Places To Visit In Missouri For The Best Outdoor Adventures And Historic Spots

The Missouri River surrounded by hills and its reflection in the water with boats nearby

Known for its majestic mountains, serene lakes, and the magnificent Mississippi River, there is no dearth of tourist attractions in Missouri. Be it the historic neighbourhoods of St Louis, the theatre scene of Branson, or the museums in Kansas City, visitors have endless options in the top places to visit in Missouri. There are around 85 state parks and historic sites, over 840 miles of trail for backpackers, hikers and bicycle riders, and 96 wineries in the state, apart from tons of family-friendly activities.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Missouri

The best tourist places in Missouri have attractions that can offer visitors an amazing vacation experience. Here’s a list of places for your next trip.

1. The Gateway Arch

Distant view of the Gateway Arch with green grass in front and barren trees on the side

Photo: Intricate Explorer / unsplash

Right from spectacular views to fascinating stories, there can never be a dull moment during your visit to the Gateway Arch, St. Louis. This arch is USA’s tallest national monument, and this place has activities to engage the whole family. Go on a tram ride up to the top of the Gateway Arch, view a documentary about the construction of the arch, enjoy a cup of coffee at the Arch café, shop at the Arch store, and explore the cruises on the riverboats at the arch. There is an open mall facing the Gateway Arch that leads to the historic courthouse.

Location: St. Louis MO 63102
Fees: From $13 – $19 (Ride to the top)
Timings: 5 AM – 11 PM

2. Titanic Museum

Titanic’s Marconi Room with the telegraph Equipment installed in its wireless room

Photo: Ståle Grut / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Experience Titanic’s grandeur at the world’s biggest Titanic Museum at Branson. This interactive attraction is an ode to the spectacular vessel, the crew and its passengers. The passengers can experience every aspect of this luxury liner in this attraction, such as walking through its hallways, cabins, parlours, and the famous Grand staircase. You will be surrounded by over 400 artefacts curated from the actual ship and its passengers. In this self-guided tour, you can stand on the sloping decks, touch an iceberg, experience the 28-degree cold water, hear true stories of passengers and gain the first-hand experience of being on the Titanic.

Location: 3235 W76 Country Blvd, Branson MO 65616
Fees: From $15
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM (Monday to Saturday), 9 AM – 5 PM (Sunday)

3. Sight & Sound Theatres

A big theatre with empty rows of seats, circular balconies, and carvings on the walls

Photo: John McArthur / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

One of America’s biggest Christian Theatre companies and most attended live theatres in the Midwest and East Coast, Sight &Sound Theatres is one of the best places to visit in Missouri. This majestic theatre offers a spectacular experience for the whole family with its massive 2000 seating, huge 300 foot panoramic stage, glorious sets of 3 stories height, and a very professional cast of over 40 actors, including animals. This theatre blends art with technology to deliver inspiring stories from the Bible and around the world.

Location: 1001 Shepherd of the Hills Expy Branson MO 65616
Fees: Based on the show
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM

4. The Haygoods

The Clay Copper Theatre with the banners of The Haygoods and The Cooper in Missouri

Photo: Minha Baek / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

This world-class production showcased in Branson has been entertaining families for over 30 years. The team of five brothers and one sister performing with over 20 instruments is Branson’s most popular show. This sibling group brings a unique concept to the stage each year, along with stunning visual effects and modern stage presentation as a backdrop. They present a range of musical styles that are performed with a lot of excitement and energy. Be it Pop, Rock, or Country, all kinds of music are presented innovatively with harmony and rhythm that offers an unforgettable experience for listeners of all ages.

Location: 3216 State Hwy 76, Branson MO 65616
Fees: Based on the show
Timings: 7:30 AM – 5:45 PM

5. National WWI Museum & Memorial

e of external view of the museum showing the huge tower, stairs on either side

Photo: Claudio Testa / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

The National WWI Museum and Memorial is one of the top places to visit in Missouri as it is dedicated to understanding and remembering the Great War and its influence on the world. This memorial and museum holds a comprehensive collection of World War 1 memorabilia and documents and is one of the oldest museums to preserve the stories and history of the war. You can take a memorable journey through the entire era and hear personal stories of patriotism, courage and sacrifice of the brave soldiers. Located in downtown Kansas City and designated by the Congress as USA’s first World War 1 Museum, the National WWI Museum and Memorial provides an interactive learning experience for visitors of all ages.

Location: 2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108 4616
Fees: $11.50 (Children aged between 6-15 y), $19.50 (Adults)
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM

6. St. Louis Zoo

Three zebras grazing the grass in a zoo with boulders in the background in Missouri

Photo: Daiga Ellaby / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

This world-famous zoo, spanning 90 acres, is home to over 40,000 animals, including rare and endangered species as well. Take a stroll along the Michael and Quirsis Riney Primate Canopy trails, pass a transparent tunnel, and go up the treetops through the elevated boardwalk to view the lemurs and money. Meet the grizzly bear siblings at the Centene Grizzly Ridge, Kali – the Polar Bear, and enjoy underwater views of ocean birds at the Penguin and Puffin Coast. Besides catching the Sea Lion Show, visitors can walk through an underwater tunnel along the huge Sea Lion exhibit to spot seals and sea lions swimming around them in their habitat. The St. Louis Zoo is the ideal place for family fun.

Location: 1 Government Drive St. Louis MO 63110
Fees: Free
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM

7. The Nelson-Atkins Museum Of Art

 Cricket paraphernalia and China artifacts at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Missouri
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Photo: Birmingham Museums Trust / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

This world-class art museum is a cultural treasure of Kansas City and among the best places to visit in Missouri. Recognised as one of the finest art museums in the USA, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art attracts visitors across the globe with the power of art. With more than 40,000 exhibits, this museum is most popular for its Bloch Galleries showcasing impressionist and post-impressionist art, Asian art, American paintings, photography, and Egyptian and American Indian galleries. Additionally, there is the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park, with over 35 sculptures by renowned 20th-century artists.

Location: 4525 Oak St, Kansas City MO 64111
Fees: Free
Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM

8. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis

The Cathedral Basilica with rows of seats, statue of Christ and painted wall interiors

Photo: Debby Hudson / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

This Cathedral holds the biggest collection of mosaic art in the Western Hemisphere and is open to the public for self-guided tours and masses. The lower level of this superstructure is the Mosaic Museum, with displays on the design and application of mosaics. The museum houses the authentic Kilgen organ console which is the throne of Pope John Paul- II, and a compilation of precious objects and historic garbs worn in the Church. Its internal interior mosaics took over 80 years to complete and were made with more than 41 million pieces of glass tesserae.
Location: 4431 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis MO 63108
Fees: Free
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM

9. Busch Stadium

Panoramic view of the Busch stadium during a game showing several spectators in Missouri

Photo: Ronni Kurtz / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Having a colourful history and rich tradition, the Busch Stadium has hosted historic games such as the World Series Championships and NHL Winter Classics. Beyond sports, the stadium has been the venue for numerous meetings, corporate celebrations, and events. Busch Stadium’s iconic play field and 16 distinct venues offer visitors a range of seating options, panoramic views and gourmet food that cannot be found elsewhere. Customisable experiences such as Cocktails on the Track and Fantasy Batting Practice are the novel attractions here. Guests can even plan their own private events with the help of the Cardinal Special Events staff members.

Location: 700 Clark Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri
Fees: Based on the same
Timings: Depends on the game

10. City Museum

Skate Park inside of the City Museum, St. Louis where one can go roller skating

Photo: Kafai Liu / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

The City Museum in St. Louis is not a typical museum. Spanning over 60,000 sq. feet, this area was once an International Shoe Company. But now, it is four floors of fun for the entire family. There are long tunnels, over 30 slides, an entire cave structure, an art area, a circus, a climbing area, and an architectural museum. There is also a cabin that serves beverages, a Museum of Mayhem, a Jungle Gym, and high spiral slides. The rooftop garden has a Ferris Wheel, fountains, and a wonderful view of the city. Among the top places to visit in Missouri, this museum is a must-see place for family fun.

Location: 750 N 16th St, St. Louis MO 63103
Fees: $ 20
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM

Missouri is a sought-after vacation destination as tourists get to experience the natural beauty of this state combined with the outdoor activities and cultural and historical diversity. From the diverse options, you can pick the best places to visit in Missouri that can bring you memories for a lifetime. Connect with TripXL to plan your next winter or summer vacation to one of the most entertaining states in the USA.

Cover Photo: Peter Thomas / unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

The best months to visit Missouri are between April to June and September to November.
Some of the popular dishes in Missouri are butter cake, slinger, Gerber sandwich, and frozen custard.
Columbia Airport is the main airport in Missouri.
In Missouri, you can get around by bus, ferry, railway, or tramway, in addition to hiring a car.
Missouri is popular for its numerous caves, wine industry, nature parks and vibrant music scene.

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