Missouri, the “Show Me State”, offers a delightful blend of natural landscapes from the iconic gateway arch in St. Louis to the countryside of the Ozarks.
- Gateway Arch – Admire the iconic symbol of St. Louis, the Gateway Arch, and enjoy views of the city and the Mississippi River from its observation deck.
- Forest Park – Discover the green oasis in the heart of St. Louis, home to the Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis Zoo, and Missouri History Museum, along with beautiful gardens, trails, and lakes.
- Ha Ha Tonka State Park – Explore this enchanting state park near Camdenton, featuring the ruins of a 20th-century castle, natural springs, caves, and hiking trails.
- Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza – Experience the Spanish-inspired architecture, upscale shopping, and nightlife of this historic shopping district, adorned with beautiful fountains and colourful lights.
- Branson – Immerse yourself in the lively entertainment scene of Branson, known for its live music shows, theatres, and family-friendly attractions Located in the scenic Ozark Mountains.
- City Museum – Let your imagination soar at this one-of-a-kind museum in St. Louis, which combines tunnels, slides, and surreal exhibits to create an enchanting interactive playground for all ages.
- Mark Twain National Forest – Escape into the wilderness in this expansive national forest, offering camping, hiking, and fishing opportunities amidst the beauty of the Ozark Mountains.
- Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art – Journey through centuries of art history at this renowned Kansas City museum, housing an extensive collection of European, American, and Asian art masterpieces.
- Anheuser-Busch Brewery – Take a brewery tour in St. Louis and learn about the beer-making process while enjoying samples of the iconic Budweiser beer.
- Missouri Botanical Garden – Stroll through the greenery of this garden in St. Louis, hosting beautiful formal gardens, a Japanese garden, and a tropical rainforest.
Off-the-Beaten-Track Delights:
- Elephant Rocks State Park – Explore giant granite boulders that resemble a train of elephants in this state park near Belleview, suitable for hiking and rock climbing.
- Weston – Visit this small town on the Missouri River, known for its antique shops, wineries, and historic sites that retain their 19th-century charm.
- Rock Bridge Memorial State Park – Discover an underground network of caves, natural rock arches, and scenic trails in this hidden gem near Columbia.
- Arrow Rock State Historic Site – Step back in time in this historic Missouri River town, famous for its 19th-century architecture, museums, and the Lyceum Theatre.
- Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield – Dive into the history of the Civil War at this lesser-known battlefield near Springfield, where the first major Civil War battle west of the Mississippi took place.
- Elephant Overlook – Enjoy views of the Missouri River and the surrounding bluffs from this scenic overlook near Hermann.
- Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park – Experience the beauty of churning water, natural waterslides, and intriguing rock formations in this lesser-explored state park near Lesterville.
- National Churchill Museum – Pay homage to Winston Churchill in this museum located on the Westminster College campus in Fulton, where Churchill delivered his famous “Iron Curtain” speech.
- Meramec Caverns – Venture below ground in Sullivan and explore the underground world of these massive limestone caves, adorned with stalactite and stalagmite formations.
- Laumeier Sculpture Park – Roam through a outdoor sculpture park near St. Louis, showcasing over 70 contemporary art installations within a landscape.