Table of Contents
Missouri Map By County With Cities
Discover the Best of Missouri
Missouri is a Midwestern state known for its diverse landscapes, including the Ozark Mountains, the Missouri River, and the Great Plains. The state is also home to several vibrant cities, including St. Louis, Kansas City, and Columbia. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or foodie, Missouri has something to offer everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore the top attractions, hidden gems, and budget-friendly tips for traveling through Missouri.
Top Attractions in Missouri
If you’re looking for the best things to see and do in Missouri, start with these top attractions:
- Gateway Arch in St. Louis
- Silver Dollar City in Branson
- Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal
- Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis
- Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield in Republic
Hidden Gems in Missouri
If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences in Missouri, check out these hidden gems:
- Bonne Terre Mine in Bonne Terre
- Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton
- Bur Oak Brewing Company in Columbia
- Belmont Vineyards and Winery in Leasburg
- Grand Falls in Joplin
Food Scene in Missouri
Missouri’s food scene is a mix of classic Midwestern dishes and local specialties. Some must-try foods include:
- St. Louis-style pizza
- BBQ ribs
- Fried chicken
- Gooey butter cake
- Ted Drewes frozen custard
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling in Missouri doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some budget-friendly tips:
- Visit free attractions like the St. Louis Zoo and the Missouri State Capitol
- Take advantage of happy hour specials at local bars and restaurants
- Stay in affordable accommodations like hostels or Airbnb rentals
- Take advantage of outdoor activities like hiking and biking
- Shop at local farmers’ markets for affordable and fresh produce
Outdoor Adventures in Missouri
Missouri is a nature lover’s paradise, with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy:
- Hiking in the Ozark Mountains
- Camping in the Mark Twain National Forest
- Canoeing on the Current River
- Rock climbing at Elephant Rocks State Park
- Fishing on Lake of the Ozarks
Family-Friendly Activities in Missouri
There are plenty of family-friendly activities in Missouri, including:
- Visiting the St. Louis Science Center
- Exploring the Missouri State Museum
- Going to the Kansas City Zoo
- Riding the roller coasters at Six Flags St. Louis
- Playing at Silver Dollar City’s amusement park
Natural Wonders in Missouri
Missouri is home to several natural wonders, including:
- Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
- Rocky Falls
- Devil’s Icebox Cave
- Onondaga Cave State Park
- Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
Vibrant Nightlife in Missouri
Missouri’s cities come alive at night, with plenty of nightlife options to choose from:
- St. Louis’ famous Budweiser Brewery
- Kansas City’s Power and Light District
- Columbia’s lively music scene
- Springfield’s downtown bars and clubs
- Branson’s dinner theaters and live shows
Local Markets in Missouri
Shopping at local markets is a great way to experience Missouri’s culture and support local businesses. Some of the best markets include:
- The City Market in Kansas City
- Soulard Farmers Market in St. Louis
- Columbia Farmers Market
- Springfield Farmers Market
- The Branson Landing
Beaches and Mountains in Missouri
Missouri may not have oceanfront beaches or towering mountains, but it still has plenty of scenic spots:
- Table Rock Lake in Branson
- Lake of the Ozarks
- Elephant Rocks State Park
- Mark Twain Lake
- Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
Cultural Immersion in Missouri
Missouri has a rich cultural heritage, with plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in local history and traditions:
- Visiting the Missouri History Museum in St. Louis
- Learning about the Ozark culture at the Ozark Folk Center
- Exploring the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum
- Attending a powwow at the Missouri River Valley Powwow
- Sampling local wine at one of Missouri’s wineries
Art and Music Scene in Missouri
Missouri is home to a thriving art and music scene, with plenty of venues and galleries to explore:
- The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City
- The Contemporary Art Museum in St. Louis
- The Missouri Theatre in Columbia
- The Springfield Art Museum
- The Ozark Mountain Music Festival in Eureka Springs
Walking Tours in Missouri
Walking tours are a great way to explore Missouri’s cities and learn about their history and architecture:
- The Gateway Arch Walking Tour in St. Louis
- The Roaring Twenties Walking Tour in Kansas City
- The Historic Downtown Walking Tour in Columbia
- The C-Street Walking Tour in Springfield
- The Branson Historic Walking Tour
Architectural Marvels in Missouri
Missouri is home to several stunning architectural marvels, including:
- The Gateway Arch in St. Louis
- The Kansas City Public Library
- The Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City
- The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City
- The Union Station in Kansas City
Historical Sites in Missouri
Missouri played an important role in American history, and there are several historical sites to explore:
- The Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield in Republic
- The George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond
- The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence
- The Wilson Creek Civil War Museum in Republic
- The Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site in St. Louis
Biking Routes in Missouri
Missouri has several scenic biking routes, including:
- Katy Trail State Park
- The Rock Island Trail State Park
- The Great Rivers Greenway in St. Louis
- The Frisco Highline Trail in Springfield
- The Ozark Trail in the Ozark Mountains
Wellness Retreats in Missouri
If you’re looking to relax and recharge, check out these wellness retreats in Missouri:
- The Spa at Chateau on the Lake in Branson
- The Elms Hotel and Spa in Excelsior Springs
- The Four Seasons Hotel in St. Louis
- The Indigo Massage and Wellness in Columbia
- The Spa at the Chase Park Plaza in St. Louis
Adventure Sports in Missouri
For adrenaline junkies, Missouri has several adventure sports to try:
- Ziplining at Branson Zipline and Can