9 Most Loved Tourist Attractions In Missouri
When planning a vacation, many head south for warm weather or north for snow sports. But the vast middle of the country has so much to offer, too. Missouri shines with fun for all four seasons and an eclectic array of attractions you have to see for yourself. Imagine the tallest arch in the world, right in Missouri. Two amazing zoos that care deeply about wildlife and educating the public. The state that was home to a US president and one of the world's most famous authors is ready to inspire today's generation to get out and explore.
Truman Presidential Library
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum is located in Independence, MO, about 10 miles east of Kansas City. Truman grew up in Independence and, as an adult, was a successful farmer, businessman, entrepreneur, and senator before becoming the 33rd president of the US. He served as president from 1945 to 1953.
Truman's library holds papers and records from his presidency, his appointment calendar, personal papers, books, and other materials. His papers alone totaled seven million pages! He was a prolific letter writer, and letters he wrote to his wife, daughter, and others are in the collection. The museum was extensively renovated recently and includes numerous permanent exhibits, as well as temporary exhibits that are displayed for a few months. For hours and tickets, visit trumanlibrary.gov.
Mark Twain Boyhood Home
Samuel Clemens was born and raised in Hannibal, MO, and his home and museum are located in the town, which is about 117 miles northwest of St. Louis. He took the pen name of Mark Twain as he began writing his famous stories about Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.
The historic site includes the Mark Twain Boyhood Home, built around 1843, the Museum Gallery building, the reconstructed Huckleberry Finn house, the Becky Thatcher House, the Justice of the Peace building (including the John Clemens Justice of the Peace office), the Pilaster house (pilaster refers to its flat pillars) where the Clemens lived with the Grant family, a statue of Tom and Huck, and other sites in the town. For information and tickets, visit marktwainmuseum.org.
Fantastic Caverns
No need to squeeze through tight passageways or risk falling in these caverns. Located in Springfield, they are the only caverns in North America where tourists sit and ride through an ancient riverbed in a Jeep-pulled tram. The caverns have a consistent 60-degree temperature year-round.
Sit back, listen, and watch in this 55-minute narrated tour as you learn about the grand formations before you. Find out how these stalagmites, stalactites, soda straws, and massive pillars were formed over time and how old they might be. While in town, try the Dutch pancakes or waffles at Van Gogh's Eeterie.
Missouri Botanical Garden
Considered by many as one of the top three botanical gardens in the world, its mesmerizing 79 acres of displays include a tropical rainforest, Japanese strolling garden, Chinese garden, English Woodland Garden, Ottoman Garden, a Victorian District, and a Center for Home Gardening. Its 4,800 trees include some that were planted back in the 19th century by founder Henry Shaw.
The Garden holds special events year-round, like the Garden Glow holiday light show and the Holiday Wreath Display and Auction through January 4. More events include the Orchid Show, from February 1 through March 9, the Herb Society Herb Sale on April 25, and the free Whitaker Music Festival Wednesday evenings from May 28 through July 30.
The Gateway Arch
At 630 ft. tall, St. Louis' Gateway Arch is the tallest monument in the US and the tallest arch in the world. To put it in perspective, DC's Washington Monument is just over 555 ft. tall, while L'Arc de Triomphe in Paris is a mere 162 ft. high. The Arch was built to symbolize the US's westward expansion and St. Louis as the "Gateway to the West." The Arch is located at the approximate point where explorers Lewis and Clark landed when they returned from mapping out a route to the Pacific Northwest.
To get to the top of the arch, you will take a 4-minute tram ride. Tram tickets sell out, so plan to get yours online prior to your visit. The time on your ticket is the time you should be through security and in the tram line at the Arch. Space at the top can accommodate up to 80 people, but wheelchairs and strollers are not permitted. For tickets and information, visit gatewayarch.com.
St. Louis Zoo
USA Today's 2024 list of the 10 Best Zoos in the US listed St. Louis Zoo for a good reason. The zoo offers FREE admission to the public, although some optional attractions have fees. (Adventure Passes cover these attraction fees and can be purchased online or at the zoo.) See mammals, invertebrates, birds, fish, and amphibians; learn about endangered species and the zoo's conservation efforts. View animals up close in their habitats at Discovery Corner, which has an Insectarium. Grab a burger, sandwich, or street taco at Cafe Kudu while exploring the Zoo.
The St. Louis Zoo is located in Forest Park at One Government Drive, St. Louis. Paid parking for individual vehicles is available in the zoo's North and South lots. Charging stations for electric vehicles are in the South lot and are free to use.
Kansas City Zoo
Home to over 10,000 animals of over 200 species! Say hello to an Amazon milk frog, a bat-eared fox, a caracal, a capybara, a cotton-top tamarin, numerous types of penguins, a lion-tailed macaque, a blue-tailed, fire-bellied newt, and so many more critters. At the new Sobela Ocean Aquarium, you can see 8,000 ocean creatures and find out how the oceans connect everyone in the world.
A one-price ticket gets you into all areas of the zoo, including the 650,000-gallon aquarium. Wondering about its name, Sobela? It stands for the first letters of the benefactors' grandchildren: Sawyer, Oliver, Benton, Elias, Leo, Amelia, and Arthur. Buy tickets online three or more days in advance and save!
Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
One need not be Catholic or religious to appreciate the majesty of this cathedral. Designed by architect George Barnett in a Byzantine/Romanesque style, the ground was broken on May 1, 1907, and the building was consecrated on June 29, 1926. Even as it was a work in progress, the cathedral was used for regular mass, holidays, and weddings. Pope John Paul II gave the cathedral Basilica status in 1997 and visited it himself in 1999.
Visit the Basilica and take a self-guided tour anytime it is open, typically 7 am to 5 pm weekdays. Reservations are not necessary unless bringing a large group. Guided tours are available by appointment only.
Silver Dollar City
This amusement park in Branson has 40 rides, many designed for the entire family to ride together. More than 100 craft artisans demonstrate skills like glass blowing and leather working. The various entertainment venues host concerts, musicals, and plays that change throughout the year, such as the Spring Exposition with a clogging jamboree that runs from April 10 to May 12 and the Bluegrass and BBQ from May 14 to 26. More events include the Summer Celebration with the Silver Dollar Circus from June 7 to August 3 and An Old Time Christmas from November 1 to December 30. In addition to all of the excitement, The Silver Dollar City Campground has tent sites, RV sites, and log cabins, with free shuttle service to and from the amusement park.
Where can you explore underground caves, aboveground blossoms, two amazing zoos, a famous author's homestead, a presidential library, a world-class theme park, and, of course, the world's tallest arch? Missouri, of course! From St. Louis to Kansas City and Branson to Springfield, Missouri, has attractions for every taste, including many that the whole family can enjoy together. Pull on your clogs or cowboy boots and plan to spend a 2025 vacation in Missouri.
