15 Places In Missouri That Will Leave You Wanting MO

No matter what you're into, there's an MO for every M-O.

1. The Gateway Arch, St. Louis

Sure, you’ve seen the Gateway Arch thousands of times on television, but if you haven’t been up in the Arch to see the spectacular view of Saint Louis, you’re missing out. As an added bonus, the Gateway Arch is also a national park, so visiting means you can cross one more park off your bucket list.

2. Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Camdenton

FunLake.com / Via Visit Missouri

You don’t have to go all the way to Europe to see the ruins of castles. Ha Ha Tonka has the ruins of a 1905 castle atop its bluffs, but that’s hardly the only reason to visit. The park also features caves, sinkholes, springs, and a natural bridge that leads down to beautiful views of the Lake of the Ozarks.

3. National WWI Museum and Memorial, Kansas City

Designated by Congress as America’s official WWI museum and memorial, this institution holds the most comprehensive collection of WWI documents and artifacts in the world. The museum’s thought-provoking exhibits aim to make the events of the Great War meaningful and relevant to a modern audience, and are a must-see for any history enthusiast visiting Kansas City.

4. Meramec Caverns, Stanton

Ever been inside a cave that has seven levels? If your answer to that is no, then it’s time to visit the Meramec Caverns. If walking past 1.25 miles of stalagmites and stalactites doesn’t impress you, then consider the fact that these caverns were reportedly a hideout for Jesse James.

5. Mark Twain Riverboat, Hannibal

If you want your relaxing boat ride to have a literary spin on it, the Mark Twain Riverboat is for you. Twain often incorporated the river into his works, and a ride on the riverboat is a great way to see his hometown of Hannibal by water. Come for the history of the mighty Mississippi River, and stay for the dinner cruise with live entertainment.

6. Missouri's National Veterans Memorial, Perryville

You don't have to go all the way to Washington, DC to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial in Perryville features a full-scale black granite wall identical to the one found within the National Mall. Perryville's natural peace and quiet provide an excellent setting to reflect on the sacrifices of our veterans.

7. Missouri Star Quilt Company, Hamilton

If you're interested in quilting, you might recognize Jenny Doan, who runs the Missouri Star Quilt Company, from her online quilting tutorial videos. Based in Hamilton, the company operates a variety of quilt shops, selling fabric, accessories, and more. You'll also find live daily demonstrations and quilting tips, courtesy of Jenny and her staff. Check the company's website for their operating hours.

8. Top of the Rock Golf Course, Ridgedale

Fans of the game will find lots to love at Top of the Rock. This nine-hole, par-3 course was designed by Jack Nicklaus himself, and the practice range was designed by Arnold Palmer. If you love golf so much that you want to marry it (or just marry someone else who loves golf), there’s a very impressive wedding chapel and honeymoon cabin onsite. If you need to take a break from golf, there are other attractions too, like the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail and the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum.

9. City Market, Kansas City

If you’re a foodie who’s looking to eat fresh and local in Kansas City, a visit to City Market is essential. For more than 150 years, City Market has been the place to buy heartland goods directly from the people who grow and make them. This is especially true on weekends, when City Market becomes the largest farmers market in the region.

10. Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, Springfield

If you're into animals, you're in luck: Wonders of Wildlife has an aquarium that holds 1.5 million gallons of water, as well as 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles and birds showcased in their museum. This 350,000-square-foot experience celebrates people who hunt, fish, and act as stewards of the land and water.

11. Forest Park, St. Louis

If you’re feeling outdoorsy, but you also want a solid dose of culture, Forest Park in St. Louis is the place to go. Forest Park is 1,371 acres, making it 500 acres bigger than New York’s Central Park. If you want a break from all the natural beauty outside, head into one of the many museums in the park, like the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Saint Louis Science Center, and the Missouri History Museum. Fancy a show? The Muny open-air theater is in the park. Want to see more wildlife than your average city pigeon? The world-famous Saint Louis Zoo is also in the park.

12. The I-70 Tour de Barbecue, Kansas City to Columbia to St. Louis

Missouri is famous for its barbecue nationwide. It’s a hub for smoked meats. If you’re a true connoisseur of this culinary discipline, you’ll want to travel Interstate 70 across the state from Kansas City to Columbia to St. Louis to try as many different restaurants as you can. Check out Gates Bar-B-Q, a Kansas City staple since 1946. When you get your ‘cue at Lutz’s Famous BBQ in Columbia, be sure to order the spiral-cut potato chips. Love barbecue but also love the planet? Check out Salt + Smoke in St. Louis, a sustainable restaurant that’s part of the Green Dining Alliance.

13. Hermann Wine Trail, Hermann region

True fans of the nectar of the gods will want to explore the Hermann Wine Trail, 20 miles of great wine and some of the prettiest scenery in Missouri. Along the trail, you’ll find seven family-owned wineries: Adam Puchta, Bias, Hermannhof, Dierberg Star Lane Tasting Room, OakGlenn, Röbller, and Stone Hill. Wine tastings happen year-round and if you schedule your visits just so, you can attend great wine-and-food pairing events, like the Berries & BarBQ Wine Trail in July or the Chocolate Wine Trail in February.

14. National Blues Museum, St. Louis

The blues is a uniquely American art form, and Americans can learn all about their musical heritage at this museum in downtown St. Louis. The museum not only houses artifacts that will be impressive to any blues fan, but also aims to engage younger listeners new to the sound through high-impact technology driven experiences and a state-of-the-art theater.

15. Silver Dollar City, Branson

Explore Branson / Via Visit Missouri

Silver Dollar City started as a re-creation of the mining town that once stood at the mouth of Marvel Cave, which lies under the park. These days, it's way more. The park has over 40 rides and attractions, including the Time Traveler, the world's fastest, steepest, and tallest spinning coaster. Silver Dollar City has also won the Golden Ticket award for "Friendliest Park," so you're certain to have a pleasant time here.

Unless otherwise noted, all images courtesy of Visit Missouri.

No matter how you operate, Missouri's got you covered! Check out the Visit MO website to start planning your getaway now!

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