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
Top 10 Bridges 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. Sandy Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Sandy Creek Covered Bridge boasts the picture-perfect appearance of an old red barn. It was one of six bridges built in 1872 to allow passage from the Jefferson County seat of Hillsboro to St. Louis. John H. Morse built Sandy Creek Covered Bridge using the Howe-truss design, named for William Howe. Howe patented his design in 1840, which featured the use of vertical rods to draw wooden members tight against the top and bottom of the bridge. Three of the four remaining covered bridges in Missouri were built using the Howe-truss design, including Sandy Creek, Burfordville and Locust Creek covered bridges.
Reviewed By Davigeta - Saint Louis, United States
One of only 4 restored covered bridges in Missouri, this bridge is very close to the St Louis area an a great place to visit. It is quiet and peaceful. There is a nice display of information on the bridge and its history. There is a nice picnic and BBQ area as well. You can walk through the bridge and explore the creek and its banks. The setting is very pretty, and there are vault toilets available. Plenty of available parking. Signage leading to the park is also very good. Overall, definitely worth a stop.
2. Eads Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By Travelingal63126 - Saint Louis, United States
Park in the Casino lot and walk to the middle for a great photo op! 0r if you just want a driving tour, I take Washington Avenue to the bridge, drive over to the Illinois side, make a u-turn at the bottom of the ramp, and head to the Missouri side again. It's usually not busy.
3. Union Covered Bridge State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Union Covered Bridge, built in 1871, is the only one of the four remaining covered bridges that represents the Burr-arch truss design. It served travelers in Monroe County for 99 years and is a peaceful spot to visit or stop and relax. The bridge is located in picturesque northern Missouri and is a perfect place for pictures.
Reviewed By DisneyFreakMom - Florissant, United States
There are only four covered bridges left in Missouri and this is one of them. Quite a bit off the beaten path but it's a lovely site to experience some local history. There is an informative display where you can learn about bridge construction and local history.
4. Katy Bridge
5. Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 18 reviews
Locust Creek Covered Bridge, built in 1868, became a link in one of the nation's earliest transcontinental roads. Today, it is the longest of Missouri's four remaining covered bridges measuring 151 feet. The bridge was built out of white pine using the Howe-truss system, named for William Howe, who patented the design in 1840. The essential features of the design were its use of vertical iron rods to draw the diagonal wooden members tight against the top and bottom of the bridge. The bridge features arched entrances with ramps sloping away from both ends.
Reviewed By K2657ONgeorgeh
This local attraction is interesting because it is one of the last remaining covered bridges in MO. It has been preserved very well. You must walk through it over the creek. Our daughter freaked out because of the 100s or maybe thousands of bats inside (no, they won't hurt you). Sometimes, during stormy weather it can be closed due to the creek flooding the area. Interesting, especially if you love history.
6. Swinging Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 227 reviews
Reviewed By Odyssey23868877165
I only live a little over an hour from here near Columbia, MO so I have been here several times. For me these old bridges may be an hour distant, but they are a world away. I've always been interested in history, especially how people traveled, communicated, and interacted, especially in rural areas. There are actually 2 bridges on this road, both of which are well worth going out of the way if you are planning on visiting Lake of the Ozarks. I'd especially say to make the effort to see these if you are from a large urban area, they are a fascinating contrast to city life, and a interesting glimpse into rural life in the early part of the 20th century. These would also be an excellent place to visit for someone interested in civil engineering.
7. Leeville Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
8. Chain of Rocks Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 169 reviews
Reviewed By 291genej - Silver Spring, United States
We crossed the 8.4 mi. long Chain of Rocks Canal on Chouteau Island on our drive to the Parking Lot(Chain of Rocks Rd, Granite City, IL) following Google. Here is the entrance to the 1/2 mile steel bridgework to reach the Mississippi River, a perfect walk on this cool morning. This most rocky spot of the river is where St Louis built their 1st water intake in 1915. Its there with another one, best viewed from the unique 22 degree bend in this 1929 bridge. To the north is the busy 1966 New Chain of Rocks Bridge carrying I-270 and to the south is the roller dam with a score of fishermen along the river's sand bank, and in the distance, the St Louis Arch. We visited 2 states and saw lots of distant water birds, getting excellent exercise.
