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
The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Missouri, United States
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. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,257 reviews
Drop in for an hour, come for lunch, or spend the entire day wandering through world-class galleries. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is the cultural jewel of Kansas City and just three blocks from the Country Club Plaza, and admission is free. The Nelson-Atkins, recognized as one of America’s finest art museums, strives to be the place where the power of art engages the spirit of community. With 40,000 works of art, the Nelson-Atkins is best known for its new Bloch Galleries, featuring Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, plus its Asian art, photography, American paintings, American Indian and Egyptian galleries. The Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park, a beautiful setting for a walk or picnic, is an oasis in the city and home to notable sculptures.
Reviewed By pamhR1347EY - Kansas City, United States
Love to wander through the Nelson Art Gallery just about any day... Always great on a Sunday afternoon when I'll grab tea and dessert (or full lunch) at the great Rozelle Court. So beautiful. Add a walk down through tree shaded paths, and around art installations surrounding the buildings, ahhh, my idea of a great afternoon.
2. 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!
3. Table Rock Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,309 reviews
Nationally known for its bass fishing, this beautiful clear water lake with gorgeous vistas is also an ideal setting for swimming, boating and water sports, and rivals some Caribbean islands with its excellent scuba diving.
Reviewed By dtw1969 - Fairview Heights, United States
Beautiful , large lake that has a lot of boats running around - but still is nice. Hiking around, walking near, swimming and more here! Bring the family, picnic and just relax. A great place to watch sunset is the boat ramp near Moonshine Beach!
4. Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,034 reviews
The Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis, the superstructure of the Cathedral was built between 1907 and 1914. The Cathedral's 100th Anniversary is being celebrated in 2014. It is known for its' beautiful interior mosaics, which took nearly 80 years to create using more than 41 million pieces of glass tesserae. The Cathedral is known for having one of the largest mosaic collections in the Western Hemisphere.
Reviewed By Kat26S - Plainfield, United States
The craftsmanship, the history, the reverence of the Cathedral is so very impressive. Take the free tour! We did go to the museum downstairs, and that helps put in perspective the talents, the time, and the vision that created the mosaic masterpieces you see in the cathedral. It's an amazing place to see no matter your faith is. I've been to St. Louis multiple times and never knew about this place.
5. 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!!
6. The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 444 reviews
Nestled within Faust Park and a division of the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Butterfly House was the first stand-alone insectarium to be accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Open year-round, the 8,000 sq foot Tropical Conservatory is the heart of the Butterfly House. Its carefully controlled environment houses nearly 2,000 tropical butterflies in free flight. As many as 80 butterfly species and 150 tropical plant species are exhibited. The Exhibit Hall is where you'll find Small Wonders, a living exhibit focusing on various other invertebrates. The outdoor Native Butterfly Garden is a pollinator-friendly demonstration garden. Plants were carefully selected to provide a habitat for the pollinators and other animals in Faust Park as well as to serve as host plants for caterpillars and nectar sources for butterflies. The Native Butterfly Garden provides a favorite setting for education programs, wedding ceremonies, and other private event celebrations.
Reviewed By 644stuk - Chesterfield, United States
Our grandkids aged 4 and 7 loved the place. The variety and quantity of the butterflies are amazing and held the kids attention and they were thrilled to have one land on their head. The plant life is great, and overall it is a wonderful place to take the kids so they can enjoy themselves.
7. Forest Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,450 reviews
The site of the 1904 World's Fair, America's second largest urban park is a prime St. Louis recreation spot.
Reviewed By LC95 - Saint Louis, United States
Forest Park is one of the most beautiful and attractive parks around! First of all it is very large, so there is room for everyone. You don't have to be surrounded by other people if you don't want to. It is easy to find a nice quiet spot for reading, meditating, or resting! Or you can hang out with the crowd on Art Hill! Second, there is a lot to do! Picnicking, zoo, art museum, science center, history museum, golf, handball, tennis, picture taking, hiking, walking trails, special events, bird watching, duck watching, fishing, weddings, school outings, boating, baseball, soccer, restaurants, etc. Third, it is easy to get to. Either via street or highway and there is plenty of free on-street parking. You can drive, bike or take the train. However you get there, get there when you can!!
8. 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.
9. 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:)
10. Clay Cooper Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,285 reviews
You’re always guaranteed a great time at Clay Cooper Theatre in Branson, Missouri! With multiple shows operating throughout the season and special events taking place throughout the year, Clay and his incredible staff go the extra mile to provide a safe, fun, family environment for you, our guests! This year we have performances by Clay Cooper's Country Express, with a cast of 25 performing old & new country, rock, gospel, patriotic and current hits , Dean Z - The Ultimate Elvis doing a 20 year span of Elvis Greatest Hits, The Haygoods a talented family performing on over 20 instruments, with great visual effects and singing, Hot Rods & High Heels 1950's show, a musical journey through 1950's with 8 singers & dancers and band, and #1 Hits of the 60's, performing top hits from the 60's with over 100 costume changes! You don't want to miss these fantastic shows! Save your ticket stub and get a discount on your next regular show within the same year!
Reviewed By brianjohnson1984
The variety of music was amazing, and so was the whole show, but the patriotic finale was truly once-in-a-lifetime. I absolutely LOVED Clay's tribute to all who serve, the original song by Clay and his wife Tina, and most of all the Pledge of Allegiance being recited by Clay's son, along with their wonderful story about how in his son's school, they take turns reciting the Pledge every day, and a different student gets to recite the Pledge over the intercom each day. If all schools and performers got kids this excited about faith and loving their country, this country and the whole world would be a much, much better place. God Bless Clay and the entire Cooper family. I truly can't thank you all enough.
