7 Best Attractions To Visit In Missouri
In the Midwestern region, Missouri is known for its Kansas City BBQ, Budweiser, tornadoes, the Gateway Arch, and more, making it a popular vacation destination. With millions of tourists flying in each year, the Show-Me-State offers a variety of activities to enjoy. It is also the birthplace of former president Harry S. Truman and famous author Mark Twain, making it rich with history. Get ready for an activity-packed trip to Missouri because the Show-Me State will show you its best attractions.
Gateway Arch National Park
One of Missouri’s most iconic destinations is the Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, formerly known as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. The park consists of the Gateway Arch, the Museum Under the Arch, and the Old Courthouse. In 1947, architect Eero Saarinen designed a stainless steel arch for a nationwide competition, and construction of the Arch started in 1963. It was a brilliant way to honor the spirit of Western pioneers, and it quickly became a popular landmark in St. Louis.
You can visit the Arch and take a trip to the top in a tram. Some trips offer a documentary, a virtual reality theater, and a riverfront cruise. Don’t miss out on The Museum Under the Arch, a free admission museum with six interactive galleries, a Jr. Ranger program, and exhibits on the history of St. Louis and the US.
The last part of the park is the Old Courthouse, one of the oldest buildings in St. Louis, dating back to 1839. The Courthouse is famous for hosting the first two trials of the Dred Scott case, a controversial case that played a significant part in the events leading up to the Civil War a few years later. Tour the courtroom where it happened, and learn more about the case and several others.
St. Louis Zoo
The St. Louis Zoo is a place that locals are very proud of. Home to more than 12,000 endangered animals, the zoo is the perfect place to connect with animals and learn about the creatures that live on our planet. Explore forests, oceans, deserts, and more, all recreated within the zoo, and learn about the importance of protecting these beautiful creatures. Get ready to see zebras, fish, frogs, polar bears, monkeys, insects, penguins, and thousands more.
The Zoo also has a 4D theatre that showcases an exciting adventure through the animal kingdom, a sea lion show that highlights how smart the little creatures are, and a stingray petting area where you can learn about these shy yet friendly fish. An adventure-packed day awaits you at the zoo, fit for all ages and a must-see while you’re in Missouri.
Silver Dollar City
Located in Branson, Missouri, Silver Dollar City is one of the country’s top-rated amusement parks. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, unique shows, or delicious food, Silver Dollar City has it all.
The park has some of the most intense rides, like Time Traveler and Wildfire, and attractions for younger children, like Fire-in-the-Hole and Flooded Mine. Some popular shows highly recommended by visitors are the Silver Dollar Saloon, The Heritage Hall Gospel Jubilee, and Reunion Hall Variety Show.
The park has many resorts, such as Westgate Branson Woods Resort and Westgate Branson Lakes Resort. Silver Dollar City is an all-day event for kids and adults alike, and it is definitely worth the visit.
Meramec Caverns
Along with the Show-Me State, Missouri is nicknamed the Cave State because of the 7,500 recorded caves it is home to. One of these is the Meramec Caverns, a system of caverns stretching across 4.6 miles near Stanton, Missouri. The caverns are under the Meramec Valley, and they are museums showing the complex formation of minerals and breathtaking jewels.
The caves have been a tourist attraction since 1933. Tours are conducted down well-lit pathways covering roughly 1.25 miles. There is also a gift shop, picnic areas, a restaurant, and the Caveman Zipline.
The Caves are rumored to have been a hideout for the infamous outlaw Jesse James and his gang, making it an even more interesting place to visit.
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library
Built in the early 1950s and located in Independence, the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library created a new standard for presidential libraries. The library offers an immersive experience of some of the world’s most tragic events, such as WWII, the Korean War, and the Civil War, and it also reveals how former President Harry Truman overcame multiple obstacles even before his presidency.
The journey to starting the library was very long because of the overwhelming amount of records. It took 30 years of work to finish the library, and although Truman wasn’t keen on having a “shrine” for himself, he recognized the importance of preserving the records. Many of the archives there held key information about events during his presidency.
The Library teaches you about world history, US history, and information about the president’s hometown, Missouri.
Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum
Samuel Langhorne Clemens, known as Mark Twain, was an author and humorist known for his stories of American boyhood. The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal shows the life and upbringing of a young Mark Twain before becoming one of the US’s most beloved authors. The boyhood home is one of nine buildings that take you through the iconic locations mentioned in Twain’s books. He based many of his characters on his friends, and the museum allows the visitor to be a part of his books. The museum has first editions by Mark Twain and some of his personal belongings, like a jewelry box Twain gave to his wife, Olivia.
Civil War Driving Tour
There is no better way to learn about historic events than to visit where they happened. The Civil War Driving Tour in Independence includes 15 stops for the First and Second Battles of Independence. The First Battle was one of the first battles of the Civil War in 1862, and the tour includes five stops. The Second Battle of Independence, also named the Battle of Little Blue, was a battle between 15,000 Union and Confederate forces in 1864. The tour has signs along the road explaining more about the battles, and it is a perfect opportunity to learn more about the Civil War.
The Show-Me-State has the perfect balance of history, fun, and nature, making it the ideal spot for your next vacation. Midwesterners are known for their incredible hospitality and delicious food, and Missouri has a lot to offer and to explore throughout the year. From the Gateway Arch to Silver Dollar City, Missouri has activities for every age and interest.
