Missouri is a popular tourist destination thanks to its natural, historical, and cultural beauty. Tourists will have their choice of historical museums to go to, such as Gateway Arch National Park, The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, and Walt Disney Hometown Museum. There are also options for outdoor attractions, including Dogwood Canyon Nature Park and Ha Ha Tonka State Park. A trip won’t be complete without some good food, and Missouri is known for its barbecue, so be sure to check out its specialty too. For your next visit, consider visiting one of the resort towns to truly experience the charm of Missouri. Check out this list of the top resort towns in Missouri, USA.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 27, 2025.
1. St. Louis
St. Louis, which is about a two-hour drive from the state capital Jefferson City, boasts some world-renowned attractions. Perhaps the most famous and familiar one is The Gateway Arch. Guests can take a lift to the top of this attraction and visit the museum. If you’re looking for a fun-filled vacation, you can also check out Six Flags St. Louis for its thrilling and exciting rides. Meanwhile, if you’re traveling with family, you can take them to The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum where there are a lot of educational and entertaining activities.
After a fulfilling day, consider staying at modern downtown hotels, such as Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch and The Last Hotel, or at an urban industrial loft.
The Last Hotel
Address: 1501 Washington Ave
170.56 km (106.0 mi) from Missouri State Penitentiary
Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch
Address: 2 South 4th Street
171.56 km (106.6 mi) from Missouri State Penitentiary
St. Louis, Missouri, United States
171.02 km (106.3 mi) from Missouri State Penitentiary
Top guest reviews
Location:
walking distance or short uber to many attractionsneat place to stay downtownthe location is great for doing things in the downtown area which we weregreat location and great place enjoyed our night awaywe enjoyed several restaurants but caleco's close to the arch was a favoriteCleanliness:
place was sparkling cleanwe had a great short stay-modern clean great communicationwe found the whole place very cleanthe loft was bright and clean and we felt safeRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the rooms and furnishings were stylish and cleanbeds were comfortable and the couch was *chef's kiss*
2. Kansas City
Expect the best when you visit one of the largest cities in the country. From its famed barbecue to its arts scene, Kansas City offers unique experiences to all its visitors. If you’re coming from the airport, downtown Kansas City is only a 22-minute drive away. It’s also about 157 miles (252.67 kilometers) from Jefferson City.
In the city, explore local restaurants and specialties when you go on the Taste of Kansas City Food Tours. Music fans can head to American Jazz Museum to learn more about the history of the genre. For sports enthusiasts, be sure to watch a game or two at Arrowhead Stadium.
For a more comfortable stay, stay at The Fontaine where they have an outdoor pool, at Kansas City Marriott Downtown, which is close to T-Mobile Center, or at a funky rental home with a game room for your entertainment.
Kansas City Marriott Downtown
Address: 200 West 12th Street
217.99 km (135.5 mi) from Missouri State Penitentiary
The Fontaine
Address: 901 W. 48th Place, Kansas City, MO, USA, 64112
217.33 km (135.1 mi) from Missouri State Penitentiary
Kansas City, Missouri, United States
217.17 km (135.0 mi) from Missouri State Penitentiary
Top guest reviews
Host:
the communication with the owner was prompt and courteousLocation:
the location is really good with plenty of bars and restaurants within walking distancewhat an amazing property in a perfect downtown locationRead more reviewsCleanliness:
the space itself is really cool and was very clean when we showed upgreat location and clean property
3. Branson
In Branson, which is more than a three-hour drive from Kansas City, you can explore the Ozark Mountains however you want. You can take a helicopter ride or go hiking, biking, horseback riding, or kayaking to be with nature. Fans of the movie “Titanic” can also visit TITANIC Museum Attraction. Meanwhile, movie buffs can go to Hollywood Wax Museum to see wax figures of celebrities and icons.
If you’re wondering about accommodations in the area, you can check out Still Waters Resort, which is located near Table Rock Lake, Lodge Of The Ozarks for its rustic decor, or a quaint cottage in downtown Branson located near The Landing.
Still Waters Resort
Address: 21 Stillwater Trail
239.15 km (148.6 mi) from Missouri State Penitentiary
Lodge Of The Ozarks
Address: 3431 W 76 Country Blvd.
236.6 km (147.1 mi) from Missouri State Penitentiary
Branson, Missouri, United States
234.27 km (145.6 mi) from Missouri State Penitentiary
Top guest reviews
Location:
my husband and i stayed four nights and were extremely impressed the location to the attractions was perfectquaint cottage furnished nicely and close to downtown branson and thelandingRead more reviewsCleanliness:
super clean well furnished and you can't ask for a quieter locationit was the perfect location and so clean comfortable and quietit was clean cozy and close to all the attractions we had planned to visit
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Springfield
Approximately a 50-minute drive north of Branson is Springfield. This modern city boasts many great attractions, museums, parks, and restaurants. If you have kids with you or want to experience something unique, a visit to Discovery Center of Springfield is a must. It offers interactive experiences and education and is perfect for people of all ages.
If you want to explore nature and learn more about wildlife, check out Dickerson Park Zoo or Springfield Conservation Nature Center. A visit to Springfield also won’t be complete if you don’t watch a game at Hammons Field, which is also home to the Springfield Cardinals.
Finally, to complete your getaway, stay at Tru by Hilton Springfield Downtown where you can enjoy the pool and fitness center, Best Western Coach House, which is next to a golf course, or in a charming home with a large backyard and a pool.
Best Western Coach House
Address: 2535 North Glenstone, Doling, Springfield (MO), United States, 65803
176.73 km (109.9 mi) from Missouri State Penitentiary
Tru by Hilton Springfield Downtown
Address: 517 E Elm Street
181.4 km (112.8 mi) from Missouri State Penitentiary
Springfield, Missouri, United States
180.46 km (112.2 mi) from Missouri State Penitentiary
Top guest reviews
Host:
todd was so welcoming and kindgood location owner was outstanding very nice hometodd was so great he is super sweet and so informativehouse has a very warm and friendly vibewe had so much fun and todd is an excellent hostLocation:
great place for visiting msuRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the inside was also updated throughout with new kitchen appliances comfortable furniture and re-done bathroom with new fixtureswe all slept like babies on the sleep number bedsbeds great amenities great location great host greatest so awesome start to finish already planning our next stay
5. Jefferson City
Don’t miss out on seeing Missouri’s state capital, Jefferson City, which has a lot of charm and is most famous for its historical sites and attractions. You can learn more about the city when you visit Cole County Historical Museum, explore the flowers and pools at Carnahan Memorial Garden, or take a ghost, history, or photography tour at Missouri State Penitentiary.
Then, check out modern hotels, such as Courtyard by Marriott Jefferson City and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jefferson City, or book a stay in a gorgeous rental.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jefferson City
Address: 422 Monroe St, Jefferson City, MO, USA, 65101
910 meters (0.6 ft) from Missouri State Penitentiary
Courtyard by Marriott Jefferson City
Address: 610 Bolivar St, Jefferson City, MO, USA, 65101
1.94 km (1.3 mi) from Missouri State Penitentiary
Jefferson City, Missouri, United States
239 meters (0.2 ft) from Missouri State Penitentiary
Top guest reviews
Host:
kevin was a gracious host attentive and had everything ready for usLocation:
the location was ideal as we rode our bikes and walked to several of the sites and restaurantsRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the ease of using the digital punch code to get in and the wifi was blazing fast
6. Independence
Home to the 33rd President of the United States, President Harry S. Truman, Independence was once a valuable frontier town. Thus, there are a lot of significant attractions and sites here. After traveling about two and a half hours from Jefferson City, tourists can visit Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum where books, papers, and more relating to the president are preserved. You can also go to Harry S Truman National Historic Site, the home of the former president. Moreover, don’t miss Englewood Station Arts District where you can explore art galleries and local restaurants and shops.
Complete your experience when you stay at Stoney Creek Hotel Kansas City - Independence or at historic houses such as The Secret Service House in downtown Independence or at a Queen Anne-style home.
Stoney Creek Hotel Kansas City - Independence
Address: 18011 Bass Pro Drive
198.18 km (123.2 mi) from Missouri State Penitentiary
Independence, Missouri, United States
204.77 km (127.3 mi) from Missouri State Penitentiary
Top guest reviews
Host:
he was so helpfulthe owner was incredibly responsive and helpfulgreat attention to detail and owner communicationLocation:
nice and close to aarowheadRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the room full of musical instruments was our particular favoritethe beds were comfortable with nice sheets and pillows
Independence, Missouri, United States
204.3 km (127.0 mi) from Missouri State PenitentiarySuperhost
Accommodates: 8
Top guest reviews
Host:
great home and great hostswhat a cool property the owners have really embraced its historyan awesome place with such cool history great hosts and very responsiveLocation:
great location to walk in the eveningsuper cute house with lots of character right by downtown independence and close to restaurantswe enjoyed staying here as it close to where we wanted to goi highly recommend this location if you are in the areagreat location and home to rentCleanliness:
it was clean and easy to check in and outthe kitchen is well appointed and overall the place is super clean and cuteRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
the house was very comfortable and the amenities were greatlots of room and very comfortablewe also enjoyed getting to use the ping pong table with our boys
7. Joplin
From the natural landscapes of the Ozark Mountains to historical sites, there are a lot of activities and attractions in Joplin for people of all ages. It’s about a three- to four-hour drive from Jefferson City. Visit downtown Joplin at The Sunshine Lamp District and explore local and trendy boutiques, highly acclaimed restaurants, and nightclubs. You can also visit Joplin Museum Complex to learn more about the city’s history and its growth, Candy House Gourmet to try crowd-favorite English toffees and sea-salt caramels, and Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center to see Grand Falls.
When visiting the city, book a room at Homewood Suites by Hilton Joplin or Home2 Suites by Hilton Joplin, MO, which serve free breakfast. You can also stay at a classic and spacious rental home.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Joplin
Address: 2642 East 32nd Street
264.87 km (164.6 mi) from Missouri State Penitentiary
Home2 Suites by Hilton Joplin, MO
Address: 3000 S RANGELINE RD
264.39 km (164.3 mi) from Missouri State Penitentiary
Joplin, Missouri, United States
265.66 km (165.1 mi) from Missouri State Penitentiary
8. Hannibal
Literary fans will fall in love with Hannibal. Just about a two-hour drive from the state’s capital, Jefferson City, Hannibal is the hometown of one of the most famous authors, Mark Twain. Here, guests can explore the city that served as the inspiration for Twain’s “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” You can visit Twain’s home, The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum or the state’s oldest show cave Mark, Twain Cave. If you’re looking for a unique experience, check out Mark Twain Riverboat for sightseeing and dinner cruises.
After a full day of activities, have a restful sleep at Best Western On The River, Quality Inn & Suites Hannibal, or Rocky Top Guesthouse with a view of the Mississippi River.
Quality Inn & Suites Hannibal West
Address: 120 Lindsey Drive
141.32 km (87.9 mi) from Missouri State Penitentiary
Best Western On The River
Address: 401 North 3rd Street, Hannibal, MO, USA, 63401
144.29 km (89.7 mi) from Missouri State Penitentiary
Hannibal, Missouri, United States
143.74 km (89.4 mi) from Missouri State Penitentiary
Top guest reviews
Location:
the location is perfect (just minutes from town and the business districts)if you need sometime to get away this is a great place to stay you will not be disappointedRead more reviewsCleanliness:
the house was very clean and well furnishedted and carol were great hosts their guest house was clean private with extra household amenities availablethe guesthouse is very well stocked clean and comfortable and has amazing views
9. Hermann
Love wine? Then Hermann, just about an hour’s drive from Jefferson City, is the place to be! Travelers can visit, take a guided tour, and have a taste of wine at Missouri’s most decorated winery, Stone Hill Winery. Alternatively, visit Hermannhof Winery for some great-tasting wine and views of historic buildings.
If you want to know more about the city’s history, then definitely check out Deutschheim State Historic Site where you can learn about the German settlers and immigrants to Missouri.
Some worthwhile stay options in Hermann include Hermann Crown Suites located in the city’s historical district, Gipfel Suite at Himmel Haus Bed & Breakfast, or a charming rental.
Hermann Crown Suites
Address: 403 South Market Street
64.54 km (40.1 mi) from Missouri State Penitentiary
Hermann, Missouri, United States
64.43 km (40.1 mi) from Missouri State Penitentiary
Top guest reviews
Host:
really nice place really nice ownerour room was lovely and comfy the owner was wonderful friendly so sweetthis place it great and the hosts are wonderful we would love to come back againhostess was prompt cordial friendly and accommodatingthe hostess is kind and generous and does not bother you at allLocation:
the property was cute and quietvery clean and quaint close to most everything within walking distancewe walked pretty much everywhere- it was all close enoughRead more reviewsCleanliness:
the room was clean and modern with a comfortable bed and all needed itemsowner texted us when room was clean and available
Hermann, Missouri, United States
64.58 km (40.2 mi) from Missouri State PenitentiaryAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Host:
crystal was a great hostcrystal was a great hostcrystal was a great hostcrystal was an excellent host as wellLocation:
the location is greatgreat location and super affordablegreat convenient place close to everythingand location was great tooexcellent location and excellent valueCleanliness:
it was clean and very charmingplace was spotless and well taken care ofsuper clean crystal was so sweet and the house was adorableclean and there was an easy check-in/check-out processthis place was great super clean and had everything we needed for our weekend stayRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
we really liked the apartment and the deckthe king bed was very generous and the futon was super comfortable
10. Columbia
Home of the University of Missouri, Columbia boasts a vibrant and diverse arts scene. Guests can check out Columbia Art League to see art pieces by local and national artists or catch orchestra groups such as The Missouri Symphony and Columbia Civic Orchestra. Additionally, watch a performance by Mareck Center for Dance or head to Museum of Art and Archaeology where you can learn more about history.
Moreover, Columbia is about a two-hour drive west of St. Louis and a two-hour drive east of Kansas City. Tourists can stay at Hampton Inn Columbia, Comfort Suites Columbia - University Area, or at a lovely vacation home in a very convenient location.
Hampton Inn Columbia
Address: 3410 Clark Lane
44.62 km (27.8 mi) from Missouri State Penitentiary
Comfort Suites Columbia - University Area
Address: 1010 W Business Loop 70, Douglass Park, Columbia (MO), United States, 65202
46.73 km (29.1 mi) from Missouri State Penitentiary
Columbia, Missouri, United States
45.68 km (28.4 mi) from Missouri State Penitentiary
Top guest reviews
Location:
quiet neighborhood comfortable bedsRead more reviewsCleanliness:
nice place to stay and very clean
Discover Missouri’s resort towns
Missouri has a lot to offer its visitors. If you’re looking for a unique adventure, choose to stay at and explore one of these resort towns. You’ll definitely fall in love with each city’s charm, culture, and history.
History
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