What to do and see in Missouri, United States: The Best Sights & Landmarks

June 4, 2021 Carley Gatson

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. Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

4431 Lindell Blvd at Newstead Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63108-2403 +1 314-373-8242 [email protected] http://cathedralstl.org/friends-of-the-cathedral/cathedral-tours
Excellent
88%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,034 reviews

Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

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.

2. Warm Springs Ranch

25270 Highway 98, Boonville, MO 65233-3118 +1 888-972-5933 [email protected] http://www.warmspringsranch.com
Excellent
88%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 588 reviews

Warm Springs Ranch

Reviewed By Hochecker

Must see all year round! In the Summer you can tour & at Christmas they’re holiday lights are beautiful ❤️ Great for a family visit they provide a very warm & friendly atmosphere ❤️

3. Springfield Cardinals

955 E Trafficway St, Springfield, MO 65802-3671 +1 417-863-0395 [email protected] http://www.springfieldcardinals.com
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 493 reviews

Springfield Cardinals

Reviewed By ozarksguy573 - Pawleys Island, United States

The Springfield Cardinals AA Minor League team playing at Hammond's Field is a fantastic place to have fun while watching a baseball game. Lots of entertainment between innings to keep children interested and having fun. Food vendors have a variety of offerings to please most anyone. The parking is convenient and access is good. We participated in a special ticket promotion last season and was able to get all Friday night games that had fireworks displays after the game. Wow, this was entertaining for the grandkids! If you are a baseball fan, you get to see a quality product, often consisting of some major leaguers who are rehabilitating and others who will get called up to the St. Louis or Memphis teams before the season is over. Being a fan, it is great to see the future major leaguers.

4. Bingham Waggoner Mansion & Estate

313 W Pacific Ave, Independence, MO 64050-4303 +1 816-461-3491 [email protected] http://www.bwestate.net
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 291 reviews

Bingham Waggoner Mansion & Estate

Reviewed By H1151HNmaryn

The home is beautifully decorated for Christmas, and the home's working piano and organ were heard playing as we toured the home. Ben was a wonderful tour guide, especially for the children in the group, and answered all our questions with equal enthusiasm.

5. The Gateway Arch

11 N 4th St Gateway Arch National Park, Saint Louis, MO 63102-1810 +1 314-982-1410 [email protected] http://www.gatewayarch.com/
Excellent
59%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 12,193 reviews

The Gateway Arch

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.

6. Busch Stadium

700 Clark Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63102-1727 +1 314-421-3060 http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/stl/ballpark/index.jsp
Excellent
76%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,862 reviews

Busch Stadium

This stadium is one of the most visible symbols of St. Louis' success.

Reviewed By allisonl412

I’m not sure where to start ! I’ve been an avid fan of the Cardinals for only 15 years. I decided to take a tour of the stadium to show some important people in my lives why I love St. Louis. I learned so much. And our tour guide was awesome ! Very informative and funny ! This is a must for and baseball fan especially at Louis Cardinals fan !! Ticket to this also gets you into the hall of fame. Which is awesome as well

7. Malco Sikeston Cinema and Grill

1218 Cinema Drive, Sikeston, MO 63801 +1 573-481-0334
Excellent
73%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

Malco Sikeston Cinema and Grill

8. Old Courthouse

11 N 4th St, Saint Louis, MO 63102-1810 +1 314-655-1700 [email protected] http://www.gatewayarch.com/experience/#old-courthouse
Excellent
52%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,047 reviews

Old Courthouse

Walk the halls where ordinary Americans made civil rights history. Built in 1839, the Old Courthouse is a prime example of mid-19th century federal architecture. But it is two landmark cases that secure its place in history. Beginning in 1847, the enslaved Dred Scott twice sued for his and his wife Harriet’s freedom. But, the U.S. Supreme Court decided against them, ruling that African-Americans were not citizens and had no right to sue. In 1873, St. Louis suffragette Virginia Minor and her husband filed a civil suit arguing for women’s right to vote. Although their suit was denied, they brought great attention to the fight for voting rights for all U.S. citizens.

Reviewed By julie1653217 - Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, United Kingdom

Lovely to wander around a see all the paintings high up in the dome and around the courthouse beautiful building. Interesting history some rooms set up with artefacts from 1800's court rooms up on 3rd floor set up as the were in the day

9. Union Station

30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108-2410 +1 816-460-2020 [email protected] http://www.unionstation.org/
Excellent
58%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,480 reviews

Union Station

Reviewed By 975drewk - Des Peres, United States

We went to Union Station to see the Union Pacific's recently restored to operating condition Big Boy Locomotive. The plse is bustling with lots of stuff to do, some of it free! Pierpont's restaurant has a lively bar scene and an enormous selection of spirits. The modernist addition has theaters, an escape room, aroom for traveling exhibits as well as a hands on science museum. The model and toy train exhibit is simply amazing!

10. Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum

120 N Main St, Hannibal, MO 63401-3537 +1 573-221-9010 [email protected] http://www.marktwainmuseum.org/
Excellent
53%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 959 reviews

Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum

Visit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum and learn how a small boy from Hannibal became America's most beloved author! Experience interactive exhibits, live Mark Twain performances, 15 original Norman Rockwell paintings, treasured Clemens family artifacts and Twain memorabilia. Visit the museums 5 historic properties and 2 interactive museums including The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, a National Historic Landmark. Don't sneak away from Hannibal until you've visited!

Reviewed By A2coolcity - Fishers, United States

As a nice diversion to the craziness of life - we made the effort to drive from Indiana to Hannibal MO to see the boyhood home and inspiration for Samuel Clements “Mark Twain”’s Huckleberry Finn Adventures. We are so glad we did! ???? We had a wonderful time. So much to see and do. It took us about 2 hours to see the various sights, houses, displays and interactive exhibits. It’s definitely an amazing reflection on the challenges our country had during the 1850’s - 1860’s. The issues of slavery, treatment of those in poverty and the expectations and experiences of those from refined lifestyles. We learned so much about Mark Twain - that by the time we left - we felt like we had spent and afternoon sitting on his porch and laughing and philosophizing with him. There are some great deals available on GROUPON for discounts on tickets. Otherwise - expect to pay about $15/person. All tours and displays are COVID safe. Masks are recommended as well as social distancing. As in the words of Mark Twain: “Always do what is right. It will gratify half of mankind and astound the other.” Have a great time ????

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