Missouri in the Midwest has a lot of wide-open fields and wild areas to explore. It also has the busy cities of St. Louis and Kansas City to see. With its beautiful scenery, landscapes, and nature, the “Show-Me State” is a great place to visit because it has the perfect mix of big cities and small, charming towns in the country.
The state is named for the winding river that splits it in half. It is in the Great Plains area of the United States. The Ozark State has a lot of flat land, but it also has some beautiful natural areas. The Lake of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake are two of the most famous places to visit. A lot of people come to the state to do more than just hike and bike through its woods and mountains. They also come to explore some of the state’s about 7,000 caves.
Missouri has a lot of fun things to do, but it also has a lot of history and culture to learn about. There are great museums and historic homes that are hundreds of years old, as well as lively theatres and theme parks. Of course, the Gateway Arch, the city’s most famous landmark, is there to greet you.
1. National WWI Museum and Memorial (Kansas City)
The National WWI Museum in Kansas City is the only museum in the country of its kind. It is a beautiful place to learn about almost every part of the war. There are more artefacts and records about the war there than anywhere else in the world. Along with weapons, uniforms, tanks, and planes, the museum shows photos, personal stories, and film clips that take you on an epic trip.
It was started in 1926 with a huge memorial tower on the same site. Its mission is to remember, analyse, and understand the Great War and its lasting effects. Read about what started the war, the ceasefire in 1918, and other important events. Then, climb to the top of the tower to get a great view of the city and the museum’s green grounds below.
2. Silver Dollar City (Branson)
You can find Silver Dollar City just outside of Branson in the southwest part of the state. It has thrilling rides, roller coasters, and amazing live shows that are fun for the whole family. Along with all of its fun rides and attractions, the 1880s-themed amusement park has almost a dozen different districts to visit. Each one has a lot of shops, restaurants, saloons, and theatres.
It has grown a lot since it opened in 1960 and is now consistently ranked as one of the best theme parks in the US. Now, people can walk around places like Homestead Ridge, Rivertown, and Wilson’s Farm that are both busy and calm. Before getting something to eat or going on a scary roller coaster ride, you can watch people cut wood, make iron, and blow glass.
You can do more than just watch a show or buy souvenirs. You can learn about the area’s past, enjoy one of the park’s many festivals, or explore the beautiful Marvel Cave.
3. Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium (Springfield)
The Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium is in the middle of Springfield. It is the biggest living wildlife museum of its kind in the world. At its huge complex, you can walk through halls full of detailed dioramas showing animals and their natural habitats from all over the world. In its large enclosures, you can see schools of fish, scary sharks, and slow sloths.
Even though it just opened in 2017, it is already one of the most popular tourist spots in the state because it has so many huge displays. There are a lot of artefacts, paintings, and short film clips in the museum that teach people about elephants, grizzlies, and crocodiles. People can also see taxidermied elephants, grizzlies, and crocodiles in dramatic poses in their natural habitat.
The best thing about the park, though, has to be its great aquarium. It has over 35,000 fish, reptiles, amphibians, and birds on show in themed areas like a Louisiana Swamp and an Ozark forest.
4. Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins
The cool old Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins are right in the middle of the beautiful state park with the same name. It is built on a prominent bluff with a view of the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. The crumbling walls and green grounds are fun to explore, and you’ll get great shots and views no matter where you go.
The huge stone house was built by investor Robert McClure Snyder and his sons in the early 1900s. It was based on grand and intimidating European castles. Unfortunately, it only lasted a few decades before a fire destroyed it in the 1940s.
People can now look at its beautiful architecture and brick towers before going to see the sinkholes, caves, and karst landscapes in the state park.
5. City Museum (St. Louis)
The fun and family-friendly City Museum in St. Louis is sure to be unlike any other museum you’ve been to. It’s full of amazing mazes, obstacle courses, slides, and tunnels. The five-story playground is huge and fun for kids and adults of all ages. It has a circus school, a skate park, a full cave system, a Ferris wheel, and an outdoor climbing area.
The museum has galleries full of one-of-a-kind art and items, like the “World’s Largest Pants.” It also has more serious sections on natural history and architecture.
Most people, though, come to discover all of its hidden corners and nooks. There are ball pits, castle turrets, construction cranes and old aeroplane fuselages hanging high in the air.
6. Missouri State Capitol
A lot of people think that Missouri’s state building is one of the most beautiful in the country. It is in the middle of Jefferson City. It stands on the banks of the Missouri River and has an impressive front with beautiful ionic columns, detailed reliefs, and exquisite sculptures. On top of it all is a huge, grand dome.
The amazing Roman Renaissance building was finished in 1917 and is the sixth building of its kind to stand on the same spot. It is surrounded by lush grounds and parks. The building’s huge outside is already amazing to look at, and the inside is even better. There are many figures, stained glass windows, and colourful friezes on the walls, which are made of marble.
On tours, you can learn about its past, see its huge chambers, and visit the beautiful State Museum before going outside to enjoy the fountains and flowerbeds.
7. Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
The wild and rocky Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, which is just outside of Columbia, is just as beautiful and full of great things to do outside. It has a large cave system with sinkholes, a spring, and an underground stream. The karst features are very impressive.
It is in the middle of the state and has both lush woods and rocky outcroppings. There is also a creek that flows through the park, and one of the best parts is the natural rock bridge that crosses it.
People who visit the Gans Creek Wild Area can go into its cool caves, hike along its winding path, take pictures of the beautiful plants, and ride bikes or horses along the trails that wind around the area.
FAQ’s
Q1. What makes the Gateway Arch in St. Louis a must-visit?
The Gateway Arch is a famous landmark in St. Louis and a reminder of how the United States grew by moving westward. Taking a tram to the top gives people stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River.
Q2. What outdoor activities can I enjoy at the Ozark National Scenic Riverways?
There are many things to do outside in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, such as canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and discovering caves. Have fun enjoying the beauty of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers.
Q3. What makes the City Museum in St. Louis unique?
The City Museum is a unique attraction because it has a playground, art installations, and sculptures all in one place. People of all ages can connect with the art and use their imaginations while they are there.
