Missouri Map By County
Missouri is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is known for its diverse geography, ranging from the Ozark Mountains to the plains of the northern part of the state. Missouri is also home to several famous attractions, including the Gateway Arch, Silver Dollar City, and the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum. In this travel guide, we will cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
The Gateway Arch is one of the most famous landmarks in Missouri. It is a 630-foot monument that serves as a symbol of the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can take a tram to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Another popular attraction is Silver Dollar City, an amusement park that offers more than 40 rides and attractions.
Hidden Gems
Missouri is home to several hidden gems that are worth checking out. One of the most popular is Ha Ha Tonka State Park, which features a castle-like ruins of a turn-of-the-century mansion, underground caves, and a natural bridge. Another hidden gem is Elephant Rocks State Park, which is known for its giant granite boulders that resemble elephants.
Food Scene
Missouri is known for its barbecue, and there are several famous barbecue joints throughout the state. Some of the most popular include Arthur Bryant’s in Kansas City, Pappy’s Smokehouse in St. Louis, and Sugarfire Smoke House in St. Charles. Missouri is also home to several wineries, and the Hermann Wine Trail is a popular attraction for wine lovers.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Missouri has several budget-friendly attractions, including free museums and parks. The St. Louis Art Museum and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City are both free to the public. Additionally, Missouri has several state parks that offer hiking and camping opportunities at a low cost.
Outdoor Adventures
Missouri has several outdoor adventures for visitors to enjoy. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a popular destination for kayaking, canoeing, and tubing. The Katy Trail State Park is a 237-mile trail that is popular for hiking and biking.
Historical Landmarks
Missouri is home to several historical landmarks, including the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal. The Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield in Republic is another popular destination for history buffs.
Family-Friendly Activities
Missouri has several family-friendly activities, including the Saint Louis Zoo, which is free to the public. The Science Center in Saint Louis is another popular destination for families. Additionally, Missouri has several water parks, including White Water in Branson.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Missouri has several off-the-beaten-path experiences that are worth checking out. The City Museum in Saint Louis is an interactive museum that features a 10-story slide and a rooftop Ferris wheel. The Rabbit Hole in Kansas City is a unique bar that is hidden behind a bookshelf in a coffee shop.
Natural Wonders
Missouri is home to several natural wonders, including the Ozark Mountains. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is also a popular destination for its natural beauty. Additionally, Missouri has several state parks that offer hiking and camping opportunities.
Vibrant Nightlife
Missouri has several cities with vibrant nightlife scenes, including Saint Louis, Kansas City, and Columbia. The Delmar Loop in Saint Louis is a popular destination for live music, and the Power and Light District in Kansas City is a popular destination for bars and nightclubs.
Local Markets
Missouri has several local markets that offer fresh produce and handmade goods. The Soulard Farmers Market in Saint Louis is one of the oldest farmers markets in the United States. The City Market in Kansas City is another popular destination for fresh produce and handmade goods.
Beaches and Mountains
Missouri has several beaches and mountains that are worth checking out. The Ozark Mountains are a popular destination for hiking and camping. Additionally, Missouri has several lakes that offer beaches, including the Lake of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake.
Cultural Immersion
Missouri has several cultural attractions that offer a glimpse into the state’s history and traditions. The Missouri History Museum in Saint Louis offers exhibits on the state’s history, while the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City celebrates the city’s jazz heritage.
Art and Music Scene
Missouri has a thriving art and music scene. The Saint Louis Art Museum and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City are both popular destinations for art lovers. The Crossroads Arts District in Kansas City is a popular destination for galleries and art studios. Additionally, Missouri is home to several music festivals, including LouFest in Saint Louis and the Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival in Columbia.
Walking Tours
Missouri has several walking tours that offer a glimpse into the state’s history and architecture. The Gateway Arch Tour in Saint Louis takes visitors on a tour of the arch and the surrounding area. The Kansas City Architecture Tour takes visitors on a tour of the city’s historic buildings and landmarks.
Architectural Marvels
Missouri has several architectural marvels that are worth checking out. The Gateway Arch is a modern marvel of engineering, while the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City is an example of neoclassical architecture. The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is another popular destination for its stunning mosaics.
Historical Sites
Missouri is home to several historical sites, including the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. Additionally, Missouri has several Civil War sites, including the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield and the Battle of Lexington State Historic Site.
Biking Routes
Missouri has several biking routes that offer scenic views of the state’s natural beauty. The Katy Trail State Park is a popular destination for biking, as is the Ozark Trail.
Wellness Retreats
Missouri has several wellness retreats that offer visitors a chance to relax and rejuvenate. The Ozark Mountain Yoga and Wellness Retreat in Eureka Springs offers yoga classes and spa treatments, while the Spa at Chateau on the Lake in Branson offers a range of services, including massages and facials.
Adventure Sports
Missouri has several adventure sports for visitors to enjoy. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a popular destination for kayaking, canoeing, and tubing. The Lake of the Ozarks is a popular destination for water sports, including wakeboarding and jet skiing.
In conclusion, Missouri has something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, outdoor adventures, or cultural attractions, Missouri has it all. Use this guide to plan your next trip to Missouri and discover all that this great state has to offer.