Missouri may seem like a flyover state to most, but there’s a reason that it earned its nickname as the Show-Me State. Boasting two major cities, incredible ecological diversity and an abundance of historical treasures, you won’t have any issues finding something unique to do here.
- Visit the historic Anheuser-Busch brewery in St. Louis.
Reading Tom/flickr If you like beer and history, than this is a must-see in St. Louis. Go on the complimentary tour to observe and learn about the 7-Step Brewing Process. Visitors also get to tour the historic stables built in 1885 which still house the Budweiser Clydesdales.
- Go spelunking in the caves at Onondaga Cave State Park.
Matt Lehrer/flickr If you haven’t explored a cave, now is your chance. Onondaga Cave State Park is one of the best places to spelunk in the state, but you can find plenty more caves all throughout the Ozarks.
- Eat the most delicious BBQ in the country right in Kansas City.
Shelby Bell Kansas City is home to some of the best barbecue food in the country. We would definitely recommend having the burnt ends at Q39, Arthur Bryant’s, Gates or Jack Stack.
- Bike, run or walk along the Katy Trail.
Dave Herholz/flickr The Katy Trail is a predominantly flat trail that runs for 237 miles from Machens to Clinton, Missouri. Some cyclists dare to ride the whole trail while camping and staying at bed and breakfasts along the way.
- Go on a float trip.
Doc Tharp/flickr Drinking and driving while on a motor boat is never recommended. However, packing a cooler of beer and floating along the river on a kayak or canoe is completely acceptable in Missouri.
- Visit and play at the St. Louis City Museum.
the.urbanophile/flickr At most museums, you’re not allowed to touch the artwork. At St. Louis’s City Museum, you’re encouraged to not only touch, but also to play with and climb on the masterpieces made of repurposed architectural and industrial objects.
- Explore historic downtown St. Charles.
Matt Ridings/flickr Visit the final embarkation point of Lewis and Clark by visiting the historic downtown of St. Charles, Missouri.
- Stand atop the state’s high point.
Randy Watson/flickr You are now on top of the world! Well actually, the state. Hike or drive to the top of Taum Sauk Mountain and you will be standing at the highest point in Missouri.
- Go to the St. Louis Zoo for free.
samdogs/flickr It’s one thing if your state has one of the best zoos in the country and the world. It’s another thing when that zoo is free. Luckily for Missourians, that’s the case with the St. Louis Zoo. Some of the attractions at the zoo charge a fee, but general admission is free for all.
- Hike and camp along the Ozark Trail.
Granger Meador/flickr There are 390 miles of Ozark Trail to be explored by hikers and campers. Whether you’re looking for a day hike or a 2 month excursion, the Ozarks has something for everyone.
- Have a root beer float at Fitz’s
Patrick Stephan/flickr When in St. Louis, head over to Fitz’s for a refreshing cool root beer float. Even if you’re not a fan of root beer, their milkshakes are to die for.
- Spend the day in Forest Park.
gotashot/flickr When the weather’s nice, Forest Park is the perfect way to spend your day. Stroll through the beautiful gardens or check out the art and history museums which are located in the park.
- Have a wine tasting at Les Bourgeois Vineyards
Missouri Division of Tourism/flickr Before the prohibition, Missouri was known as the wine country of the midwest. Recently, the state has started to see more and more wineries pop up, but Les Bourgeois is still one of our favorites. Stroll through the vineyards to see the fresh grapes being used, then enjoy a tasting. If you’re hungry, grab a bite to eat at their Blufftop Bistro which overlooks the Missouri River.
- Visit the Gateway Arch.
liimus/flickr The Gateway Arch should possibly be renamed the “St. Louis Selfie Station.” Visitors from all around the world come to marvel at this architectural beauty and of course, snap a photo of themselves in front of it. Don’t forget to take a tour of the inside as well.
- Swim at Johnson Shut-Ins State Park.
Robert the Noid/flickr “Shut-in” is a term often used in the Ozarks when referring to a river confined within a narrow channel. Johnson Shut-Ins State Park offers up a confined swimming hole for visitors to take a dip on a hot day.
Have a favorite spot in Missouri that you’d like to share with others? Let us know on Facebook
Reading Tom/flickr
If you like beer and history, than this is a must-see in St. Louis. Go on the complimentary tour to observe and learn about the 7-Step Brewing Process. Visitors also get to tour the historic stables built in 1885 which still house the Budweiser Clydesdales.
Matt Lehrer/flickr
If you haven’t explored a cave, now is your chance. Onondaga Cave State Park is one of the best places to spelunk in the state, but you can find plenty more caves all throughout the Ozarks.
Shelby Bell
Kansas City is home to some of the best barbecue food in the country. We would definitely recommend having the burnt ends at Q39, Arthur Bryant’s, Gates or Jack Stack.
Dave Herholz/flickr
The Katy Trail is a predominantly flat trail that runs for 237 miles from Machens to Clinton, Missouri. Some cyclists dare to ride the whole trail while camping and staying at bed and breakfasts along the way.
Doc Tharp/flickr
Drinking and driving while on a motor boat is never recommended. However, packing a cooler of beer and floating along the river on a kayak or canoe is completely acceptable in Missouri.
the.urbanophile/flickr
At most museums, you’re not allowed to touch the artwork. At St. Louis’s City Museum, you’re encouraged to not only touch, but also to play with and climb on the masterpieces made of repurposed architectural and industrial objects.
Matt Ridings/flickr
Visit the final embarkation point of Lewis and Clark by visiting the historic downtown of St. Charles, Missouri.
Randy Watson/flickr
You are now on top of the world! Well actually, the state. Hike or drive to the top of Taum Sauk Mountain and you will be standing at the highest point in Missouri.
samdogs/flickr
It’s one thing if your state has one of the best zoos in the country and the world. It’s another thing when that zoo is free. Luckily for Missourians, that’s the case with the St. Louis Zoo. Some of the attractions at the zoo charge a fee, but general admission is free for all.
Granger Meador/flickr
There are 390 miles of Ozark Trail to be explored by hikers and campers. Whether you’re looking for a day hike or a 2 month excursion, the Ozarks has something for everyone.
Patrick Stephan/flickr
When in St. Louis, head over to Fitz’s for a refreshing cool root beer float. Even if you’re not a fan of root beer, their milkshakes are to die for.
gotashot/flickr
When the weather’s nice, Forest Park is the perfect way to spend your day. Stroll through the beautiful gardens or check out the art and history museums which are located in the park.
Missouri Division of Tourism/flickr
Before the prohibition, Missouri was known as the wine country of the midwest. Recently, the state has started to see more and more wineries pop up, but Les Bourgeois is still one of our favorites. Stroll through the vineyards to see the fresh grapes being used, then enjoy a tasting. If you’re hungry, grab a bite to eat at their Blufftop Bistro which overlooks the Missouri River.
liimus/flickr
The Gateway Arch should possibly be renamed the “St. Louis Selfie Station.” Visitors from all around the world come to marvel at this architectural beauty and of course, snap a photo of themselves in front of it. Don’t forget to take a tour of the inside as well.
Robert the Noid/flickr
“Shut-in” is a term often used in the Ozarks when referring to a river confined within a narrow channel. Johnson Shut-Ins State Park offers up a confined swimming hole for visitors to take a dip on a hot day.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
