Fun things to do / sites to visit in Missouri.
Number one, St Louis. St Louis presided over by the iconic gateway arch which dominates and defines the city’s skyline. This is a lovely yet laid-back place to visit, located on the west bank of the Mississippi river it lies on the border with Illinois and is named after Louis IX of France. Long nicknamed the gateway to the west, it now fittingly boasts the gorgeous gateway arch, the world’s tallest man-made arch.
Number two, Kansas City. Although often overlooked by tourists, Kansas City has a lot going for it and is one of the largest and liveliest metropolitan areas in the midwest. Straddling the Kansas-Missouri state line, it lies on the banks of the Missouri River, somewhat confusingly bordered by the smaller Kansas City, Kansas. While the city has also attracted great renown for its jazz and live music scene, it is equally noted for its southern cuisine and Kansas City style barbecue.
Number Three, Lake of the Ozarks. This is the midwest’s most popular lake resort destination. The Lake of the Ozarks is home to lots of divine scenery and a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities. Nicknamed puff the magic dragon due to its serpentine shape, the vast human-made reservoir and its three tributaries were formed in 1931 by damming the Osage River.
Number four, Hannibal. Lying in the northeast of the state on the border with Illinois, Hannibal is a pleasant and picturesque city. Best known for being the boyhood home of Mark Twain, in fact the settings of his two most famous and popular novels, the adventures of Tom Sawyer and adventures of Huckleberry Finn, were inspired by the lovely laid-back town he grew up in.
In number five, Ozark National Scenic Riverway. Remarkably the first national park to protect a river system, it was established all the way back in 1964. Set around the Current and Jacks Fork rivers, it includes everything from meadows and forests to springs, caves and cliffs. Due to its wondrous wilderness and outstanding natural beauty, many people visit every year to enjoy the ample outdoor activities it offers up.
Number six, Meramec State Park. Full of majestic bluffs, lush forests and gloomy caves, Meramec State Park is a beautiful place to visit if you want to immerse yourself in nature. Located not far from St Louis in the east of the state, it encompasses lovely landscapes and lies on the banks of the magnificent Meramec River.
Number seven, Branson. Located in the southwest of Missouri, this city is a fun festive place. Often seen as a family-friendly Las Vegas, this is because it hosts a myriad of mesmerizing magic music and comedy shows. With more than a hundred entertainment theaters located alongside its neon lit strip with flashly decorated performance venues. There’s also countless motels and restaurants as well as sites such as the Titanic Museum and Hollywood Wax Museum.
Number eight, Ha Ha Tonka State Park. While it is most known for the hulking castle ruins lying at its heart, Ha Ha Tonka State Park in the center of Missouri has much much more to it. Set alongside one of the arms of the Lake of the Ozarks, the park was bought and developed in 1905 to be private property by Robert Mcclure Snyder Senior, a Kansas City businessman. Sadly destroyed by a fire in the 40s, the remains of the stone mansion he built now make for fabulous viewing and are the defining feature of the park.
Number nine, Mark Twain National Forest. Encompassing everything from mountains and forests, to springs, streams and lakes, it is a wonderful place that will delight nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Spread across a huge swathe of the southeast of the state, it consists of various wilderness areas and national scenic rivers.
Number 10, Springfield. Known for being the birthplace of route 66, Springfield is located in the southwest of Missouri and is the third largest city in the state. Dotted around town are numerous attractions related to the famous and historic road, with themed diners and motels found alongside an antique mall and vintage car museum.