Defined by the beautiful Ozark mountain range, the Midwest state of Missouri is also known as ‘The Show Me State.’ Diving deeper into the state, there is no other name more suitable than this place which is nothing short of a traveler’s paradise.
If you are a traveler, then the state of Missouri is one such state that has everything to offer to satisfy a traveler. From the scenic and beautiful nature to the buzzing and pulsing cities, Missouri has it all. There are chances for exciting outdoor adventures and also thrills and fun of city life.
Combined long with a pivotal role in history, culture, and literature, Missouri can be the perfect destination for a vivid group. With exciting beaches, resorts, parks, and more, Missouri can be an ideal pick for a weekend getaway or a dream vacation.
If you are a traveler planning to go on a single journey or if you are planning for a fun time with your friends and family, ‘The Show Me State’ will definitely amaze you. So, here are our picks for the top 10 best places to visit in Missouri if you are planning a trip soon.
List Of Top 10 Best Places To Visit In Missouri 2023
- St. Louis
- Branson
- Kansas City
- Elephant Rocks State Park
- Lake of the Ozarks
- Ha Ha Tonka State Park
- Springfield
- Hannibal
- Ozark National Scenic Riverways
- Columbia
10. Columbia
Columbia is the fourth most populous country in the state and it is also one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. The city of Columbia is also referred to as one of the best cities in Missouri to live in.
The city provides an overall suburban feel which makes it one of the preferred destinations by young professionals to settle down. The city of Columbia is one of the liveliest cities in the midwest and the college town has different things to offer to its visitors.
Columbia is majorly known for three things – the progressive politics of the city, the active journalism, and also the marvelous public art of the city.
The University of Missouri is situated in Columbia, which gives the city an attractive vibe. The campus of the University also offers an insight into the past history of the state too. The Columns are one of the most iconic landmarks of the University of Missouri.
The six pillars that stand at the historic center of the University known as Francis Quadrangle originally supported the first campus building of the University. It is also one of the most photographed sites in Missouri.
Just like The Column, there are many sites in Missouri that are historically significant. The Museum of Art and Archeology in the city is a good choice if you are interested in the eventful past of the state.
Also, just like their history, they also value art. The Columbia Art League is the best place to check out the developments and also to see the different creations of modern art in Columbia.
Apart from this, Columbia is also a perfect place for some outdoor adventures. The city provides different options to engage in activities like kayaking at Finger Lakes State Park, the exciting and breathtaking view from the Eagle Bluff Conservation Area, and so on. There are also chances to enjoy some wildlife at the D & D Animal sanctuary.
9. Ozark National Scenic Riverways
As we mentioned, Missouri has everything to satisfy a wandering tourist. If you are a person who is interested in nature and outdoor activities more than history or art, Missouri has options for that too.
The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is one such place in Missouri. The park is situated in Shannon county of Missouri and offers its visitors beautiful locations and different outdoor activities.
The Ozark National Scenic Park is the first national park to protect a river system. The national park was established in 1964 and the main aim of the park was to protect the Current and Jack Fork Rivers and the areas surrounding it.
The protected area includes different landscapes such as meadows, forests, springs, and some caves and cliffs. The protected area is mainly located in Shannon county, with small portions exceeding into nearby counties.
Apart from protecting the river bodies and the varieties of plant and animal species found in the park, it is also a site for different types of recreational activities. As the main focus of the park is the two river bodies, almost all the major activities are water related.
The main attraction of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways is canoeing. Apart from that visitors can also find activities like kayaking, inflatable rafts and tubes, and also some motorized boats used by the locals.
The park also offers other exciting activities like hunting, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and so on. Being home to a variety of plant and animal species, the site is also perfect for hiking, bird watching, and even camping.
8. Hannibal
Hannibal is a city in Missouri that is situated on the banks of the river Mississippi. If you are a person who is fascinated by literature, then Hannibal is one of the perfect locations that you can visit while in Missouri.
Hannibal is just about 100 miles from St. Louis and is famous as the birthplace and childhood home of popular author Samuel Langhorne Clemens, who is better known to his readers as Mark Twain. Being one of the most celebrated authors in English literature, Twain made a huge impact on the town.
There are different locations in Hannibal that connect to the early life of the author like the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum. The Museum is situated on Hill Street, on the banks of the river Mississippi.
The location was home to Mark Twain from 1844 to 1853 and it was from there that Twain got the inspiration for many of his stories. The house was turned into a public museum in 1912.
Some of the other attractions in the city are also related to Mark Twain. If you have read the work of Mark Twain like The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, you might probably remember the caves mentioned in the story. It is possible to check out the Mark Twain cave and the Cameron cave which are mentioned in the book.
The lighthouse made in memory of the author is also said to offer a very beautiful view from the top, which is also open to visitors. Located on the banks of the Mississippi river, visitors can also enjoy boats in the waters of the mighty Mississippi.
7. Springfield
Located in the southwest part of Missouri, the city of Springfield is known as the ‘Birthplace of Route 66.’ Springfield is the third largest city in Missouri and the majority area of the town is located around the historic route 66.
Even though the original route is not used now, the city still reeks of the old atmosphere with its varieties of themed diners and motels. The city is also home to an antique mall and also a vintage car museum.
So, if you are someone who values the things of the past and embraces them, there is no better place for you in Missouri than Route 66.
Apart from the historic route 66, there are some other important landmarks in the city of Springfield. The city includes attractions like Wilson Creek’s National battlefield and the excellent Discovery Center.
Even among all this, the Fantastic Caverns stands out as one of the biggest attractions in Springfield. The Fantastic Caverns are the only cave system in the country that offers a complete ride-through tour for its visitors. A ride can last up to almost 55 minutes.
Nature has blessed Springfield with abundant beauty and that has earned the city the nickname of ‘Queen City of the Ozarks.’ The city is surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges and forests. This opens the chance of cycling and hiking for the visitors too.
6. Ha Ha Tonka State Park
The Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a public recreation area and is located near Camdenton, Missouri. The park is almost 3,700 acres and is known for its breathtaking beauty.
Ha Ha Tonka park is home to some of the most amazing and jaw-dropping geological structures in the country. This park is considered as one of the best places to visit in Missouri.
The park holds some amazing structures like a natural bridge that is almost 60 feet long, there is a sinkhole that is known as The Colosseum which is almost 300 feet wide and 500 feet long.
The Ha Ha Tonka State park is one of the most amazing parks of its sort in the country. It features different types of geological features.
There are cave systems in the park, known as the Robber’s cave and Counterfeiters cave which were known to be the hideouts of criminals in the 19th century.
The park features around 15 miles of a very well-maintained trail and the trail is lined with different structures like bridges, caves, and some natural sinkholes, which all eventually lead to a lake with crystal clear water.
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5. Lake of the Ozarks
The Lake of the Ozark is one of the most popular lake destinations in the Midwest. The lake was actually formed as a result of damming the Osage river in 1931.
Osage beach is the largest city near the lake. Being one of the most popular lake destinations in the area, the Lake of Ozark offers different varieties of recreational activities to visitors.
As mentioned, the lake was formed as a result of the damming of the river and there were different turns and twists that happened during the formation of the lake. These turns gave the lake a unique shape that resembled a dragon giving the lake the nickname ‘Puff The Magic Dragon.’
The lake covers a total of 1,800 kilometers of shoreline and it should not be forgotten that the scenic beauty of these shorelines is out of the world. The lake is a very large body and it supports a different number of communities that live on the banks.
These communities also offer the tourists different kinds of activities, starting from basic needs like an affordable stay. One need not worry about the cost and charges of accommodation around the lake as it offers everything from luxury resorts to affordable and comfy stays.
Lake of Ozarks offers world-class experiences in different activities like boating, fishing, hiking camping, and even golfing. There are also activities for kids like Big Surf Waterpark and also the games from Miner Mikes and Busters Adventure. The lake also offers chances for activities like parasailing and paddleboarding.
4. Elephant Rocks State Park
The Elephant Rocks State Park is a steam-owned public park and recreational area located in the Saint Francois Mountains in Missouri. The most striking feature in the park is a line of granite boulders that resemble the shape of elephants.
It was based on this structure that the park was given the name Elephant Rock. The land where the park stands were donated to the state by Dr. John Stafford Brown who was a geologist. Currently, the park is under the management of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Along with protecting the concerned area, the department also provides different recreational opportunities for the visitors to the park, making it a popular destination for both tourists and local visitors.
The Elephant Rocks State Park offers different activities for the visitors like trail explorations, rock climbing, and also for simple picnics. The park also holds the credit for being the first park in the country to design a trail, especially for people who are visually and physically challenged. The trail is called Braille Trail.
3. Kansas City
It might come as a surprise to at least some of you that Kansas City is actually in the state of Missouri and not in Kansas.
It is located close to the Kansas-Missouri state line and is one of the most active and live cities in the midwest area. Kansas City is located on the banks of the Missouri river and is one of the largest cities in the state.
Kansas City secured the third spot and is regarded as one of the best places to visit in Missouri.
The city was given the nickname ‘City of Fountains’ for over 200 fountains that adorn the streets of Kansas City. The city also holds another record for being the city with the most boulevards after Paris.
Kansas City is one of the cities in the midwest region that is famous for its music and arts. There are different popular performing theaters in Kansas City that offer a great experience to the spectators through their programs.
Not only in theater but Kansas City has also grown in prominence for its jazz music and live music scenes. Apart from these arts, the city also has world-class museums that offer a quick peek into the eventful past6 of the nation and the city itself.
Apart from all that’s mentioned above, Kansas City is also known for its mouth-watering cuisine. One of the must-try items in Kansas City is the highly acclaimed Kansas City-style barbecue.
The southern cuisine of Kansas City is also worth a try while you are there. Enjoying the world-class performances in theaters, listening to maestros playing jazz music, and trying out the flavourful combinations of Southern cuisine – what more could someone ask for in Missouri?
2. Branson
Branson is a small town located near the Ozark mountain ranges in Missouri. Even though the town is said to be a small one, the entertainment offers the town holds for tourists are massive, which gave it the nickname of ‘Family-friendly Las Vegas.’
The town of Branson is known for its theaters that hold shows featuring magic, music, and comedy. There are hundreds of entertainment theaters in the city that showcase world-class performances.
One of the most notable attractions in Branson is the famous Silver Dollar City which was created in 1880. The town also holds other forms of entertainment like the Hollywood Wax Museum, Titanic Museum, and Ripley’s Odditorium.
These places also attract a lot of tourists who are interested in such activities. The city also has an amusement p[art with all sorts of rides including ziplining, mini golf, and so on.
If you are a person who is not interested in performances or museums, Branson has options for you too. For people who love the outdoors, Brabson is blessed with picturesque nature.
The amazing landscape around the city offers chances for different activities like swimming, kayaking, other sorts of watersports, and also some adventurous hiking too.
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1. St. Louis
As most of you have expected, the city of St. Louis takes the top spot on the list of best places to visit in Missouri. Even though it is one of the most buzzing cities in the state, what is special about St. Louis is the laid-back side of the city, which is best for a relaxing vacation.
St. Louis is known for the iconic Gateway Arch in the city and it is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the state. The arch has earned the city the nickname ‘Gateway To the West.’ The city lies near the border between Missouri and Illinois and on the banks of the river Mississippi.
St. Louis has everything that you look for in a city. The city holds different luxury hotels along with the headquarters of different companies in the Downtown area, which is one face of the city.
The busy office streets and high buildings are a part of the ever-growing city. In contrast to that part, St Louis also has a face that is known for the thriving knight life, buzzing clubs, and also some of the best culinary experiences that you will never find anywhere else.
Conclusion
Planning a vacation or getaway can be hard but if you pick the correct location that has different activities and experiences to offer, it can turn out to be life-changing. So if you are planning such a getaway, Missouri is one place that you can always keep on your list.
The state has everything to satisfy any kind of traveler. Be it an adventure, be it peace and quiet, Missouri has it all and it definitely does justice to the name ‘The Show Me State.’
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