Top Things to do in Missouri
Top Hotels in Missouri
- 1. Lodge of the Ozarks
- 2. Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch
- 3. Savannah House Hotel
- 4. Drury Inn St. Louis at Union Station
- 5. Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch
- 6. The Last Hotel
- 7. Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Brentwood
- 8. Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Convention Center
- 9. Branson Towers Hotel
- 10. Seven Gables Inn
10 Things to do in Missouri That You Shouldn't Miss
From the riverboat casinos, breweries and historical neighborhoods in St. Louis and fabulous fountains and barbeque in Kansas City to the “Live Music Show Capital of the World, Branson, to the awesome outdoor lifestyle in the Lake of the Ozarks region, the state offers visitors a seemingly endless line-up of unique vacation experiences. You’re never far from a state park or historic site as there are 85 of them throughout the state. There are 840 miles of trail for hikers, backpackers, bicycle riders, off-road vehicle users and horseback riders. Some of the state’s top attractions include the Gateway Arch and St. Louis Zoo in St. Louis, Cameron Cave in Hannibal, and the American Jazz Museum and Worlds of Fun amusement park in Kansas City. Wine lovers will be pleased to know there are 96 wineries in the state where you can sample wines and take tours. For golfers, the picturesque Lake Ozark region offers play on gems like the Tan-Tar-A Resort Oaks Course and Old Kinderhook. Why not introduce your children to the real world of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn? Visit Hannibal, where your kids can immerse themselves in the world of Mark Twain with a tour of the author’s home, a cruise on the Mississippi River, an exploration excursion of the caves in his books and visits to various historic homes. Other great family-oriented activities throughout the state include hiking the Ozark Trail, splashing at a water park in Branson and visiting the Harry S. Truman home and presidential library in Independence.
Restaurants in Missouri
1. Missouri Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,356 reviews
The Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis was founded in 1859 by Henry Shaw. Today, the Garden is a National Historic Landmark and a center for science, conservation, education and horticultural display - widely considered one of the top three botanical gardens in the world. It features 79 acres of horticultural displays, including indoor conservatories and demonstration, formal and international gardens.
Reviewed By Buckeye-in-Jtown - Perryville, United States
The Missouri Botanical Garden (formerly Shaw's Botanical Garden) was founded in 1859 and is the country's oldest botanical garden in continuous operation. It is a National Historic Landmark with nearly 80 acres of gardens and historic structures. Outdoor and indoor displays include the Climatron tropical rain forest housed under a geodesic dome; the Kemper Center for Home Gardening; a Japanese Garden; the George Washington Carver Garden; historic Tower Grove House; the Stephen and Peter Sachs Museum; and the seasonal Doris I. Schnuck Children's Garden. This landmark is a horticulturist's dream!
2. National WWI Museum and Memorial
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,466 reviews
The National WWI Museum and Memorial is America's leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. The Museum and Memorial holds the most comprehensive collection of World War I objects and documents in the world and is the second-oldest public museum dedicated to preserving the objects, history and experiences of the war. The Museum and Memorial takes visitors of all ages on an epic journey through a transformative period and shares deeply personal stories of courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice. Designated by Congress as America's official World War I Museum and Memorial and located in downtown Kansas City, Mo., the National WWI Museum and Memorial inspires thought, dialogue and learning to make the experiences of the Great War era meaningful and relevant for present and future generations.
Reviewed By PiperLinda - Stillwater, United States
If you have even a smidgeon of history buff in you, you will love this museum and memorial!! Wonderful displays and an extensive amount of information are just waiting for you!! And, as an extra perk, take a look at the view from the outside -- it really is spectacular!!
3. Sight & Sound Theatres
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7,693 reviews
Sight & Sound Theatres is the nation's largest Christian theatre company and one of the highest attended live theatres on the East Coast and in the Midwest. This inspiring family experience includes a majestic 2000-seat theatre, a massive 300-foot wrap-around stage, a professional cast, spectacular sets up to 40 feet high and a variety of live animals. Go back in time and witness the greatest stories of the Bible as they come to life right before your eyes!
Reviewed By M1909EQanthonyw - West Des Moines, United States
This is the 3rd year that we have attended the show. It is a large venue with comfortable seating, great view and with a performance that includes music, singing, live animals and actors playing characters from the Bible, This year it feature outstanding sets and a story about Samson.
4. The Haygoods
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,225 reviews
29th SMASH-HIT SEASON! Celebrating 29 Years of Legendary Family Entertainment! Experienced by over 6 Million People! World Class Production and Special Effects! 5 Brothers and 1 Sister performing on 20+ Instruments! BRANSON'S MOST POPULAR SHOW!! CALL EARLY! THE HAYGOODS SELL OUT FAST! The Haygoods are Modern Family Entertainment at its BEST! This group of six siblings, (5 brothers and 1 sister), bring an all-new show to the Branson stage every year. Stunning visual effects and a state of the art stage presentation are the backdrop to an amazing array of musical styles, performed with more energy and excitement than anything you have ever experienced! The hits of today's Country, Rock, and Pop artists along with the music of the last 5 decades, are showcased in an electrifying ride of song, rhythm, and sound that you won't soon forget! Fans of all ages LOVE The Haygoods and their music!
Reviewed By Lissamlps
Seriously GOOD VIBES here!!! First timers and our entire familys' expectations were highly exceeded for the duration... nobody wanted it to end! Something for everyone too. We all enjoyed the engaging atmosphere of infectious energy, laughter, various musical talents and fun hearted enthusiasm that the amazing HAYGOOD family offered. The show takes great creative pride in all details from performance to effects and even audience participation. The kids were "fanning out" and thrilled! Actually, not just the kids;) Next time we'll definitely get up front seating. DON'T MISS THIS SHOW! This Minneapolis, Minnesota family is road tripping with the CDs now:)
5. Silver Dollar City
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,671 reviews
Branson's #1 attraction for over 50 years, Silver Dollar City features six world-class festivals, 30 thrilling rides & attractions, 40 live shows daily, 60 unique shops, a dozen family restaurants and over 100 demonstrating craftsmen.
Reviewed By cora
My family enjoyed this park the roller coaster was excellent much better then Six Flags my grandchildren love all the coaster they said they was excellent and the shows was very good the place was very clean with all the trees was a beautiful back ground to the park a lot of shade and place to sit Great food excellent funnel cake also gave cold free water this was I first time here we love this park we will be back
6. The Gateway Arch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,193 reviews
From the thrilling views to the amazing stories, a visit to the Gateway Arch is an experience that never fails to inspire. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, you’ll find activities to please every member of your party. Attractions include the Tram Ride to the Top of the Gateway Arch, the Museum at the Gateway Arch (opened July 3, 2018), a documentary film about the construction of the Arch, shopping at The Arch Store, a new Arch Cafe, and cruises aboard the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch. Tickets sell out early and often - advance purchase strongly recommended. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Reviewed By PUDSEYCAT - Swadlincote, United Kingdom
A really awesome place to visit and a Must do in St Louis, the view from the top is amazing, It is so well organised and a truly unique experience you cannot possibly visit St Louis without a visit to the Gateway Arch.
7. St. Louis Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,479 reviews
Visitors are wowed by this zoo that has 6,600 animals and 15 major exhibit areas.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
As native Chicagoans, we are proud of our two zoos, Lincoln Park and Brookfield, that have earned national and international reputations over the years. My wife and I live a short walk from the Lincoln Park Zoo and regularly take weekend walks through the facility. So it is with admiration and respect that we take notice of the fact that the St. Louis Zoo was named "best zoo in the United States" in 2017 and 2018 by USA Today. I visited the zoo when I worked at the St. Louis Globe-Democrat in 1966-1868 and my wife and I have visited twice. There is always something to see, new attractions. The zoo covers 90 acres of St. Louis' massive Forest Park and annually attracts about three million people to see 18,700 animals. It is the most visited feature in Forest Park, which also includes the St. Louis Art Museum, St. Louis Science Center and Missouri History Museum. Admission is free. Founded in 1910, the city purchased its first exhibit, The Flight Cage or primate house, from the Smithsonian Institution following the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. Before you begin strolling through the zoo and its five animal zones, be advised to take a spin on the park's two-foot narrow gauge Emerson Zooline Railroad than encircles the zoo, stopping at the most popular attractions. They include Lakeside Crossing or Caribbean Cove, which is open during warmer months and is a shallow touch-pool that features cownose rays, southern stingrays, bonnethead sharks and bamboo sharks; River's Edge, which displays rhinos, hippos, cheetahs, hyenas wild dogs, Asian elephants and giant anteaters; Discovery Corner, which displays birds, snakes, frogs, spiders and scorpions; The Wild, home to penguins, polar bears, grizzly bears, gorillas, chimpanzees and orangutans; Historic Hill, the oldest facility in the zoo which features bald eagles, king vultures, sea lions, seals, alligators, iguanas, turtles, frogs, king cobras, Gila monsters, giant tortoise, river otters, monkeys, great egrets and wood ducks; and Red Rocks, home to several species of big cats such as African lions, Amur leopards, Amur tigers, jaguars, cougars and snow leopards. Also see a Bactrian camel, Grevy's zebra, giraffe, gazelle, wallaby and red kangaroo. Interestingly, one of the former directors of the St. Louis was Marlin Perkins, who also was a director of the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago and gained fame as host of the TV show Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom.
8. City Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,515 reviews
Don't take the name so literally. We're about fun. Not your white walls, walk around, and be quiet museum. If you want to climb around, get active with your kids or are a big kid at heart, we're the place. If you get freaked out easily, you might not want to come. We're four floors filled with miles of tunnels, a full cave system, over 30 slides, a circus, an arts area, a large outdoor climbing space, Architectural Museum, a Cabin that serves adult beverages, a Museum of Mayhem, Mirth and Mystery, and a ton more. Also, there's the roof with a Ferris Wheel and a bus hanging off its edge.
Reviewed By dachellek
City Museum is a must for anyone traveling to St. Louis! It's great for all ages and everyone!! Make sure you rest up and plan on spending the majority of your day here so you can explore the caves, the slides, the aquarium, the indoor skate park, the circus, the oddities, and everything else the museum has for you! There's plenty to do here all times of the year but you can really experience the fun of the outside attractions during the warmer months. This really is one of the best attractions in St. Louis. Oh, and if you're planning to really be active, wear jeans and maybe bring some knee pads.
9. Titanic Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,914 reviews
Everyone knows the name Titanic! Everyone knows Titanic struck an iceberg! And everyone knows Titanic was lost! She sat at the bottom of the ocean for 75 years before they found her in 1985. A second expedition to the wreck site went out in 1986 and that expedition was co-led by the owner of this museum. The artifacts you see throughout the ship are REAL and valued at over $4 million dollars. You'll be able to touch a growing iceberg, experience the 28 degree water, try and steer the ship and pay tribute to the 2,208 passengers and crew that were on the Titanic. You will enter as a guest and leave as a Titanic Passenger!
Reviewed By denisez628 - Branson, United States
We truly enjoyed visiting the Titanic Museum offering beautiful displays, self-guided tour with lanyard phone, artifacts from the survivors, and interactive displays. Very friendly and helpful museum employees.
10. Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,151 reviews
Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium is the largest immersive wildlife attraction in the world. Explore a 1.5-million-gallon aquarium adventure showcasing 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles and birds and a wildlife museum offering a tour of the wildest places on earth. The 350,000-square foot experience features more than 1.5 miles of immersive trails and exhibits.
Reviewed By r0gers2012 - Miami, United States
The Wonders of wildlife aquarium and museum is absolutely phenomenal! It was well worth the money, we spent just over four hours walking through it and had a blast! It was about $40 a person and it was a great experience. They had so many animals in the aquarium from penguins to sharks, to alligators and birds. It was a great variety! We enjoyed the museum as well and the history. We would do it again in the future.
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