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Missouri
United States
Visit Missouri
Missouri, often referred to as the "Show-Me State," offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty, making it a captivating destination for travelers. From the bustling city vibes of St. Louis and Kansas City to the serene landscapes of the Ozarks, Missouri provides a diverse range of experiences that cater to all kinds of visitors.
In St. Louis, the iconic Gateway Arch stands as a symbol of the city and a monument to westward expansion in the United States. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of this 630-foot structure for a stunning view of the city and the Mississippi River. The city's vibrant cultural scene is also a big draw, with institutions like the St. Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, and the live blues music venues of the historic Laclede's Landing. For families, the St. Louis Zoo and the Magic House offer engaging experiences for children of all ages.
Traveling towards the center of the state, visitors will find Columbia, home to the University of Missouri, with its beautiful campus and lively college town atmosphere. The city's downtown area is filled with shops, restaurants, and galleries, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely day of exploration. Nearby, the Katy Trail State Park offers over 240 miles of scenic trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, following the path of the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad.
Further south, the Missouri Ozarks present a stunning natural retreat with rolling hills, pristine lakes, and winding rivers ideal for outdoor adventures. Branson, a major tourist attraction in the Ozarks, is known for its family-friendly entertainment, including live music shows, museums, and Silver Dollar City, an 1880s-themed amusement park. The surrounding lakes like Table Rock Lake and Lake of the Ozarks offer excellent opportunities for water sports, fishing, and boating. Whether you're looking for urban excitement or outdoor escapades, Missouri's welcoming atmosphere and diverse attractions make it a wonderful place to visit.
Find your Next Adventure in Missouri
Explore Missouri
Iconic Landmarks
Gateway Arch
- Standing at 630 feet, this stainless steel monument in St. Louis symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States.
Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum
- Located in Hannibal, this museum preserves the childhood home of Samuel Langhorne Clemens (Mark Twain), celebrating his legacy and the settings of his famous works.
Missouri State Capitol
- Situated in Jefferson City, this impressive building houses the legislative and executive branches of the government of Missouri and features beautiful murals and a grand dome.
Silver Dollar City
- A popular theme park in Branson that offers a unique blend of modern thrill rides and demonstrations of 1880s Ozark culture.
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum
- Located in Independence, this library and museum is dedicated to the life, presidency, and legacy of the 33rd President of the United States, Harry S. Truman.
Forest Park
- One of the largest urban parks in the United States, located in St. Louis, it hosts a variety of attractions including the St. Louis Zoo, the St. Louis Art Museum, and the Missouri History Museum.
Cultural Experiences
Missouri History Museum
Located in St. Louis, this museum offers exhibits on the state's history and cultural heritage.
Silver Dollar City
A 1880s-themed amusement park in Branson that features traditional crafts, live music, and rides.
Kansas City Jazz Museum
Situated in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, this museum celebrates the vibrant jazz history of Kansas City.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
In Kansas City, this museum houses a vast collection of artworks from around the world, spanning centuries.
The Muny
America's oldest and largest outdoor musical theater, located in St. Louis, offering Broadway-style productions.
Missouri Folk Arts Program
This program showcases the state's rich cultural heritage through various folk arts and crafts demonstrations and festivals.
Outdoor Adventures
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Paddle through serene waters and explore caves in America's first national park area to protect a river system.
Katy Trail State Park
Bike or hike along this 240-mile trail that follows the Missouri River and traverses scenic small towns and wine country.
Mark Twain National Forest
Discover diverse ecosystems across 1.5 million acres, offering hiking, horseback riding, and camping opportunities.
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
Swim and splash around the natural water slides and pools formed by the Black River cutting through hard rock.
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
Hike to the highest point in Missouri, offering breathtaking views and access to the rugged Mina Sauk Falls trail.
Elephant Rocks State Park
Walk among giant ancient granite boulders that stand end-to-end like a train of circus elephants.
Off the Beaten Path
Elephant Rocks State Park
- Explore giant, ancient granite boulders that stand end-to-end like a train of circus elephants in this unique geological park.
Bonne Terre Mine
- Dive into the largest freshwater subterranean dive site in the world, featuring underwater trails and remnants of old mining operations.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park
- Discover castle ruins perched on a cliff, offering panoramic views of the Lake of the Ozarks and a variety of hiking trails.
Onondaga Cave State Park
- Tour the impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and active flowstones inside one of Missouri’s most spectacular caves.
Mingo National Wildlife Refuge
- A haven for bird watchers and nature lovers, this refuge features boardwalk trails through diverse ecosystems including swamps and hardwood forests.
Clarksville Sky Tour
- Experience Missouri from above on a unique zipline tour that offers breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and surrounding countryside.
Missouri Fun Facts
- Missouri is known as the "Show Me State."
- The state is named after the Missouri River, which itself was named after the indigenous Missouri Indians.
- Missouri is the birthplace of the ice cream cone, first introduced at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis.
- Kansas City, Missouri, has more fountains than any city in the world except Rome, earning it the nickname "City of Fountains."
- The state's most famous landmark, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, is the tallest man-made monument in the United States.
- Missouri was the starting point for the Pony Express, the Oregon Trail, the Santa Fe Trail, and the California Trail.
- The state is a major producer of lead, and the town of Bonne Terre has a mine that is now a popular diving site.
- Mark Twain, the famous author of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," was born in Hannibal, Missouri.
- The University of Missouri was the first university established west of the Mississippi River.
- Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks has more shoreline than the coast of California.
Featured Picture Gallery
Visit King Kong Outside of the Hollywood Wax Museum in Branson
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City
If You Are a Baseball Fan, Make Sure to Catch a Saint Louis Cardinals Game