Explore the Best of Missouri: Things to Do and See
Welcome to Missouri, the Show-Me State! Located in the heart of America, Missouri is known for its Midwestern hospitality, beautiful landscapes, and rich history. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or foodie, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this great state.
The Gateway to Adventure
Missouri is home to some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the country. From the rugged Ozark Mountains to the rolling hills of wine country, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Hiking enthusiasts will find miles of trails winding through forests and along rivers in state parks like Ha Ha Tonka State Park and Elephant Rocks State Park. For those who prefer water activities, float trips down the scenic Current River offer a leisurely way to take in stunning views while kayaking and canoeing are popular on local lakes.
Explore the Outdoors
Hiking trails in the Ozarks
Missouri’s Ozark Mountains are a hiker’s paradise with over 230 miles of trails waiting to be explored. From breathtaking views atop bluffs to natural springs, the Ozarks offer an abundance of beauty and adventure. One must-visit trail is the Devil’s Kitchen Trail, located in Ha Ha Tonka State Park.
The trail features a natural bridge, rock formations, and caves to explore. Another must-see trail is the Mina Sauk Falls Trail, located in Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.
It is Missouri’s highest waterfall with cascading waters falling 132 feet down a cliff face. This hike can be strenuous but it’s worth it for the breathtaking views from the top.
Float trips on the Current River
One of Missouri’s most popular attractions is floating down the crystal clear waters of Current River. Renting a canoe or kayak and paddling downstream surrounded by lush greenery and towering bluffs is a relaxing way to enjoy nature’s beauty.
The river has several outfitters that offer different routes ranging from half-day floats to multi-day camping trips. If you’re up for an adrenaline rush, try tubing or rafting on some of Missouri’s whitewater rivers such as Meramec River or Jacks Fork River.
Camping at Lake of the Ozarks State Park
Lake of the Ozarks State Park boasts some of Missouri’s best campsites with plenty of activities for everyone. The park offers over 200 campsites spread across three campgrounds: Lakeview, Oak Grove, and Osage Hills. In addition to camping, visitors can enjoy swimming at one of two beaches along with fishing in one of Missouri’s largest lakes.
There are also numerous hiking trails throughout the park including Woodland Trail which is a 4.5-mile loop that passes by a natural cave. Exploring the outdoors in Missouri is a must-do activity.
With so much natural beauty and adventure to be had, it’s hard to choose just one activity. Whether it’s hiking in the Ozarks, floating down a river or camping at Lake of the Ozarks State Park, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Missouri’s great outdoors.
Visit Historical Sites
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis: A Symbol of American Progress
When you think of St. Louis, the Gateway Arch is likely the first image that comes to mind. This iconic monument stands at 630 feet tall and represents the western expansion of the United States. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top for panoramic views of downtown St. Louis, or explore the museum beneath the arch to learn about its history and significance.
The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal: Step into Twain’s World
For literature enthusiasts, a visit to Hannibal is a must-do activity in Missouri. Hannibal was the boyhood home of Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum offers visitors a chance to see where Twain grew up and learn about his life and works through interactive exhibits.
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield near Springfield: A Civil War Legacy
The Battle of Wilson’s Creek was one of the early battles in Missouri during the Civil War, fought on August 10, 1861. Today, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield serves as a memorial to those who fought here and provides visitors with an opportunity to step back in time and learn about this important chapter in American history.
Visitors can explore exhibits at the visitor center, hike along trails where soldiers once marched, or attend special events like living history demonstrations or ranger-led tours. Whether you’re interested in architecture, literature or history – these historical sites offer something for everyone seeking a glimpse into America’s rich past while visiting Missouri!
Enjoy Local Cuisine
Kansas City BBQ
When it comes to barbecue, Kansas City is a tough contender. The city’s famous BBQ sauce is sweet, tangy, and smoky all at once.
You can find BBQ joints all over the city, but some stand out more than others. Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque is an iconic spot that has been serving up delicious smoked meats since 1930.
Gates Bar-B-Q is another popular joint that locals swear by. The meats are slow-smoked over hickory wood for hours until they’re tender and flavorful.
Some of the must-try dishes include burnt ends (the crispy edges of brisket), pulled pork, and ribs. Don’t forget to slather on that delicious BBQ sauce!
St. Louis-style pizza
St. Louis-style pizza is not your typical pizza pie – it’s a unique culinary creation that you won’t find anywhere else in the world! The crust is thin and crispy with no raised edges, making it almost like a cracker. Instead of tomato sauce, it’s topped with a blend of Provel cheese (a mix of provolone, cheddar, and swiss) and a sprinkle of oregano. Imo’s Pizza is the most well-known St. Louis-style pizzeria with dozens of locations throughout the city and suburbs. The restaurant has been around since 1964 and has perfected its recipe over the years. You can order your pizza with various toppings like pepperoni or sausage, but many locals prefer it plain or “all dressed” (with mushrooms, onions, and green peppers).
Fried ravioli
Fried ravioli originated in St. Louis as an appetizer at Italian restaurants – now it’s become a staple dish throughout Missouri! It consists of breaded ravioli, typically filled with cheese or meat, that’s deep-fried until crispy and golden brown.
It’s often served with marinara sauce for dipping. You can find fried ravioli at many Italian restaurants across the state, but some of the best spots are in St. Louis.
The Hill neighborhood is known for its delicious Italian cuisine and has several restaurants serving up this tasty appetizer. Mama’s on The Hill is a local favorite that serves up delicious toasted ravioli (a similar dish to fried ravioli) alongside other classic Italian dishes like spaghetti and meatballs and chicken parmesan.
Attend Festivals and Events
Missouri State Fair in Sedalia
If you love carnival rides, live concerts, and fair food, then the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia is a must-visit event. Taking place every August since 1901, the Missouri State Fair is one of the oldest state fairs in the country.
From fried Oreos to funnel cakes, there’s no shortage of classic fair cuisine to indulge in at countless food stalls throughout the massive fairgrounds. In addition to carnival rides and games for all ages, there are livestock competitions showcasing prize-winning pigs, cows and other animals.
There’s also a tractor pull competition that draws fans from all over the Midwest. At night, visitors can enjoy live music performances from big-name country artists on a grand stage.
It’s not uncommon for some of these artists to draw crowds of 10,000 people or more! The Missouri State Fair is truly an unforgettable experience that will leave you with plenty of memories for years to come.
Oktoberfest in Hermann
Every October, Hermann turns into an authentic German town during its annual Oktoberfest celebration. Founded by German immigrants over 150 years ago, Hermann has preserved its rich German heritage through traditions like Oktoberfest.
This three-day festival features authentic German food like bratwursts and sauerkraut as well as German beer from local microbreweries. Visitors can also enjoy traditional folk dancing and polka music played by local bands dressed in lederhosen or dirndls.
There’s even a “Miss Oktoberfest” pageant where young women compete for the coveted title by showcasing their knowledge of Hermann history and performing traditional dances. If you’re looking for a fun cultural experience that will transport you across the Atlantic without leaving Missouri’s borders, then Oktoberfest in Hermann is the festival for you.
Tunes & Balloons Festival in Lake of the Ozarks
The Tunes & Balloons Festival in Lake of the Ozarks is a unique event that combines hot air balloons with live music. Held every September, this two-day festival features dozens of hot air balloons taking flight over the scenic lake, creating a colorful spectacle in the sky. Visitors can watch as pilots maneuver their balloons using precision to land or take off from a designated spot.
In addition to watching hot air balloons, visitors can enjoy live music from local bands and solo performers covering genres such as country, rock and pop. Food vendors offer classic carnival food like funnel cakes and corn dogs or something more gourmet like artisan pizzas or BBQ.
At nightfall, visitors gather around fire pits while they make s’mores and listen to acoustic sets by local musicians. If you’re searching for an out-of-the-box event that offers plenty of unique experiences combined into one unforgettable weekend, then make sure to check out Tunes & Balloons Festival in Lake of the Ozarks.
Experience Art and Culture
Nelson Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City
Kansas City is known for being a great destination for art enthusiasts, and it’s no wonder why when you have the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art right in the heart of the city. This museum is one of the best in the country, with an impressive collection that spans across all periods and cultures.
The building itself is a work of art, with architecture that mixes traditional and modern styles seamlessly. Whether you prefer paintings, sculptures or decorative arts, there’s something here for everyone.
One of the must-see exhibits at this museum is the American Indian collection. It features more than 25,000 works from tribes across North America, making it one of the largest collections of its kind in the world.
The museum also has a sculpture garden that’s open year-round – perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic on a nice day. With free admission every day (excluding special exhibits), there’s no excuse not to check out this amazing museum.
Missouri History Museum in St. Louis
For those interested in learning about Missouri’s rich history and culture, look no further than the Missouri History Museum in St. Louis. Established in 1866, this museum has been dedicated to preserving and sharing Missouri’s unique story for over 150 years. With interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations and artifacts from all eras of Missouri’s past, visitors can get an immersive experience into what life was like here throughout history.
One exhibit worth checking out is “The Mighty Mississippi,” which explores how America’s greatest river has influenced life along its banks over time. Another exciting exhibit is “Seeking St. Louis,” which explores how different groups have come to call St. Louis home over time – from Native Americans to immigrants from around the world.
Springfield Art Museum
The Springfield Art Museum is a hidden gem in Missouri that’s worth visiting. Located in downtown Springfield, this museum has a permanent collection of over 10,000 works of art, with a focus on American art from the 19th and 20th centuries.
The museum also has rotating exhibits throughout the year that feature both established and up-and-coming artists. One of the highlights of this museum is the Asian Art collection, which includes pottery, paintings and sculptures from China, Korea and Japan.
Another unique exhibit is “The White River Valley Historical Society Collection,” which showcases artifacts from the local area throughout history. With free admission every day, it’s easy to spend an afternoon exploring all the Springfield Art Museum has to offer.
Discover Hidden Gems
Ha Ha Tonka State Park Castle Ruins: A Forgotten Piece of History
If you’re looking for a unique and fascinating destination in Missouri, the Ha Ha Tonka State Park Castle Ruins should definitely be on your list. The castle ruins serve as a reminder of what could have been an impressive historic mansion, overlooking the Lake of the Ozarks. The castle was originally built in 1905 by Robert Snyder, who unfortunately passed away before it was finished.
After sitting abandoned for many years, it was eventually sold to the state and turned into a state park. The ruins are nothing short of breathtaking, with stone walls and arches still standing tall over a century later.
You can wander through the ruins and imagine what life would have been like for Snyder and his family if they had been able to complete their dream home. The view from the top is also worth the hike up, with panoramic views of the Lake of Ozarks below.
Elephant Rocks State Park: Nature’s Giant Playground
Elephant Rocks State Park is a unique destination in Missouri that is sure to amaze visitors of all ages. This geological wonder features giant boulders that resemble elephants scattered throughout the park’s hiking trails.
These massive rocks were formed millions of years ago when magma pushed up through cracks in the earth’s surface and solidified into hard granite. Not only are these rocks impressive to behold, but they also make for a fun playground for kids (and adults).
You can climb on top of them, crawl through narrow passageways, and marvel at their size and strength. It’s truly an unforgettable experience that will make you feel like you’re exploring another world.
Meramec Caverns: Underground Wonders
If you’re looking to escape the heat or just want to explore something truly unique, a visit to Meramec Caverns is a must. These underground caves offer a glimpse into a hidden world filled with stunning rock formations, crystal clear lakes, and even underground concerts. Guided tours take you through the caverns and point out all of the fascinating features along the way.
You’ll see stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over thousands of years, underground waterfalls, and even a giant room that can hold 1,200 people for concerts. It’s like stepping into another world entirely, and it’s truly awe-inspiring.
Missouri has so much to offer in terms of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or just want to experience something completely unique, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful state.
Conclusion
Missouri offers a variety of activities for all ages and interests. Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures, historical sites, local cuisine, festivals and events, art and culture, or hidden gems, Missouri has something for everyone.
We hope this article has given you some inspiration for your next trip to the Show-Me State. If you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, Missouri has plenty of options.
The Ozarks offer stunning hiking trails with breathtaking views of the countryside. Float trips down the Current River are a popular way to spend a hot summer day.
And camping at Lake of the Ozarks State Park is perfect for those who want to get away from it all. If you’re a history buff, don’t miss out on the Gateway Arch in St. Louis or the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal.
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield near Springfield offers a glimpse into Missouri’s role in the Civil War. Foodies will love trying out Kansas City BBQ or St. Louis-style pizza.
And don’t forget about fried ravioli – a local specialty that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Attending festivals and events is another great way to experience Missouri culture.
The Missouri State Fair in Sedalia is always a hit, as is Oktoberfest in Hermann and the Tunes & Balloons Festival at Lake of the Ozarks. Art enthusiasts won’t want to miss visiting Nelson Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City or Springfield Art Museum.
And if you’re interested in learning more about Missouri history, check out the Missouri History Museum in St. Louis. Be sure to discover some hidden gems during your trip – Ha Ha Tonka State Park Castle Ruins are an impressive sight, Elephant Rocks State Park features massive granite boulders that make for great photo ops, and Meramec Caverns offer an underground adventure like no other.
Missouri truly has something for everyone. Come explore the Show-Me State and create memories that will last a lifetime.