Wherever around the world you are reading from, it is almost unanimous that the United States of America is the most well-known country in the world. Many famous cities fill up each state and each of them have their own unique cultures and stories to be shared with the world. In this article, we are featuring the state of Missouri which is named after the Missouri River that flows through the center of the state. If you’re looking for things to do in this massive state, fret not. The cities of St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia, and Springfield will definitely keep you occupied for days to come. Take a minute or two to read through our super extensive list of things to do in Missouri, USA.
1. Have an unforgettable train ride on the Branson Scenic Railway
All aboard the Polar Express! Yes, you read it right. The Polar Express is real and will take you on a journey under the starry skies. You will definitely love the scenic route of the vintage Branson Scenic Railway. The train departs from downtown Branson and rides around the scenic Ozark mountains for approximately 80 minutes’ round trip. If you like, you can also arrange for a romantic dinner with your significant other on an evening ride.
Branson Scenic Railway
Address: 206 E Main St, Branson, MO 65616, USA
Website: Branson Scenic Railway
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 4:30pm; Sat: 9:30am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
Price: From 17 USD.
2. Get artistic inspiration at Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
In need of some artistic inspiration for your next big art project? Come and drop by at Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis and you will discover that there is something for everyone. The museum has some thought-provoking exhibits that allow visitors to ponder about their themes and relevance to our daily lives. You can choose to sign up for a group tour or simply go on a self-guided audio tour. Parents with children can also opt to go on stroller tours that are specifically designed for a fuss-free experience.
Contemporary Art Museum St Louis
Address: 3750 Washington Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
Website: Contemporary Art Museum St Louis
Opening hours: Wed, Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm; Thu - Fri: 10am - 8pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: Free admission
3. Go on a historic tour at the Gateway Arch National Park
You might have noticed a giant silver arch structure near the waterfront in St. Louis. It isn’t a half-completed McDonalds golden arches structure but rather a memorial park dedicated to the late President Thomas Jefferson who played a key role in the country’s development. You can visit the museum or the old courthouse here and explore its exhibitions and galleries on the works of Jefferson and other landmark moments in the nation’s history.
Gateway Arch National Park
Address: 11 N 4th St, St. Louis, MO 63102, USA
Website: Gateway Arch National Park
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
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4. Admire old trains and cars at National Museum of Transportation
If you love old models of trains and automobiles then be prepared to spend a full day at the National Museum of Transportation. It boasts one of the world’s largest and one-of-a-kind collections of transportation vehicles of over 200 types! We bet that you would never come across another place that could show you the evolution of modern transportation under one roof. If you have some time to spare, we definitely recommend taking a trip here.
National Museum of Transportation
Address: 2933 Barrett Station Rd, St. Louis, MO 63122, USA
Website: National Museum of Transportation
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 4pm; Sun: 11am - 4pm
Price: From 5 USD
5. Immerse yourself in music at National Blues Museum
Jazzy tunes, sombre lyrics, and a trance-like rhythm are some of the key features of blues music, and it is easy to see why this genre is popular. If you are an avid fan of the blues, then you should most definitely check out the National Blues Museum in St. Louis. The museum is dedicated to the musical history of the blues and it also traces its impact on societies around the world. There are also weekly live blues music sessions that take place in the entertainment space of the museum so be sure to check this out if you are interested.
National Blues Museum
Address: 615 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63101, USA
Website: National Blues Museum
Opening hours: Sun - Mon: 12pm - 5pm; Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm
Price: From 10 USD
6. Explore the subterranean underworld at Fantastic Caverns
Unleash your inner Indiana Jones in the subterranean world of the Fantastic Caverns beneath the Ozark hills north of Springfield. Most show caverns would usually have visitors exploring on foot but you will have the luxury of traversing the beautiful caverns on an hour-long guided tram tour. This is to ensure that the caverns are thoroughly preserved for future generations. On the tour, you will learn about the origins of the cave and its various rock formations. Get your cameras ready!
Fantastic Caverns
Address: 4872 N Farm Rd 125, Springfield, MO 65803, USA
Website: Fantastic Caverns
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
Price: From 17 USD
7. Explore art collections at Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum
Located inside the Washington University campus in St. Louis, Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum has a legacy of collecting significant art pieces that are from the 19th, 20th, and 21st century. These include American and European paintings, sculptures, and old photographs. You can also find Egyptian and Greek artifacts within the collections, too. Lectures, film workshops, community events, and tours are regularly held at the museum, so do consider expanding your social network and chat with fellow artists.
Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum
Address: 1 Brookings Dr, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
Website: Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 11am - 5pm (closed from Sat - Tue)
8. Browse through presidential artifacts and displays at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum
Honor the late memories of the late Harry Truman, who was the nation’s 33rd president from 1945 to 1953, at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum. The main highlight of the museum is the Presidential Years exhibit where you will be able to detailed replica sets of Truman’s Oval Office and his own private library office in Kansas City. There are also two floors that contain artifacts and documents that detail Truman’s life during his tenure as president and his time with loved ones, too.
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum
Address: 500 W US Hwy 24, Independence, MO 64050, USA
Website: Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
Price: From 3 USD
9. Visit the friendly animals at Kansas City Zoo
Voted one of America’s best zoos in 2008, massive Kansas City Zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals and birds. Separated into segments that represent different parts of the world, you will be seeing animals hailing from the tropics, the African savanna, the Australian outback, and the Arctic tundras. The kids will definitely love it here so be sure to treat them to some live animal feedings or an entertaining animal show with the friendly zookeepers.
Kansas City Zoo
Address: 6800 Zoo Dr, Kansas City, MO 64132, USA
Website: Kansas City Zoo
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 5pm
Price: From 13 USD
10. Delve into tragic history at Titanic Museum
The tragic disaster of the RMS Titanic probably needs no introduction, as its ill-fated maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City has been retold countless times through films, documentaries, books, and memorials over the years. The Titanic Museum is one of two themed museums dedicated to her memory, with the other located in Belfast, England. A memorable experience awaits as you step through different exhibitions featuring the residential cabins of the Titanics, artifacts, and captivating stories of notable passengers that were sailing with the ship.
Titanic Museum
Address: 3235 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616, USA
Website: Titanic Museum
Opening hours: Check website for monthly opening hours
Price: From 14 USD
11. Learn about the history of African-American baseball at Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Posted by Negro Leagues Baseball Museum on Tuesday, 25 September 2018
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is truly unique, as it is the only museum in the world that is dedicated to the history of African-American baseball and its significant impact in America’s society. Baseball fans will not want to miss this chance to relive some iconic moments and heroes in this museum. Go on a self-guided tour and slowly browse through the exhibitions that feature photographs, artifacts, and other important memorabilia in baseball history.
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Address: 1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
Website: Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: From 6 USD
12. Walk the beautiful grounds of Missouri Botanical Garden
The iconic Missouri Botanical Garden is over a century old, having established its roots in 1849. It is one of the oldest gardens in the United States and is also considered a national historic landmark. We suggest taking a day to slowly explore the beautiful horticulture on display among the different garden sections. The exotic Seiwa-En Japanese Garden is a must-visit for visitors, as it is one of the largest of its kind in North America and it houses species of flowers that are native to Japan.
Missouri Botanical Garden
Address: 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
Website: Missouri Botanical Garden
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 14 USD
13. Get an adrenaline rush at Zip Line USA
There are some activities that will test the resolve of your fear of heights or make you feel an adrenaline surge through your body. One of them is zip lining high above the canopy of a lush forest while feeling the wind blowing against your entire body. If you are up for the challenge, pay a visit to Zip Line USA and unleash the daredevil in you. The Ridgerunner zip line course is the biggest in Missouri and is very popular with the locals. If you prefer to be close to the ground, you can also sign up on their nature trail walk that takes you through beautiful scenery.
Zip Line USA
Address: 3335 US-160, Reeds Spring, MO 65737, USA
Website: Zip Line USA
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Price: From 89 USD
14. Visit the historic George Washington Carver National Monument
What used to be the home of prominent agricultural scientist George Washington Carver is now a huge park with a nature trail, museum, and an interactive exhibition area of his life. Carver was famously known for his active promotion in environmentalism and resourcing for alternative methods to simultaneously prevent soil depletion and improving the lives of farmers. To honor his memory and his life’s work, a national monument of him, which can be found along the Carver trail, was erected. It is the first monument to be dedicated to a black American and a non-president.
George Washington Carver National Monument
Address: 5646 Carver Rd, Diamond, MO 64840, USA
Website: George Washington Carver National Monument
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
15. Explore City Museum in St. Louis
City Museum in St. Louis is anything but your ordinary museum of the arts. In fact, this unique museum houses architectural and industrial objects made out of re-purposed materials that showcase the history of the city landscape. You can expect to see pieces of an old children’s playground funhouse, a vintage bank vault, and over 60,000 glass lanterns on display across its four-storey building. There are slides all around the museum which the children can play on and have some fun. You can also take a ride on the big Ferris wheel on the rooftop as well as visit the Planetarium Dome.
City Museum St. Louis
Address: 750 N 16th St, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA
Website: City Museum St. Louis
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 5pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 12am; Sun: 11am - 5pm
Price: From 16 USD
16. Have an educational visit to Missouri History Museum
History buffs would definitely love the range of exhibits on display at the Missouri History Museum. The best part is that general admission is free but do note that some exhibits will require purchased tickets. Showcasing various artifacts that relate to the history of Missouri, you can expect to find many vintage items such as photographs and paintings. If you are interested in some military museum, you can take a short detour to the Soldiers’ Memorial Military Museum Fans of the American pilot Charles Lindbergh can also see some items related to him, including a replica model of his famous trans-Atlantic plane ‘Spirit of St Louis’.
Missouri History Museum
Address: 5700 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112, USA
Website: Missouri History Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 10am - 5pm; Tue: 10am - 8pm
Price: Free
17. Celebrate the life and work of the famous author at Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum
Have you read classic books such as ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’ and 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’? If you enjoyed them, come and have a look at the inspiration behind these celebrated novels at the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum. The museum is a great venue for an educational excursion for schools as it promotes and raises awareness on how Mark Twain’s works have impacted the world of literature. If you’d like, you can make a donation to keep the museum’s legacy alive.
Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum
Address: 120 N Main St, Hannibal, MO 63401, USA
Website: Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
18. Spend a fun-filled day at Shepherd of the Hills adventure park
There’s something for the entire family at Shepherd of the Hills adventure park. For those who love to get their adrenaline pumping, they can go on a fast-paced guided ATV tour around the property or zip line through the air while enjoying a magnificent view of the Ozarks region all around you. The little ones can enjoy themselves at Lil Pete’s Playland where they can enjoy mini golf, pet animals, or test their agility at a mini obstacle course. In the evening, the whole family can gather and watch an outdoor drama rendition of the Missourian classic book ‘The Shepherd of the Hills’.
The Shepherd of the Hills
Address: 5586 W 76 Country Boulevard, Branson, MO 65616
Website: The Shepherd of the Hills
19. Discover and learn at Saint Louis Science Center
Just like its slogan ‘Connect with Curiosity’, it is best to come with an open and inquisitive mind when you visit Saint Louis Science Center. With over 750 life-size exhibits and activities to partake in, this is a place where science truly comes alive in all shapes and sizes. There are many different categories of science for the whole family to explore, such as earth science, life sciences, and chemistry. The great thing is that general admission is always free but do note that some attractions, like the OMNIMAX Theatre Films, will require you to purchase tickets before entering.
Saint Louis Science Center
Address: 5050 Oakland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
Website: Saint Louis Science Center
Opening hours: Mon - Wed, Sat: 9:30am - 5:30pm; Thu: 9:30am - 8:30pm; Fri: 9:30am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 5:30pm
Price: Free admission
20. Taste some good old beer at Anheuser-Busch St. Louis Brewery
If you love your Budweiser beer and want to know more about its brewing methods and origins, you should head down to Anheuser-Busch brewery located in St. Louis. Founded in 1852, the brewery has consistently produced excellent Budweiser beer for many generations. Go on a complimentary general tour of the brewery or even make arrangements for a special workshop to brew your own beer with friends and loved ones! End your day at the Biergarten where you can enjoy premium beers and food.
Anheuser-Busch St. Louis Brewery
Address: 1200 Lynch St, St. Louis, MO 63118, USA
Website: Anheuser-Busch St. Louis Brewery
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm
21. Wander around the grounds of Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins
We wouldn’t blame you if you expected to see castle ruins of grand stature but ended up looking at the rubbles of a small mansion. The story behind the Ha Ha Tonka Castle ruins is an interesting tale. A businessman named Robert Synder had purchased the large property with the intention of constructing a mansion modeled after European castles. Sadly, he passed away in a car accident before he could see to its completion. His sons carried on the work and used the mansion as a family weekend and summer home for a period of time. It was later converted into a hotel before it was destroyed by a fire in 1942. Visitors can wander about the grounds and relive the glory of this forgotten mansion.
Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins
Address: Natural Bridge Rd, Camdenton, MO 65020, USA
Opening hours: 7am - 8:30pm (daily)
22. Go on thrilling rides at Silver Dollar City
Take the family for an unforgettable and fun day out at the theme park extravaganza Silver Dollar City. Located in Branson, Missouri, this family-friendly place has a vintage 1880s theme and features many roller-coaster rides, entertaining shows, and other fun attractions. When you are feeling hungry, you can grab a bite at one of many food stalls or treat everyone to a hearty feast at one of the park’s restaurants. Several festivals are held throughout the year at the theme park, too, and always makes for an enjoyable spectacle for the community.
Silver Dollar City
Address: 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson, MO 65616, USA
Website: Silver Dollar City
Opening hours: Varies from season to season. Check website for more details
Price: From 58 USD
23. Enjoy spectacular views and a refreshing cocktail at Three Sixty
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
There are a lot of winning combinations to have on a Friday night, and one of them surely has to be sipping cocktails while admiring a stunning skyline from an indoor/outdoor rooftop bar. Located at the Hilton St. Louis hotel, the Three Sixty bar offers its customers great service, good food, and one of the best views in the city. If you choose the right seating, you might even see a live baseball game in action at the nearby baseball stadium. Needless to say, the view of fireworks on special occasions is spectacular from this bar so be sure to get here early.
Three Sixty
Address: 1 S. Broadway, St. Louis, MO
Website: Three Sixty
Opening hours: Mon - Tue, Thu: 4pm - 1am; Wed: 11am - 1am; Fri: 4pm - 2am; Sat- Sun: 10am- 1pm, 4pm - 12am
24. Appreciate various types of art at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation
With its white walls and minimalist concept, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation is a place to feel and to be inspired. This art museum displays both contemporary and historic art that is designed to bring people together and share their ideas and perspectives. The exhibitions change every season but are worth taking a look if you are near the museum. Do check out their website for current and upcoming exhibitions.
Pulitzer Arts Foundation
Address: 3716 Washington Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
Website: Pulitzer Arts Foundation
Opening hours: Thu, Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm; Fri: 10am - 8pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
Price: Free
25. Relax in the beautiful garden of Forest Park
There are massive public parks around the world, and one of them can be found in St. Louis. The Forest Park covers at least 1,371 acres (555 hectares) of land and houses several attractions such as St. Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, and St. Louis Zoo. The landscape is truly beautiful, as you can find small streams, lakes, and forests brimmed with thriving ecosystems. Come here for a leisurely walk, have a picnic with your friends, or participate in a local festival organized at the park.
Forest Park
Address: 5595 Grand Dr, St. Louis, MO 63112, USA
Website: Forest Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
26. Learn something new at Science City
Come and explore the wonderful world of science at Science City in Union Station, Kansas City. You can unearth some dinosaur fossils, discover the science behind the food we eat, and learn about how water impacts our daily lives. If you are bringing along the kids, they will definitely love the live demonstration and activity area. They can also put their skills to the test at the engineerium and robotics section. If there is enough time, you can discover more about our solar system at the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium.
Science City at Union Station
Address: Union Station, 30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
Website: Science City at Union Station
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
Price: From 13 USD
27. Visit the galleries at Saint Louis Art Museum
Regarded as one of the principal art museums in the USA, Saint Louis Art Museum houses unique and precious collections of artifacts, paintings, and other antiquities from around the globe. It was founded in 1879 as the Saint Louis School and Museum of Fine Arts and it continues to feature works of art from local and international artists. From time to time, the museum organizes the Art Film Hill Series event where you can watch a film on a grass lawn overlooking the museum’s fountain underneath an evening sky.
Saint Louis Art Museum
Address: 1 Fine Arts Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
Website: Saint Louis Art Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Thu, Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm; Fri: 10am - 9pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free
28. Have fun at Innsbrook Resort
If you have enough budget to treat the family to a memorable holiday in Missouri, look no further than the family-friendly Innsbrook Resort. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone busy. While the kids are out swimming, the adults can compete in a friendly game of golf on a pristine 18-hole golf course. The whole family can also go horse-riding on nature trails or enjoy the sights and sounds of a summer concert.
Innsbrook Resort
Address: 596 Aspen Way Dr, Innsbrook, MO 63390, USA
Website: Innsbrook Resort
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 3pm
29. Immerse yourself in an art at Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
If you are a keen student of the art of neoclassical architecture, you should pay a visit to Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City. The museum also has a prized collection of European paintings from notable artists such as Vincent Van Gogh and Rembrandt. There is also a huge collection of Asian paintings, most notably those from the Imperial China era as well as pieces from Japan, Afghanistan and countries from Southeast Asia. Admission is free but you might have to purchase tickets for some special attractions.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Address: 4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA
Website: Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Opening hours: Sat - Mon, Wed: 10am - 5pm; Thu - Fri: 10am - 9pm (closed on Tue)
Price: Free
30. Spend a day with the animals at Saint Louis Zoo
Renowned for its expertise in animal research, conservation, and management, the St. Louis Zoo houses over 17,000 animals from around the world. It is small wonder why the zoo attracts over 1 million visitors to the park every year. General admission is free so do take your time to explore the different enclosures and see the animals up close in action. Do note that some special attractions will require you to buy tickets. There are also special events that are held occasionally at the zoo, such as the popular Jungle Boogie concerts.
Saint Louis Zoo
Address: Government Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
Website: Saint Louis Zoo
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 8am - 5pm; Fri - Sun: 8am - 7pm
Price: Free
Explore Missouri to the fullest
We are sure that we have covered an extensive list of things to do in this state but do remember that it is sometimes the little things that make your holiday a memorable one. This could be discovering a hidden gem of a cafe or simply making light conversation with a friendly stranger. We hope you have a whale of a time exploring Missouri.
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