Missouri Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit & Top Attractions
Welcome to Missouri, the Show-Me State, where vibrant cities, rolling hills, and riverfront adventures await. From blues music and BBQ in Kansas City to gateway landmarks in St. Louis, Missouri offers something for every traveler.
Where is Missouri?
📍 Location: Midwestern United States
🌆 Major Cities: St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Branson, Columbia
🗺️ Bordering States: Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois
🔗 Visit Missouri Tourism
🌆 Major Cities: St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Branson, Columbia
🗺️ Bordering States: Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois
🔗 Visit Missouri Tourism
Best Time to Visit Missouri
🌸 Spring (March-May): Ideal for wildflowers, river cruises, and state park hikes.
☀️ Summer (June-August): Best for lake getaways, festivals, and family road trips.
🍂 Fall (September-November): Perfect for fall foliage, apple picking, and scenic drives.
❄️ Winter (December-February): Great for holiday lights, indoor attractions, and historic tours.
☀️ Summer (June-August): Best for lake getaways, festivals, and family road trips.
🍂 Fall (September-November): Perfect for fall foliage, apple picking, and scenic drives.
❄️ Winter (December-February): Great for holiday lights, indoor attractions, and historic tours.
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Top Attractions & Destinations in Missouri
1. St. Louis – Gateway to the West
St. Louis is known for its iconic architecture, museums, and cultural diversity.
🏛️ Best Things to Do in St. Louis:
- Gateway Arch National Park – Ride to the top of the tallest monument in the U.S.
- St. Louis Zoo – A free, family-friendly zoo ranked among the best in the country.
- Forest Park – Home to the Art Museum, History Museum, and Science Center.
📍 Location: Eastern Missouri
🔗 Visit St. Louis
🔗 Visit St. Louis
2. Kansas City – BBQ, Jazz & Fountains
Known as the City of Fountains, Kansas City blends Midwestern charm with world-class food and music.
🎷 Top Attractions in Kansas City:
- National WWI Museum and Memorial – A powerful and moving experience.
- Country Club Plaza – An upscale shopping and dining district with Spanish-inspired architecture.
- Try Kansas City BBQ – Famous for its slow-smoked meats and sweet-spicy sauce.
📍 Location: Western Missouri
🔗 Visit Kansas City
🔗 Visit Kansas City
3. Branson – Family Entertainment Capital
Branson is packed with live shows, theme parks, and Ozark Mountain scenery.
🎢 Things to Do in Branson:
- Silver Dollar City – A theme park with 1880s charm and thrilling rides.
- Table Rock Lake – Great for boating, fishing, and lakeside cabins.
- Branson Strip – Lined with music theaters, attractions, and fun museums.
📍 Location: Southwestern Missouri
🔗 Visit Branson
🔗 Visit Branson
4. Lake of the Ozarks – Water Lover’s Paradise
A favorite for boating, fishing, and lakeside fun, the Lake of the Ozarks is Missouri's top water destination.
🚤 Things to Do at the Lake of the Ozarks:
- Enjoy Water Activities – Jet ski, kayak, or take a scenic boat cruise.
- Ha Ha Tonka State Park – Features castle ruins and dramatic bluffs.
- Stay at a Lakefront Resort – Plenty of options from luxury to rustic.
📍 Location: Central Missouri
🔗 Visit Lake of the Ozarks
🔗 Visit Lake of the Ozarks
5. Hermann – Missouri Wine Country
Located along the Missouri River, Hermann offers vineyards, German heritage, and romantic escapes.
🍷 Top Things to Do in Hermann:
- Take the Hermann Wine Trail – Visit family-owned wineries with river views.
- Explore German Architecture – Stroll through the charming historic district.
- Attend Oktoberfest – One of Missouri’s most festive fall events.
📍 Location: East-Central Missouri
🔗 Visit Hermann
🔗 Visit Hermann
Best Outdoor Adventures in Missouri
🏞️ Hiking in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways – Explore trails and springs along the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers.
🚣 Float Trip on the Meramec River – Popular for canoeing, tubing, and camping.
🌄 Exploring Elephant Rocks State Park – See giant granite boulders perfect for climbing and photos.
🐟 Fishing at Bennett Spring State Park – A great spot for trout fishing and family picnics.
🚣 Float Trip on the Meramec River – Popular for canoeing, tubing, and camping.
🌄 Exploring Elephant Rocks State Park – See giant granite boulders perfect for climbing and photos.
🐟 Fishing at Bennett Spring State Park – A great spot for trout fishing and family picnics.
Where to Stay in Missouri
🏨 Luxury Hotels & Unique Stays:
- The Chase Park Plaza (St. Louis) – A historic hotel with elegance and style.
- Big Cedar Lodge (Branson) – A luxury wilderness resort nestled in the Ozarks.
🏕️ Best Campgrounds & Cabins:
- Echo Bluff State Park Cabins – A modern escape in the Ozarks.
- Montauk State Park Camping – Perfect for nature lovers and anglers.
Tips for Visiting Missouri
✅ Pack Layers – Missouri weather can change quickly, especially in spring and fall.
✅ Try Local Favorites – Don’t miss toasted ravioli in St. Louis and burnt ends in KC.
✅ Plan Ahead for Lake Trips – Book lakeside lodging early in summer.
✅ Explore Small Towns – Missouri’s charm extends beyond its major cities.
✅ Try Local Favorites – Don’t miss toasted ravioli in St. Louis and burnt ends in KC.
✅ Plan Ahead for Lake Trips – Book lakeside lodging early in summer.
✅ Explore Small Towns – Missouri’s charm extends beyond its major cities.
Nearby Travel Destinations
- Illinois – Visit Chicago or the Shawnee National Forest.
- Arkansas – Explore the Ozark Mountains and Hot Springs.
- Tennessee – Head to Memphis or Nashville for live music and BBQ.
Final Thoughts
From scenic state parks and thrilling theme parks to historic towns and vibrant cities, Missouri has it all. Whether you're sipping wine in Hermann, enjoying a float trip in the Ozarks, or diving into BBQ in Kansas City, the Show-Me State is ready to impress.
For more regional travel ideas, check out our Arkansas Travel Guide and Illinois Travel Guide.