branson.

One of the most popular Branson fall activities is the Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Nights.

All year long, there are so many fun things to do in Branson !

The Harvest Festival takes place in Silver Dollar City, a historic area of Branson.

It runs from the end of September to the end of October.

This fall festival in Missouri features craft days, fall displays, and a variety of other activities.

At night, take part in the festival’s Pumpkin Nights.

There, you’ll be able to see literally thousands of pumpkin jack-o-lanterns on display!

You won’t want to miss this festival when you spend the fall in Branson!

Enjoy Picturesque Views At Lake Of The Ozarks When You Travel To Missouri In The Fall

The Lake of the Ozarks is a popular vacation spot in Missouri.

It’s actually a reservoir created by the Osage River, in the Northern Ozarks.

A majority of the Lake of the Ozarks is located in the Lake of the Ozarks State Park, which is another great camping spot in Missouri .

If you aren’t interested in traditional tent camping, they also have yurts and cabins available to rent.

They can make for an especially romantic Midwest getaway in the fall, where you’ll be surrounded by Missouri fall foliage.

At the lake, you can swim, boat, hike, and more.

It may be a bit chilly to swim in the fall, but it’s still a beautiful place to hike or boat while you enjoy the fall foliage in Missouri.

Hike To See Missouri Fall Foliage In Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

One of the best ways to see the spectacular fall foliage in Missouri is to take a scenic MO hike in Dogwood Canyon Nature Park.

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is a beautiful park in the Ozarks that is over 10,000 acres.

It’s actually a nature preserve, and you’ll find it just outside of Lampe, Missouri, which is one of the best places to visit in Missouri .

At Dogwood Canyon, you’ll be surrounded by a dense forest that is bursting with color during the fall in Missouri.

Whether you stay and explore for the whole day, or just spend a few hours hiking, it’s easily one of the prettiest ways to experience Missouri in the fall.

Head To Eureka For Their Annual Scarecrow Festival

If you’re looking for a truly unique Missouri autumn experience, head to Eureka for their annual Scarecrow Festival.

For the month of October, Eureka puts on a colorful and artistic display with its unique scarecrows.

As you walk through the town, you’ll find businesses and private residents who are taking part in the fun fall festival in Missouri.

You’ll find tons of scarecrows posed in a variety of different positions and decorated in unique ways.

Past popular scarecrows include a motorcycle rider, a gnome, Wonder Woman, Ariel, and tons more.

To encourage people to take part in the festival, they have a selfie scavenger hunt, and the winner can actually win a cash prize.

Drive One Of The Scenic By-Ways For A Beautiful Fall In Missouri Roadtrip

Sometimes, the best way to enjoy fall foliage is with a scenic drive.

Missouri is full of scenic by-ways that are perfect for Missouri fall drives.

Some of the scenic by-ways are only around 20 miles long. However, there are some scenic by-ways in Missouri that are hundreds of miles long.

One of the best ways to experience fall colors in Missouri is to drive on the Missouri portion of Historic Route 66.

Historic Route 66 is full of unique attractions , and many of them can be found on the Missouri portion of the scenic by-way.

For instance, in Missouri, you can explore the Meramec Caverns, a unique cave in Missouri to explore. Or visit the Route 66 Drive-in Theatre.

As you drive to each unique attraction, you’ll be surrounded by the beautiful Missouri fall foliage!

Kimmswick Apple Butter Festival Is One Of The Best Things To Do During The Fall In Missouri

Every year, on the last full weekend in October, the town of Kimmswick hosts its annual Apple Butter Festival.

It’s the biggest festival in Kimmswick, and they typically expect over 100,000 visitors during the festival weekend.

As you stroll through the streets, you’ll typically find over 500 different vendors.

The vendors range from food vendors, craft vendors, and drink vendors.

For the kids, they also have pony rides, a petting zoo with farm animals, and even a miniature train!

You’ll also find tons of live entertainment throughout the day.

Of course, you’ll also get to learn all about how apple butter is made, and be able to purchase fresh apple butter!

Packing List When Experiencing Fall In Missouri

If you are searching, here are some  tips on how to pack lightly when packing to go experience autumn in Missouri.

A  concealed travel pouch  may be one of the most important items you bring along when searching for places to see Missouri fall foliage.

It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.

This  unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is  lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.

If you have a pouch already that does not come with the RFID protection, as I do, these  RFID  sleeves are  the perfect solution.

This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an  external charging battery . This  Anker high-speed phone charging battery  is  the exact one  I carry with me on all of my trips.

It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast!

I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about, and if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My daughter gifted me with this  FugeTek selfie stick and tripod   setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.

It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking selfies when seeing the beautiful North Dakota colors of autumn.

Hydration is so important when traveling. You want to remain hydrated throughout your travels to support your immune system which in turn will be stronger to fight off any germs you will encounter during your travels.

You will want to bring your own  refillable water bottle  with you.

I never leave home on a trip without my  Bobble filtration bottle .  The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.

When filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the charcoal filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car.

Then this  set of collapsible silicone foldable water bottles  would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.

You will want a  backpack or daypack  with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. then this   foldable water-resistant backpack   would be great.

There are so many great ways to spend a beautiful day in the fall in Missouri.

From fun festivals, Missouri fall drives, and beautiful parks full of colorful foliage.

No matter how you like to enjoy a beautiful fall day, you’ll enjoy these Missouri autumn activities!

Have you ever been to Missouri in the fall?

If so, I’d love to hear about your favorite activities in the comments!

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Here Are the 15 Most Romantic Places to Propose in Missouri

• Kim writes for The Knot Worldwide, particularly about picking wedding venues and planning proposals.
• Over the years, she has helped plan a wedding or two and briefly considered it as a career.
• Kim has been putting words together and editing works for over a decade, covering a variety of subjects from entertainment and nature to finance and most things in between.

Asking your partner to spend the rest of forever with you is one of the most romantic and defining moments that will change the course of both your lives. We've gathered a list of the best places to propose in Missouri, so you can knock "finding the perfect spot" off your to-do list . Beauty abounds in this state, and there's no shortage of romantic locations, so no matter where you pick, your moment will shine.

To help gather the best places for you, we reached out to professional photographer Lisa Meyer, from Lisa Meyer Photography & Video in St. Louis. She loves catching milestone moments for lovebirds taking that leap into marital bliss and had some great ideas to share about where to propose in Missouri. Lisa was also generous enough to give us some tips to make your proposal unforgettable. One of these venues is sure to check all your boxes.

In this article:

How to Decide Where to Propose in Missouri

The best time of the year to propose in missouri, the best places to propose in missouri.

The first thing to consider when choosing the most romantic place to pop the question in Missouri is to consider any places that mean something special to you as a couple. Maybe you had your first date nearby or your first kiss, or perhaps a place where you said the words "I love you." If no place in particular comes to mind, think about your shared interests. Do you love the great outdoors or a candlelight dinner for two at a quiet restaurant? Asking those questions can help you narrow down your choices. Seeking help from a proposal planner or your professional photographer can be invaluable in the decision-making process. They can not only assist in picking a place but also in planning out the proposal itself.

When we askedMeyer when the best time to propose in Missouri was, she immediately said spring or fall . That's because the weather isn't too hot or too cold, and the foliage is beautiful at both times of the year. She explained that most people proposing in the state do so outside, so choosing a mild time of year weather-wise is a smart choice. Keep in mind that winters can bring snow, which can add to the romantic ambiance, so that's also an option. However, if you would rather have your moment indoors, any time of year will do.

Whether you prefer the expanse of the Ozarks, a quaint garden or a historic landmark with a rustic feel, one of these romantic spots is sure to be the perfect place for you. Be sure to gather your team (including a proposal planner and proposal photographer ) ahead of time from The Knot Vendor Marketplace so they can help you bring everything together.

Madrid Theatre

For couples who love movies and adore history even more, the Madrid Theatre might be the most romantic place to declare your love. The building was originally built in 1926 to show silent movies and the classics. It now features a beautifully-restored 1920s decor with an antique interior, providing an elegant and unique place to share a timeless moment with your loved one. Surrounded by historic charm, stunning architecture and an intimate atmosphere, this theater setting will make your proposal unforgettable.

Nestled in the Ozark Mountains and next to Table Rock Lake sits Big Cedar , a wilderness resort in Ridgedale. The venue has lush greens and panoramic views that will make your heart sing. Pop the question on the balcony overlooking the wonder of Mother Nature or by the outdoor fountain down below. There's even a classic barn on the estate for those looking for a rustic touch to their engagement.

Emerson Grand Basin in Forest Park

One of the first places Lisa mentioned as the best place to propose in Missouri was Emerson Grand Basin in Forest Park. The location is a large man-made lake surrounded by walking paths and blooming gardens. Wander hand in hand around a tranquil lake, passing over bridges and past fountains until you find the perfect spot to pop the question. History buffs will love the fact that the space was originally built for the famous 1904 World's Fair.

The Dogwood Gardens

If you're looking for a place to propose around Kansas City, consider The Dogwood Gardens , which sits nearby. Meander through the gardens with its vibrant flowers and winding pathways leading you to an intimate proposal spot. This peaceful area combines contemporary style with rustic features in the middle of a sprawling estate where you can declare your love under a bright blue sky.

Chandler Hill Vineyards

Raise a glass to your future together at Chandler Hill Vineyards with views of grape vines, distant mountains and panoramic views of the Missouri River Valley. Lisa mentioned that vineyards are romantic places to propose and named this one in particular. This enchanting wine farm could be the ideal place for your proposal.

Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch

When you think of St. Louis, you probably picture the Gateway Arch situated in the heart of the city. The structure is an iconic monument that would make an amazing backdrop for your heartfelt moment together. The Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch has stunning views of the structure from its rooftop terrace. Why not get down on one knee and propose while overlooking the city's sparkling lights and the Mississippi River?

Seven T Farms

Step out of the city and into the Missouri countryside at Seven T Farms , where rolling hills on this 200-acre venue create a peaceful backdrop for the start of your marital bliss. Just a short drive from St. Louis, this quiet spot has farm elements like giant rolls of hay and cedar barrels as well as wildflowers and towering trees. Dreamy.

If a romantic dinner is more your style, think about surprising your loved one at JB Hook's legendary steakhouse. The high-end dining atmosphere on the back porch area overlooking the beauty of the Lake of the Ozarks couldn't be more perfect. Coordinate with the matradee and your photographer to get the moment just right and toast to your future with a nice bottle of wine.

Busch Stadium

Sporty couples who don't mind a crowd might want to visit the Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals. Photographer Lisa Meyer put this location high on her list for proposals. Built in 2006, the retro-style venue could bring a nostalgic feeling to your moment. You could pop the question on the jumbo message board and pledge your love at the ball game amongst the peanuts and crackerjacks. What a romantic gesture!

Bridal Cave

While the Ozarks are a well-known Missouri destination, you might not be aware of the world beneath. Adventurers might love starting their journey through life together while exploring the Bridal Cave in the Lake of the Ozarks. The stunning cave formations within create a magical and unique backdrop for your proposal brought to you by nature. The pictures alone will be enchanting.

Titanic's Grand Staircase

Remember when Jack extended his hand to Rose from the stairs on Titanic's Grand Staircase? Now, that was romantic. Recreate that touching moment with your intended at the Titanic Museum in Branson—shaped like the Titanic herself. While you might not be able to ascend the stairs within, you can certainly use it as the centerpiece of your proposal as you commit your heart to your intended.

Escape to the intimate and cozy ambiance of Cellar 222 , one of the best places to propose in Kansas City. Ask for your love's hand while enjoying a fine wine surrounded by romantic forged iron lighting, in front of the grand stone fireplace or while descending the rustic stairwell to the wine cellar below. The unique interior sets the mood for a memorable engagement.

The Otten on Main

If you're looking for more proposal ideas in Kansas City, consider checking out what The Otten on Main has to offer. Situated in the Crossroads Arts District, this former hotel was built in 1918 bringing a historic feel to your romantic moment. Pledge your heart under twinkling lights while basking in both vintage charm and modern elegance. The rooftop bar also gives you a beautiful view of the city, which would be perfect day or night.

Rock Island Bridge

Begin your journey through life together by considering a proposal on the Rock Island Bridge . This destination bridge is in the West Bottoms district of Kansas City and reaches over the Kansas River, giving you spectacular views and a floating-on-water experience. It also offers three decks from which to choose, including the roof. As the sun sets, this location becomes the perfect backdrop for your romantic moment.

Sunset Bluffs Venue

Travel to Washington to find the natural beauty of the Sunset Bluffs Venue , where tranquil waters and stunning cliffs create a serene atmosphere and one of the best places to pop the question. The 20-acre estate not only has an elegant indoor space but a view of the lake with a white sandy beach. Listen to the waterfall and sounds of nature as you begin planning your life together.

The best amusement park in Missouri, according to visitors—plus, see the rest of the top 16

Posted: April 21, 2024 | Last updated: April 21, 2024

Best amusement parks in Missouri

When you hear the phrase "amusement park," chances are the first thing that comes to your mind is Disney; however, in 2023, nearly 600 businesses described themselves as amusement parks in the United States. There are places to enjoy thrill rides, view animal shows, swim, and play in nearly every state across the country, and one that might be near and dear to your heart may be unfamiliar to someone else, depending on where you live.

For instance, Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut, holds the title of America's oldest amusement park. It's been in continuous operation since first opening to the public in 1846 when local scientist Samuel Botsford demonstrated electricity experiments for entertainment, but if you don't live nearby, chances are you don't know it (unless you're an amusement park or history buff).

On the flip side, there are behemoth parks that are destinations all their own. People travel from all over the world to visit Disney's and Universal's theme parks in California and Florida. If you're a thrill ride, water park, or roller coaster junkie, Six Flags is another huge name, with 24 parks scattered throughout the U.S. These types of parks truly transport you to another world and are full of their own kind of magic, but the quaint or historic parks like Lake Compounce are just as special—if not more so—to locals.

Stacker compiled a list of the best amusement parks in Missouri using data from Tripadvisor . Tripadvisor ranks businesses using a combination of metrics, including overall rating, reviews, and number of page views. As a result, a business with a 5 out of 5 overall rating might rank lower than one with a 4 out of 5. Data is as of April 2024.

Read on and see how many of these local amusement parks you've visited.

#16. The Water Zone At Mark Twain Lake Jellystone Park

- Rating: 3/5 (23 reviews) - Address: 42636 Landing Lane Monroe City, Missouri - Read more on Tripadvisor

#15. Kiddieland

- Rating: 5/5 (4 reviews) - Address: 2000 Oak St. Inside Municipal Park Carthage, Missouri - Read more on Tripadvisor

#14. Lemans Fun Park

- Rating: 4.5/5 (26 reviews) - Address: 100 Stanton Drive at Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake Ozark, Missouri - Read more on Tripadvisor

#13. The St. Louis Wheel

- Rating: 4/5 (57 reviews) - Read more on Tripadvisor

#12. WonderWorks

- Rating: 4/5 (143 reviews) - Address: 2835 West 76 Country Blvd. Branson, Missouri - Read more on Tripadvisor

#11. Adventure Valley

- Rating: 5/5 (30 reviews) - Read more on Tripadvisor

#10. Worlds Of Fun Oceans of Fun

- Rating: 3.5/5 (1,221 reviews) - Address: 4545 Northeast Worlds of Fun Drive Kansas City, Missouri - Read more on Tripadvisor

#9. LEGOLAND Discovery Center

- Rating: 3.5/5 (1,065 reviews) - Address: 2475 Grand Blvd. Kansas City, Missouri - Read more on Tripadvisor

#8. Six Flags St Louis

- Rating: 4/5 (1,745 reviews) - Address: 4900 Six Flags Road Eureka, Missouri - Read more on Tripadvisor

#7. The Track Family Fun Parks Track 4

- Rating: 4/5 (1,308 reviews) - Address: 3345 West 76 Country Blvd. Branson, Missouri - Read more on Tripadvisor

#6. Bigfoot Fun Park

- Rating: 4.5/5 (474 reviews) - Address: 3608 West 76 Country Blvd. Branson, Missouri - Read more on Tripadvisor

#5. Arcade City Branson

- Rating: 5/5 (563 reviews) - Address: 715 Branson Landing Blvd. Branson, Missouri - Read more on Tripadvisor

#4. The Branson Coaster

- Rating: 4.5/5 (821 reviews) - Address: 2115 West 76 Country Blvd. Branson, Missouri - Read more on Tripadvisor

#3. The Shepherd of the Hills

- Rating: 4/5 (2,322 reviews) - Address: 5586 West 76 Country Blvd. Branson, Missouri - Read more on Tripadvisor

#2. Runaway Mountain Coaster

- Rating: 5/5 (1,992 reviews) - Address: 935 State Highway 165 Branson, Missouri - Read more on Tripadvisor

#1. Silver Dollar City

- Rating: 4.5/5 (12,226 reviews) - Address: 399 Silver Dollar City Parkway Branson, Missouri - Read more on Tripadvisor

This story features data reporting by Karim Noorani, writing by Katrina Sirotta, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 45 states.

More for You

30 food items that you might not know are banned in America

7 Things To Know If You Withdraw More Than $10,000 From Your Checking Account

I moved my family from California to Austin, Texas, and regretted it. Here are 10 things to consider before making an expensive mistake.

Popular Restaurant Chain Files for Bankruptcy, Abruptly Shuts Down All Locations

Yup, There's A Reason Why One Of Your Nostrils Is Always Blocked

Columbia professor condemns AOC for calling anti-Israel protests 'nonviolent': She's an 'agent of chaos'

Meet the richest women in the US

Frightening map shows the best parts of the United States to withstand a nuclear apocalypse

On crucial earnings call, Musk reminds the world Tesla is a tech company. ‘Even if I’m kidnapped by aliens tomorrow, Tesla will solve autonomy’

We Ordered 7 Fast-Food Breakfast Sandwiches to Find the Best One

Your senses will shut down in a specific order when you’re about to die

Taylor Swift just dropped her newest video, ‘Fortnight,’ with Post Malone

Bill Gates: 7 Expenses He Spends the Most Money On

The Box Office Just Endured One Of The Worst Weekends Of The Year So Far

Greg Abbott Celebrates Legal Win Over Texas Border

There’s a New Meal Coming to Taco Bell Menus—and It’s Only $5

"I keep hearing he's the greatest, and that upsets me" - Rick Barry explains why Michael Jordan is not the GOAT

See what 25 legendary hip-hop artists look like now

'Your personality will get you 10 times richer than your intelligence,' says self-made millionaire who retired at 35

Perspective: Scholar, author, wife and mother Melissa Inouye dies at age 44