Overview

Missouri is a state where the Midwest meets the South, offering a dynamic mix of music, rivers, outdoor adventure, and cultural heritage. Known as the Show-Me State, Missouri is home to iconic cities, scenic drives, historic landmarks, and natural beauty from the Ozarks to the Mississippi River.

  • Capital: Jefferson City
  • Largest Cities: Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, Columbia, Independence
  • Population: ~6.2 million (2024 est.)
  • Time Zone: Central Standard Time (UTC−6) / CDT (Daylight Saving)
  • Climate: Humid continental — hot summers, cold winters, and four distinct seasons

Top Destinations in Missouri

St. Louis

Famous for the Gateway Arch, blues music, botanical gardens, and family-friendly attractions like the City Museum and St. Louis Zoo.

Kansas City

A vibrant cultural hub with legendary barbecue, jazz heritage, fountains, and an emerging arts scene.

Branson

A popular entertainment town in the Ozarks with live shows, theme parks, lakes, and family fun.

The Ozarks

A region of forests, rivers, and rolling hills — perfect for boating, hiking, fishing, and scenic road trips.

Columbia

A college town with youthful energy, live music, festivals, and access to nature trails.

Must-See Attractions

  • Gateway Arch (St. Louis) – The tallest man-made monument in the U.S.
  • National WWI Museum (Kansas City) – A world-class tribute to history and sacrifice
  • Silver Dollar City (Branson) – A beloved theme park with rides, crafts, and shows
  • Lake of the Ozarks – Missouri’s playground for boating, swimming, and lakeside relaxation
  • Missouri Botanical Garden – One of the oldest botanical institutions in the U.S.

Things to Do

  • Hear live blues or jazz in KC or St. Louis
  • Enjoy a float trip on the Current, Meramec, or Niangua rivers
  • Tour historic Route 66 towns and quirky roadside stops
  • Attend a baseball game — Cardinals or Royals fans welcome!
  • Explore caves and springs in the Ozarks or Mark Twain National Forest

Getting There & Around

Major Airports

  • St. Louis Lambert International (STL), Kansas City International (MCI), Springfield–Branson National (SGF), Columbia Regional (COU)

Transport

  • Rental cars are ideal for exploring the state’s diverse regions
  • Amtrak connects St. Louis, Kansas City, and towns in between
  • Local transit is available in major cities

Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (Apr–May): Festivals, flowers, and mild weather
  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Great for lakes, parks, and music shows
  • Fall (Sep–Oct): Colorful foliage and fewer crowds
  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Cozy cabins, museums, and city attractions

Local Food & Culture

  • Cuisine: Hearty and flavorful — with a focus on BBQ, Southern comfort food, and German-American traditions
  • Specialties: Kansas City-style ribs, St. Louis-style pizza, toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake
  • Drinks: Local craft beer, Missouri wines, and root beer floats
  • Events & Festivals:
  • American Royal World Series of Barbecue (Kansas City)
  • St. Louis Mardi Gras – One of the largest in the U.S.
  • Branson Music Festivals
  • Roots N Blues Festival (Columbia)
  • Big Muddy Blues Festival (St. Louis)

Souvenirs from Missouri

  • BBQ sauces and rubs from Kansas City or St. Louis
  • Gateway Arch memorabilia
  • Handmade Ozark crafts or quilts
  • Local wine or beer
  • Mark Twain-themed gifts from Hannibal

Fun Facts

  • Missouri is the starting point of the Oregon, Pony Express, and Santa Fe Trails
  • The Gateway Arch is 630 feet tall and wide
  • Walt Disney spent part of his childhood in Missouri
  • Missouri has more than 6,000 caves
  • It’s the birthplace of Mark Twain and Harry S. Truman

Suggested Itineraries

3-Day City Sampler

  • Day 1: St. Louis – Gateway Arch, Forest Park, and Soulard
  • Day 2: Kansas City – BBQ, jazz clubs, and WWI Museum
  • Day 3: Columbia – Mizzou campus and Katy Trail biking

5-Day Scenic Road Trip

  • Day 1: Start in Kansas City – explore downtown and BBQ
  • Day 2: Drive Route 66 – stop at roadside attractions and Springfield
  • Day 3: Branson – live shows and Ozark Mountain views
  • Day 4: Lake of the Ozarks – boating and lakefront dining
  • Day 5: End in St. Louis – visit Arch and City Museum

Cities

  • Kansas City