Missouri

United States of America
Kansas City
The forested landscapes of this state have inspired the imaginations of America’s great writers, while its cities are welcoming Midwestern cultural hubs.

Art, history and the great outdoors combine in the Midwestern state of Missouri. Come here to follow in the footsteps of literary giants or carve your own path through forested wilderness. Choose one of Missouri’s inviting cities for a cultural break or seek out the state’s fascinating historical attractions.

Missouri’s history is one of pioneers and explorers. Visit the Missouri History Museum to learn about early explorers, the World’s Fair and more Missouri highlights. Sightsee in St. Louis, known as the “Gateway to the West,” for its importance in the 19th century as the final point of civilization before heading into the unknown frontier.

Experience more of the city’s cultural attractions and historic sites. Marvel at the mosaics in the remarkable Cathedral of St. Louis and admire the views from the top of Gateway Arch, a 630-foot (190-meter) monument in the middle of Jefferson National Expansion Memorial park. No trip to St. Louis is complete without watching the Cardinals play baseball at Busch Stadium.

Wander along Kansas City’s elegant boulevards, decorated with hundreds of fountains. Hop between the American Jazz Museum, the Kansas City Zoo and the National World War One Museum before an evening in one of the city’s stylish bars and music venues.

Enter historic Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in the town of Hannibal along the Mississippi River. The town also contains a labyrinthine cave that inspired Tom Sawyer’s exploits and a fun park named after Twain’s most iconic character.

Experience Missouri’s dazzling natural beauty in the Ozark Mountains near the Arkansas border. Hike along Ha Ha Tonka State Park’s trails to discover castle ruins with spectacular views. Stroll through Mark Twain National Forest, with about 1.5 million acres (600,000 hectares) of natural beauty.

Fly to Kansas City, Branson or St. Louis on the edges of the state and drive inland to explore the heart of Missouri. Visit in autumn for pleasant temperatures during the day and spectacular forest foliage.

Popular cities in Missouri

St. Louis
St. Louis
Known for Sports, Theatres and Zoo
Stroll under the Gateway Arch, explore a plethora of museums and enjoy an outstanding music scene initiated by natives Chuck Berry and Miles Davis.

Reasons to visit

  • Gateway Arch
  • Horseshoe St. Louis Casino
  • Busch Stadium
Union Station showing landscape views, a high-rise building and a city
Kansas City
Known for Sports, Live music and Entertainment
With art galleries, farmers markets, jazz clubs, state-of-the-art sports stadiums, theaters and a zoo, there’s never a dull moment in this city, whose residents love barbecue and sports.

Reasons to visit

  • Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
  • Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
  • Arrowhead Stadium
Sight and Sound Theatres showing heritage architecture, outdoor art and a park
Branson
Known for Entertainment, Shopping and Lakes
With over 50 theaters putting on as many as 100 shows at any one time, this city calls itself the Live Entertainment Capital of the World.

Reasons to visit

  • Branson Landing
  • Highway 76 Strip
  • Titanic Museum
Pythian Castle showing a park and heritage architecture
Springfield
Known for Dining, Shopping and Universities
Visit Springfield to see why it is known as the Queen City of the Ozarks and considered the birthplace of Route 66, one of the first major highways in the country.

Reasons to visit

  • Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium
  • Fantastic Caverns
  • Hammons Field
Missouri State Capitol featuring a fountain, an administrative building and heritage architecture
Columbia
Known for Universities, Sports and Festivals
Encounter sinkholes and caves in the city’s outskirts and see the majestic buildings of the magnificent Red Campus in the historic university.

Reasons to visit

  • University of Missouri
  • Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
  • Shelter Gardens
Osage Beach which includes a sunset and a lake or waterhole
Osage Beach
Known for Lakes, Shopping and Boating
Choose from ample recreational activities, such as fishing, boating, parasailing, riding horses, golf, swimming and sunbathing at this lakeside community.