[List] 25 Incredible Things You Need to Experience in Missouri

Key Takeaways:

• Missouri offers a dynamic mix of outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, and cultural experiences.
• From the bustling city of St. Louis to the natural beauty of the Ozarks, Missouri has something for everyone.
• Whether you’re exploring caves, enjoying music festivals, or hiking through forests, Missouri promises a memorable visit.

Missouri, known as the “Show-Me State,” offers a little bit of everything—vibrant cities, breathtaking nature, and rich history that shapes its identity. From the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis to the serene landscapes of the Ozarks, Missouri is a destination that combines urban excitement with outdoor adventure. The state’s history is deeply rooted in pivotal moments like the Lewis and Clark expedition, the Gateway Arch’s connection to westward expansion, and the Civil War, all of which can be explored through its many museums, historic sites, and landmarks. People love visiting Missouri because of its warm hospitality, scenic beauty, and its blend of cultural attractions that appeal to everyone.

What makes Missouri so special is its accessibility to a variety of experiences. The state’s largest city, St. Louis, offers world-class attractions like the St. Louis Zoo, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and an amazing food scene, including its famous BBQ. Outside of the cities, Missouri’s natural beauty comes to life with outdoor activities in the Ozarks, scenic drives, hiking, and unique sites like the Mark Twain National Forest and the famous Meramec Caverns. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a culture lover, Missouri offers something for all kinds of travelers.

Here are 25 things to do in Missouri:

#1 Visit the Gateway Arch: Stand beneath this iconic structure and learn about America’s westward expansion in St. Louis.

#2 Explore the Missouri Botanical Garden: Discover lush gardens, scenic landscapes, and beautiful plant collections in St. Louis.

#3 Go Cave Exploring at Meramec Caverns: Take a guided tour through these stunning limestone caves in Sullivan.

#4 Visit the National World War I Museum and Memorial: Learn about the history and impact of World War I in Kansas City.

#5 Relax at Lake of the Ozarks: Enjoy water sports, fishing, and beautiful lake views at one of Missouri’s most popular destinations.

#6 Tour the St. Louis Zoo: Visit one of the country’s best zoos, home to thousands of animals from around the world.

#7 Hike in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways: Experience the beauty of this national park with hiking, canoeing, and scenic views.

#8 Visit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum: Explore the childhood home of the famous author in Hannibal, Missouri.

#9 Attend the Missouri State Fair: Celebrate Missouri’s agricultural heritage with rides, food, and live entertainment every summer.

#10 Explore the City Museum: Climb, crawl, and discover interactive exhibits in this unique and creative museum in St. Louis.

#11 Go to Silver Dollar City: Visit this popular amusement park in Branson, known for its thrilling rides and live performances.

#12 Take a Scenic Drive on the Great River Road: Enjoy views of the Mississippi River and stop at small towns and historic sites.

#13 Tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery: Learn about the brewing process and enjoy a tour at one of America’s most famous breweries in St. Louis.

#14 Explore the St. Louis Art Museum: Admire a wide range of art collections from ancient to contemporary at this iconic museum.

#15 Go Hiking at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park: Hike to the highest point in Missouri, offering incredible views of the Ozarks.

#16 Experience the Kansas City Jazz Scene: Enjoy live jazz music in Kansas City, the birthplace of this American art form.

#17 Take a Boat Tour on the Mississippi River: Cruise along the iconic river with scenic views and a taste of history.

#18 Visit the Missouri History Museum: Discover the state’s history through engaging exhibits in St. Louis.

#19 Attend the Big Muddy Blues Festival: Enjoy live blues music along the Mississippi River in St. Louis each summer.

#20 Discover the Katy Trail State Park: Walk or bike along this scenic 240-mile trail that follows the Missouri River.

#21 Tour the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum: Explore the life and legacy of America’s 33rd president in Independence.

#22 Relax at Elephant Rocks State Park: Explore the massive granite boulders and enjoy hiking in this beautiful park.

#23 Visit the National Blues Museum: Learn about the history of blues music at this unique museum in St. Louis.

#24 Enjoy the Meramec Springs Park: Visit this natural park known for its trout fishing, caves, and beautiful outdoor spaces.

#25 Explore the Katy Trail Wine Trail: Visit local wineries and vineyards while biking along the scenic Katy Trail.

Where Can I Find Both Free and Paid Events Going on in Missouri?

For finding both free and paid events in Missouri, PlanMyWeekend.ai is a great tool to help you plan your visit. The platform lets you search for a wide variety of events, whether you’re looking for free outdoor festivals, live music performances, or paid experiences like brewery tours or museum visits. PlanMyWeekend.ai’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to filter events based on location, budget, and interest, ensuring you can make the most of your time in Missouri.

Final Thoughts

Missouri is a state brimming with natural beauty, rich history, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re visiting its bustling cities, exploring its outdoor wonders, or enjoying its festivals, Missouri promises a memorable and diverse experience for every kind of traveler. Use PlanMyWeekend.ai to find the best events, plan your trip, and ensure you don’t miss any of the incredible things Missouri has to offer. From the iconic Gateway Arch to the peaceful Ozarks, Missouri is a destination that has something special for everyone.

Author: Dejon Brooks

Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai