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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 13 Places To Visit In Missouri
The best places to visit 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
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: $13 – $19 (Ride to the top)
Timings: 5 AM – 11 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In The USA For An Unforgettable Vacation
2. Titanic Museum
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.
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
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
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near USA For Your Next Quick Escape
4. The Haygoods
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
Timings: 7:30 AM – 5:45 PM
5. National WWI Museum & Memorial
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.
Location: 2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108 4616
Fees: $11.50 for children, $19.50 for adults
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Suggested Read: Best Historical Places In Missouri That Incredibly Echo America’s Past
6. St. Louis Zoo
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
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
Suggested Read: Monuments In The USA
8. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
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
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
Timings: Depends on the game
Suggested Read: Best Things To Do In USA
10. City Museum
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
11. Table Rock Lake
Photo: Ktrimble / Wikimedia Commons
Table Rock Lake is one of the most iconic lakes in Missouri, a reservoir set in the Ozark Mountains near Branson and Shell Knob. Built in 1958 when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed Table Rock Dam, it spans 43,100 acres framed by pine-clad hills and bluffs. At marinas, visitors can fish, swim in clear coves or paddle, while trout thrive downstream in Lake Taneycomo thanks to the dam’s cold-water release. Accommodation ranges from lakeside cabins to resorts; nearby Table Rock State Park trails and Branson’s shows make for the perfect Missouri experience.
Location: Located near Branson, MO
Timings: 24*7
Suggested Read: Lakes In The USA
12. Missouri Botanical Garden
Photo: Jouaienttoi / Wikimedia Commons
The Missouri Botanical Garden, often known as Shaw’s Garden, is a lush oasis in the heart of St Louis, covering more than 79 acres of cultivated landscapes and woodlands. Visitors can wander through the geodesic dome of the Climatron to admire tropical plants, stroll across the serene Japanese Garden with its koi ponds and stone lanterns, and explore the interactive Children’s Garden to spark young imaginations. Seasonal displays range from vibrant roses to rare orchids, while the Garden Gate Shop and on-site café offer local treats. Easily reached from downtown by tram or car, it stands as an unmissable highlight among places to visit in Missouri.
Location: 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
13. Silver Dollar City
Photo: sheffieldb / Wikimedia Commons
Silver Dollar City, nestled near Branson in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, is an 1880s theme park bringing frontier craftsmanship to life. With more than 40 rides, artisan demonstrations from glassblowing to candle making, and award-winning live entertainment, it is a must visit place for every Missouri travel guide. Guests can enjoy seasonal festivals that span spring through Christmas, dine on slow-smoked barbecue, hearty buffets and famous cinnamon bread, and browse craft shops showcasing timeless skills. Family-friendly attractions, multiple dining options and immersive experiences set among pine-clad hills ensure Silver Dollar City delivers a memorable day out for visitors of all ages.
Location: 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson
Timings: 9:30 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Art Galleries In USA
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: Jayden Herr / Unsplash
