places to visit in missouri in january

Adventures of Alice

17 Best Places to Visit in Europe in January

Sharing is caring!

Looking for the best places to visit in Europe in January? After spending a lot of time exploring Europe in the winter, here are my favourite 17 destinations.

If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you’ll know I always make a point of travelling in January. This is usually a little treat after the Christmas season! People seem to think that January is miserable and, as a January baby, I’m not a huge fan of that concept!

I don’t always go to warm places either. I tend to embrace the cold, either exploring cities that are nicer once the Christmas market crowds have left or heading into the wilder landscapes of Northern Europe—which I absolutely love!

For the last few years, I’ve explored quite a few places during January and had the absolute best time. So, if you want some honest opinions of the best places to visit in Europe in January, here are my favourite 17 destinations.

My Favourite Places to Visit in Europe in January

✅ Canary Islands : winter sun and beaches – Book a trip here! ✅ Edinburgh : for a historic city break – Book a trip here! ✅ Rovaniemi : for a beautiful winter wonderland – Book a trip here!

1. Stockholm, Sweden

Average Temperature : 0°C

This was one of our first-ever winter city breaks in Europe. We travelled in mid-January and it was honestly one of my favourite cities to visit during winter. Despite it being well past Christmas, there was still a lot of Christmas spirit in the air and on the streets. 

It felt pretty odd walking past Christmas decorations a few weeks after taking the tree down, but Stockholm was just glowing in January. Plus, there weren’t half as many crowds as there would’ve been in December. 

There’s also so much to do in Stockholm . You can wander the cobbled streets of the Old Town, explore the magnificent buildings, see some of the best museums in Europe, and explore the wonderful metro stations . 

Whether you’re interested in culture, Swedish history, or just fancy dancing to ABBA , you’ll love is here! 

✅ Check out the best places to stay in Stockholm

2. Prague, Czechia

Average Temperature : 2°C

Prague has become one of the best Christmas cities in Europe . It’s another city with a gorgeous Old Town, cute cobbled streets, and lots of history. 

You can explore the Prague Castle towering above the city, see the unique Golden Lane, and go on a boat cruise on the Vltava River . In January, the Christmas Markets are over, but the streets are just as beautiful, and often, dusted with snow. 

This is also a great time to explore some of the city’s best bars and cosy pubs, where you’ll be served hearty Czech cuisine and pints of beer.

✅ Check out the best places to stay in Prague

3. Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland is one of my favourite countries in the world and the very first time we visited was in late December. Admittedly, this isn’t January, but the weather is very similar once the Christmas season is over. 

Iceland’s January is often described as cold and dark, and it definitely is those things. December and January are Iceland’s darkest days with the sun only rising for 4 hours during certain times of the month. 

But contrary to popular belief, this doesn’t make it miserable. In fact, you can often have the best time in Iceland in winter because you don’t have the crowds or the horrendous prices of the summer months. 

You most certainly have to make the most of the daylight you do have. But there’s plenty of time to go on a tour of the Golden Circle, explore the south coast, or soak in the Blue Lagoon.

Plus, the dark nights are perfect for spotting the northern lights, one of the best things to do in Iceland.

✅ These are some of my favourite places to stay in Iceland

4. London, England

Average Temperature : 6°C

Plenty of people dismiss London in January, saying that it’s cold and wet. And I would be lying if I said that London in winter was sunny. However, rainy days on London’s streets have a certain quality to them that I just love.

You’ll find plenty to do in London in January. All of the city’s top attractions are open all year round, so you can still spend your time exploring Westminster, Tower Bridge, The Tower of London , and the London Eye. 

One of the things that makes London so great is the amount of f ree activities in the city . Since so many of these are indoor museums, if the weather does get a bit grotty, there’s still plenty to do. 

Plus, if you love cheap eats , don’t forget to pop down to Camden Market or Borough Market for some of the best street food in the city.

✅ These are some of my favourite places to stay in London

5. The Algarve, Portugal

Average Temperature : 16°C

This is the first place on this list that’s perfect for winter sun . The Algarve is definitely one of the best places to visit in Europe in January, especially if you love beaches, coastal scenery, and warmer weather. 

The Algarve is perfect for a road trip. There are just so many picture-perfect Portuguese towns to explore and you can easily drive the length of the coastline in just a few hours. 

If you spend a week here in January, you can explore lots of these towns, like Sagres, Lagos, or Portimao . You could also explore many of Portugal’s best beaches including Praia da Rocha, Lagos Beach, and Praia da Marinha and Benagil.

Plus one of the main benefits of visiting the Algarve in January is how empty it is. January is considered the off-season for tourists, so the beaches are much quieter. 

Admittedly, it’s much cooler as well, but, with the temperature at a comfortable 16ºC, I’d call it mild rather than cold. Perfect for coastal walks and exploring the small towns.

✅ These are some of my favourite places to stay in the Algarve

6. Rovaniemi, Finland

Average Temperature : -12°C

From a beachside trip to a winter wonderland, Rovaniemi is one of the best places to visit in Europe in January if you want to embrace the winter vibes. 

Located in Arctic Finland, Rovaniemi is often known as the gateway to Santa Claus. In fact, you can actually visit Santa Claus Village here, which is a huge draw for families around the Christmas period. 

But, once Christmas is over, the area is much quieter and more affordable too. 

Since it’s in the Arctic, it’s a similar story to Reykjavik in terms of short days and little daylight. But you can still visit Santa Claus Village in January as well as go reindeer sledging through snowy forests, and chase the northern lights.

If you’re after a true winter wonderland, you can’t get much better than this.

✅ Check out the best places to stay in Rovaniemi

7. Gdansk, Poland

Average Temperature : -1°C

We visited Gdansk very recently and loved it. It was our first time in Poland and I wasn’t really sure what to expect. But Gdansk was the perfect city for a weekend trip in January, and it surprised me just how much there was to do in this little Polish city. 

We took a day trip to the snowy beach town of Sopot, explored the picturesque Old Town with its iconic crane, and visited some of the more impressive museums in Europe. 

Gdansk’s museums are honestly amazing. There’s so much fascinating, but also pretty sobering, WWII history, and you can easily spend a full day exploring just museums. 

As well as that, the food is spectacular and very affordable. We had pork knuckles and dumplings and drank mulled wine from little street stalls. 

It also snowed on the second day we were in the city and we spent the evening having a snowball fight on the streets. It was so much fun.

✅ Check out the best places to stay in Gdansk

8. Oslo, Norway

Average Temperature : -3°C

The Norwegian capital is one of the best places to visit in Europe in January. It’s the perfect combination of history and nature. 

January in Norway can be a winter wonderland in the north. So, many people dismiss time in Oslo in favour of places like Tromso and Trondheim. And while these are certainly good options, Oslo is a great place to explore both the fjords and Norwegian history. 

No, you likely won’t find snowy streets in Oslo, nor can you usually see the Northern Lights. However, you can see hundreds of years of Viking history, some seriously impressive museums, a huge ski jump, a cute old town, and go on a wintery fjord cruise . 

We spent just a few days in Oslo and it was enough for me to fall in love with the city. I highly recommend it if you fancy heading north in January.

✅ Check out the best places to stay in Oslo

Malta is another great destination if you love winter sun. We visited Malta for New Year’s Eve and spent a few days there at the start of January before heading back home. We had the absolute best time. 

Malta really surprised me because of just how much there is to do there . I spoke to a few people before we visited who said it’s a great place for beaches, but there’s not much else. They could not have been more wrong. 

There certainly are some stunning beaches in Malta although January probably isn’t the best time to visit if you want to sunbathe. At the start of the year, you’ll find temperatures around 18°C, which is perfect for exploring the island without getting too hot

As well as beaches, you’ll find ancient temples, historic Old Towns, fascinating buildings, and some wonderful coastal walks. I also highly recommend taking a trip from Malta to Gozo – we spent a day in Gozo and it was one of our favourite days on the whole island.

✅ These are some of my favourite places to stay in Malta

10. Rome, Italy

Average Temperature : 10°C

If you want to visit one of the most historic cities in Europe , you can’t go wrong with Rome. Visiting the Italian capital is basically like walking through a humongous open-air museum. In January, you’ll get all the perks of visiting the city, but without the summer crowds. 

January in Rome is mild and occasionally a little rainy. You’ll probably find temperatures in the mid-teens which is great for wandering around and exploring the ruins and ancient sites. 

Of course, when in Rome, you can’t miss the Colosseum. This is one of the main reasons people visit the city and in winter, it’s always much quieter than during the summer months. 

You can also enjoy many of the other sites including the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and the impressive Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II.

✅ These are some of my favourite places to stay in Rome

11. Canary Islands, Spain

Average Temperature : 20°C

While the high season in Europe is usually in the summer months, the Canary Islands are pretty much all year round! 

Because of their location off the coast of Africa, these Spanish islands enjoy warmth all year. You will likely be enjoying temperatures of 22ºC or above during the daytime – you might even get a tan!

Christmas is a really busy time in the Canary Islands with thousands of people flocking here to escape the cold for Christmas . January is significantly quieter and you’ll likely find cheaper flights and accommodations during this month as well. 

There’s a lot of variety within these islands. You’ll find volcanic landscapes, lava tunnels, impressive National Parks, black sand beaches, and the cutest little towns along the coast and in the mountains. 

In my opinion, it’s one of the best times to explore the Canary Islands and definitely one of the best places to visit in Europe in January. 

✅ Check out the best places to stay in the Canary Islands

12. Hrensko, Czechia

If ever there was a hidden gem in Europe that deserves more recognition, it’s Hrensko. This cute little town is in Czechia, on the border with Germany and is such a beautiful place. 

When we visited, we found cute multi-coloured buildings, a little river running through the centre of the village, the most delicious bakeries, and incredible rock formations all around. 

There are some great hiking trails nearby including the famous Pravicka Brana, one of the filming locations for the first Narnia film . This trail isn’t too tricky to hike in the winter months either, as it’s mostly a flat path with a slight incline through the woodland. 

However, the arch is sometimes covered in snow which makes the landscape look so magical. You can also visit several gorges nearby, although the boat rides aren’t running until the warmer months. 

This is a wonderful place to visit if you want to get off the beaten path in Europe. It’s also not far from the German city of Dresden and the beautiful Bastei Bridge , which are also both well worth a visit.

✅ Check out the best places to stay in Hrensko

13. Athens, Greece

The second historical city on this list, Athens is one of the best places to visit in Europe in January if you love ancient history. Just like Rome, this city is an open-air museum and you’ll see some of the best historical sites in all of Europe if you spend a few days here . 

In January, the city is much quieter and the temperatures are mild. You can usually expect a temperature of around 15ºC. This is perfect for exploring the sights of Athens , like the famous Acropolis and the surrounding historical sites without the stifling heat of summer.

You can also get a little bit outside of the main city centre to Lycabettus Hill, a great place to climb up to for stunning views over Athens. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, I also recommend a visit to Delphi and a trip to Corinth as well – these were some of the best places we visited while in Athens. 

✅ These are some of my favourite places to stay in Athens

14. Grenoble, France

Average Temperature : 4°C

I couldn’t write a list of the best places to visit in Europe in January and not include Grenoble. If you love skiing or snowboarding, this city is well worth a visit. 

Located in the French Alps, the city sits right at the foot of the mountains. It’s a haven for winter sports and many people come here in January purely to hit the slopes. However, if you’re not into sports, the city is also a haven for culture. 

There are lots of great museums here including the Museum of Grenoble , the Dauphinois Museum, and the Archeological Museum. You can take the cable car and visit the Bastille of Grenoble, a historical fortress with views over the city. 

It’s also just a beautiful city with the prettiest streets and beautiful mountain views. 

✅ Check out the best places to stay in Grenoble

15. Venice, Italy

Average Temperature : 5°C

You might not think that this is a good time to visit this famous Italian city . However, despite the cooler weather, I actually love Venice in January. 

It’s much quieter than the summer when the crowds can make it slightly unbearable to visit. Instead, you’ll find quiet streets, misty mornings, and peaceful canals.

Plus, even though you’ll be a little early for Carnival , you’ll catch the pre-carnival festivities, particularly if you visit towards the end of the month.

Many of the top things to do in Venice are still possible to do in the winter. For instance, you can still visit Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica; you can still admire the Bridge of Sighs and go on a Gondola ride. It’ll just be cooler and much less crowded. 

As such, it’s also less expensive to visit in January since it’s the off-season. So, overall, it’s a really lovely time to visit and one of the best places to visit in Europe in January.

✅ Check out the best places to stay in Venice

16. Amsterdam, Netherlands

If you’ve ever wanted to see a city illuminated with lights outside of the Christmas season, you have to visit Amsterdam in January. 

The Dutch capital holds an annual Light Festival from the end of November until mid-January and the whole city comes alive in the evenings with stunning light displays. As well as this, you’ll also find a lot of great things to do here . 

The Rijksmuseum is one of the greatest museums in Europe. You can also explore the Heineken Exhibit, and the Van Gogh Museum, go on a cruise of the canals, and admire some of the beautiful architecture. 

Just like Venice, I think Amsterdam is much nicer without the hoards of people that the summer months attract. It can be a really peaceful city to explore in the winter.

✅ Check out the best places to stay in Amsterdam

17. Edinburgh, Scotland

Last but not least, Edinburgh. Edinburgh is one of the most charming cities in Europe and without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Europe in January. If you’re visiting towards the end of the month, you’ll be in time for Burns Night . 

This annual tradition celebrates the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns. It usually involves an elaborate supper and parties throughout the whole of Scotland. It’s a wonderful tradition to be involved in and Edinburgh is one of the best places to see it. 

As well as this, there are a lot of great things to do in Edinburgh in winter . You can visit the famous Edinburgh Castle , explore many of the museums in the city centre, and walk through the streets that look like they were plucked straight out of a Harry Potter film. 

Even with the trees bare and the streets glistening with rain, January is a lovely time to visit Edinburgh. 

✅ Check out the best places to stay in Edinburgh

Where can I go for winter sun in January?

If you prefer a milder climate, the Canary Islands, The Algarve, and Malta are excellent choices in January. 

All have temperatures ranging from 16ºC to 24ºC, making them perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the history and natural beauty of these locations.

👉 If you want more ideas, here are my favourite warm places to visit in Europe in January.

Where can I go for winter sports in Europe during January?

Grenoble and Rovaniemi are ideal for winter sports and outdoor adventures in Europe. 

Grenoble is a hub for skiing and snowboarding. It’s home to some of the best ski resorts in Europe. 

On the other hand, Rovaniemi is a traditional winter wonderland. You’ll find unique winter experiences such as snowmobiling, husky sledging, and even visiting Santa Claus.

What should I pack for Europe in January?

This entirely depends on where you’re going. 

If you’re heading to colder destinations like Stockholm, Oslo, or Rovaniemi, make sure to bring thermal layers, a warm coat, waterproof boots, gloves, and hats. Especially for Ronvaniemi, where you could experience temperatures as low as -16°C.

👉 Check out my winter packing list for more tips.

For milder destinations like the Algarve, Malta, or the Canary Islands, lighter layers and a good jacket should be fine. Even though the days are warm, the evenings can be much cooler. Don’t forget to pack a waterproof just in case. 

I also recommend comfortable walking shoes no matter where you’re going; exploring Europe often involves a lot of walking!

Is January a good time to visit Europe?

Yes, January is a fantastic time to visit Europe. If you don’t mind colder weather and prefer fewer tourists, you can have a wonderful time during this month. 

Many places remain open and it’s a nicer experience without the heat and crowds of peak summer. You’ll also find shorter lines at museums and attractions making it easier to explore.

Overall, I love January in Europe. There’s so much to see and with more affordable prices, it’s a much more peaceful time to visit. 

👉 If you’re still unsure of when you want to visit Europe, also check out my favourite places to visit in February in Europe.

My favourite tools for finding cheap travel

• SKYSCANNER – For amazing flight deals.
• BOOKING.COM – For affordable hotels and accommodation.
• SAFETY WING – For affordable, reliable travel insurance.
• DISCOVER CARS – For cheap car hire around the world.
• OMIO – For trains, coaches, and transfers.
• GET YOUR GUIDE – For attractions and tours.
• AIRALO – For a global eSim that keeps you connected.

Disclosure: Some of the links above may be affiliate links that earn me a commission at no extra cost to you. If you purchase through my links – thank you so much! I only recommend products and companies that I use and love.

Alice Smith is a travel blogger, content creator, and founder of Adventures of Alice. Following an unexpected redundancy, she embraced her passions and turned her hobby of travel blogging into a full-time career.

Based in the UK, she's ventured to over 30 countries since 2016. With a passion for the outdoors and going off-the-beaten-path, Alice is on a mission to show that budget travel can still be luxurious and that every destination, no matter how touristy, holds hidden gems.

Similar Posts

14 Best Beaches in Spain: The Most Beautiful Spanish Beaches

From the sun-soaked Spanish islands to beaches within an hour of Barcelona, these are the 14 best beaches in Spain.

1 Day in Rome: The Perfect 24-Hour Itinerary

Thinking of spending one day in Rome and wondering what to do? If you only have 24 hours, here’s exactly how to spend your time.

1 Day in Athens: The Ultimate 24-hour Itinerary

Are you wondering how to spend 1 day in Athens? If you only have 24-hours, here’s exactly how to spend your time in the Greek capital.

Iceland in Winter: Top Tips and Best Things to do

If you want to escape to a winter wonderland, there’s no better place than Iceland. These are the 9 best things to do in Iceland in winter.

16 Tropical Places to Visit in December

Whether you want to explore the lush forests in Thailand or escape to an island, these are the best 16 tropical places to visit in December.

20 Warmest Places in Europe in January For Winter Sun

From the toasty temperatures of the Canary Islands to more hidden gems like Malta, here are the warmest places in Europe in January.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• North Dakota
• South Dakota
• Exciting Cities
• Food And Drink
• Outdoor Adventures
• Where To Stay
• Skip to right header navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to the Midwest!

15 Best Places to Visit in Missouri for Your Bucket List

June 3, 2022 by //  by  Midwest Explored

There are so many cool places to visit in Missouri that you should not overlook!

Missouri is a beautiful Midwest state full of activities for every type of traveler. Whether you want to make memories with your family, are looking for a romantic getaway, or would love to enjoy an empowering solo trip, Missouri should be on your bucket list!

From lively cities full of art and culture to cute, small towns drenched in history, there are so many Missouri tourist attractions to make the perfect itinerary. You can road trip along the historic Route 66 or spend time deep in the wilderness.

No matter what you do on your Missouri vacation, you are sure to have a great time and want to come back! Missouri is the Show-Me State, so get ready to be shown beautiful nature, fascinating history, and cool cities.

Here are some of the best attractions in Missouri for your next trip!

15 Places to Visit in Missouri for Your Bucket List

Gateway arch national park.

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis Missouri is one of the most famous places to visit in Missouri. Constructed from 1963 to 1965, this elegant, stainless steel structure is the tallest arch in the world at 623 feet.

The Arch and the area around it became the smallest U.S. National Park in 2018.

Ride the tram to the top to get amazing views of the city and the Mississippi River.

Since this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Missouri, it is recommended you buy tickets in advance. They often sell out, and you do not want to miss out on this awesome experience!

If you are afraid of heights, visit the museum on the ground to learn about the history of the Arch, America’s westward expansion, and the story of Native Americans and pioneers.

Admission to the museum is free!

Mark Twain Boyhood Home

Head to Hannibal Missouri to visit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum . The famous writer was born Samuel Clemens in Florida, Missouri, in 1835.

He then moved with his family to Hannibal when he was four.

The museum is full of unique, interactive exhibits based on Twain’s books. Learn about his life and how his boyhood experiences and friends influenced his writing.

Hannibal is proud of its Mark Twain association and many other things in town have his name. You can visit the Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse for great views or explore the Mark Twain Cave.

A cruise on the Mark Twain Riverboat is another great Missouri activity.

Hannibal also has a ton of other historic buildings and museums to check out while you are in town. Hannibal is a great day trip from St. Louis .

Branson Is One Of the Coolest Places to Visit in Missouri

Branson MO is the Las Vegas of Missouri and with so many things to do, it is easily one of the best places to visit in Missouri. While it is a small town, Branson is a lively place that draws in a ton of tourists.

There are a bunch of theaters where you can catch a show or concert. A trip to the Titanic Museum Attraction will make you feel as if you have stepped onto the famous, doomed ship.

Kids will love learning with a fun twist at WonderWorks. The Aquarium at the Boardwalk looks like a giant, glass octopus and will wow everyone.

Silver Dollar City is probably the most famous Branson attraction. This 1880s-inspired amusement park is full of thrilling roller coasters, a train, and more kid-friendly rides.

There are also demonstrations of things like blacksmithing and candy making. There are shows, shops, and restaurants as well.

Another unique attraction in Branson is Dolly Parton’s Stampede. This is an awesome dinner with a show that you will be talking about long after it ends.

This is the perfect Branson attraction to visit if celebrating Christmas in Branson!

You will enjoy a tasty meal while horseback riders put on a Wild West show.

There are many romantic wineries in Missouri located near Branson!

Table Rock State Park

Table Rock State Park is just outside of Branson and is a great place for a weekend trip in Missouri.

There are great campsites here if you are looking for a classic American vacation or you can rent a rustic cabin nearby.

This is one of the best places to visit in Missouri if you want to spend time on the water.

There is an assortment of water equipment you can rent at the lake, including ski boats, kayaks, and paddleboards. You can also have fun swimming or fishing.

There are hiking and mountain biking trails to explore. Bring a picnic to enjoy in a scenic spot. All Missouri state parks are free to enter, so this is one of the best budget things to do in Missouri.

Fantastic Caverns Is One Of The Most Unique Places To Visit In Missouri

There are a ton of caves in Missouri , and Fantastic Caverns is probably the most famous.

Found just outside of Springfield, this natural wonder attracts a ton of people every year.

This cave system is especially great because of how accessible it is. Instead of climbing in like most caves, you ride a tram through during a 55-minute tour.

This is a great way to sit back and admire all the cool stalactites, stalagmites, and other cave formations.

Visiting Fantastic Caverns is not the cheapest thing to do in Missouri, though. Adult tickets are $30 and children six through twelve are $17.

Kids five and under are free. However, it is a great experience and there are not many other caves you can tour in a tram.

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World

It might seem a little random, but the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World is one of the most popular tourist spots in Springfield . Millions of people actually visit every year.

This outdoor specialty store was founded in Springfield in 1972 and has grown country-wide since then. The store is huge and holds more than just shopping opportunities.

Among the rustic, cabin decor, you will find fish tanks, alligators, waterfalls, and mounted animals.

Visit the Bass Pro Shops Museum to see what the original store looked like and learn how it expanded.

After spending the day exploring this unique outdoor shop, you can explore the delicious restaurants in Springfield MO.

Union Station in Kansas City

Kansas City, MO has so many great things to do.

It is a sprawling metropolitan area and one of the best places to visit in the state.

If you are looking for a place to go in Missouri that will entertain the whole family, then head downtown to Union Station.

This beautiful, historic building is more than a place to catch a train. Bring the kids to Science City where they can learn in a fun, interactive way. Watch a cool show at the planetarium or work together to beat the escape room.

There is a movie theater with a giant, 80-foot wide screen where you can watch the latest movies. Or you can catch a live show when the Kansas City Actors Theatre performs. The Museum of Illusions and the Model Train Gallery are also fun activities.

Union Station also has great Kansas City restaurants . For dessert, you can grab a goodie at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. There are also different events held throughout the year. Experience Christma in this Midwest City, to see amazing decorations.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Ha Ha Tonka State Park is one of the best state parks in Missouri mostly because there are awesome castle ruins which are true Midwest hidden gems .

This is not the type of thing you would expect to find deep in the Missouri wilderness, but there is an interesting history here.

The castle was begun by Robert M. Snyder in 1905 and was eventually finished by his sons in 1922.

Unfortunately, a fire gutted the building in 1942. Today, the ruins are one of the coolest Missouri attractions to explore.

The park also has cool geological features, including a spring, caves, bluffs, and sinkholes. There are also views of the Lake of the Ozarks. There are hiking trails and places to picnic.

Route 66 Drive-In Theater

If you are driving along Route 66, make sure to stop in Carthage. This small town holds onto its history and is a great place to spend a few hours.

The Route 66 Drive-In Theater is one of the most unique places to visit in Missouri. This is a great activity for traveling back in time.

The theater is open from April to September. Grab some treats at the concession stand and enjoy a movie from the comfort of your car.

This theater first opened in 1949 and has been very well preserved. This is a great place to bring the kids to show them a piece of history or enjoy a classically Americana date.

Grand Falls Is One Of The Coolest Places To Visit In Missouri

Grand Falls is one of the best waterfalls in the Midwest and is a pretty place to hike or take pictures. The waterfall is only 12 feet high, but the width is an impressive 163 feet.

You will find this water feature on the Shoal Creek just south of Joplin.

This is the largest continuously flowing natural waterfall in Missouri which means you can visit year-round and still find water cascading down.

The trail to the waterfall is an easy .2-mile loop. The short walk is perfect for all ages and skill levels. Make sure to bring a camera to get some cool snaps of the waterfall.

This is certainly one of the more beautiful places to visit in Missouri!

Ozark Mountains

If you want to experience fiery foliage during fall in the Midwest head south to the Ozark Mountains.

This range of ancient mountains covers the bottom half of the state and stretches into Arkansas.

There are a ton of cute small towns, beautiful state parks, and expansive national forests to discover. The Lake of the Ozarks is one of the most popular vacation spots in Missouri for locals.

Rent a lake house and spend time boating, fishing, swimming, and soaking in the party vibe.

The Ozarks is also a photographer’s dream with many historic mills, caves, and scenic vistas to capture.

The Ozark Mountains cover such a large portion of the state. It is nearly impossible to miss some of the Missouri attractions held within them. You could not ask for a better vacation in Missouri!

Missouri State Capitol Is One Of The Best Places To Visit In Missouri

If you are even in Jefferson City, then take time to visit the Missouri State Capitol Building.

This is the third state capitol building to sit in the city after fires destroyed the first two. The present building opened in 1924.

Inside the grand building, you can admire the impressive architecture, statues, and paintings. Join a staff member on a 45-minute tour of the building.

Did we mention tours are free? This is a great way to save money and still learn about the history and culture of the building.

The state capitol building is also where you will find the Missouri State Museum. There are extensive exhibits that cover the state’s natural and cultural history.

There are plenty of cool artifacts, recreations, and dioramas.

This is one of the coolest places in Missouri to visit.

Hermann Wine Trail

Missouri might not be the first place you think of when you imagine wine tastings, but you would be wrong!

German immigrants brought vineyards to Missouri in the 1830s and started the Hermann Wine Trail.

Today, this scenic wine trail stretches for twenty-five miles in central Missouri, connecting seven small town wineries.

You can do a self-guided tour or take part in one of the themed events throughout the year, such as the Chocolate Wine Trail or the Say Cheese Wine Trail.

After tasting some award-winning wines, you can explore the small towns or spend a romantic weekend in a cute bed and breakfast.

St. Joseph Is A Historic Missouri Attraction

North of Kansas City MO, you will find the historic city of St. Joseph.

Along with beautiful, old architecture and an awesome downtown vibe, there are a ton of cool Missouri attractions here.

If you are interested in the Wild West, then St. Joe is definitely one of the best places to visit in Missouri for you.

This city is where the Pony Express mail line began. Riders would deliver mail all the way down to Sacramento, California. Visit the Pony Express Museum to learn about this fascinating history.

Another crazy event took place in St. Joseph in 1882 when the infamous outlaw Jesse James was killed here.

The Jesse James Home Museum is a little white building and is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

While in town, you can also visit some of the many other museums, admire the mansions in the Hall Street Historic District, or relax at one of the many parks.

With so many Missouri tourist attractions to choose from, it is easy to see why this is one of the best places to visit in Missouri!

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park Is One Of The Best Places To Visit In Missouri

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is in Lampe, Missouri, down in the Ozarks. This beautiful attraction in Missouri is 10,000 acres of idyllic nature and picturesque, old buildings.

This is a wonderful place to escape into nature and make memories with your family. The many fun activities make this one of the best places to visit in Missouri.

The hiking and biking trails will lead you through the forest where you can find waterfalls and pretty streams. A horseback ride is a memorable way to spend an afternoon.

Fishing, taking a wildlife tour, and exploring the working Dogwood Mill are more activities to check out.

Conservation is important to the park as well. You can learn more about nature conservation at the Conservation Center or find wildlife resources at the epic treehouse.

Packing List When Visiting Epic Places in Missouri

A  concealed travel pouch  may be one of the most important items you bring along when searching for the best places to visit in Missouri.

It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.

This  unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is  lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind.

If you have a pouch already that does not come with the RFID protection, as I do, these  RFID  sleeves are  the perfect solution.

This configuration comes with enough credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected. They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your pouch or wallet.

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an  external charging battery .

This  Anker high-speed phone charging battery  is  the exact one  I carry with me on all of my trips.

It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have. And wow is it fast!

I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about, and if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My daughter gifted me with this  FugeTek selfie stick and tripod   setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.

It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking selfies when visiting Wisconsin attractions.

Hydration is so important when traveling. You want to remain hydrated throughout your travels to support your immune system which in turn will be stronger to fight off any germs you will encounter during your travels.

You will want to bring your own  refillable water bottle  with you.

I never leave home on a trip without my  Bobble filtration bottle .  The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for hiking and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.

When filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the charcoal filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car.

Then this  set of collapsible silicone foldable water bottles  would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.

You will want a  backpack or daypack  with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. then this   foldable water-resistant backpack   would be great.

There are so many unique and interesting places to visit in Missouri for everyone! History, culture, nature, adventure! This Midwest state has it all! Get ready to plan your epic Missouri vacation!

Protect Your Trip »

Best places to visit in january.

January is an ideal time to travel for those needing to escape winter's chill. While travel deals may be limited during this time, you will skirt humidity and the rainy season in popular warm weather destinations. And if you're one for embracing the season's snowy offerings, this is the perfect time to take advantage of the powder in mountainous regions north of the equator. U.S. News weighed these factors and more across an array of different destinations – from the rugged to the refined – to come up with the best places to visit in January. Vote for your favorite destinations below to have a say in next year's list. 

Argentine Patagonia

Railay beach, st. kitts & nevis, serengeti national park, british virgin islands, hawai'i volcanoes national park, anna maria island.

As January brings some of the warmest temperatures and the most daylight hours of the year to Argentine Patagonia, it's no surprise that this is one of the most popular months to visit. Conditions will be ideal for kayaking or rafting on the glacier-fed lakes of the Lake District, located in the northern part of Patagonia, or taking a boat cruise to Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. Plus, the weather will be warm enough (though still brisk) for a trip to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world and an excellent base for hiking in Tierra del Fuego.

If sun, sand and a little adventure are requirements for your post-holiday escape, Railay Beach is a great place to spend your next vacation. January is one of the driest months of the year on this Thai peninsula, so you're likely to encounter sun-soaked days of beaching and kayaking while taking in views of the iconic limestone cliffs. If you're up for more action, this area is known for its rock climbing, and you'll also find several caves and lagoons to explore. Just be sure to book early as accommodations can fill up quickly during the dry season.

Come January, nothing sounds better than tropical weather and some of the best beaches in the Caribbean . But once you arrive, you'll find that these islands have even more to offer. This two-island nation boasts prime sailing conditions, blue waters perfect for snorkeling and lush forests and volcanoes for those who prefer to explore on land. Plus, if you're ringing in the new year here, you'll catch the closing events for the islands' biggest festival – the St. Kitts and Nevis National Carnival. Deemed Sugar Mas by the locals, this cultural celebration makes this one of the sweetest times of year to visit.

Venture to this Swiss ski town during the winter months for a scenic getaway. One of Zermatt's most impressive sights is its world-renowned Matterhorn. For breathtaking views, take a cable car to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Europe’s highest mountain station. Here, travelers can explore the attraction’s Glacier Palace, an enchanting attraction with ice tunnels and ever-changing ice sculptures. Adrenaline junkies can also gaze at this jaw-dropping natural wonder during a helicopter tour, or they can try hiking or skiing one of the area's 37 other mountains. Zermatt itself is car-free, but visitors can get around on foot or bike, or by using the town's electric vehicles.

Located in the Andalusian region of southern Spain, Seville boasts a number of can't-miss attractions (think: the Real Alcázar and Plaza de España). You'll also want to save time for a leisurely stroll down the winding streets of Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville's former Jewish quarter. Although weather this time of year is chilly for Spain (temperatures typically hover in the 50s and 60s), this is still much warmer than many other European destinations. Plus, travelers who visit in early January will be able to experience Three Kings Day, a celebration commemorating the day that the three wise men visited baby Jesus.

An African safari may not be the first destination you think of when planning a winter getaway, but a trip to Tanzania's Serengeti National Park should be on your radar. January is one of the best times to travel here, as it is when numerous wildebeest breed during their Great Migration throughout the park. To catch a glimpse of this can't-miss natural phenomenon, which is one of the largest herd movements in the world, base yourself in Southern Serengeti or the northern part of the adjacent Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Those looking to get away from chilly winter weather should consider a relaxing getaway to the British Virgin Islands. Average temperatures hover between the high 70s and low 80s this time of year, making it easy to enjoy the many outdoor activities that the four main islands have to offer. With ferries regularly traveling to and from the various islands, visitors can sunbathe on the sandy shores of Cane Garden Bay on the capital island of Tortola one day and explore The Baths on Virgin Gorda the next.

Home to two of the world's most active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park appeals to adventurous travelers. Hike or drive along Crater Rim Drive to see stunning views of the Kilauea caldera, or attend an educational ranger program to learn more about the park's history. January is Volcano Awareness Month on the Big Island, and the park holds several events during this time to promote the understanding and respect of volcanoes. Keep in mind, certain areas of the park may be closed due to seismic activity, so check the park website prior to arrival.

January is one of the driest times of the year in this tropical Central American country. That means it's much easier to enjoy Costa Rica's vast array of outdoor offerings and wildlife-viewing opportunities, such as the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. What's more, a number of culturally significant festivals take place in January, including the Palmares Fiestas, which features everything from bullfights to outdoor concerts. Looking to catch some waves? This is also a great time of year to go surfing in Costa Rica, especially for beginners.

Read More »

If your heart is set on a winter wonderland, Whistler is the spot for you. This Canadian ski destination averages around 80 inches of snowfall in January, so you're bound to have some fresh powder when you hit the slopes, snowmobile or snowshoe. You'll also have plenty of opportunity to embrace the elements while you ice skate at the Village at Whistler Olympic Plaza or ice fish on serene lakes. When you're ready to warm up, enjoy Whistler's après-ski scene with craft beer at a pub, or cozy up by the fire at one of the area's iconic chalets.

If you're seeking a cheap tropical vacation that's closer to home, Cancún is just south enough to offer an easily accessible warm weather getaway. Though January is one of the coolest months in this Mexican city, average temperatures typically remain in the high 70s and low 80s, and there is minimal humidity, which makes this a perfect time to visit. Just be prepared for others to have the same idea and book your trip early. When you're not defrosting on the beach, you can fill your days with a number of day trips and tours to must-visit ruins, nature reserves and nearby islands.

If you prefer snow over sand, consider taking a trip to Aspen, Colorado, one of the best places to travel in January. Daily average temperatures tend to hover near or below freezing, so you'll need to bundle up while shredding powder on one of the town's four ski mountains. Visit at the end of the month to catch Aspen's annual X Games, where top athletes compete in skiing and snowboarding. The town also offers a premier après-ski scene, with plenty of museums, theaters and shops for when you need a break from the slopes.

Take a trip Down Under for an unforgettable outdoor adventure. In January, this Australian island offers its warmest weather of the year – average highs sit in the low 70s – thanks to its location in the Southern Hemisphere. Much of Tasmania is protected in national parks and wildlife reserves, offering nature lovers plenty of opportunities to hike, camp and spot wildlife. Travelers can also head to the capital city of Hobart to explore its food and wine offerings or visit the Mona, a unique underground art museum with its own brewery, winery and restaurant.

Boasting the world's tallest building (Burj Khalifa), the world's largest shopping center (the Dubai Mall) and the world's longest urban zip line (the XLine Dubai), this United Arab Emirates city has plenty to offer travelers come January. Average temperatures this time of year hover around the mid-70s, which is ideal for lounging on popular La Mer beach, strolling through the whimsical Dubai Miracle Garden or floating down Dubai Creek on a water taxi (called an abra). If you need to get out of the sun, consider touring the ornate Jumeirah Mosque or observing marine life at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

San Miguel de Allende

Death Valley National Park

You may be interested in.

Best Places to Visit in December

Best Places to Visit in February

Best Winter Vacations

Best Cheap Winter Vacations

Best Winter Family Vacations

Best Ski Vacations in the World

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 19 Best Fall Family Vacations for 2024

Amanda Norcross August 27, 2024

The 28 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2024

Holly Johnson|Timothy J. Forster May 8, 2024

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

41 Fun Things To Do & Places To Visit In Missouri

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Last updated: August 15, 2024

With busy streets framed by mountains, forests, lakes and waterfalls, Missouri is a state that has it all.

You can enjoy resorts and restaurants in the big cities; you can go camping under the stars in the wilderness.

You can also enjoy the cultural depth of Missouri.

From the iconic landmarks to the little-known shops, diners and roadside attractions, there’s a reason why this uniquely Midwestern destination is nicknamed the “Show Me State.”

Maybe you’re planning an imminent vacation.

Maybe you’re making a bucket list for the distant future.

Either way, here are 41 awesome things to do in Missouri!

Table of Contents

1. Gateway Arch

Gateway Arch

The Gateway Arch is one of the most famous places in Missouri.

Located in the heart of St. Louis , its gleaming curve peaks at more than 600 feet above the city skyline, and it can be seen for miles around.

You don’t have to admire it from afar, however.

One of the coolest things about the arch is its observation deck!

You can take a ride to the very top and gaze out at the marvelous scenery below, including parks, bridges, buildings and the Mississippi River.

There’s also a visitor center if you want to learn more about the construction of the arch and the role that it played in the city’s development.

Additionally, there’s a gift shop if you want to do the tourist thing and grab a “I (Heart) St. Louis” key chain.

The Gateway Arch is one of the premiere tourist attractions of Missouri.

It’s the kind of place that you won’t want to miss.

Every time you tell someone that you visited St. Louis, they’ll ask if you visited the arch, so make it a true story and go!

Address: St. Louis, MO 63102, United States

2. Bogart’s Smokehouse

Bogart’s Smokehouse

Ask a dozen different people about the best restaurants in Missouri, and you’ll get a dozen different answers depending on what that person likes the most.

However, one common thread is simple: barbecue.

Missouri loves its barbecue!

Bogart’s Smokehouse isn’t the only place specializing in things like pulled pork sandwiches and sauce-slathered ribs served on piping hot platters, but it’s one of the most renowned.

All of its meat is smoked for more than 24 house before being rubbed down with herbs and spices and slow-cooked on cherry wood.

Its head chef actually trained in Memphis , another barbecue haven, before bringing his talents north, and you can taste his experience in every juicy bite.

You can’t leave Missouri without tasting some of its barbecue.

When you work up an appetite during your vacation, stop by Bogart’s Smokehouse for some life-changing pork.

Address: 1627 S 9th St, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States

3. City Museum

Chris857 , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

At first glance, City Museum might seem like any other plain, square-bricked building in St. Louis.

When you look a little higher, however, you’ll see the strange shapes jutting off the roof, and you’ll realize that it’s actually one of the craziest vacation spots in Missouri!

Planes and school buses jut over the edge of the building.

A Ferris wheel slowly turns over a pond filled with stepping stones and gigantic statues of bugs.

A glass dome, salvaged from the renovations of a local science center, sits in the middle of twisted metal sculptures that are both viewable and climbable.

The fun continues inside of the building as well.

Exhibits include everything from taxidermy animals to mineral collections.

Interactive rooms will let you paint, build, ride a train, skateboard in an indoor park or attend lessons at circus school.

Oddities include things like “The World’s Largest Underwear.”

Long story short, City Museum isn’t your typical museum.

It’s a crazy cross between a playground, fun house and kooky art installation, and it’s definitely one of the top things to do in Missouri.

Address: 750 N 16th St, St. Louis, MO 63103, United States

4. Lake of the Ozarks

Lake of the Ozarks

With its slow, lazy waves surrounded by beautiful foliage, the Lake of the Ozarks is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Missouri.

Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, rafting, hiking, biking, camping and more.

The surface of the lake covers 54,000 acres, so there’s plenty of space to spread out.

There’s also a lot of room on the sandy coasts; the shoreline stretches for 1,150 miles.

That’s more shoreline than the entire state of California , and it’s located in the landlocked state of Missouri!

Events are common on the lake.

There are fireworks in the summer and holiday lights in the winter; there are garden shows in the spring and food festivals in the fall.

You can also have fun year-round at destinations like the “Party Cove,” a gathering hole for swimmers.

If you’re looking for a good time in Missouri, visit the Lake of the Ozarks.

You can hop in for a quick swim; you can rent a lakeside cabin for the entire summer.

It’s a place with endless possibilities.

5. Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City ( Shane Adams / flickr )

As one of the biggest amusement parks in Missouri, Silver Dollar City definitely lives up to its name.

It’s so big that it’s actually divided into “districts” as a play on its theme.

Rivertown has rides and restaurants along the water.

Wilson’s Farm has fun, family-friendly activities with an agricultural motif.

Midtown has more carnival games that you can shake a stick at, and Homestead Ridge offers vintage-style shops for all of your souvenir needs.

Main Street is a boulevard that connects them all.

You can choose your own adventure at this amusement park.

Whether you want to watch a demonstration at a pottery store or make your stomach drop with death-defying roller coasters, there’s a little something for everyone here.

Silver Dollar City is another one of those Missouri attractions that everyone knows.

If you don’t want to be left out of the fun, book your tickets this weekend and get ready for a wild ride!

Address: 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson, MO 65616, United States

Visiting other areas of Missouri? Why not check out some of the fun things to do in Springfield, MO ?

6. Adrenaline Zone

Adrenaline Zone

If you’re wondering where to go in Missouri on a rainy day, look no further than the Adrenaline Zone .

It offers all kinds of heart-pumping activities to get your blood racing, and since they’re all indoors, you can enjoy them rain or shine!

Traditional games include pool, foosball, skeeball and laser tag.

More involved activities range from timed laser mazes to “demolition ball,” a unique basketball-and-hockey hybrid that’s played in bumper cars.

You can eat and drink when you’re done, or you can play arcade games to earn tickets and win prizes.

If you’re traveling to Missouri with a group, you can rent out the entire facility for parties, work retreats or “lock-in” events.

Long story short, the fun never stops at the Adrenaline Zone.

Rain or shine, its doors are always open for folks who want to unleash their inner child by running around and shooting at each other with laser guns.

Address: 1875 S Old Hwy 94, St Charles, MO 63303, United States

7. Hermann Wine Trail

Hermann Wine Trail

What’s the first place that comes to mind when you think about wine?

It probably isn’t Missouri, but the Hermann Wine Trail has every bit of splendor as Napa Valley .

Founded by German immigrants in 1836, the Hermann Wine Trail started as a single vineyard that grew over the years to encompass everything from wine halls to artisan wine shops.

Today, it stretches for more than 25 miles, and there’s a trolley that connects all of the stores and villas in the area.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities on the trail.

There’s wine tasting, of course, but there’s also shopping and sightseeing, and you can sleep at cozy little bed-and-breakfasts if you want to stay overnight.

Have you always wanted to wake up to a home-cooked breakfast in a soft bed with rolling green hills outside of your window?

The Hermann Wine Trail can turn your dreams into reality.

There’s a reason why it’s a top 10 spot in Missouri, so pack your goblets and get ready to drink!

Address: 150A Market St, Hermann, MO 65041, United States

8. National World War I Museum

National World War I Museum

World War I isn’t always studied as much as World War II, but this museum is a great way to educate yourself on a major point in U.S. history.

Located in Kansas City , Missouri, it’s been designated by the government as the country’s official WWI museum .

You’ll start by following the 265-foot tower to the main building.

From there, you’ll walk across a glass bridge that covers 9,000 red poppies symbolizing the 9,000,000 lives lost during the war.

Features of the museum include photos, videos, maps, flags, letters and artifacts ranging from rusted guns to old propaganda posters.

There’s a sound booth for audio recordings; there are two theaters that run educational films and reels.

There’s also a preserved Renault FT tank and a 1918 Ford Model T ambulance.

You don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate the National World War I Museum.

It’s one of the most interesting places in Missouri, so do yourself a favor and check it out if you’ll be near Kansas City during your trip.

Address: 2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States

9. Waterfall Park

Waterfall Park

Waterfall Park is one of the most fun things to do in Missouri.

Its namesake is a beautiful, ten-foot waterfall that crashes over rocks and into the pool below, and it’s surrounded by boulders and mossy lichens that make it look like something out of a fairy tale.

You don’t have to hike into the wilderness to see it, however.

The best thing about Waterfall Park is that it’s a man-made feature located in the middle of a metropolis!

The city is called Independence, Missouri, and it’s a tourist attraction in its own right.

You’ll find plenty of entertainment options in the form of bars, shops, restaurants and movie theaters.

That said, the main draw of the city is definitely Waterfall Park.

How many times in your life can you see a waterfall in the middle of a busy street?

If you’re looking for cool and unique vacation ideas in Missouri, put this one on your shortlist.

Address: 4501 S Bass Pro Dr, Independence, MO 64055, United States

10. Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company

Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company

There’s chocolate, and then there’s chocolate chocolate chocolate.

The latter can be found at the Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company located in St. Louis, Missouri.

Treats include bars, bites, truffles, drops, crunches and caramels.

There are handcrafted, artisan-made gourmet chocolates tucked carefully into gift boxes; there are sloppy, sticky and messy chocolates offered on factory tours and during tasting events.

That’s right: You don’t have to stay behind the counter.

You can wander deep inside Willy Wonka’s playground and see how your favorite fudges and peanut butter cups are made.

It won’t even cost you anything since tours are free!

You just have to make arrangements in advance.

The Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company is one of the best places to see in Missouri.

Even if you aren’t a sweets person going in, the cascading waterfalls of chocolate are sure to change your mind.

Address: 5025 Pattison Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States

11. St. Joseph

Saddle up, boys, because this one is a doozy!

St. Joseph was one of the last frontier towns of the Wild West.

Not only is it rich with history, but it’s also home to a number of world-famous tourist attractions, including the starting point of the Pony Express and the death site of outlaw Jesse James.

While some parts of the city have been modernized, others are still dedicated to days gone by.

You can see this historical preservation in everything from the architecture to the large number of museums, mansions and courthouses dotting the downtown area.

Modern features at St. Joseph include shopping malls and high-class restaurants.

You don’t have to eat 17th century jerky just because you’re in a place with 17th century buildings!

If you enjoy learning about the Wild West, you won’t want to miss St. Joseph.

It’s one of the coolest vacation spots in Missouri, especially for those with an interest in old-school American.

Grab your spurs, don your cowboy hat and get to riding!

12. Meramec State Park

Rklawton , CC BY-SA 2.5 , via Wikimedia Commons

Most Missouri attractions are located above ground.

Every so often, however, you’ll come across a subterranean area with a story to tell, and that’s exactly the case with Meramec State Park .

Located in Sullivan, Missouri, Meramec State Park is home to a diverse range of landscapes.

These include forests and glades as well as canyons and caves.

One of the most famous places to visit is Fisher Cave.

Filled with stalagmites and stalactites, it offers a dark, dimly-lit adventure into passageways filled with hard rock.

If you’re science-minded, you might recognize them as limestone and dolomite.

If you’re a layman, you can still appreciate the cool-looking rock formations!

Grab your flashlight and head down into the caves of Meramec State Park… if you dare.

Address: 115 Meramec Park Drive, Sullivan, MO 63080, United States

13. Busch Stadium

Busch Stadium

Attracting thousands of visitors each year, Busch Stadium is one of the best sites in Missouri.

It hosts everything from concerts to championship baseball games, and it’s also adjacent to a “ballpark village” that offers bars, shops, breweries and hall-of-fame exhibits, so it’s always bustling with energy!

The stadium itself has seen all kinds of events.

Baseball is the most common sport played on the green, but there’s also been football, soccer and hockey.

Concerts have welcomed everyone from Ed Sheeran to Metallica.

As for the village, it’s also a lively place.

There’s an outdoor marketplace under a retractable canopy; there are bars with mechanical bulls and restaurants with karaoke machines.

If you’re wondering what to do on a Missouri vacation, you might enjoy a trip to Busch Stadium.

There’s always something on the schedule, so whether you’re visiting during the blazing hot days of summer or the cold, windy days of winter, you can find something fun to do here.

Address: 700 Clark Ave, St. Louis, MO 63102, United States

14. National Museum of Transportation

National Museum of Transportation ( artistmac / flickr )

If you like planes, trains and automobiles, you’ll love the life-sized models at the National Museum of Transportation .

Like its name suggests, it transcends the boundaries of Missouri to serve as the biggest transportation museum in the whole of the United States.

It’s a national treasure in every respect.

Visitors can enjoy all kinds of exhibits about the various transportation methods of the past.

While the emphasis is on railroads and locomotives, just about everything is covered, including planes, ships, trucks, cars and more.

Models are displayed in both real and miniature sizes.

Engines are dissected and labeled.

A tiny railroad chugs around the tracks of the museum, and a real, rideable trolley echoes it, giving you the chance to get off your feet for a while as you explore the grounds.

If you’re the type of person who never grew out of their train phase, the National Museum of Transportation is the destination for you.

It’ll awaken all of your old passions while also introducing you to exciting new facts about the hobby!

Address: 2933 Barrett Station Rd, St. Louis, MO 63122, United States

15. Missouri Botanical Garden

Missouri Botanical Garden

Missouri is renowned for its scenery, but you don’t have to trek into remote mountains to enjoy it.

You can find a slice of paradise in the heart of downtown St. Louis when you visit the Missouri Botanical Garden .

Covering almost 80 acres, this “garden” is actually a collection of landscapes that showcases everything from flowers and trees to sculptures and cultural artifacts.

Many of the gardens are themed, so you can travel the world with the Seiwa-en Japanese Garden and the Strassenfest German Garden, or you can learn more about specific species with rose gardens, woodland gardens and even “Biblical gardens.”

Other features of the garden include fountains, bridges, reflection pools, hedge mazes and historic houses.

There’s also a geodesic dome greenhouse that was the first of its kind!

The Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the best things to do in Missouri.

It’s a resplendent place, and you won’t believe that so much greenery can be located right in the middle of a bustling city.

Address: 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States

16. Hollywood Wax Museum

Hollywood Wax Museum ( Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau / flickr )

Snap a selfie with a celebrity when you visit the Hollywood Wax Museum .

While the celebrity won’t be able to sign any autographs, they also won’t be able to deny your requests for silly or ridiculous poses.

That’s because they’re all made of wax!

The star-studded lineup includes everyone from Bruce Lee to Michael Jackson, so you’ll have your pick of photo ops.

Some of the statues are so lifelike that you’ll do a double take; others are so funky-looking that you’ll split your sides at the thought of the artist who created them.

There are other attractions at the museum as well.

From mirror mazes to interactive adventures, you’ll find plenty of kitschy, touristy ways to pass the time.

The Hollywood Wax Museum isn’t a particularly dignified place.

However, that’s exactly why it’s so much fun.

If you just want to cut loose for awhile, this is a great place for having a blast!

Address: 3030 W 76 Country Blvd A, Branson, MO 65616, United States

17. Hidden Valley Ski Resort

Hidden Valley Ski Resort

Missouri might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think about snow, but at the Hidden Valley Ski Resort , you can perform alley-oops like you’re at the Alps!

The powder is artificial, but it’s so cold and crisp that you won’t be able to tell the difference from the real thing.

It blankets the hills of the landscape like a winter wonderland that’s ready for all sorts of outdoor activities.

Skiing is popular, of course, but there’s also sledding, snowboarding and snow tubing.

There’s even a zipline that will send you hurtling over the snow in midair!

When you’re too cold to carry on, visit the ski lodge; there’s an open fireplace for warming up, and you can order food and drink while enjoying the ambiance of a cozy wintertime setting.

Who needs the Alps when you have the Hidden Valley Ski Resort?

Address: 17409 Hidden Valley Dr, Eureka, MO 63025, United States

18. Katy Trail

Nature lovers, you won’t want to miss the Katy Trail.

It runs for 240 miles along the Missouri River, and it crosses other famous trails like the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, so it offers all kinds of opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Located within Katy Trail State Park , the Katy Trail gets its name from the “KT” abbreviation that originally defined the Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad.

The railroad was abandoned over the years, but the path became a popular site seeing destination.

Today, Katy Trail is used by hikers, joggers, cyclists, dog walkers and more.

It’s open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset, and its landmarks include everything from steel bridges to rugged limestone deposits framing canyon-like paths.

Pedal through the Katy Trail if you’re looking to experience beautiful places in Missouri.

Whether you’re traveling in spring, summer, autumn or winter, the scenery will always be waiting for you.

Address: 101 Lewis St Machens to Clinton, Boonville, MO 65039, United States

19. Laumeier Sculpture Park

Laumeier Sculpture Park

If you’ve never seen a seven-foot eyeball sitting in the middle of a grassy green field, have you really lived at all?

This is a question posed by Laumeier Sculpture Park , one of the most eclectic places to visit in Missouri.

Its sculptures range from mythical creatures in flight to oil tanks tossed on top of each other as an expression of modernist art.

A walking trail will take you on a tour of the park’s outdoor pieces, or you can explore an indoor gallery or the preserved remains of a Tudor mansion built in 1816.

If you time your trip right, you can catch special shows, events and educational programs centered around art.

Laumeier Sculpture Park is definitely one of the weirder things to see in Missouri, but if you want to make unforgettable memories, it’s also one of the best.

Drop by with your camera to start a one-of-a-kind vacation scrapbook.

Address: 12580 Rott Rd, St. Louis, MO 63127, United States

20. Highway 76 Strip

Highway 76 Strip

Located in Branson , Missouri, the Highway 76 Strip is one of the best places to visit to get your groove on.

It’s home to dozens of clubs, studios, theaters and dance halls, including famous tourist attractions like Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater.

There’s other entertainment to be enjoyed, too.

You can dine on everything from trendy salads to thick, gourmet cuts of steak, and there are also shops, museums, hotels and more.

The main draw of the Strip is definitely its music scene, however.

Whether you’re interested in a top-tapping concert at the Grand Country Music Hall or a wild and wacky adventure at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction, the Grand Country Music Hall is a must see destination when you’re in Missouri.

21. Elephant Rocks State Park

Elephant Rocks State Park

The gigantic boulders of Elephant Rocks State Park are some of the most impressive sights in Missouri.

In addition to their size, they’re also a rosy pink color, which is where they get their nickname.

They can look a lot like circus elephants when you squint!

Natural trails will let you explore all of the rocks at length.

In an impressive first, the trails are accessible to all travelers, including those with disabilities.

One is actually named the “Braille Trail” for its use of braille on signposts.

Other places to visit include “The Maze,” a series of scattershot rocks that will require a strong sense of direction to navigate, and “Fat Man’s Squeeze,” a gap between two boulders that’s narrow enough to be quite the crunch.

All things considered, Elephant Rocks State Park is one of the most fun things to do in Missouri.

The landscapes are unique; the attractions are accessible for everyone.

Why wouldn’t you want to visit?

Address: 7390, 7406 MO-21, Belleview, MO 63623, United States

22. Activity and Recreation Center

ARC (Activity & Recreation Center)

You’re in Missouri.

You’re eating your weight in barbecue and cole slaw.

Are you wondering what to do to burn off some calories?

Consider a trip to the Activity and Recreation Center (ARC) of Columbia .

Covering more than 73,000 square feet, it’s a massive space with everything from pools to gyms to indoor tracks, so it’ll be more than suitable for anyone who wants to work up a sweat.

Do you like sports?

Join a friendly game at the basketball, volleyball or pickleball courts.

Are you serious about your weekly workout?

Hit the cardio or weight training rooms.

Do you like to swim?

Enjoy the pools, slides, vortexes, lazy rivers and lap lanes of the aquatic floor.

The Activity and Recreation Center of Columbia, Missouri is a must do for folks who want to stay active while on vacation.

There’s never an excuse for skipping leg day, right?

Address: 1701 W Ash St, Columbia, MO 65203, United States

23. Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Located near the small town of Camdenton, Missouri, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is named for the natural springs located on the grounds of its ruined castle.

“Ha ha tonka” translates to “smiling waters.”

You might not expect Missouri to have ruined castles, but that’s exactly why the park is so popular.

It’s one of the most unique places to visit in the state!

The landscape is filled with fun and unusual features, including caves, sinkholes, bluffs and overgrown woods.

Another nice thing about the park is that it’s located near the Lakes of the Ozark, so if you’re interested in normal summertime activities like swimming and camping, those are an option as well.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a must see destination when you’re in Missouri.

Between its caves and its castles, it has so many cool things to do that you won’t want to miss it.

Address: 1491 Missouri D, Camdenton, MO 65020, United States

24. Missouri State Capitol Building

Missouri State Capitol Building

With its gigantic white dome flanked by towers, columns and archways, you can be forgiven for thinking that the Missouri State Capitol Building is a piece of Roman architecture rather than a government building.

It’s a real workplace, however, and it’s one of the major places of interest in the state.

Tours are available for anyone who wants to wander the plushly-carpeted halls and admire the winding staircases and heavy bronze doors.

You can also view a sizable collection of artwork on loan from the Missouri State Museum.

Statuary is everywhere, including on top of the dome; a statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, towers more than 235 feet above the skyline.

She’s often one of the first things that people see when they enter the city.

Whether you’re interested in art, culture, history or government, the Missouri State Capitol Building can be a fun day trip for some unusual site seeing.

You don’t even need a reservation, so feel free to drop by at any time!

Address: 201 W Capitol Ave, Jefferson City, MO 65101, United States

25. Lake Taneycomo

Lake Taneycomo

Lake Taneycomo is one of the nicest places to vacation in Missouri.

With its deep blue waters surrounded by misty forests, it’s very picturesque, and it’ll make an ideal destination for couples, families and travelers of all types.

Outdoor enthusiasts can go swimming, boating or water skiing.

Nature lovers can wander the trails and picnic in the parks.

Lovers can hold hands under shaded tree groves; kids can run around like crazy in open fields.

You can also rent cabins along the coastline if you want to wake up to the sounds of the waves.

Another possibility is camping or renting an RV to take into the woods.

Maybe you’re a honeymooner looking for romantic spots in Missouri.

Maybe you’re an overworked career professional who just wants to “get away from it all” for awhile.

Either way, a visit to Lake Taneycomo can relax your body and soothe your spirits, so it’s a must do for anyone who desires tranquility on their trip.

26. Boulevard Brewing Company

Boulevard Brewing Company

Do you like beer?

Are you looking for free things to do in Missouri?

Enjoy the best of both worlds with a tour of the Boulevard Brewing Company .

Located in Kansas City, Missouri, the Boulevard Brewing Company is a place where alcohol is turned into an art form.

Its brewers have been toiling for decades to perfect their craft, and rather than locking away their secrets, they’ve opened their doors to anyone who’s curious about their process.

Take a tour of the factory.

Sample different brews.

Visit the “Beer Hall” and marvel at more than 100,000 square feet of taps.

Some activities do require a paid ticket, but most are free.

You just have to reserve your spot in advance.

If you’re thinking about what to see in Missouri that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, schedule a tour at the Boulevard Brewing Company.

It’ll be so much fun that you won’t believe it’s free!

Address: 2501 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States

27. Hannibal

Hannibal isn’t just a character played by Sir Anthony Hopkins.

It’s also a town in Missouri, and though it lacks the grand, flashy tourist attractions of the big cities, it’s a great place to spend the weekend.

Part of its appeal comes from its down-home Midwestern charm.

The city is nicknamed “America’s hometown,” and it takes the moniker seriously.

The locals are friendly; the servers in the old-fashioned diners will remember your name.

Many of the shops are mom-and-pop establishments with deep roots in the community.

As for things to see, you can visit the homes of author Mark Twain or Titanic survivor Molly Brown.

There are also parks, caves, trails, lighthouses and other scenic points of interest.

If you’re looking for nice places to stay this weekend, consider a stop in Hannibal, Missouri.

It’s highly accommodating to visitors, and it’ll give you a taste of the real Missouri while you’re there.

28. J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain

J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain

While not the biggest or wildest of Missouri attractions, the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain is worth a visit if you’re in Kansas City.

Not only is it a great place for photo ops, but it’s also centrally located to help you explore the rest of the city.

The fountain itself is a collection of marble sculptures that shoot water jets into a central pool.

There are bucking horses; there are children riding dragons; there are scowling bears with their paws extended for a swipe.

At night, the city illuminates the fountain with bedazzling lights and colors.

When you’re done snapping selfies with the dragons, hit the sidewalks of Kansas City.

There are lots of fun places to see, including malls, museums, bars, pubs and performance halls.

Did we mention that a visit to the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain is free?

You won’t have to pay a dime.

If you’re wondering what to do in Kansas City when you’re on a budget, this fountain is a great idea.

Address: 47th Mill Creek Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64111, United States

29. Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium

Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium ( CameliaTWU / flickr )

If you’re looking for cool places in Missouri, it’s hard to beat the glass tunnels of Sea Life Kansas City .

You won’t just peer into fish tanks; you’ll actually walk underwater through ghostly, blue-colored corridors with all kinds of brilliant sea life swimming overhead.

Live feedings are open to the public if you want to see sharks and stingrays gobble up their lunches.

If you enjoy hands-on interaction with the animals, there’s a touch pool where you can feel the slippery backs of sea jellies and the sticky surfaces of anemones.

There are also countless displays, exhibits and information stands where you can learn more about the animals that you’re seeing.

Sea Life Kansas City is one of the most delightful places to visit in Missouri.

Kids will love it, and adults will feel like kids again as they marvel at all of the wonders of the deep.

Book your tickets today, and you could be petting a sea urchin as soon as this weekend!

Address: 2475 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States

30. Missouri State Penitentiary

Missouri State Penitentiary

A prison might not be at the top of your list of tourist attractions, but if you’re looking for unique things to do on your vacation, the Missouri State Penitentiary can provide a rare glimpse into a little-known world.

The prison itself is a maximum security facility that was built in 1836.

It shut down a few years ago, which is why it’s available for tours today, but it still retains a heavy atmosphere that befits its gruesome legacy.

Inmates were executed here.

The gas chambers were used multiple times.

Inmates were also killed during riots, escape attempts and interpersonal conflicts.

In short, there’s a lot of history within the walls of the Missouri State Penitentiary.

You can learn all about it by visiting the museum across the street from the prison, or you can arrange for a tour of the prison itself.

Just make sure that you’re emotionally ready for it!

Address: 115 Lafayette St, Jefferson City, MO 65101, United States

31. Alley Mill and Spring

Alley Mill and Spring

You won’t find the Alley Mill and Spring in a lot of Missouri travel guides.

It’s a little-known spot located a few miles outside of the nearest city, and it doesn’t offer the flashy trappings of famous tourist attractions.

If you’re looking for authenticity, however, the Alley Mill and Spring has it in spades.

It’s a real gristmill that operated for years to provide Missouri residents with grain, and its springs were a popular place for swimming in colonial times.

At various points in history, it also served as a home, farm, schoolhouse and gathering place for the community.

Today, you can take tours of this iconic, red-colored mill, and you can explore the grounds around it to take some really beautiful pictures.

It’s particularly striking in the fall when the leaves scatter across the water, but it’s open during all seasons.

The Alley Mill and Spring is one of the nicest places to go in Missouri.

If you want to see what life was really like for Midwesterners at the turn of the century, this is a prime destination to get a little taste of history.

Address: Eminence, MO 65466, United States

32. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park

Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park

Missouri is no stranger to state parks, but Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is special.

The “shut-in” part of its name refers to the fact that its hard rock formations are resistant to erosion, so they form pools, tides and natural springs that are amazingly beautiful.

Some people go to the park just for sightseeing.

Others don their swimming trunks and take a dip when the water levels aren’t too high.

It’s allowed; you just have to be careful.

When you’re done in the water, shake yourself off and go for a hike along one of the many nature trails around the park, or set up a tent and spend a night under the stars.

If you know how to rock climb, you can also scale the cliffs to reach observation decks that overlook miles and miles of scenery.

If you’re wondering what to do in Missouri that’s different from the usual tourist attractions, you’ll love Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park.

Its unique geology will make an unforgettable vacation destination for all.

Address: 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO 63656, United States

33. Porter’s Candy World and Ice Cream Parlor

Porter’s Candy World and Ice Cream Parlor

If you’ve always wanted to kick your heels at a high-topped counter while licking at a strawberry ice cream cone, this is your chance to make all of your 1950s visions come true!

Porter’s Candy World and Ice Cream Parlor is a candy shop in Arcadia, Missouri that offers dazzlingly colorful displays of sweet treats.

Some are frozen, including their famous ice creams and malts; others are warm and freshly-baked, including their breads, cookies and cinnamon rolls.

Visitors can pull up a chair in the bright, clean dining areas, or they can wander the walls stuffed with jars, bags and candy boxes to see if there’s anything that they’d like to take home.

The ambiance is just as awesome as the sweets, so it’ll be a fun experience either way.

Porter’s Candy World and Ice Cream Parlor is one of those Missouri attractions that you won’t want to miss.

It’s a small destination in a small town, but that just adds to its charm.

As a bonus, its goodies are genuinely delicious!

Address: 211 south College St, Arcadia, MO 63621, United States

34. Heartland Harvest Garden

Heartland Harvest Garden

If you’re looking for educational opportunities in Missouri, consider a trip to the Heartland Harvest Garden .

It’ll take you and the kids on a fun, informative journey through agricultural practices in Midwestern farmlands.

One of the coolest things to see at the garden is the vineyard.

Its grapes and blueberries are grown on beautiful, storybook vines surrounded by green fields in every direction.

Another great attraction is the “Seed to Plate” greenhouse that follows every step of the planting, growing, harvesting and cooking process; you’ll learn a lot even as your stomach rumbles.

Other features of the garden include barns, gardens, silos and similar agricultural staples.

There are even fun things like an Apple Cider Court!

The Heartland Harvest Garden calls itself an “edible landscape” where every flower, tree, bush and shrub has a story to tell.

If you’re intrigued by the thought, pack up the family and take a tour of the grounds and greenhouses.

It’ll be an educational experience for everyone!

Address: 1609 NW US Hwy 50, Kingsville, MO 64061, United States

35. Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park

Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park ( Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau / flickr )

The Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park is one of the most fun things to do in Missouri.

On top of offering all sorts of fun, family-friendly activities, it’s also host to seasonal events that are famous for their festive spirit!

The year-round attractions at the park are the outdoor activities.

There’s a zipline and a rope course; there’s an area for off-roading in an ATV; there’s an observation deck with incredible views at the top.

You can also take in historical re-enactments at the old-fashioned villages or musical performances and puppet shows at the theater.

When the holidays roll around, the activity roster is even more packed.

The “Trail of Lights” offers a scenic drive through thousands of twinkling lights, and there’s always a Santa Claus on site to hear the requests of good little boys and girls.

If you’re looking for ways to enjoy yourself in Missouri, check out the Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park.

No matter when you’re traveling to the Show Me State, it’ll have something interesting for you to do.

Address: 5583 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616, United States

36. Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Missouri is one of the most beautiful states in the US, and when you’re walking under a canopy of red-and-yellow leaves in Dogwood Canyon Nature Park , you’ll feel like you’re traveling through a postcard.

There are stone bridges over babbling brooks; there are waterfalls cascading down stone cliffs; there are prairies filled with wildflowers.

It’s definitely one of the most scenic places in the state.

Activities range from leisurely strolls around the ponds to epic horseback rides through the open fields.

You can take the whole family and go camping; you can rent a cabin for a honeymoon or work retreat.

There’s also a tram tour if you don’t want to spend all day on your feet.

Consider a trip to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park if you’re looking for amazing sites to see in Missouri.

Between its landscapes and its activity rosters, it’ll provide plenty of entertainment for your vacation.

Address: 2038 West, State Hwy 86, Lampe, MO 65681, United States

37. Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure

Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure

You’ve heard of butterfly houses.

Have you ever visited a butterfly palace?

The Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure is an incredible destination where you can cover yourself in butterflies from head to toe.

The aviary has colorful species from all around the world, so whether you’re interested in handling exotic insects or learning to recognize common, everyday butterflies, this place has you covered.

There’s other cool stuff to do as well.

You can pet snakes in a science center; you can undertake a “tree adventure” through a labyrinth of hanging vines; you can twist yourself in circles in a mirror maze.

Offering all kinds of fun, family-friendly entertainment, the Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure will provide an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

It’s easily one of the best trips to take in Missouri, so you’ll be in the area, buy a ticket and prepare for an amazing time!

Address: 4106 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616, United States

38. Welch Spring Hospital Ruin

Welch Spring Hospital Ruin

Nestled in the woodlands of Missouri, the Welch Spring Hospital Ruin is one of those hidden places that you won’t find in a lot of travel guides.

It’s quiet and remote, and it doesn’t even have an exact address; you just have to set out from a nearby trail and head in the right direction.

The ruins themselves are the remains of a building purchased by a doctor in 1913.

He called it a hospital, but it was really more like a health spa; he believed that the natural springs would have healing properties for his patients.

Unfortunately, those patients never materialized, and the doctor died without passing on the property to anyone.

It was left to deteriorate in the wilderness.

Today, the Welch Spring Hospital Ruin is a crumbling, vine-covered building that makes for a nice sightseeing spot.

You can hike, bike or even canoe to it.

It might not heal you, but it’ll be fun to explore.

Address: Jadwin, MO 65501, United States

39. Saint Louis Zoo

Saint Louis Zoo

With more than 13,000 critters, the Saint Louis Zoo is one of the best places to go for animal lovers.

It’s also a favorite of budgeters and penny pinchers since admission is free!

That’s right: You can enjoy everything that the Saint Louis Zoo has to offer without paying a dime.

It’s funded through a cultural subsidy granted by the state of Missouri, so you can laugh at the lemurs, gawk at the geckos and marvel at the monarchs without ever reaching for your wallet.

Other attractions at the Saint Louis Zoo include aquariums, butterfly gardens, reptile houses, bird aviaries and “touch pools” for marine life.

You can ride a trolley throughout the park; you can hop aboard an old-fashioned, hand-painted wooden carousel.

There’s a lot of fun to be had at the Saint Louis Zoo.

As a bonus, the experience won’t cost you anything but time.

If you’re looking for free things to do in Missouri, this should be one of your top picks!

Address: 1 Government Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States

40. Noir Arts and Oddities

Noir Arts and Oddities

You’ve never seen an antique shop quite like this one.

Rather than selling grandma’s jewelry and embroidery, it sells things like skulls, coffins, porcelain dolls, weird medical devices and eerie scientific specimens in jars.

That’s the way of Noir Arts and Oddities , a location that specializes in the macabre.

Its shelves are filled with everything from snake oil tonics to iron-wrought mirrors that are said to be cursed.

Nothing is too strange for this little shop.

You don’t have to buy anything to explore it.

The owner welcomes anyone who’s interested in the strange and the unusual, and she’ll often chat with visitors and share stories about the more grisly items that she’s highlighting at the time.

A visit to Noir Arts and Oddities will be unlike anything else that you do in Missouri.

If you have the stomach for it, however, it’ll also be one of the most memorable.

Address: 1101 Mulberry St, Kansas City, MO 64101, United States

41. National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures is one of the best places to visit for folks who have never grown up.

It boasts more than 72,000 objects in total, and they include dolls, instruments, puzzles, model trains, board games, stuffed animals and more.

Some of the toys can be played with, so if you want to fly a colorful hang glider or walk the dog with an old-fashioned yo-yo, those are distinct possibilities.

Other toys are so old or valuable that they’re hidden behind glass, but you can still admire them, and you can learn their history through helpful museum exhibits.

If you want to rediscover a little of the delight and wonder of childhood, plan a visit to the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures.

If you’re able to walk by a 1800s Victorian dollhouse without fiddling with it, you’ll be a stronger person than most!

Address: 5235 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64112, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Missouri

These are just a few of the best things to do in Missouri.

Whether you’re looking for major points of interest or hidden gems that are only known to locals, this list should give you some idea of the fun that can be had in the Show Me State.

Happy travels!

12 Unforgettable Places In Missouri That Everyone Must Visit This Winter

Missouri offers a variety of winter activities including skiing, ice skating, and trout fishing, making it an exciting destination even in the colder months.

Written by  

Although Missouri is a more "happening" place in the spring and summer with all the outdoor activities, winter provides an entirely different experience. Skiing, festivals, sledding, ice skating, trout fishing and so much more provide wintertime fun, making the season less drab.  These are just a few places to check out in Missouri in December .

1. Big Cedar Lodge, Ridgedale

For a winter getaway in the Ozark Mountains, the secluded Big Cedar Lodge is a wonderful choice! Whether you stay in one of their cozy knotty pine cottages and log cabins in the woods, or choose a luxurious hillside cottage with an amazing view of Table Rock Lake, each location was beautifully chosen for absolute privacy. Big Cedar also offers private balconies, fireplaces, and modern amenities, as well as a choice of four different restaurants for your dining pleasure. It is the perfect place to sip come hot chocolate and enjoy the view, appreciating the tranquility. Rooms start at reasonable rates per night, but make sure to book early! This popular destination often reaches capacity during the holiday season. For more information, visit big-cedar.com .

2. Snow Creek, Weston

Open from December through the middle of March, Snow Creek in Weston is a great place to go snow-skiing, snowboarding or tubing. The Tornado Alley Tube Park features a thrilling downhill ride with a relaxing ride back up to the top of the hill. Wintertime hikers can enjoy 12 different trails that range from beginner to advanced, and the Rattlesnake Terrain Park is a place for expert skiers and boarders. Lessons, season passes and group options and equipment rental are available, and hours vary. They also feature a cafeteria, bar and lounge, first aid, souvenirs and gifts. What more could you want? It's one of the best ways to enjoy winter in Missouri. For current snow conditions, prices, and hours of operation, visit Snow Creek 's website.

3. Hidden Valley, Wildwood

Another Missouri option for skiing is at Hidden Valley in Wildwood. They are also open December through mid-March, and include skiing, snow-boarding and tubing, and a variety of trails ranging from beginner to advanced. For expert skiers and boarders, they offer The Outlaw and Badlands, and lessons, season passes and group rates are also available. Weather conditions affect Hidden Valley’s season, but generally they are open for around 70 days each year. In addition to a cafeteria, bar and retail shop, they also have first aid, a ski school, and offer special night skiing. Don't wait! Pack up your snow gear and plan your trip today! For more information, updates on conditions, hours of operation, and equipment rental rates, visit the Hidden Valley website .

4. Eagle Days, Various Locations

A big part of Missouri winter is the "Eagle days" held in multiple locations. In the winter, Missouri’s resident eagle population is joined by migrating birds from the north. New numbers of eagles in the area during this time can reach as many as 2,500 birds! Therefore, America’s symbolic bald eagles can be more easily spotted along open waterways and lakes throughout Missouri. Missouri has the second-largest number of wintering eagles in the lower 48 states.

"Eagle Days" are held in several places, special events that allow you the opportunity to witness these magnificent birds in their natural habitat, and learn from professional naturalists. If you've never experienced this magnificent display, add it to your bucket list. It's not every day you get to see these incredible birds up close! To find eagle days near you, visit mdc.mo.gov . Pictured is the Eagle Days in Clarksville.

5. Art Hill, Forest Park, St. Louis

Art Hill in Forest Park is a must-do and a legend in St. Louis, with pictures depicting sledders going down the hill as early as during the 1904 World’s Fair. With every snowfall, snow enthusiasts come toting their sled of choice; the typical sleds and snowboards of course, but also trash can lids, cardboard boxes and pretty much whatever works can be found. Be prepared for a crowd, mostly kids during the day and more adults at night. When a place is this fun, it's no wonder everyone wants to enjoy it!

6. Steinberg Ice Skating Rink, Forest Park, St. Louis

Also in Forest Park is the Steinberg Ice Skating rink. A generous gift from the Steinberg family, the rink has been in operation since 1957, and is a magical place outside under the stars. It is the largest outdoor skating rink in the Midwest, and was voted "the most romantic place in St. Louis" by a local paper. You can also enjoy the fire and get food at the café. The rink is open daily November through February, including all holidays. For more information, visit the St. Louis Parks website.

7. Ice Skating And Sledding At Stephens Lake, Columbia

Ice Skating is allowed on Columbia’s Stephens Lake when the temperature is low enough and the conditions are safe as determined by the city. When there are 4 to 6 inches of snow coverage, the sledding hill is open for you to bring your own sled and sled safely, looking for trees and rocks and staying out of the way of other sledders. Make sure to bring your camera along! You're certain to make magical winter memories that will last a lifetime.

8. The Loop Ice Carnival, Delmar Loop, St. Louis

Each January, the Delmar Loop becomes The Loop Ice Carnival. Multiple ice sculptures, human dog sled races, frozen turkey bowling, stilt walkers, and fire performers are some things that you might see. This year's event is sure to be a delight. Past activities have included: giveaways, putt-putt pub crawls, ice demonstrations and more. For more information about this year's event, visit the University City Loop website.

9. Penguin Parade at the Saint Louis Zoo

Editor's Note: The Saint Louis Zoo is no longer planning a Penguin Parade. For more fun, check out the Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo

Ever want to walk with the penguins? On Sundays during the winter, you can do just that at the St. Louis Zoo. They open up all the penguin enclosures and allow their most dapperly dressed residents to march (or waddle) along the pedestrian pathways.

10. Shaw Park Ice Rink, Clayton

Editor's Note: The Shaw Park Ice Rink is currently closed. Visit claytonmo.gov for the most up-to-date information.

Another Ice Rink is in Clayton, and fairly easy to get to whether you live in the city or country. From the end of November through the end of February, the rink offers public skating sessions, only closing if warm weather causes unsafe ice conditions. They are also have special Stick & Puck sessions just for hockey players where goals are set up on the ice, allowing players to practice their hockey skills. Visit claytonmo.gov . It absolutely belongs on your winter bucket list in Missouri!

11. Kansas City Curling Club

Never heard of curling? Well, it's about to become your new favorite winter pastime. Curling is a strategic ice game similar to shuffleboard. It is popular in Canada and during the Olympic Winter Games, and now you can play close to home with the Kansas City Curling Club. They welcome new and experienced curlers, and offer private lessons to teach you the sport, give you ice time for single-game play, and host six-week leagues. All you need are rubber-soled shoes and warm clothes and you can get started. Visit kccurling.com for more information.

12. Trout Fishing at one of the State Parks

Trout fishing at Montauk State Park, Roaring River State Park and Bennett Spring State Park is a must if you love fishing. With less crowds, cooler temperatures and better chances of catching fish, these parks are quite special in the winter. They are all located in deep wooded Ozark valleys, springs pump out millions of gallons of cold, clear water, and the streams they create are regularly stocked by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Need more ideas of places to go? Check out our list of the best state parks in Missouri .

Fully aware that the majority of these were in the St. Louis area, I would love to hear of some other winter destinations in other parts of the state.  Where are your favorite places to go in Missouri in December? Please share them in the comments below, and maybe you'll see them featured on a later post.

Looking for more things to do in Missouri in winter? Take a look at our list of the best winter hikes in Missouri ! Who says exploring is only for the winter months? These picturesque hiking trails prove that you can go out and explore nature all year long.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news.

• Northern California
• Southern California
• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• West Virginia

Thank you for subscribing!

The Downhill Summer Tubing Adventure In Missouri That’s Unlike Any Other

Experience thrilling downhill summer tubing at Snowflex Branson in Missouri, featuring the largest synthetic tubing run in the United States.

Summer's all about having fun and I am all about that! Missouri promises a little bit of everything in the summer - fairs and festivals, epic water parks, soft sandy beaches, and non-stop adventure. And if you're up for a day, or even just a few hours of breathtaking thrills, there's one particular spot for summer tubing in Missouri tubing that you really must check out...

Do you have the need for speed? You'll feel the summer breeze whip through your hair when you go downhill summer tubing in Missouri at Snowflex Branson. This spot is part of Wolfe Mountain, which is also home to Branson Ziplining. Talk about a great summer in Missouri!

Get ready for plenty of breathtaking moments as you soar down the 400-foot tubing slope by Snowflex.

What's your favorite way to zip downhill - facing forward or facing backward? Then, once you've made it to the bottom, climb aboard the magic carpet that will take you right back up to the top of the slope. This is truly one of the best fun things to do in the summer in Missouri.

Tickets for Missouri tubing here are good for an hour. And, you can conveniently reserve your tickets ahead of time at the website for Snowflex Branson .

But, first, make sure all guests are at least three years old. Children between three and five must go down the slope with an adult while children six and older can zip down on their own.

Embrace non-stop excitement as you zip and slide down the biggest synthetic tubing run in the United States this summer in Missouri.

Then, if you're still craving adventure after your summer tubing in Missouri experience, embark on one of the ziplining tours. The Canopy Adventure Combo, for example, features eight ziplines and 10-suspension bridges.

Visit the website for Snowflex Park at Wolfe Mountain for more information. Or check out the Facebook page for Snowflex Park for photos to get an idea of what to expect at this epic tubing hill in Missouri!

Do you have a favorite spot for summer tubing in Missouri? What are your favorite fun things to do in the summer in Missouri? Let us know in the comments!

Grab some gear before your day out. Check out what Backcountry has to offer!

For a little more summer fun, spend the day at this old-school waterpark in Missouri !

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/missouri/cape-splash-water-park-mo/

4 Ridiculously Charming Train Rides To Take In Missouri This Fall

Is there any sweeter sound for a traveler than a train whistle in the distance? As it gets closer and closer, we can feel the excitement grow. Our adventure is just moments away. While we might not always have time to hop aboard a train for a multiday adventure, we can still satisfy our wanderlust with a scenic ride in Missouri. Here are the best fall train rides in Missouri .

1. Branson Scenic Railway

Settle in for a relaxing journey through the foothills of the Ozark Mountains aboard the Branson Scenic Railway. The train leaves the station throughout October and November, so you'll have plenty of time to do a little leaf peeping. Saturdays in October feature a dinner train that leaves the station at 5 p.m. and includes a three-course meal, served by candlelight. (Dinner trains run seasonally from April through October.) Check out the train schedule on the official website of Branson Scenic Railway .

2. Amtrak Missouri River Runner

The Missouri River Runner travels from St. Louis to Kansas City, with multiple stops along the way, each day. Create your own itinerary by hopping off at one of the towns, such as Jefferson City, along the way, or just sit back and enjoy the colorful landscape as the train chugs from one side of Missouri to the other. The Missouri River Runner features both cafe service and wifi. Learn more about the Missouri River Runner on the official website of Amtrak .

3. Belton, Grandview, and Kansas City Railroad Co.

Enjoy a scenic train ride aboard the Belton, Grandview, and Kansas City Railroad, which runs seasonally. However, during October, it hosts a Harvest Train. The fall train departs at select times on Saturday and Sunday on the second, third, and fourth weekends of the month. Find more information on the official website of Belton, Grandview, and Kansas City Railroad .

4. Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train

Plan a visit to Silver Dollar City's annual Harvest Festival for a day of fall fun, including a ride aboard the Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train. (The train runs through Oct. 29, 2023.) Snap photos of the fall foliage as the train meanders through the Ozarks on a 20-minute autumn journey. Learn more on the official website of Silver Dollar City .

Have you been on any of these fall train rides in Missouri? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! Up for some more leaf-peeping fun? Check out some of the best places to view the fall foliage in Missouri .

After a scenic train ride, how about hitting one of the many hiking trails in Missouri? A hike is an idyllic way to admire the fall colors. Find the best hiking trails in Missouri on AllTrails .

All Stories

7 last-minute getaways in montana for a fun end-of-summer retreat.

Sleep In A 1950s Caboose When You Book A Stay In This Small-Town Airbnb In Nevada

The Small New Hampshire Town Of Bartlett Has More Outdoor Attractions Than Any Other Place In The State

4 Last-Minute Getaways In New Jersey For A Fun End-Of-Summer Retreat

The Panoramic-View Restaurant At Hotel Chaco In New Mexico Is A Must-Visit

20 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Missouri

Famous for providing the inspiration and backdrop for the legendary ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, ‘ the state is located in the Midwestern United States.

Bordering Iowa , Illinois, Kentucky , Arkansas, Kansas, and Nebraska, it’s a laid-back place filled with wide-open spaces, a famous sprawling mountain range, extensive plains, meandering rivers, and gorgeous hidden gems. Here are my favorite spots I’d like to share…

1. Ozark Mountains and Lake of The Ozarks

Made famous by a popular Netflix series and a huge sprawling expanse covering Missouri, Arkansas , Oklahoma and the far southeastern corner of Kansas, in my opinion this is a must-see (and stay!).

The area comprises three separate areas: Boston, Springfield, and Salem Plateaus, and it is heavily forested. 

It’s a tranquil place and a family vacation favorite. There are many great things to do here, including hiking, golfing, boating, camping, and exploring the many quirky little gems dotted around the area.

I highly recommend not missing the Lake of the Ozarks, a reservoir created by impounding the Osage River and one of Missouri’s premier vacation destinations! 

• Location: southern part of the state 
• Location Map
• Best time to visit: summer

My favorite highlights…

• Photographing the magnificent rock formations at the Bridal Cave, known as one of the most scenic caverns in America.
• Visiting the ruins of the 20th-century castle in Ha Ha Tonka State Park where I saw spectacular views of the lake.
• Tasting the delicious flavors of handmade dipped chocolate, fudge and saltwater taffy at Grandma’s Candy Kitchen.

2. Blue Spring

Located in Eminence Township, the spring is stunning with its clear turquoise water! It has been around for over four decades, and I thought it was a wonderful natural attraction.

Surrounding the spring are trails that you can hike for roughly three miles; they end right where the spring is. Both the trail and the spring are very easy on the eye.

Even if all you want to do is visit the spring and take photographs (sadly, you can’t swim here to preserve its beauty), it’s still worth a trip to Eminence Township.

• Location: Near Eminence, in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways
• Best time to visit: May to September

My highlights…

• Snapping an Insta-worthy shot of the vibrant blue water.
• Admiring the scenery along the hiking trail to get to the Blue Spring and going for a picnic along the way.

3. Wah’Kon-Tah Prairie

This is a gorgeous and unspoiled spot to explore in Missouri. It’s a huge 3,350-acre area, and a large part of it is a conservation area owned by The Nature Conservancy of Missouri .

The trust aims to restore native grasslands and protect the prairie ecosystem that once covered a much larger part of Missouri.

It’s a stunning and tranquil spot dotted with wildflowers such as purple coneflowers , rare plants, and wildlife such as deer and coyotes, and is well worth exploring with your camera, especially during the fall when the leaves change.

• Address: Wah’Kon-Tah Prairie Conservation Area State Highway 82 El Dorado Springs, MO 64744
• Best time to visit: late spring to fall.

My personal highlights…

• Experiencing the tranquillity of the area and admiring the beautiful wildflowers.
• Going for a walk through the unspoiled area before catching a breathtaking sunset.

4. Big Cedar Lodge

Big Cedar Lodge is located in Ridgedale on Table Rock Lake. It is a beautiful vacation resort that many people visit yearly. It sits in the heart of the Ozarks and offers an incredible view regardless of where you are.

With mountains in the background and plenty of trees to enjoy, you will love Big Cedar Lodge, regardless of which season you choose to visit.

Indeed, from the bright orange and red leaves in the Fall to the warm temperatures of the summer, I promise you’ll fall in love with this place just like I did! 

• Address: 190 Top of the Rock Road, Ridgedale, MO 65739
• Best time to visit: late spring to early fall
• Taking the 2.5-mile golf cart tour and discovering the rock formations and waterfalls surrounding the Top of the Rock Lost Canyon.
• Playing a round of golf at the award-winning course designed by famous players.
• Staying overnight at a super-cute glamping tent at Camp Long Creek. 

5. Dogwood Canyon

With water, trees, and lots of stuff to do, this facility in Lampe truly offers something for everyone. You can go riding, bike riding, or even take a Segway tour for unique fun!

There’s a restaurant and a great view of some fantastic waterfalls, so if you’re looking for a fun and stunning place, I would suggest this one! 

Dogwood Canyon is much-loved but not well-known to tourists outside the state, so the facility is working hard to make this happen.

• Best time to visit: spring to early fall
• Hiring a bike and cycling through the designated paths to view the picturesque scenery.
• Discovering nature on a wildlife tour on an open-air tram (Segways tours were also available).
• Going hiking on a trail to explore Dogwood Canyon. 

6. Elephant Rocks State Park

Located in Belleview, Elephant Rocks State Park offers gorgeous views and many hiking trails for those who love hiking or jogging.

It also offers picnic tables for anyone wishing to relax and enjoy a nice lunch.

In my opinion, the highlight of the entire park is the set of rocks shaped like elephants in an old-fashioned circus line!

• Address: 7406 Highway 21, Belleview, MO 63623
• Capturing the uniquely formed rocks for Instagram.
• I hiked along the Braille Trail, which was an easy hike. I saw striking rocks and an old railroad engine house.
• Walking to the lookout point which then took me down to a sheltered cove and a small swimming spot.

7. Missouri State Capitol and Governor’s Mansion, Jefferson City

These are both impressive historical attractions to add to your Missouri itinerary. Located in the capital of Missouri Jefferson City, the State Capitol Building was completed in 1918 and covers a sprawling three acres in the downtown area.

It’s a beautiful Neoclassical-style Dome building and is also home to The Missouri State Museum , where you can learn about the state’s history. Free guided tours are also offered year-round, and I  suggest going on one if you can.

The Governor’s Mansion is another great historic attraction. Built in 1871, the three-story brick  mansion is a fine example of Renaissance Revival Architecture. It offers tours that allow guests  to step back in time and learn about the state’s history.

When in the city, I highly recommend visiting Jefferson City’s attractions, including the Carnahan Memorial Garden, Missouri State Penitentiary Museum, and the Missouri State Penitentiary .

• Address: 201 W Capitol Ave, Jefferson City, MO 65101
• Best time to visit: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
• Going on a historic tour inside the Governor’s Mansion was like stepping back in time!
• Wandering through the city to admire the stunning architecture and well-known landmarks.
• Exploring the many markets and boutiques around the area. 

8. Prairie State Park

Located at NW 150th Lane in Mindenmines, it is the state’s largest remaining tallgrass prairie. Its perfect combination of lush green grass that blooms most of the year and tons of gorgeous wildflowers during the summer months makes it a must-visit place.

Picture a beautiful field filled with lavender wildflowers and healthy green grass dotted with buffalo, birds, deer, and snakes, and you’ll understand what makes this state park so unique.

I’m a big fan of the natural beauty and colorful landscapes here!

• Address: 128 NW 150th Lane, Mindenmines, MO 64769
• Best time to visit: spring to fall
• Visiting the coast and enjoying a picnic on the beach.
• Hiking along the Prairie Creek Redwoods Walk (this trail is excellent for all abilities).
• Checking out the 50-foot-tall canyon covered with majestic primal ferns.

9. Gateway Arch, St. Louis

This St. Louis icon promises not to disappoint, and it is one of the most recognizable spots in the state. If you are anywhere near St. Louis, I highly recommend exploring this iconic landmark.

I suggest visiting the museum and cruising the waters surrounding the Arch for an even better look.

I would also recommend visiting the Arch at nighttime to see how it lights up the sky and makes the entire area look stunning! 

• Address: 11 N 4th St, St. Louis, MO 63102
• Best time to visit: all year round
• Taking a ride in the historic Otis Traction Elevator.
• Taking a riverboat cruise tour and admiring the city skyline.
• Photographing the Instaworthy Bridge.

10. Ha Ha Tonka State Park

This is a beautiful park with gorgeous protected scenery. It spreads across over 3,700 acres and is located on the Niangua arm of the Lake of the Ozarks.

It’s home to caves, lakes, sinkholes, a large natural bridge, towering bluffs, and Missouri’s twelfth-largest spring.

There are many excellent hiking trails (including some paved walkways) here, a special-use camping site,  and flora and fauna such as prairie grasses, wildflowers and valley woodlands.

I would highly recommend visiting the ruins of the Ha Ha Tonka castle , built in 1905 by businessman Robert McClure Snyder.

Even though it was severely burned in a fire, it’s still a photogenic sight on a 250-foot bluff. The park offers cabins, a campsite, and an RV park for vacationers .

• Address: 1491 State Road D, Camdenton, MO 65020
• Visiting the naturally formed bridge over 100 feet tall was once the castle’s entrance.
• Climbing up the 316 wooden steps from the spring head to the top of the bluff.
• Kayaking and exploring the river trail.

11. Grand Falls

Grand Falls, located in Joplin, is one of Missouri’s many incredible waterfalls. It is the largest continuously flowing natural waterfall in the state.

In my opinion, it’s breathtaking, and while these incredible waterfalls surround you, you can enjoy a picnic on the shore or even dip in the cool water.

Most people in Missouri consider this the most beautiful waterfall in the state, and once you visit it just once, I’m sure you’ll understand what the fuss is about! 

• Address: 5400 Riverside Drive, Joplin, MO 64804
• Best time to visit: spring is when the waterfall is the most swollen after the rainy season.
• Going for a swim in the still pools located downstream of the falls (if you go don’t forget your water shoes).
• Watching a dramatic and vibrant sunset go down over the west side of this location.
• Embarking on a kayak journey in the calm water pools by the waterfall before heading downstream with the current. 

12. Jacob L Loose Park, Kansas City

Kanas City is known for its fountains, great shopping, and jazz heritage. There are many awesome things to do in Kansas City, but I personally think one of the prettiest attractions is Jacob L Loose Park, a major tourist site and the third largest park in the city.

It is home to a lovely lake with a central fountain, a shelter house, Civil War markers, and recreational highlights such as tennis courts, a water park, picnic areas, and a Rose Garden.

It’s located at 51st Street and Wornall Road. Once you have explored it, I recommend visiting some of the other attractions in the city, including the beautiful Union Station, The Vine District, Arabia Steamboat Museum , and its many excellent Craft Beer Breweries.

• Address: 5200 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64112
• Admiring the beautiful rose garden which is filled with nearly 3,000 flowers across 1.5 acres of land.
• Checking out a horticultural exhibition at the Garden Center which also hosts a library.
• Wandering along the trails throughout the park and discovering the wonderful greenery.

13. Clifty Creek Natural Bridge

I love this place! This stunning natural bridge is 40 feet long and is located at the end of the 2.5-mile Clifty Creek Natural Area Trail.

Offering breathtaking views and scenery, the bridge is something you’ll want to see when visiting this town that sits almost smack-dab in the middle of the state!

Mother Nature provides us with some amazing natural phenomena, and I highly recommend not missing this one!

• Location: Clifty Creek Conservation Area, near Dixon, MO
• Taking the scenic 2.5-mile trail that led me from the conservation area right to the bridge.
• Photographing the striking stone bridge.

14. Cape Girardeau

This city, perched on the western bank of the Mississippi River, has been named one of the prettiest towns in the state.

The city is located in Cape Girardeau and Scott County in the state of Missouri in the U.S., with over 250 bars of history.

I suggest heading for the historic Old Town for the most charming part. You’ll also find a great collection of restaurants, boutique shops, and historic landmarks here.

Other awesome things to do in Cape Girardeau include the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail , the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center , the Missouri Wall of Fame, the many Antique Shops, and also the nearby Bollinger Mill State Historic Site, which is home to one of the only few covered bridges in the state and is incredibly stunning in the Fall.

• City Hall Address: 401 Independence Street, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703
• Visiting the Wall of Fame and checking out the murals created by famous Missourians.
• Spending an afternoon shopping at the West Park Mall.
• Discovering the historic site of Fort D, which was built during the civil war.

15. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park

This has a funny name, but it’s a great place! This state park is located in Little Brook, and if there’s one thing you can say about it, there is a lot of water surrounding it.

You’ll see lots of large rocks and swimming holes, so if you go there any time during the summer, consider bringing your swimming suit! 

Here, you can hike, view waterfalls, picnic, and explore some seriously stunning and unique terrain. I highly recommend visiting if you’re looking for a great family-oriented activity! 

• Address: 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO 63656
• Stopping by the visitor center and learning all the park and its history.
• Hiking through the forest to the valley, along the stream bed and up to the ridge on the Scour Trail loop.
• Taking a quick refreshing dip in the cool waters after hiking along the trails.

16. Meramec Caverns

Meramec Caverns is located in Sullivan, and it’s a breathtaking and interesting attraction! The area is the largest cave than allows tourists in the state and the huge limestone deposits which have been formed over millions of years are an incredible sight!

You can choose between a half-hour tour or a slightly longer one when you book here.

When you come up above ground, you can enjoy activities such as zip-lining and a great climbing wall to make a fun-filled day! 

• Address: 1135 Hwy W, Sullivan, MO 63080
• Exploring the caverns and seeing the spectacular natural mineral formations which have taken thousands of years to create.
• Soaring through the sky and across the Meramec River on a fun zip line.
• Stopping for home-style food at the restaurant located by the caverns.

17. Table Rock Lake

Located in Branson, this large man-made offers gorgeous clear water, stunning natural views and over 800 miles of beautiful shoreline.

Although no areas are considered official beaches, you can still swim there in several locations, such as kayaking, canoeing, and boating.

It is such a versatile lake I love spending the entire day here, and I’ve never get bored it’s just a very relaxing place.

I recommend heading to Moonshine Beach, Trace Hollow Resort, Indian Point and Table Rock Lake Dam for some of the best places to enjoy this river.

If you love beautiful sunsets and water-based activities, then I highly recommend you visit!

• Location: in southwestern part of the state.
• Going kayaking on the lake.
• Watching a live country music band at Black Oak Amp. 
• Soaking up the gorgeous views and tranquil vibes! 

18. Meramec River and State Park

This is a gorgeous protected area and public recreation space which spans nearly 7,000 acres and is filled with over 40 caves, thick forests and pretty glades. 

I’m a big fan of the Meramec River, perfect for rafting, canoeing, or simply relaxing on the shore. It offers sand, lots of green trees, and water!

Many activities are on offer here, including hiking, biking and camping but I personally suggest getting involved in the fun rafting (there are rentals available here).

• Address: 115 Meramec Park Drive, Sullivan, MO 63080
• Taking a guided tour inside the fascinating and large Fisher Cave.
• Going rafting along the magnificent river.
• Relaxing and having a picnic along the river shores.

19. Powell Gardens

Powell Gardens is located in Kingsville, Kansas City. It consists of seven themed gardens, many pretty wildflowers to admire, and unique sections such as the Fountain Garden, the Heartland Harvest Garden, and the Perennial Garden.

If you love flowers, natural grasses, and lots of color, then I personally think you’ll love Powell Gardens. It is a great place for flower-lovers and nature-lovers alike, and just one trip there will help you understand why this is one of Kansas City’s most popular tourist attractions, especially if you’re a nature lover!

• Address: 1609 NW U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville, MO 64061
• Best time to visit: spring and summer
• Attending an interesting gardening tips class.
• Wandering around and admiring the beautiful garden displays and incredible contemporary architecture.
• Checking out the interesting Visitor Education Center which also had a cafe.

20. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park

This is a stunning protected spot filled with unspoilt rugged natural scenery including dense forests, rocky glades and Taum Sauk Mountain, which is actually the highest point in the state – the views here are just incredible!

There are many hiking trails here and you can also try primitive camping, I love truly getting away from it all here, it feels like the wilderness.

If you’re near Highway CC in Ironton, I recommend stopping by! 

• Address: Hwy. CC, Ironton, MO 63650
• Hiking to Mina Sauk Falls which is the highest wet-weather waterfall in the state.
• Witnessing the spectacular panoramic views from the top of the mountain.

11 thoughts on “20 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Missouri”

Great list! I’ve always wanted to visit the Gateway Arch in St. Louis – it’s such an iconic landmark. I’ll have to add some of these other destinations to my bucket list too. Thanks for sharing!

Wow, I had no idea Missouri had so many beautiful places to visit! As a fellow Midwesterner, I’m definitely adding some of these to my bucket list. Thanks for sharing!

Been to about 15 of 21 of these, they’re all beautiful places!

Wow! I loved these pictures and these places are such beautiful. I want to visit these places in Missouri. Thank you for your article.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Local Contacts

Missouri's winter eagle watching is spectacular. If you can’t make it to one of our many Eagle Days events (check out the calendar below), browse our best-places list for locations to enjoy eagle-viewing on your own. From late December through early February, watch for eagles perched in large trees along the water’s edge. Get out early in the morning to see the eagles flying and fishing.

Best places for winter eagle viewing

• Lake of the Ozarks at Bagnell Dam Access , east of Bagnell
• Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area on Route K, southwest of Columbia
• Lock & Dam 24 at Clarksville
• Lock & Dam 25 east of Winfield
• Mingo National Wildlife Refuge northwest of Puxico
• Old Chain of Rocks Bridge south of I-270, off of Riverview Drive, St. Louis
• Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary east of West Alton
• Schell-Osage Conservation Area north of El Dorado Springs
• Smithville Lake north of Kansas City
• Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge south of Mound City
• Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge south of Sumner
• Table Rock Lake and Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery southwest of Branson
• Truman Reservoir west of Warsaw

Eagle Days Events

Private Event | My Events | My Profile

Note: This program takes place at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, 6700 W Route K Columbia, MO 65203.

Get our Newsletters

House of 417, get the magazine.

• Subscribe to 417 Magazine
• Subscribe to Biz 417
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Renew Your Subscription
• Professional Gift Subscriptions
• Where to Buy It
• Manage Your Subscription

• People Pics
• Directories
• Events & Promos
• Current Issue
• Dropdown Item

417 Magazine August 2024

• Issue Archive
• Contact 417
• Work with 417
• Custom Plaques

Weekend Getaways in (and around) Missouri

Quick trips and nearby destinations in southwest Missouri and beyond for every week of the year.

By Katie Pollock Estes and Joan Whitaker

It’s the start of a new year and the end of a busy holiday season. For a lot of us, that means we are ready for a break. For a weekend away. Or maybe, for a whole lot of weekends away. Plan ahead for a fun-filled year with our guide to weekend getaways for every week of the year (plus a few more)! Pick how far you want to travel below and start planning.

Jump to A Section

Looking for local spring activities.

Check out a list of things to do in Springfield, Missouri during the spring season .

Less Than Two Hours Away

Take a Roadtrip on Route 66

Who it’s for: Nostalgia hunters Why it’s great: The Mother Road is the  classic road trip, born in Springfield and stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica. Must-do list: Route 66 Drive-In ( 17231 Old 66 Blvd., Carthage, MO, 417-359-5959) , Gay Parita (Ash Grove) , Blue Whale ( 2600 U.S. Rte 66, Catoosa, OK ) , Golden Driller ( Tulsa Expo Center, 4145 E. 21st St., Tulsa, OK ) Where to stay: The Mayo Hotel in Tulsa ( 115 W. 5th St., Tulsa, OK , 918-582-6296) your turnaround spot First song on your playlist: “Route 66” by Nat King Cole The trek: Head west on I-44.

Downstream Casino

Who it’s for: A group of girlfriends who need some kid-free friend time away Why it’s great: You get to relax a little and risk a little all in one trip. Must-do list: Get a massage at the spa, belly up to the blackjack table, treat yourself at Downstream Casino ’s Red Oak Steakhouse ( 69300 E. Nee Rd., Quapaw, OK , 918-919-6000) . Where to stay: A modern-comfy suite at Downstream’s Kappa Tower First song on your playlist: “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers The trek: 1.5 hours west of Springfield

Eureka Springs

Who it’s for: Ghost hunters and small-town admirers Why it’s great: There’s a quaint and walkable downtown with an artsy vibe and “haunted” hotels. Must-do list: Downtown Underground Tours ( 3 Spring St., Eureka Springs, AR , 844-537-8687) , Thorncrown Chapel ( 12968 US-62, Eureka Springs, AR , 479-253-7401) , shopping on foot. Where to stay: Crescent Hotel ( 75 Prospect Ave., Eureka Springs, AR , 855-725-5720) for something haunted or 1905 Basin Park Hotel ( 12 Spring St., Eureka Springs, AR , 479-253-7837) for something historical First song on your playlist: The Ghostbusters theme song The trek: 1.5 hours south

A Cave-Hopping Adventure

Who it’s for: Spelunkers and geology fans Why it’s great: Missouri’s karst topography means we have plenty of underground wonders worth exploring nearby. Must-do list : Fantastic Caverns ( 4872 N. Farm Rd. 125, Springfield, MO , 417-833-2010) , Smallin Civil War Cave ( 3575 N. Smallin Rd., Ozark, MO , 417-551-4545) , Talking Rock Caverns ( 423 Fairy Cave Ln., Branson West, MO , 417-272-3366) , Marvel Cave in Silver Dollar City ( 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson, MO , 417-338-8220) and Bluff Dwellers Cave ( 163 Cave Rd., Noel, MO , 417-475-3666) Where to stay: Big Cedar Lodge ( 190 Top of the Rock Rd., Ridgedale, MO , 417-335-2777) First song on your playlist: “Underground” by David Bowie The trek: Springfield to Ozark to Branson

Talking Rocks Cavern

It takes about an hour to trek all the way through Talking Rocks Cavern on this guided tour across wooden boardwalks and concrete stairs, and it’s worth every step. Tour guides focus on educating visitors on the history and geology of the cave as you walk through and spy a variety of incredible formations.

Marvel Cave at Silver Dollar City

A tour of Marvel Cave, which sits underneath  Silver Dollar City, takes visitors down about 500 feet below the surface on a one-hour guided trek. You’ll see a massive  cathedral room and lots of cool formations in this wet limestone cave. As you learn about the  colorful history of the cave and the park, you’ll get a thigh workout because there are a ton  of stairs here!

Smallin Civil War Cave With its super-wide mouth, Smallin Civil War Cave has one of the prettiest entrances around. Make sure you visit after a rain, so you can see a stream trickling over the rocks and out of the mouth of the cave. A guided tour filled with information about the area’s indigenous  people and the cave’s history takes visitors along a boardwalk for an easy and flat trek.

Fantastic Caverns This is the only cave on our list where you ride through on a Jeep-pulled tram instead of walking through. That means it’s great for  visitors who might struggle on an hour-long and sometimes steep walk. You’ll hear fun history (like how the cave was discovered by a local farmer’s dog) as you travel through wide spaces filled with stunning formations.

More Cave Content

Looking for a full guide to caves? Check out our recent guide to caves in southwest Missouri .

Lake of the Ozarks

Who it’s for: Cove-seekers and sun-lovers Why it’s great: This busy lake is great for the social boater to spend a day on the water. Must-do list: Rent a boat and wakeboard and hit the water, get brunch at On the Rise Bakery & Bistro ( 5439 Osage Beach Pkwy, Osage Beach, MO , 573-348-4224) , hike Ha Ha Tonka State Park ( 1491 Missouri D, Camdenton, MO , 573-346-2986) Where to stay: Camden on the Lake ( 2359 Bittersweet Rd., Lake Ozark, MO , 573-365-5620) First song on your playlist: “Lake Song” by The Decemberists The trek: 1.5 hours north of Springfield

Truman Lake

Who it’s for: Lake-loving families Why it’s great: This quieter lake is great for a low-key weekend on the water. Must-do list: Boat rental from Harry S. Truman State Park ( 28761 State Park Road West, Warsaw, MO , 660-438-7711) , Oktoberfest in Cole Camp . Where to stay: Hidden Oaks Ranch Cabin Getaways ( 20918 Doe Trail, Warsaw, MO , 660-723-6400) First song on your playlist: “Sittin on the Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding The trek: 1.75 hours north of Springfield

Ponca, Arkansas

Who it’s for: Outdoor adventurers Why it’s great: There are loads of amazing trails, gorgeous scenery, and even wild elk that you can spot as you drive around. Must-do list: Big Bluff Goat Trail (challenging), Lost Valley Trail (easy), Buffalo Outdoor Center zipline, floating the Buffalo National River Where to stay: Mountain Sunrise Cabin at Buffalo Outdoor Center ( 4699 AR-43, Ponca, AR , 870-861-5514) First song on your playlist: “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles The trek: Just under two hours south of Springfield

Bella Vista, Arkansas

Who it’s for: Lake-loving bikers Why it’s great: This community  has seven little lakes, a blue heron rookery and properties walkable to mountain biking trails. Must-do list: The Back 40 trails, Little Sugar Trail System, Blowing Springs Park ( 700 Blowing Spring Rd., Bella Vista, AR , 479-855-8075) Where to stay: Trails Edge Cabins ( 16 Trails Edge Ln., Bella Vista, AR , 479-366-7233) First song on your playlist: “Bicycle Race” by Queen The trek: Almost two hours southwest of Springfield, near Bentonville

2–3 Hours Away

Warrensburg, Missouri

Who it’s for: Anyone charmed by all things Victorian Why it’s great: This town offers lots of small-town sweetness. Must-do list: Grover Street Victorian Historic District, Dickens Christmas event, Main Street Shopping District, Spin! Pizza ( 14 W. South St. #105, Warrensburg, MO , 660-543-7746) Where to stay: Gelbach Manor Bed & Breakfast ( 300 S. Holden St., Warrensburg, MO , 660-747-5085) First song on your playlist:  “Victoria” by The Kinks The trek: Two hours north via MO-13

St. James, Missouri

Who it’s for: River rats and amateur hydrologists Why it’s great: St. James has a gorgeous spring near shady picnic spots and ironworks ruins—all within a half-hour drive of caves and rivers. Must-do list: Maramec Spring Park , Meramec Caverns ( 1135 Hwy W, Sullivan, MO , 573-468-2283) , Sybill’s Restaurant ( 1100 N. Jefferson St., St. James, MO , 573-265-4224) , floating the Meramec River, St. James Winery ( 540 State Rte B, St. James, MO , 800-280-9463) Where to stay: Cooper + Stone Cottage Airbnb First song on your playlist: “Take Me to the River” by Talking Heads The trek: A two-hour drive from Springfield via I-44 east

Columbia, Missouri

Who it’s for: True Tigers at heart Why it’s great: Any alum will tell you that Columbia on a game day has a vibe like no other. Must-do list: Mizzou Tigers football and tailgating, Shakespeare’s Pizza , strolling Francis Quadrangle, burgers at Booche’s Billiard Hall ( 110 S. 9th St., Columbia, MO , 573-874-9519) , Devil’s Ice Box at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park Where to stay: The Tiger Hotel ( 23 S. 8th St., Columbia, MO , 573-875-8888) . You can’t miss it as you drive through downtown Columbia; it has the word “Tiger” in giant illuminated letters on its roof. First song on your playlist: “Every True Son and Fight Tigers” by Marching Mizzou The trek: 2 hours and 45 minutes north of Springfield

Bentonville, Arkansas

Who it’s for: Art aficionados Why it’s great: Bentonville is a study in contrasts, with trail life and world-class art living side-by-side around a quaint and sweet town square. Must-do list: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art ( 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR , 479-418-5700) , The Momentary ( 507 SE E. St., Bentonville, AR , 479-367-7500) , Slaughter Pen Trail, The Preacher’s Son, Bentonville City Square Where to stay: 21C Museum Hotel ( 200 NE A St., Bentonville, AR , 479-286-6500) First song on your playlist: “Yellow” by Coldplay The trek: Two hours southwest of Springfield

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Who it’s for: Arkansas alums and mural-selfie fanatics Why it’s great: This college town near Bentonville, Arkansas, is packed with personality, public art and a hopping food truck culture. Must-do list: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks ( 4703 N. Crossover Rd., Fayetteville, AR , 479-750-2620) , War Eagle Mill ( 11045 War Eagle Rd., Rogers, AR , 866-492-7324) , Razorbacks football, hunt for public murals and food trucks on a VeoRide bike or Spin scooter share Where to stay: The Graduate Hotel ( 70 N. East Ave., Fayetteville, AR , 479-442-5555) The trek: Two and a half hours from Springfield

Jefferson City, Missouri

Who it’s for: Government buffs Why it’s great: You can see where Missouri lawmakers do their thing. Must-do list: Missouri Capitol tour, Central Dairy ( 610 Madison St., Jefferson City, MO , 573-635-6148) banana split, cycle Haunted Bridge Loop along the Missouri River, Missouri State Penitentiary ( 115 Lafayette St., Jefferson City, MO , 866-998-6998) ghost tour Where to stay: Parker’s Place First song on your playlist: The Hamilton soundtrack The trek: Two and a half hours from Springfield

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Who it’s for: Families looking for some fun Why it’s great: There’s so much to do in Tulsa! But for a kid-focused trip, The Gathering Place ’s ( 2650 S John Williams Way East, Tulsa, OK , 918-779-1000) expansive outdoor adventure space takes the cake. Must-do list: The Gathering Place, Tulsa Zoo ( 6421 E. 36th St N, Tulsa, OK , 918-669-6600) , Oklahoma Aquarium ( 300 Aquarium Dr., Jenks, OK , 918-296-3474) , Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium ( 3624 N 74th E. Ave., Tulsa, OK , 918-834-9900) , Rose Rock Microcreamery ( 502 E. 3rd St. #35, Tulsa, OK , 918-396-8001) Where to stay: Hotel Indigo ( 121 S. Elgin Ave., Tulsa, OK , 918-779-4445) First song on your playlist: “Tulsa Time” by Eric Clapton The trek: Almost three hours west of Springfield

Rocheport, Missouri

Who it’s for: A low-key getaway with you, your partner and another couple or two Why it’s great: A sweet town just north of Columbia, Rocheport offers Missouri River views from the Katy Trail or a local vineyard. Must-do list: Katy Trail State Park , Meriwether Cafe & Bike Shop ( 700 1st St., Rocheport, MO , 573-698-1222) , Les Bourgeois Vineyards Where to stay: Schoolhouse Bed & Breakfast ( 504 3rd St., Rocheport, MO , 573-698-2022) First song on your playlist: “Take it Easy” by The Eagles The trek: Three hours north of Springfield

Hermann, Missouri

Who it’s for: A wine-loving couple Why it’s great: This charming town with German roots offers gorgeous countryside and river views and lots of wineries. Must-do list: Hermann Wine Trail, Hermann Farm 19th-Century Town ( 526 E. 1st St., Hermann, MO , 573-486-3276) Where to stay: The Stonewerks Room at the Inn at Hermannhof ( 237 E. 1st St., Hermann, MO , 573-486-5199) First song on your playlist: “Red Red Wine” by UB40 The trek: A three-hour drive northeast of Springfield

Grand Canyon Sleeper Train

Who it’s for: Awe-seeking families Why it’s great: You can drive just three hours to Kansas City to start a Grand Canyon adventure! Book a four-person Amtrak sleeper room to Flagstaff, where you can join a day tour to the Grand Canyon. Must-do list: Guided day tour with Grand Canyon Adventures Where to stay: Amtrak Southwest Chief First song on your playlist: “Long Train Runnin’” by The Doobie Brothers The trek: Three hours to KC

Kansas City, Missouri

Who it’s for: Citizens of Chiefs Kingdom Why it’s great: Kansas City is a super-fan’s dream these days, and this trip is all about KC barbecue and KC sports. Must-do list: Kansas City Chiefs Football, Kansas City Royals baseball, Kansas Speedway racing, Fiorella’s Jack Stack BBQ Where to stay: The Fontaine , located in Country Club Plaza ( 901 W. 48th Pl, Kansas City, MO , 816-753-8800) First song on your playlist: “Run it Back” by Blane Howard The trek: Three hours north of Springfield

3–4 Hours Away

St. Louis, Missouri

Who it’s for: A group of friends on a guys’ trip Why it’s great: It’s a beer-and-baseball road trip for Cardinals fans and microbrewery stans. Must-do list: St. Louis Cardinals game; Cardinals Hall of Fame & Museum ( 700 Clark Ave., St. Louis, MO , 314-345-9600) ; Beast Craft BBQ ( 4156 Manchester Ave., St. Louis, MO , 314-944-6003) ;  brewery hopping at Civil Life ( 3714 Holt Ave., St. Louis, MO ) , Perennial Artisan Ales ( 8125 Michigan Ave., St. Louis, MO ) , 4 Hands Brewing Co. ( 1220 S. 8th St., St. Louis, MO , 314-436-1559) , Urban Chestnut ( 3229 Washington Ave., St. Louis, MO , 314-222-0143) , and Anheuser-Busch ( 1200 Lynch St., St. Louis, MO , 314-577-2626) Where to stay: Angad Arts Hotel ( 3550 Samuel Shepard Dr., St. Louis, MO , 314-561-0033) First song on your playlist: “Glory Days” by Bruce Springsteen The trek: 3.5 hours east via I-44

Excelsior Springs, Missouri

Who it’s for: A girls’ getaway Why it’s great:  Harry Truman slept here! The hotel dates to 1888 but its most storied claim to fame is that in 1948, Harry Truman spent the night he was elected President there. The grounds are beautiful but it’s the spa that steals the show. It is first-class all the way. Although a flood last summer damaged the indoor lap pool causing it to be closed for repair, there are plenty of other perks to lower your heart rate and stress level. The Grotto is the centerpiece of the spa. It includes a dry sauna, steam sauna, hot tub, cold plunge shower, steam shower and an exfoliation bar. Can you say “aaahhh”? Must-do list: A spa day Where to stay: The Elms ( 401 Regent St., Excelsior Springs, MO , 816-630-5500)  First song on your playlist: “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper The trek: 3.5 hours north.

Innsbrook, Missouri

Who it’s for: Lake life lovers who want an easy vacay Why it’s great: This small weekend community near St. Louis is a self-contained lake life haven. Must-do list: Kayak, golf, hike, stand-up paddleboard, The Clubhouse Bar & Grille ( 1150 Aspen Lake Dr., Innsbrook, MO , 636-928-3366) Where to stay: An Innsbrook rental cabin First song on your playlist: “The Lakes” by Taylor Swift The trek: Three-and-a-half hours northeast of Springfield

St. Charles, Missouri

Who it’s for: People who like some history with their small-city sweetness Why it’s great: Missouri’s first state capital embraces its long history, but the dining and main street shopping are great too! Must-do list: First State Capitol, Historic Main Street, Lewis and Clark Boathouse and Museum ( 1050 S. Riverside Dr., St. Charles, MO , 636-947-3199) , Prasino ( 1520 S. 5th St. #110, St. Charles, MO , 636-277-0202) , St. Charles Trolley Where to stay: Boone’s Lick Trail Inn ( 1000 S. Main St., St. Charles, MO , 636-947-7000) First song on your playlist: “Small Town” by John Mellencamp The trek: 3.5 hours northeast

Little Rock, Arkansas

Who it’s for: State Capital bucket listers Why it’s great: The capital city of Arkansas pays homage to former President Bill Clinton while offering some new cultural attractions. Must-do list: Clinton Presidential Center ( 1200 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, AR , 501-374-4242) , Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ( 2510 Cantrell Rd., Little Rock, AR , 501-372-4000) , Arkansas State Capitol ( 500 Woodlane St., Little Rock, AR , 501-682-3000) , River Market Entertainment District Where to stay: Capital Hotel ( 111 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR , 501-374-7474) First song on your playlist: “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson The trek: Four hours south of Springfield

Weston, Missouri

Who it’s for: Fans of locally made and grown food Why it’s great: It’s all about the tasty side of farm life at this sweet and charming town located just north of Kansas City. Must-do list: Cheese tasting tour at Green Dirt Farm ( 1099 Welt St., Weston, MO , 816-386-2156), apple picking in the fall at Weston Orchard ( 18545 Co Rd. H, Weston, MO , 816-640-4013), tastings at Pirtle Winery ( 502 Spring St., Weston, MO , 816-640-5728) Where to stay: The Firefly Inn ( 908 Washington St., Weston, MO , 816-351-3744) First song on your playlist: “Big Cheese” by Nirvana The trek: Three and a half hours north of Springfield

Arcadia Valley, Missouri

Who it’s for: Daring river rats Why it’s great: This part of Missouri is packed with natural wonders from the massive granite boulders at Elephant Rocks to the slippery water chutes at Johnson Shut-Ins. Must-do list: Elephant Rocks State Park ( 7390, 7406 MO-21, Belleview, MO ) , Johnson Shut-Ins ( 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO ) , the highest point in Missouri at Taum Sauk Mountain Where to stay: Arcadia Academy ( 211 S. College St., Arcadia, MO , 573-546-4249) First song on your playlist: “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin The trek: 3.5 hours east of Springfield

Carlton Landing, Oklahoma

Who it’s for: A family in need of a quiet retreat Why it’s great: This tiny community on Lake Eufaula has the same coastal vibes as Florida spots like Seaside or Rosemary Beach. Must-do list: Boat rental, yard games, yoga, community garden Where to stay: A candy-colored Carlton Landing rental house First song on your playlist: “Sloop John B” by The Beach Boys The trek: Almost four hours southwest of Springfield

4–6 Hours Away

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Who it’s for: A few couples looking for a fun small-city getaway Why it’s great: This city is full of surprises, from a candy-colored boutique hotel to bustling nightlife. Must-do list: Scissortail Park ( 300 SW 7th St., Oklahoma City, OK , 405-445-6277), water taxi and dining at Bricktown Entertainment District , First Americans Museum ( 659 First Americans Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK , 405-594-2100), Oklahoma City Museum of Art ( 415 Couch Dr., Oklahoma City, OK , 405-236-3100) Where to stay: Bradford House ( 1235 NW 38th St., Oklahoma City, OK , 405-451-3693) First song on your playlist: “Oklahoma City” by Zach Bryan The trek: Four and a half hours west of Springfield.

Cape Girardeau,  Missouri

Who it’s for: Movie buffs wanting to see where Ben Affleck hung out Why it’s great: This river town is rich in history and was a filming site for the movie Gone Girl . Must-do list: Trail of Tears State Park ( 429 Moccasin Springs Rd., Jackson, MO ) , downtown’s public art, Gone Girl self-led tour, Old Mississippi River Bridge Scenic Overlook, Ebb & Flow Fermentations ( 11 S. Spanish St., Cape Girardeau, MO , 573-803-1611) Where to stay: Historical Kage House Airbnb First song on your playlist: “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen The trek: 4.5 hours east

Hot Springs, Arkansas

Who it’s for: A group of grown-up friends without the kids why it’s great: Spas sprung up around this town’s natural hot springs—and so did a horse racing culture. It’s a great place to relax and doing a little betting. Must-do list: Oaklawn Racing & Gaming ( 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR , 501-623-4411) , Quapaw Baths & Spa ( 413 Central Ave., Hot Springs National Park, AR , 501-609-9822) , Hot Springs National Park ( 369 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR , 501-620-6715) , Garvan Woodland Gardens ( 550 Arkridge Rd., Hot Springs, AR , 501-262-9300) Where to stay: Casa Del Rosa for your whole group First song on your playlist: “Dark Horse” by Katy Perry Getting there: Five hours south of Springfield

Hutchinson, Kansas

Who it’s for: Anyone curious about geology Why it’s great: Charming Amish country shopping and a salt mine you can tour in an underground train Must-do list: Strataca Salt Mines , upscale hunting at Hooray Ranch ( 26202 Sego Rd., Kingman, KS , 620-532-1127) , Yoder Amish Country, downtown murals and sculptures Where to stay: The Little House in Yoder First song on your playlist: “Seether” by Veruca Salt The trek: Five hours west

Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas

Who it’s for: Treasure hunters Why it’s great: You can dig for diamonds—real diamonds! And you can keep what you find in the 37-acre field, including other rocks and gemstones. Must-do list: Dig for diamonds, learn about the area’s history and geology in the Crater of Diamonds State Park visitor’s center ( 209 State Park Rd., Murfreesboro, AR , 870-925-4000) , Telinga’s Mexican Cuisine ( 100 E. 13th St., Murfreesboro, AR , 870-285-2418) Where to stay: Jailhouse Bed & Breakfast at nearby Historic Washington State Park ( 103 Franklin St., Washington, AR ) First song on your playlist: “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” by The Beatles The trek: Almost six hours south of Springfield

Des Moines, Iowa

Who it’s for: Artsy adventurers Why it’s great: The coolness factor of this town has been ticking upward, and now it’s known as an artsy haven with a state fair famous for its food. Must-do list: Art Route, Pappajohn Sculpture Park ( 1330 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA , 515-237-1386) , Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden ( 909 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA , 515-323-6290) , Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden ( 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, IA , 515-284-3994) , Iowa State Fair Where to stay: Surety Hotel ( 206 6th Ave., Des Moines, IA , 515-985-2066) First song on your playlist: “I’ve Been Everywhere” by Johnny Cash The trek: 5.5 hours north of Springfield

Iowa City, Iowa

Who it’s for: Football fan families Why it’s great: The city comes alive during football weekends, so you can take your kids to get the fan experience and then explore kid-friendly fun. Must-do list: University of Iowa Hawkeyes football, Iowa Children’s Museum ( 1451 Coral Ridge Ave., Coralville, IA , 319-625-6255) , Devonian Fossil Gorge ( 2850 Prairie Du Chien Rd NE, Iowa City, IA , 319-338-3543 ext. 6300) , Natural History Museum (on campus) Where to stay: The Highlander Hotel ( 2525 Highlander Pl., Iowa City, IA , 319-354-2000) First song on your playlist: “Holiday Road” by Lindsey Buckingham The trek: 6.5 hours north of Springfield

Memphis, Tennessee

Who it’s for: Elvis super-fans Why it’s great: There is so much music history—from Elvis’s home at Graceland to the Sun Studio, where Johnny Cash recorded hits. Must-do list: Graceland, Beale Street, Sun Studio, Memphis in May Where to stay: The Peabody Hotel ( 149 Union Ave., Memphis, TN , 901-529-4000) First song on your playlist:  “Graceland” by Paul Simon The trek: 5.5 hours southeast

More Than Six Hours Away

French Lick, Indiana

Who it’s for: Couples on a romantic anniversary trip Why it’s great:  The resort is actually two beautiful hotels—French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel—set a mile apart. Both earned notoriety from the medicinal waters that flow through the property. Today though, guests come to enjoy a poolside afternoon, hike miles of trails in the adjacent Hoosier National Forest, saddle up for a trail ride, take aim on the shooting clay range, try their luck in the onsite casino, hit the links or just sit on the expansive front porch with a cool drink and watch the world go by. Be sure to make a reservation for a window table in 1875: The Steakhouse at French Lick Springs Hotel for a romantic dinner. Bonus: French Lick is the childhood home of basketball great Larry Bird. Must-do list: 1875: The Steakhouse ( 8670 W., IN-56, French Lick, IN , 812-936-8001) , Hoosier National Forest Where to stay: French Lick Resort ( 8670 IN-56, French Lick, IN , 888-976-3617) First song on your playlist: “Night and Day” by Diana Krall The trek: Seven hours east.

Louisville,  Kentucky

Who it’s for: Kentucky Derby bucket listers Why it’s great:  With more than 100 years of refined elegance, The Brown Hotel is the pride of Louisville. It’s easy to see why. Walking through the lobby, you can almost feel money dripping from the ceiling and oozing from the walls. After a day at the races, the lobby bar makes for a perfect place to celebrate your winnings or drown your losses with a tumbler of smooth Kentucky bourbon. Louisville is home to Churchill Downs with a live racing season in May, June, September and early October. No trip to The Brown Hotel is complete without ordering the world-famous Hot Brown, an open-faced turkey, cheese, bacon, tomato and mornay sauce sandwich, created at the hotel in 1926. It’s a knife and fork heart attack on a plate. Must-do list: The Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Where to stay: The Brown Hotel ( 335 W. Broadway, Louisville, KY , 888-888-5252) First song on your playlist: “The Race is On” by George Jones The trek: Seven hours east of Springfield.

Nashville, Tennessee

Who it’s for: Country music fanatics Why it’s great: When we think of Nashville, we think of the sound of live music pouring out of every bar along Broadway! Must-do list: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum ( 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S., Nashville, TN , 615-416-2001) , Grand Ole Opry ( 2804 Opryland Dr., Nashville, TN , 615-871-6779) , Lou/Na Rooftop Bar ( 1000 Broadway, Nashville, TN , 615-622-1234) , Prince’s Hot Chicken , honky tonk hopping on Broadway or 12 South. Where to stay: Dream Nashville Hotel ( 210 4th Ave. N, Nashville, TN , 615-622-0600) First song on your playlist: “Outside Nashville City Limits” by Joan Baez The trek: Seven hours east of Springfield

Mason City, Iowa

Who it’s for: Lovers of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture (and The Music Man ) Why it’s great: The Park Inn is the last Frank Lloyd Wright-designed hotel in the world. Built in 1912, it has been a hotel, an office building, a strip club and then a vacant eyesore. In the early 2000s, The Park Inn underwent a 12-year, $18 million renovation to restore it to its Prairie School-style beauty. An adjacent law office, also designed by Wright, was incorporated into the hotel to allow for 27 boutique hotel rooms. There’s also a wonderful restaurant and downstairs lounge. But The Park Inn isn’t the only Wright-related architectural draw. Many of his students designed homes in the Prairie School style and they are scattered throughout Mason City. An easy-to-follow driving tour map is available from the visitor’s center. Mason City is also home to Meredith Wilson who wrote The Music Man . Ya got trouble, right here in Mason City, er, I mean, River City. The driving tour includes Wilson’s home. Where to stay:   The Park Inn ( 7 W. State St., Mason City, IA , 641-422-0015) First song on your playlist: “That’ll Be the Day” by Buddy Holly (Holly died in a plane crash just outside Mason City) The trek: Go to Kansas City, get on I-35 north. Seven hours driving time. (On the way take a detour to Winterset, IA and see the covered bridges of Madison Country.)

Direct Flights from Springfield and Branson

Don’t feel like driving? There are 14 direct-flight destinations from the Springfield National Airport or Branson Airport —so you can travel far without the hassle.

Charlotte, NC

Flight time: 2 hours 10 minutes Must-do:   Charlotte Motor Speedway and NASCAR Hall of Fame Must-yum:   Stoke Restaurant

Chicago, IL

Flight time: 1 hour 50 minutes Must-do:   Field Museum , Museum of Science and Industry and Art Institute of Chicago Must-yum:   Giordano’s Chicago Style Pizza

Flight time: 1 hour 40 minutes Must-do:  Dallas Cowboys game, John F. Kennedy Memorial Must-yum:   STIRR Restaurant

Los Angeles, CA

Flight time: 3 hours 40 minutes Must-do:   Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel , Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign Must-yum:  Mírame [Editor's Note: As of June 2023, Mírame is closed.]

Las Vegas, NV

Flight time: 3 hours 10 minutes Must-do:  Casino-hop on the strip, Cirque du Soleil, Fremont Street Experience Must-yum:   Bazaar Meat by José Andrés

Orlando, FL

Flight time: 2 hours 10 minutes Must-do:   Walt Disney World Resort , The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Must-yum:  Dole Whip float at Disney World

Flight time: 2 hours 5 minutes Must-do:   Busch Gardens , historic Ybor City, Tampa River Walk Must-yum:  Cuban at The Columbia Restaurant

Phoenix, AZ

Flight time: 2 hours 55 minutes Must-do:   Desert Botanical Garden , Heard Museum , Camelback Mountain hike Must-yum:   Kai Restaurant

Houston, TX

Flight time:  2 hours 15 minutes Must-do:   Space Center Houston , Houston Museum of Natural Science Must-yum:   Hugo’s

Flight time:  1 hours 45 minutes Must-do:   Henderson Beach State Park ,  Destin Harbor Boardwalk , Crab Island Must-yum:   Beach Walk Cafe

Atlanta, GA

Flight time:  1 hour 50 minutes Must-do:   Georgia Aquarium , World of Coca-Cola , Centennial Olympic Park Must-yum:   Bacchanalia

Flight time:  2 hours 20 minutes Must-do:   Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater , Denver Beer Trail , Rocky Mountain National Park Must-yum:   Safta Restaurant

Punta Gorda, FL

Flight time:  2 hours 25 minutes Must-do:   Don Pedro Island State Park , Fisherman’s Village, Little Gasparilla Island Must-yum:   The Perfect Caper

Flight time:  1 hour 40 minutes Must-do:   Austin City Limits Festival , South by Southwest Must-yum:   Barley Swine

About the Writer

Katie Pollock Estes is the Editorial Director at 417 Magazine . Katie has been working at 417 since December 2005. Her role includes writing, editing and planning stories while leading the team that produces 417 ’s editorial content. Read more about Katie .

Explore Related Articles

Plan a Staycation and Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown

10 ways to be a tourist in Springfield, Branson or Joplin, Missouri. We've found the best places to stay, the best restaurants to try and...

Take a Trip to Hermann

Celebrate the season with a relaxing trip to Hermann where you can enjoy fun events, Missouri wine and a spa experience.

Event Planning Guide

Your ultimate resource for planning and creating the perfect event in Springfield and southwest Missouri.

Travel for Two Around Southwest Missouri

Before the holiday hullabaloos begin, take some time to unplug with your main squeeze and enjoy a couples weekend at one of these new and...

Things to do in Branson, Missouri

Discover the best things to do in Branson, Missouri. Whether you’re looking for entertainment, fine dining, family attractions or cozy...

31 Things to do in Springfield, Missouri

If you want to see a show at a possibly-haunted theater or see the batmobile up close and personal, Springfield has a spot for you. We've...

19 Great Places to Camp in the Ozarks

The ultimate guide to camping and sleeping under the stars in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas.

Best Hiking Trails in the Ozarks

The Ozarks are a wonderland of trails, both hidden and super-accessible. From a stroll on the Ozark Greenways to an adventurous hike to a...

A Guide to Spring-Hopping in the Ozarks

Springs in the Ozarks make for slow, quiet days in nature. You can get a late start, take it slow, enjoy the ride and immerse yourself in a...

Small Town Getaways

We've rounded up nine of our favorite nearby small towns that offer big fun without extensive travel. Pack an overnight bag and see what...

Getaway to Carthage, Missouri

Just one hour west of Springfield, Carthage is home to a darn cute town square, charming Victorian buildings, one of the last drive-in...

• Itineraries
• Places to Stay
• Art & History
• Food & Drink
• Lectures & Presentations
• Music & Performance
• Seasonal & Holiday
• Sports & Recreation
• Agritourism
• Attractions & Tours
• Entertainment & Nightlife

Take a Walk or Drive Through Scenic Winter Spots in Missouri

Report this image.

If there is a copyright/decency issue with this image and you wish to report it, please complete the form below and a representative will review your case.

" * " indicates required fields

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The excitement of the first snowfall of winter might entice you to bundle up for a walk through powdery surroundings with wide-eyed wonder. Or maybe you’d rather admire the frosty landscape from the warm comfort of your car. Either way, Missouri offers plenty of places to take in scenic winter beauty. Here are a few suggestions:

Lone Elk Park in St. Louis

If you’re looking to spot wildlife, Lone Elk Park is the place to be. Bison, elk and deer roam the area year-round, but they look particularly beautiful against a snowy background. Keep in mind, staff feed the animals first thing in the morning, so get to the park before 8 a.m. for the best chance to see the wildlife.

Peck Ranch Conservation Area in Fremont

Take in the view of forested hills and hollows at the 23,763-acre Peck Ranch and Conservation Area . Rogers Creek and Mill Creek cut through the property as they flow toward the Current River. Birds of many species, white-tailed deer and Missouri’s wild elk call the area home. See it all on a driving tour through the park.

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park in Lampe

Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Ozarks with towering bluffs, waterfalls and wildlife around every corner. Book a private wildlife tour with a knowledgeable guide and travel into the heart of Dogwood Canyon . Or, try a wildlife tram tour for a two-hour narrated trip through park.

Forest Park in St. Louis

For a nature retreat in the middle of the city, head to Forest Park . Discover waterfalls, lakes, forests, savannas and gardens throughout the area. The Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis Science Center and James S. McDonnell Planetarium and the Saint Louis Zoo are also located inside the park.

Swope Park in Kansas City

Experience one of the largest municipal parks in the United States at Kansas City’s Swope Park . Community gardens, woodlands and grassy meadows provide scenic variety as you drive through the area. Missouri’s largest native species rehabilitation center, The Lakeside Nature Center, is also located in the park.

Sugar Camp National Forest Scenic Byway near Cassville

This 28-mile route winds through hills and valleys covered with red cedar, pine and hardwood trees. Vistas give you a glimpse of distant rolling hills. Along the way, two picnic locations offer a place to stop, stretch your legs and soak in the scenery.

14 Fantastically Fun Things to Do in Kansas City in January 2024

Last updated on March 12th, 2024 at 12:23 pm.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: resolutions, January blues, hibernation season… not exactly the recipe for a rocking good time. But let me tell you, friend, as someone who moved to Kansas City four years ago, I’ve discovered that January in this city is anything but dull and there are a lot of fun things to do in Kansas City .

Think ice-skating under twinkling lights, cozying up in a jazz club listening to soulful melodies, or indulging in delicious food and drinks at a winter festival. We’re talking about experiences that will warm your soul and leave you feeling energized and ready to tackle the year ahead.

So, ditch the hibernation mindset and get ready to embrace the magic of January in Kansas City! Buckle up, because I’m about to share all the insider tips and secrets to making the most of this exciting month. Let’s raise a glass (or a mug of hot cocoa) to the new year and dive into the heart of winter fun!

Best Things to Do in Kansas City in January 2024 (From a Local!)

If you are willing to brave the cold and snow, January is still a good time to visit Kansas City as attractions are less crowded and accommodation is more affordable. 

If you are a Kansas City local, we’ve got the best list of things to do in KCMO.

No matter the season, no matter the weather, you can indulge in fabulous barbecue, visit the city’s amazing art museums, take in music of all genres at cool venues, see amazing live shows at KC’s beautiful performing arts center, or visit any of the city’s excellent museums such as the WWI memorial or the Negro Baseball League museum.

Table of Contents

fun things to do in kansas city in January

In January, you can enjoy all that the city offers year-round and the January-only events listed below. Whether you are looking for things to do in Kansas City today or things to do in Kansas City this weekend, this list will provide a lot of great options.

We hope this list is fun inspiration to explore KCMO in January. We also have lists for the best  things to do in St. Louis in January  and the most fun  things to do in the state of Missouri in January .

I suggest bookmarking this blog post as I plan to update it regularly with new info.

Plaza Lights (Through Sunday, Jan. 9, 2024)

The Plaza Lights  are iconic for anyone in Kansas City around the holidays, featuring over 200,000 bulbs strung across the Plaza. That’s 80 miles of lights if stretched from end to end! The Plaza has plenty of shopping and restaurants for the whole family or for a cozy night out with a significant other. 

The Evergy Plaza Lights shine daily from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. from Nov. 23, 2023 – Sunday, Jan. 9, 2024.

Location: Country Club Plaza; 4706 Broadway Kansas City Missouri 64112

Jazz Storytelling (January 5, 2024)

Jazz Storytelling is a free, family-friendly, interactive show taking place at 10am on the first Friday of the month and it’s goal is itroducing young kids to the magic of jazz!

Aimed at toddlers to early elementary schoolers, Jazz Storytelling is lead by vocalist Lisa Henry, storyteller Brother John, drummer Mike Warren, and bassist Tyrone Clark. Their master storytelling skills bring an innovative, engaged approach for you and the whole family to enjoy!

Fri, Jan 5, 2024 from 10 – 11 AM

Location: American Jazz Museum; 1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO

First Fridays in the Crossroads Arts District (January 5, 2024)

No First Friday is the same thanks to an eclectic mix of art galleries, boutiques, food trucks (April-October), and more. First Fridays in Crossroads is one of the best free things to do in Kansas City every month for art lovers! This late-night event offers something for everyone in one of Downtown’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

7:00pm-9:00pm

Location: Crossroads Art District, Downtown Kansas City, MO

First Weekends in the West Bottoms (January 5-7, 2024)

Once home to Kansas City’s thriving stockyards, West Bottoms now offers a wide assortment of antique and vintage stores that invite visitors to search for kitschy-cool artifacts the first weekend of every month.

Location: 12th Street Bridge Entertainment District, West Bottoms, Kansas City, MO

First Weekends at urban mining (January 4-7, 2024)

Open the first Friday weekend each month, Urban Mining is a vintage market and treasure trove of antique, vintage & mid-century finds for Home & Garden. On Sunday all remaining inventory is 10% off all day long.

Address: 3111 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO 64109

R.K. Kansas City Gun Show (January 6-7, 2024)

Hunting is a major part of Missouri culture, particularly near the Ozark Mountains, so this event is sure to draw locals. R.K. Gun Shows are known for their safety and the Kansas City show will be no different.

The show will have a variety of vendors displaying guns, hunting supplies, military surplus, and outdoor gear Admission is $14 for adults, $6 for kids, and $16.50 for VIP (no waiting).

Saturday 8:00am – 5:00pm, Sunday 9:00am – 3:00pm

Location: KCI Expo Center; 11730 NW Ambassador Dr. Kansas City, MO 64153

Kansas City’s Restaurant Week (Jan 12-21, 2024)

There may be no better time to visit a foodie city than during its annual Restaurant Week , and KC’s runs through the middle of January. Enjoy specials from 125 participating restaurants all around the city.

Not only can you sample all the culinary wonders that KC has to offer, but you’ll also be supporting a good cause as a portion of all proceeds benefits Guadalupe Centers, the largest Hispanic organization in KC.

Dine your way with exclusive carry-out, delivery, and dine-in specials featuring multi-course meals. This is definitely one of the most foodie-fun things to do in Kansas City in January!

Locations: Various. See full list of restaurants .

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center on Tour (Jan 20, 2024)

Kansas City may be famous for sports and barbecue, but the city’s arts scene is one of the best in the nation. Bold and truly diverse in origin and expression, this program offers audiences the opportunity to dive deeper into chamber music of the early 20th century, with new sounds and divergent compositional influences that helped shape contemporary chamber music.

Before the show, enjoy cocktails and antipasto at Tavernonna Italian Kitchen, only a couple of blocks east of the theatre.

Location: Folly Theatre, 300 W 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64105

The KC Improv Comedy Show (through Jan 5, 12, 19, 20, 26, 2024)

The KC Improv Comedy Show is their signature show, featuring improvised comedy from the cast of The KC Improv Company focused on games, scenes and characters. All made up, based on your suggestions.

Tickets can be purchased in advance and are only $12-15.

Location: KC Improv, 4010 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, 64111

Donut Fest Kansas City (TBD)

Donuts + Beer = Kansas City Donutfest Love Donuts? Who doesn’t? Enjoy beer? Us too — so plan to visit the sweetest event this month! Donut Fest curates the best donuts in KCMO and guests can simply enjoy a Sunday Funday while sampling donuts, enjoying beer, coffee and more with a fun-filled tasty event!

Location: Rochester Brewing and Roasting Company; 2129 Washington St, Kansas City, MO

Sun, Jan 29, 1:00 – 4:30 PM

42nd Anniversary: Groundhog Run (Jan 28, 2024)

The annual Groundhog Run event has been going strong for over 40 years! Choose the 5k or 10k event, or go for both. The Hunt Midwest SubTropolis is guaranteed to keep runners warm, even in the western Missouri winter weather.

Start time: 8:00am

Location: SubTropolis; 8300 NE Underground Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108

Spandita Malik: Jāḷī—Meshes of Resistance (through Feburary 24, 2024)

This immersive exhibit at KC’s renowned museum of Contemporary Art is sure to amaze family members of all ages. International photographer and social practice artist Spandita Malik collaborates with women across North Indian states to create embroidered portraits that embody and empower their subjects. For Malik’s first solo museum exhibition,  Spandita Malik: Jāḷī—Meshes of Resistance ,  she traveled to small communities in India known for their distinct embroidery styles and places where women learn handicraft to gain financial independence. 

Best of all, admission to the Kemper is free!

Location: Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, 4420 Warwick Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64111

Ice Skating at the Crown Center Ice Terrace (through March 2024)

In the midwest, wintertime means ice skating. Locals and tourists alike enjoy the atmosphere of the beautiful Crown Center ice terrace . Admission is free for kids under 4 with one paid admission, and regular tickets are only $8.

Rent skates for $4 or have your own skates sharpened onsite for $9. Reservations aren’t required for groups under 20, and January hours are Sun-Thurs 10am-9pm and 10am-11pm Fri and Sat.

If you go right after the new year, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautifully decorated Crown Center Square and the Mayor’s Christmas tree while you skate!

Location: Crown Center, 2405 Grand Blvd. Ste 200, Kansas City, MO 64108

We hope you enjoyed our list of fun things to do in Kansas City, Missouri in January.

But, if you are still wondering what to do in January, check out our list of top things to do throughout  Missouri in January !

We also have our favorite things to do in Kansas City for every month. Just click on the month you want to plan your next KCMO adventure! January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

Do you know of other events, festivals or things to do in Kansas City, Missouri in January? Please let us know in the comments.

Sharing is caring!

Related Posts

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

25 Best Things to Do in Missouri — Fun Activities & Stuff to Do!

By: Author Jacob Phillips

Posted on Published: February 16, 2021  - Last updated: October 5, 2023

Barbecue, beer, and baseball are just some of the things that Missouri is known for.

But there are other popular tourist attractions in this Midwestern state that caters to all types of tourists.

History buffs, literary enthusiasts, nature lovers, music fans, and even admirers of kitsch art will find fun things to do in Missouri.

It’s all a matter of knowing where to go.

We can help you with that. Here’s a list of the best things to do in Missouri during your trip.

1. City Museum — St. Louis

750 N 16th Street St. Louis, MO. 63103 (314) 231-2489

The City Museum is an architectural museum located in the former International Shoe building in St. Louis.

It opened in October 1997.

Why You’ll Enjoy This Activity

Architecture fans, kids, and kids-at-heart are sure to enjoy going around this museum.

Constantly made and remade by artists using scraps from the city, this museum is like fitting an entire universe inside one hundred-year-old building.

Everything is happening inside. From brightly colored children’s spaces to incredible cave systems, this is definitely one of the fun places in Missouri you can’t miss.

Get here early because you can easily spend the entire day exploring the many nooks and crannies in this museum.

Chill out in an old school bus that extends from the rooftop or climb up to the museum’s old plane.

You can even crawl through fun tunnels, go down exciting slides, and just lose yourself in different worlds.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Angad Arts Hotel

Related: Places to Eat: St Louis, MO

Related: Fun Things to Do in Missouri with Kids

2. Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins — Camdenton

Natural Bridge Rd Camdenton, MO 65020 (573) 346-2986

Ha Ha Tonka was an early 20th-century mansion owned by a businessman.

It was inspired by 16th-century European castle designs.

Its ruins are located inside Ha Ha Tonka State Park and are one of the places to see in Missouri today.

History fans and lovers of nature can come together and enjoy a day inside the state park.

It has tons of trails that you can explore to see sinkholes, bluffs, and caves.

The walk itself can culminate in the castle ruins, where you’ll be treated to incredible views of the Ha Ha Tonka Spring and Lake of the Ozarks.

Make sure to wear comfortable clothing so that you can make the most of your visit.

After enjoying the ruins’ views, look for the natural bridge and rocky glades around the park.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sleep Inn & Suites Lake of the Ozarks

3. Welch Spring Hospital Ruins — Jadwin

Jadwin, MO 65501 (573) 323-4236

The Welch Spring Hospital was built by Dr. C.H. Diehl, who believed that the spring had healing properties that can help with breathing conditions.

Today, its ruins still stand and are now a unique landmark for many hikers.

The Welch Spring Trail is a good choice if you’re looking for what to do in Missouri.

It is just a mile-long and is relatively an easy walk.

Plus, you get to relax since the trail isn’t usually busy.

At the end of the trail near the mouth of a cave lies the ruins of Dr. Diehl’s hospital.

You can go up close and take photos if you want. Remember to wear sturdy shoes.

Dr. Diehl built a campground as part of his hospital.

You can take a short break here if you want to eat a snack.

Just remember to pack everything up, including trash.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Crossroad Inn and Suites

4. Johnson’s Shut-Ins — Lesterville

148 Taum Sauk Trail Middle Brook, MO 63656 (573) 546-2450

Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is an 8,781-acre park known for its naturally-made water park along the Black River.

It’s one of the best places to visit in Missouri if you love nature and playing in the water.

The natural shut-ins surrounded by picturesque rock formations are incredibly fun to dip in.

It’s hard to beat the beautiful views and the cool water combination.

But if you don’t want to get wet (though it’ll be hard to resist the temptation), you can always visit these natural pools to get fantastic nature photos.

To reach the natural pools, follow the 2-mile Shut-Ins trail inside the park.

Swimming is allowed but at your own risk.

No lifeguards will be there to keep an eye on you.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Shepherd Mountain Inn & Suites

5. Glore Psychiatric Museum — St. Joseph

3406 Frederick Avenue St. Joseph, MO, 64506 (816) 364-1209

Glore Psychiatric Museum is part of the museum complex in St. Joseph.

It opened in 1967.

The museum showcases the 130-year history of the State Lunatic Asylum No. 2 and mental illness treatment.

Yes, even its gory parts.

History buffs are sure to find the unique collection of this museum as one of the interesting Missouri activities they’d ever do.

You’ll be able to visit real-life rooms of the asylum, including its once fully-operational morgue.

Some of the artifacts displayed are lobotomy instruments, the Tranquilizer Chair, dioramas, and more.

While you’re here, make sure to visit the three other museums in the building, namely, the Doll Museum, the Black Archives Museum, and the Native American History wing.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Drury Inn & Suites St Joseph

Related: Things to Do in St Joseph, MO

6. The Pinnacles — Sturgeon

850 E Pinnacles Road Sturgeon, MO 65284 (573) 449-7946

The Pinnacles Youth Park Trail is 1.4 kilometers long and is near Hallsville.

It offers terrific views of the Silver Fork Creek Valley.

The Pinnacles Youth Park Trail is an idyllic hike for climbing enthusiasts.

It starts out nice and relaxing but will have a few difficult spots that might not be the most suitable for young kids and people afraid of heights.

The views, though, will be worth the tricky climb.

Be prepared for steep parts and tons of climbing and scrambling.

A good pair of climbing shoes will come in handy.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Suites – Columbia

7. Kansas City Workhouse

2001 Vine Street Kansas City, MO 64108 (816) 721-5830

The Kansas City Workhouse was built in the late 1890s as a jail for petty offenders.

It has been abandoned since the 1970s.

When you have a little time this weekend , a stop at the Workhouse might be fun, especially if you like taking photographs.

The castle’s facade mixed with the modern graffiti will make for interesting shots, indeed.

When you can, venture inside and see the many artworks that graffiti artists have left on the castle walls.

You might just find your new favorite street art there.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Phillips Kansas City, Curio Collection By Hilton

Related: Restaurants: Kansas City, Missouri

8. Kansas City Library’s Giant Bookshelf

14 W 10th Street Kansas City, MO 64105 (816) 701-3400

The Giant Bookshelf by Kansas City Library is probably one of the cool places you can visit in the state.

It’s definitely one of the things to see in Missouri if you’re a bibliophile.

The Bookshelf is actually a downtown parking building for the public library that they turned into a beautiful line of books.

You’ll see works from famous authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, Gabriel Garcia-Marquez, and Ray Bradbury.

After parking inside the garage, make your way to the south wall of the Central Library.

Make sure to take different angles of the bookshelf so you’ll have photos with giant versions of your favorite book.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa

9. Meramec Caverns — Sullivan

1135 MO-W Sullivan, MO 63080 (573) 468-2283

The Meramec Caverns is a 4.6-mile cavern system located in the Ozarks.

The caverns are made from limestone deposits throughout millions of years.

The highlight of your visit to the Meramec Caverns is definitely the guided tour around the cave system.

You’ll get to know how these mesmerizing natural wonders were made and see interesting formations like the ‘Wine Table.’

You can even witness the fabulous light show inside the caves.

If you’re looking for where to go in Missouri, Meramec Caverns doesn’t just offer tours.

You can also do other activities like wall climbing, ziplining, riding on a riverboat, and even panning for gold.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Comfort Inn Sullivan

10. Bonne Terre Mines — Bonne Terre

185 Park Avenue Bonne Terre, MO 63628 (888) 843-3483

The Bonne Terre Mines is the world’s largest man-made subterranean lake.

It’s definitely one of the top places to go in Missouri if you love diving.

One of the most unique must see tourist spots in the state is this freshwater, former lead mine, lake.

It’s one of the top sites for freshwater scuba diving.

The toxic lead particles in the water made it impossible for anything to grow here.

That is why the waters are stunningly clear.

There are about 24 diving paths in Bonne Terre that you can go on.

You’ll be able to visit drowned chambers, swim through pretty arches, and even look at the rusting mining equipment at the bottom of the lake.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Crown Pointe Lodge; BW Signature Collection

Related: Best Family Vacations in Missouri

11. Lemp Mansion — St. Louis

3322 DeMenil Place St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 664-8024

Lemp Mansion was owned by the Lemp family.

It was built in 1890 but is now a restaurant and in.

It’s one of the state’s famous sights for paranormal lovers.

Murder is always a grisly yet fascinating thing.

But multiple suicides in a single mansion is doubly impressive.

The Lemp Mansion is said to be one of the most haunted buildings in the US, and you can go on ghost tours here.

The mansion is a restaurant and inn right now, so you can actually book an overnight stay if you’re interested in staying at a ghostly location.

You can also attend their Mystery Dinner, where you need to solve a murder mystery while eating your food.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Marriott St. Louis Grand

Related: Top Things to Do in St. Louis

12. Noir Arts & Oddities — Kansas City

1101 Mulberry Street Kansas City, MO 64101 (816) 533-4589

Noir Arts and Oddities is a shop that’s targeted at fans of quirky and unusual things.

It’s absolutely a must-visit if you like weird stuff.

Go around the shop to look into pieces like Victorian Era memento mori, funerary antiques, natural science specimens, and embalming tools.

If strange and macabre is what you’re after, this is the place for you.

Ever wanted to buy an octopus in a jar?

Or do you want to take home a genuine human skeleton?

You’d probably find those and more when you go into this shop.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: 21c Museum Hotel Kansas City

13. Devil’s Icebox — Columbia

Devil’s Icebox Trail Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-7402

Devil’s Icebox is inside Rock Bridge Memorial State Park.

Its trailhead is located at Poverty Point Lane.

The Devil’s Icebox is aptly named because this natural cave system stays 56 degrees year-round.

The cool temperature makes it such a unique terrain to check out.

The Icebox itself is now closed to the public due to health concerns.

But the hike to the cave is still beautiful, making it worth the trip.

If you want to go exploring, you can continue on to Connor’s Cave.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Wingate by Wyndham Columbia

Related: Things to Do in Columbia, MO

14. SubTropolis — Kansas City

8300 NE Underground Drive Kansas City, MO 64161 (816) 455-2500

SubTropolis is the largest underground business complex in the world.

It is 55,000,000 square feet and is located in the bluffs of the Missouri River.

You might think that going to a storage facility seems boring.

But not if it’s an underground one that’s as big as a city.

Though there is no official visitor center in SubTropolis, you can always drive through it from Mondays to Fridays.

If you want to make your trip count more, why not take a break over at the paintball place found inside one of SubTropolis’s caverns?

Recommended Hotel Nearby: InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza

Related: Top Things to Do in Kansas City

15. Eros Bendato — St. Louis

801 Market Street St. Louis, MO 63101 (314) 863-5811

Eros Bendato is a colossal sculpture inside Citygarden Sculpture Park.

Eros Bendato is a chilling sculpture of a man’s head lying on its side with bronze tape binding his face.

Its eyeless face makes the entire sculpture all the more spine-chilling.

A cheap way to go touring in St. Louis is to visit the city’s artworks.

One of the most famous works in the area is the Eros Bendato. Make sure to take a picture as a souvenir.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Four Seasons St. Louis

16. Missouri Botanical Garden — St. Louis

4344 Shaw Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63110 (314) 577-5100

The Missouri Botanical Garden was founded in 1859 by philanthropist Henry Shaw.

It is over 79 acres big.

Plant lovers are sure to enjoy over 4,800 varieties of trees inside the gardens, as well as the unusual specimens that date back to the 19th century.

The Botanical Garden has over 23 gardens that you can visit.

Some of the gardens you can walk to are the Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, Temperate House (for Mediterranean species), and the English Woodland Garden.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton

17. Silver Dollar City — Branson

399 Silver Dollar City Parkway Branson, MO 65616 (800) 888-7277

Silver Dollar City is an 1880s-themed amusement park that has over 40 exhilarating rides and attractions.

It’s a great place to bring the kids or go on fun dates for couples.

Spend the day happy and satisfied with the many attractions here in the park.

You can ride the tube on Mystic River Falls, experience the drop on American Plunge, or brave the deadly, rickety fall of Outlaw Run.

Not a fan of thrill rides?

Silver Dollar City also has tame ones like the Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train and McHaffie’s Homestead.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Still Waters Resort

Related: Best Family Hotels in Missouri

18. National WWI Museum and Memorial — Kansas City

2 Memorial Drive Kansas City, MO 64108 (816) 888-8100

The National WWI Museum and Memorial is the country’s official museum for World War I.

It opened in 1926, and the memorial was designed by Harold Van Buren Magonigle.

One of the stuff to do in Missouri for lovers of history is to explore the collection of World War I artifacts in this museum.

The collection is currently going strong with over 33,000 items that range from simple soldiers’ belongings to rare national treasures.

The World War I Museum’s unique thing is that it tries to tell the war story from everyone’s point of view.

It veers away from just one national narrative to be as objective as possible.

History fans will surely enjoy this experience very much.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center

19. St. Louis Zoo

1 Government Drive St. Louis, MO 63110 (314) 781-0900

St. Louis Zoo is over 36 hectares big and is the home of about 18,700 animals like red wolves, zebras, polar bears, and penguins.

One of the top free attractions in the state is the expansive St. Louis Zoo.

You’ll be able to visit with your favorite animals and watch them in their habitats.

Besides visiting the animals, you can also check out the exhibits and attractions in the zoo like the Sea Lion Show, Stingrays at Caribbean Cove, and Wild Wonder Outpost.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta St. Louis

20. The Haygoods — Branson

3216 W Highway 76 Branson, MO 65616 (417) 339-4663

The Haygoods are local performers in Branson that provide modern family entertainment.

The Haygoods perform at Clay Cooper Theatre.

The current show line up for The Haygoods is 5 brothers and 1 sister, all musically inclined.

The siblings can play over 20 instruments and put on visually stunning shows that you won’t forget.

From death-defying guitar stunts to mesmerizing classical performances, The Haygoods are definitely musical geniuses.

Make sure to get your tickets well beforehand, as they do sell out fast.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Palace View Resort by Spinnaker

Related: Top Things to Do in Branson, MO

21. Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum — Hannibal

120 N Main Street Hannibal, MO 63401 (573) 221-9010

The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum is the author’s home from 1844 to 1853.

It is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River.

Literary enthusiasts will have a fun time visiting the former home of the famous author Mark Twain.

You’ll be able to see some of the author’s personal artifacts up close.

When you’re done with the tour around the house, the museum also has other properties you might want to visit.

There are the Huckleberry Finn House, Becky Thatcher House, Grant’s Drugstore, and J.M. Clemens Justice of Peace Offices.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Quality Inn & Suites Hannibal

Related: Best Things to Do in Hannibal, MO

Related: Places to Eat in Hannibal, MO

22. Katy Trail

Katy Trail State Park Machens to Clinton, MO (573) 449-7402

The Katy Trail is a 390-kilometer recreational trail that starts in Machen and snakes mainly along the Missouri River to Clinton.

If you want a more active way to go over the state during your trip, why not traverse the Katy Trail?

You can choose to walk, ride a bike, or even meander atop a horse.

Besides the long winding paths, the trail also has some of the most scenic views of the Missouri River.

You’ll really feel the small rural vibes during your outing.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hollywood Casino St. Louis

23. Gateway Arch — St. Louis

11 N 4th Street St. Louis, MO 63102 (877) 982-1410

Gateway Arch is perhaps the most iconic monument in Missouri.

This 630-foot arch was built starting 1963 and was completed in 1965.

Its architect was the celebrated Eero Saarinen.

The Gateway to the West is an impressive example of stunning architecture that many fans love up to this day.

You should take the time to ride the tram up to the viewing platform to get panoramic views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River.

When you’re done taking in the views, go back down and explore the displays in the Museum of Westward Expansion.

It’ll show you what life in the 1800s was like.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Regency Saint Louis at The Arch

24. Hermann Wine Trail

150A Market Street Hermann, MO 65041 (800) 932-8687

The Hermann Wine Trail features 7 family-owned wineries and vineyards in Missouri’s Wine Country.

A relaxing way to spend time with your loved one is to go on a wine tasting trail.

There are many types to choose from, like the Chocolate Wine Trail, the Farmer’s Table Wine Trail, and the Berries & BarBQ Wine Trail.

So make sure to check the schedule for your trip.

Besides tasting some of the best wines in the state, you’ll be going over scenic views of the country when going from one vineyard to another.

Bring your camera with you to document your journey.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hermann Crown Suites

Related: Best Things to Do in Hermann

Related: Restaurants in Hermann

25. Lake of the Ozarks

403 Highway 134 Kaiser, MO 65047 (573) 348-2694

Lake of the Ozarks is a reservoir located in central Missouri.

It came from the Osage River and is 150 kilometers long.

One of the best things to do in Missouri is to visit the Lake of the Ozarks.

There’s always something fun to do when you’re here.

You can either explore the nearby underground caves or do some watersports in the water, like stand-up paddleboarding and water parasailing.

Go and look for an undeveloped cove along the lake’s shores and spend the day relaxing away.

You can go swimming, fishing, or boating.

If you want to stay longer, you can even do a picnic or set up a campsite overlooking the lake.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Camden on the Lake Resort

Map of Things to Do in Missouri

Missouri Things to Do: The 25 Best Activities for [currentyear]

• City Museum — St. Louis
• Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins — Camdenton
• Welch Spring Hospital Ruins — Jadwin
• Johnson’s Shut-Ins — Lesterville
• Glore Psychiatric Museum — St. Joseph
• The Pinnacles — Sturgeon
• Kansas City Workhouse
• Kansas City Library’s Giant Bookshelf
• Meramec Caverns — Sullivan
• Bonne Terre Mines — Bonne Terre
• Lemp Mansion — St. Louis
• Noir Arts & Oddities — Kansas City
• Devil’s Icebox — Columbia
• SubTropolis — Kansas City
• Eros Bendato — St. Louis
• Missouri Botanical Garden — St. Louis
• Silver Dollar City — Branson
• National WWI Museum and Memorial — Kansas City
• St. Louis Zoo
• The Haygoods — Branson
• Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum — Hannibal
• Gateway Arch — St. Louis
• Hermann Wine Trail
• Lake of the Ozarks

Home » Travel Guides » United States » Missouri (MO) » 30 Amazing Hidden Gems in Missouri

30 Amazing Hidden Gems in Missouri

Popularly known as the “Cave State” after the 6,000 plus recorded caves in the state, Missouri is a part of the Midwestern region of the United States of America. Named after the third US president Thomas Jefferson, Jefferson City is the state’s capital and is regarded as the most beautiful town in America.

The 18th most populous state in the nation, Missouri has been the birthplace of several eminent personalities of American history, notably Mark Twain, Chuck Berry, Walt Disney, and Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States of America.

With Mississippi River to its east and the Ozark Mountains to the south, Missouri has been inhabited by human population for over 12,000 years.

Kansas City is the largest city in the state and is most famous around the country and the world for its barbeques and jazz music. Officially dubbed as the ‘City of Fountains’, Kansas City is home to the fountains at Kauffman Stadium, the world’s largest privately funded fountain.

The ‘Show Me’ state of Missouri is known in the American history and culture as a pool of diverse opportunities and attractions. From the indigenous tribes to the 21st-century literati, the state has seen it all and done it all.

Let’s take a moment to delve deeper and find out the best hidden gems in Missouri so we can cherish them for years to come.

1. Welch Spring Hospital Ruins, Jadwin

Now nothing more than a camping spot to passing tourists, Welch Springs Hospital Ruins, by the banks of Current River in Jadwin, Missouri was once a popular healing site (or could have been) which was discovered and later bought by C.H. Diehl in 1913, an Illinois based doctor, who claimed that the water at the springs had brilliant healing powers.

Reportedly, the fresh, pollen-free waters that sprouted out of the surrounding caves had helped him with his hay fever which made him believe that the soothing waters could heal prolonged ailments such as tuberculosis, asthma, and emphysema. And, in an attempt to materialize the same and invite visitors to gain from the discovery, he established a ‘hospital’ at the mouth of the caves.

Unfortunately, accessibility to the caves was not so convenient, and, so, his plans of building a natural health spa never took a substantial shape. After the good doctor passed away, his family couldn’t be bothered about the site, and, thus, the site today sits as just another ruin forgotten in time.

2. Bonne Terre Mines, Bonne Terre

Once the largest lead ore producer in the world, Bonne Terre Mines were used to dig ores from 1870 till 1962. Hundreds of workers mined at the site and huge mining machinery was installed around the underground caves to reap the maximum benefit out of the chambers.

However, flooding and a sudden strike of underground water submerged the chambers underwater and with it sank millions of dollars’ worth of equipment that resulted in permanent closure of the mining business.

As if nature had other plans for the wonderful channels of caves and tunnels, the chambers were reopened and now are regarded as the largest freshwater diving site in the world.

Completely lifeless due to the toxic lead particles in the flowing water, the dive location offers 24 different diving pathways across 17 miles of subterranean channels and an amazing collection of rusted mining tools and machinery resting at the bottom of the “Billion Gallon Lake.”

If you are not a professional diver, you could take a boat tour or a walking trail to the regions which allow access.

3. Glore Psychiatric Museum, St. Joseph

While most of the original building serves as a section of the city’s prison, what’s left of this brilliant structure are the four floors of collection that depict the evolution of mental illness cure and medicine along with 130 years of State Lunatic Asylum’s history.

The Glore Psychiatric Museum in St. Joseph, Missouri is named after George Glore who dedicated the majority of 41 years of work and expertise to creating replicas of the devices that were used in the 16th, 17th, and 18th century to treat mental illness patients.

A collection that started off as a passion of a history buff, the present-day museum is an end result of Glore’s work which was highly encouraged and respected by the officials of Missouri Department of Mental Health, his workplace.

Aside from the original equipment like the Wheel, lobotomy instruments, and Benjamin Rush’s Tranquilizer Chair, the museum also displays life-like replicas and dioramas along with artworks created by patients.

4. Devil’s Icebox, Columbia

Missouri may be known to the world as the ‘Show Me’ state or the home of the ‘Cave City’, but there is more to this Midwestern gem than meets the eye. The Devil’s Icebox, amidst the Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, is a one-of-a-kind cave that manages to retain its calm, 56-degree temperature throughout the year.

Frequented by students and visitors from Columbia, the Icebox serves as an entrance to two other caves and houses a flowing river within.

From April to May and August to October each year, the Icebox holds caving tours through its various sections – starting with level A for the novices to level D for the expert spelunkers.

During summer, the caves are flocked by numerous bats and the karst topography of the surrounding ambiance makes for a perfect vacation for those in search of a natural retreat.

5. Lemp Mansion, St. Louis

The story of Lemp Mansion goes hand in hand with the history of German immigration and beer brewing in the city of St. Louis, Missouri.

One of the first beer breweries in the United States of America, Western Brewery was the brainchild and prodigy of Johann “Adam” Lemp who moved to the city in 1839 and started brewing and selling beer in 1840. The business was handed over to Adam’s first son, William J. Lemp, under whose supervision, Western Brewery grew to be the largest of its kind in the city and outside New York with a sole owner.

Even though William’s fourth son, Frederick, was to run the company as per his desire, but William J. Lemp Jr. aka Billy, William Sr.’s first son followed the family path and inherited the heirloom. William and his wife moved to the Lemp Mansion in 1873 and changed the business name to William J. Lemp brewing company.

Frederick, the fourth son, had significant health problems which were unknown to the Lemp family, and after his death of a heart attack in 1901, hell came crashing down on the family and family business. As if the whole family was cursed, William Sr. committed suicide by shooting himself in 1904. Shortly after, Billy faced a divorce charge and shot himself to death in 1922.

Elsa Lemp Wright, William Sr.’s daughter and the youngest child, shot herself in bed in 1920, and the last remaining of the family, Charles Lemp shot his dog and himself in 1949.

Now, the property serves as a restaurant and inn and hosts periodic tours into the history and haunting past of the Lemp Mansion.

6. Kansas City Library’s Giant Bookshelf, Kansas City

Undoubtedly, the magnificent town of Kansas City is known to the world for its amazing collection of caves, however, that is not all. Aside from the caves, the garage for the public library Central branch is considered as intriguing as the Cave City’s other jewels.

A thoughtful façade that looks like a Giant Bookshelf with a row of books that are 25 feet in the air and nine feet wide encloses the parking garage from outside. Built in 2006, this themed parking garage was designed to solve the parking problems of the downtown area and the idea for the ‘Bookshelf’ exterior was a joint effort of the community members.

Among many others, some of the book titles include J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man, Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching, and Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities.

7. Kansas City Workhouse, Kansas City

Known as the “Workhouse Castle”, this giant hulk of a structure was built in 1897 and was meant to serve as a towered prison. The prisoners, often beggars and drunks who committed petty thefts, were involved in local public work by the jail. The “castle” is known to be one of their first creations which were created by the first inmates using limestone boulders dug right out of the surrounding ground.

The prison’s medieval European architecture not only made the structure stand out but also gave it an air of dominance in the area.

After a few decades of passing over from one owner to another, the Workhouse Castle finally shut down permanently in 1972.

The abandoned structure was soon discovered by graffiti artists who used the walls to create bold, intriguing expressions of their artwork. Though talks of turning the space into a community center have been going around for some time now, ironically, the walls of this imposing castle stays preserved and decorated in art created by those who may have easily found their way in if the prison still stood to function!

8. Leila’s Hair Museum, Independence

So, you thought you know of all the ‘strange’ museums in the world and there is nothing more to surprise you? Think again. Leila’s Hair Museum, the ONLY one of its kind in the whole universe, is located in Independence, Missouri, and it boasts of collection that includes over 600 wreaths and 2000 pieces of exquisite jewelry made from HUMAN HAIR!

The history to know when this art form was first started is slightly vague but it is believed that it goes all the way back to the Victorian era and the 12th century when hair was used to create memorabilia that could be kept as a keepsake from a loved one (no, there were no cameras back then!). These interesting pieces also served as a memory of a deceased family member.

The museum’s oldest brooch was made in 1680 and donated to the museum in the 1800s by the last standing member of a Swedish family.

Leila Cohoon, the owner and caretaker, reportedly has mastered 30 out of 35 techniques that were used to create the various pieces of jewelry and tokens, and offers classes to those who are interested.

9. Treasures of the Steamboat Arabia, Kansas City

On September 5th, 1856, the expansive Arabia hit a submerged walnut tree during its usual tour of the Missouri River, and despite several efforts, sank to the bottom of the river with 200 tons of cargo and a mule!

The steamboat hit the river bottom within a day and even after several attempts, neither the boat nor the cargo could be recovered. The shipwreck remained abandoned and a folklore for over a century until 1987 when Bob Hawley and his sons, located the ‘lost’ steamboat under a pile of mud and silt.

The Hawleys along with a few friends and family members decided to unearth the sunken monster, and after a year’s dedication and hard work, the group started to unveil the treasures of Arabia.

Today, all of Arabia’s treasures including remarkably preserved guns, tools, clothing, entire crates of China and food is stored at the Treasures of the Steamboat Arabia Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, and is regarded as the largest exclusive collection of pre-Civil War artifacts.

10. Turtle Playground, St. Louis

As a child, you probably have been warned numerous times about playing by the highway, but the Turtle Playground isn’t just another spot or stopover at the intersection between Oakland Ave and Tamm Ave, St. Louis, Missouri. An intriguing themed playground, the public park was designed by Bob Cassilly of the City Museum (St. Louis) fame.

Created in the late 90s, the Turtle Playground comprises larger-than-life sculptures of reptiles made of concrete. Most ‘reptiles’ in the park were inspired by the local species found in the area. Consisting many turtles and a really long snake, whose body is designed to serve as an entrance to the park, are the usual inhabitants of the Turtle Playground.

When threats of destroying the establishment due to a construction on Highway 40 surfaced in 2007, Cassilly disguised himself as a thief and chopped the snake’s head off, thus making a statement that only he had the power and rights to damage his creation. Message well-received, the ‘head’ and the playground have both been restored and reopened since then.

11. The Ozark Spooklight, Joplin

Also known as the Hornet Ghost Light, the Tri-State Spook Light, and the Joplin Ghost Light (and so on), the Ozark Spooklight is apparently a mysterious round glow that appears periodically eleven miles southwest of Joplin. The light has made infrequent appearances since 1881, though some claim to have seen the event way before the recorded time.

Several ‘logical’ explanations have been derived from the phenomenon, the most sensible of which that they are the reflections of car lights. However, the theory has been challenged by the fact that the lights were visible before there were any cars driving down this road.

There are several stories (read ‘rumours’) behind the Ozark Spooklight – some say it’s the ghost of a Confederate soldier looking for his head, or the ghost of a decapitated miner, or that it is the ghost of a beheaded Osage Indian who is searching for HIS head.

12. Taum Sauk Mountain, Ironton

The Ozarks dominate the southern part of Missouri, and Taum Sauk Mountain is known to be the oldest and the highest peak of St. Francois Mountains (a part of the Ozarks).

Apparently, Piankeshaw chief Sauk-Ton-Qua’s daughter fell in love with a warrior from an enemy tribe. When Sauk found out, he killed the warrior by throwing him off the cliff, and Sauk’s daughter followed her lover in death. This infuriated the mystical Storm King, who, out of his wrath, summoned a hurricane to destroy the entire tribe.

The Mountain is supposedly named after the tribe leader and his tragic tale.

Taum Sauk’s summit is marked by granite inscription from the Missouri Association of Registered Land Surveyors.

13. The Pinnacles, Sturgeon

Not to be confused by the national park in California, the Pinnacles in Missouri are considered as a geological anomaly. River erosion causing steep cliffs to be formed out of large boulders is not so uncommon, but, in this case, a 300-year-old limestone formation which was wedged between two rivers eroded over a period of time and formed the ‘Pinnacles’.

A spiky formation, the Pinnacles stand 75 feet high and stretch up to 1,000 feet. The limestone formation, known as the Burlington Limestone, stands between Kelley Creek and Silver Fork Creek, as the streams gradually dissolve portions of the stone.

A part of the Pinnacles Youth Park, the formations are unique and make a perfect spot for hiking and rock climbing.

14. Pruitt-Igoe’s Remains, St. Louis

Pruitt-Igoe, a housing project completed in 1954, was to be the most-perfect community in the entire United States of America, but, within a decade of habitation, it became the most notorious housing project in the nation.

Designer Minoru Yamasaki (best known for his work on World Trade Center) and George Hellmuth planned to house the whites in Igoe while the blacks were to stay at the Pruitt. But, the idea of coexisting in the same community didn’t charm the whites, and, soon, the whole community was taken over by African-Americans.

Though an iconic failure of what it was meant to be, the former residents recall the initial experience as that of extreme joy and a blessing filled with amenities from the 20th century.

As drug trafficking, gang wars, prostitution, and shooting became a daily thing, the residents and project owners finally gave up hope, and in a haunting display of their dismay, blew up the entire housing project with dynamites.

All that remains now is an urban jungle and a graveyard for all those aspirations of a better future attached to it in the middle of St. Louis, Missouri.

15. Bothwell Lodge, Sedalia

Worried much about the effects of air-conditioning on high consumption of energy and how it affects our environment (and pockets)? Take a page from the designing book of Bothwell Lodge – a house that has been built over a natural cave so it could keep the interiors pleasant and cool, naturally!

Originally named the Stonyridge Farm, the structure was built over 30 years ago by John Homer Bothwell, a wealthy lawyer, as a retreat location for himself and his friends. Spreading over 12,000 square feet, the Lodge had 31 rooms and a medieval European style of architecture.

Though the edifice itself resonated of ultimate beauty, the most intriguing feature of the Bothwell Lodge were the three underground caves that were discovered during construction. To benefit from this natural occurrence, Bothwell ordered several access points to be built within the building so fresh, natural breeze could pass conveniently through the whole house.

The estate grounds are open for biking and hiking, and tours are easily available.

16. Jesse James Home Museum, St. Joseph

Americans, as we know it, are fair to all – celebrities, humanitarians, soldiers, criminals! The Jesse James Home Museum in St. Joseph, Missouri is one such example of how a notorious criminal is remembered even after decades of him being shot dead.

As the story goes, Jesse James, one of the most notorious outlaws in the history of the United States of America, had a great run as a criminal, and finally decided to settle down with his family in the city. Despite being feared as one of the deadliest bandits, James was also known as a concerned family man.

Unfortunately, by the time he decided to come clean, there was a $10,000 bounty on James’ capture. An offer too lucrative to avoid, Robert Ford, a former accomplice of James, put a bullet to James’ head at his own residence.

While Ford was arrested for the crime and has been forgotten, Jesse James is considered an American icon and is celebrated as a legacy at his former home that has been redesigned to serve as the ‘Jesse James Home Museum’.

17. BoatHenge, Columbia

It is hard to explain America’s obsession with Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument in England, but, the nation sure has a way of expressing its appreciation towards the iconic structure. After the Foamhenge in Virginia and Carhenge in Nebraska, it is time we take a look at BoatHenge in Columbia, Missouri.

A work of anonymous artists, BoatHenge was first seen in 1993 on a lawn next to the Katy Trail. Seeming like a bunch of boats stuck in the ground in upright position at first, the collection of six fiberglass boats lined in a semilunar formation can only be reached via a canoe, a bicycle, or a lot of walking.

Mysteriously enough, research and observation of the site yielded that the boats’ height, width, and depth underground is EXACTLY the same as that of Stonehenge (Why, America, Why?).

18. The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, Kansas City

Established in 1882 as the Kansas City Toy and Miniature Museum, the mansion boasts one of the largest and the finest collections of vintage toys and miniatures to be found in the United States of America. Rewarded with its current ‘national’ status in 2015, the Museum originally started with a collective assortment by Mary Harris Francis and Barbara Marshall.

Since its establishment, the Museum has expanded dramatically and had undergone multiple expansions in 1985, 2004, and 2014.

72,000 items were recorded at the museum during its 2004 expansion.

Expect to find antique dollhouses that look 1000 times better than the real ones we live in, wooden boats, vintage cars, tin toys, and thought-provoking miniature replicas that look like a shrunken version of the original items.

19. The Holy Finger of Kansas City, Kansas City

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a highly recognized and valued collection that houses several significant Christian relics, but, one of the items on display at the museum stands apart than any other under the roof – a human finger bone and not just any finger bone, but, one that belongs to John the Baptist, the first cousin of Jesus of Nazareth.

A part of the Guelph Treasure housed in Germany’s Brunswick Cathedral, the artifact was brought here when the Nelson Trust decided to buy it.

Reportedly, the right hand of John the Baptist with which he baptized Jesus is in Serbian Orthodox Church, Montenegro, while other body parts are spread over various locations around the world including France and Bulgaria.

20. Kirksville Devil’s Chair, Kirksville

Officially the “Baird Chair”, the structure was placed by Kirksville’s prominent banker, William Baird.

Baird may not be alive anymore but his influence on the city can be easily spotted around Kirksville. His former home now serves as the Chamber of Commerce while his bank is now Pagliai’s Pizza.

Renamed (unofficially) as the Devil’s Chair by locals, it is believed that something ghastly will happen to those who dare to sit on it at midnight – like an undead hand will appear from the grave and drag you to hell. The legend further elaborates that these occurrences are more likely to happen during special occasions such as Halloween.

21. Former World’s Largest Rocking Chair, Cuba

Replaced by the new World’s Largest Rocking Chair created by Jim Bolin and installed in Casey, Illinois, the former World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Cuba, Missouri, was the first of its kind to have gained the reputation when it was created and installed on April Fool’s Day in 2008.

Standing at 42 feet, the welded steel Chair can be found on the stretch of Route 66 that passes through the town of Cuba.

Built with the sole purpose of breaking all records and making it to the Guinness Book of World Records, the Chair’s mammoth structure soon became a serious safety concern. The rocking chair that could actually sway back and forth was securely welded into the ground to save any possible accidents.

Sitting on the chair is prohibited except for a single day every year, the “Picture on Rocker day’, when a lift is commissioned to carry people up and down from the chair.

22. World’s Largest Shuttlecocks, Kansas City

The finger bone of John the Baptist may be the most intriguing piece of relic inside the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, but the Kansas City museum has much more in store for the keen visitors, for example, four 18-foot shuttlecocks!

The mammoth badminton shuttlecocks look like they have been left casually on the ground after a game of badminton played by giant humans. The structures were commissioned after the Sosland family donated the funds to the museum.

Crafted by Claes Oldenburg and his wife, Coosje Van Bruggen, the shuttlecocks are made from fiberglass and aluminum and were installed at the museum grounds in July 1994.

Now considered a permanent part of the city’s folklore, the surrounding grounds have become increasingly popular as a wedding destination and other community events.

23. Cotton Belt Freight Depot, St. Louis

Originally a cotton depot and a significant stopover in the then booming cotton trade that spread over the cities of Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri, the Cotton Belt Freight Depot, with its sculpted terra cotta elements and giant façade covered in remarkable paintwork is an abandoned but exquisite structure on the streets of St. Louis.

Constructed in 1911, the former Freight Depot is a quirky representation of the city’s industrial history.

Standing at a five-story height, the construction is extremely thin and extremely long – about 750 feet long.

Resembling a wall more than an actual building, most of the Freight Depot is covered in graffiti art, of which, the most notable is the “Migrate” mural that was drawn as a part of the depot’s renaissance project.

24. Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum, Mansfield

Laura Ingalls Wilder, a celebrated American Writer is best known for her children’s book series “Little House on the Prairie”, loved traveling and spent a lot of her time traversing through the states of Kansas, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Missouri.

While there are several significant sites across the trail dedicated to her life and travels, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum in Mansfield, Missouri, features the final years of her life when she lived with Almanzo, and their daughter, Rose, and wrote her Little House series.

At the Home & Museum, you can experience the writer’s home, her farmhouse, and the Rock House. A garden dedicated to Laura’s passion for gardening, “Laura’s Vegetable Garden”, was added later.

There are sections of the museum which are dedicated to Almanzo and Rose.

25. World Chess Hall of Fame, St. Louis

WCHOF, short for the World Chess Hall of Fame, is a museum, an educational center, a monument, and a dream destination for every chess lover in the world. The only museum of its kind in America, WCHOF was established in 2011 and is managed by the United States Chess Trust.

Among the many notable pieces in the museum, a book signed by Bobby Fisher depicted various chess openings, a Senet piece as old as 500 years, Paul Murphy’s silver chess set, and the first chess-playing computer stands out as special attractions.

Along with the local chess club, WCHOF offers educational programs for chess enthusiasts of all age and also hosts some of the most competitive tournaments in the nation.

26. Boots Court Motel, Carthage

Constructed in 1939 on the intersection of Route 66 and U.S. 71, the Boots Court Motel is a historic motel that was established by Arthur Boots, a machinery salesman.

Located at the ‘crossroads of America’, the iconic motel is most known for its “a radio in every room” feature (if not for its fabulous location”. The motel follows a Streamline Moderne Style of architecture and has a covered carport for night visitors.

Famed celebrities like Clark Gable are known to have stayed at the motel.

A neon sign announced its presence on the route for several decades until it was finally shut down. A demolition attempt in 2003 was objected by the locals, and in 2011, two sisters purchased the property and have been making restorations around the motel since then.

New elements have been added even though the owners are trying their best to restore the structure’s original set up from the 1940s.

The reopened Boots Court Motel offers all modern facilities except televisions, however, there is still “a radio in every room.”

27. Lyle Van Houten’s Automotive Museum, Clarence

At first glance, the structure looks like a functional gas station stuck in time, but, take a closer look and you will see that it is, in fact, a preserved filling station that now serves as an Automotive Museum.

Situated off the Highway 36 in Clarence, Missouri, the Automotive Museum was created by former owner and operator, Lyle Van Houten, who, instead of selling his little station after 40 years of working here, chose to turn it into a display of vintage cars stuck in the classic era filling station in America.

After retirement, Houten dedicated his time to preserving the original filling pumps and original signboards, a collection of vintage cars with mannequins in costumes from the old era.

An old Clarence squad car, a couple driving their fancy sedan, and an unusual taxi filled with figurines dressed as marching band monkeys are some of the notable displays.

28. Vacuum Cleaner Museum and Factory Outlet, Saint James

America’s fascination with the world’s weirdest collectibles is well-known by now. First, there is the shaker museum, then the hair museum, and now, we discover the Vacuum Cleaner Museum! Like really! Who would have thought Vacuum Cleaners were so important to mankind as to have a museum dedicated to them?

Tom Gasko, the collector of over 600 vacuum cleaners that form the Vacuum Cleaner Museum and Factory Outlet in Saint James, Missouri, started obsessing over these tools at a tender age of 16 (maybe even before that), just a few months before he started working as a sales boy for the product in 1979.

The President of the Vacuum Cleaner Club in 1995 (yes, there is a club like that), Gasko tied up a few other enthusiasts and started collecting different models, antique and modern, and formed the Vacuum Collectors Association (yes, this is also a thing).

Finally, in 2009, Gasko believed he collected enough to start a public display, now known as the Vacuum Cleaner Museum and Factory Outlet. Till today, the owner-turned-curator gives personal tours of his prized collection and is happy to answer all your vacuum-related questions.

29. Maxie, The World’s Largest Goose, Sumner

Sumner is known as the World’s Wise Goose Capital, and what could be more befitting to the city in Missouri than Maxie, a 40-foot Canadian Goose that stands proudly amidst a public park ready to fly.

More majestic than monstrous, the 4,000-pound goose is not only the mascot of Sumner but is also the reason behind the city’s strange reputation. Standing on its extremely skinny legs, Maxie is known to take a little flight when faced with heavy wind.

The city of Sumner attracts a lot of hunters every year as it sits on the migratory trail of a large number of wild geese that gather around the local lake. An annual goose-themed festival takes place in the city since 1955.

30. Missouri State Penitentiary, Jefferson City

Missouri gained statehood in 1821 and just after a year, Jefferson City was named as the state’s capital. However, John Miller, the then governor, realized that efforts had to be made to materialize the city’s significance. Hence, he ordered the construction of Missouri State Penitentiary, a maximum-security prison for the most notorious criminals.

The Penitentiary saw its first inmate in 1836 and its first female inmate in 1842. The cells at the prison and any other nearby homes were built by the Penitentiary prisoners. With over 5,000 prisoners, the compound was known to hold the largest outlaw population in the nation in 1932.

However, a major riot in 1954 and other related injuries and deaths gave the State Penitentiary its foul nickname – the bloodiest 47 acres in America.

Charles ‘Sonny’ Lisbon learned to box during his time at the prison and then went on to win the 1953 National Heavyweight Championship held in Chicago.

James Earl Ray was acquitted here in 1959, but, he managed to escape in 1967, and killed Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.

Since its closure in 2004, the Missouri State Penitentiary serves as a museum and has been the subject of over 100 supernatural investigations. Scared much?

30 Amazing Hidden Gems in Missouri:

• Welch Spring Hospital Ruins, Jadwin
• Bonne Terre Mines, Bonne Terre
• Glore Psychiatric Museum, St. Joseph
• Devil's Icebox, Columbia
• Lemp Mansion, St. Louis
• Kansas City Library's Giant Bookshelf, Kansas City
• Kansas City Workhouse, Kansas City
• Leila's Hair Museum, Independence
• Treasures of the Steamboat Arabia, Kansas City
• Turtle Playground, St. Louis
• The Ozark Spooklight, Joplin
• Taum Sauk Mountain, Ironton
• The Pinnacles, Sturgeon
• Pruitt-Igoe's Remains, St. Louis
• Bothwell Lodge, Sedalia
• Jesse James Home Museum, St. Joseph
• BoatHenge, Columbia
• The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, Kansas City
• The Holy Finger of Kansas City, Kansas City
• Kirksville Devil's Chair, Kirksville
• Former World's Largest Rocking Chair, Cuba
• World's Largest Shuttlecocks, Kansas City
• Cotton Belt Freight Depot, St. Louis
• Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum, Mansfield
• World Chess Hall of Fame, St. Louis
• Boots Court Motel, Carthage
• Lyle Van Houten's Automotive Museum, Clarence
• Vacuum Cleaner Museum and Factory Outlet, Saint James
• Maxie, The World's Largest Goose, Sumner
• Missouri State Penitentiary, Jefferson City