Marvelous Midwest: 5 of the Best Places to Visit in Missouri

places to visit in missouri

Missouri is filled with amazing sights to see, things to do and experiences to have. It’s filled with great places to eat, attractions to visit and there’s lots of fun to discover.

How do you know which places to visit in Missouri?

Have no fear, we have some great choices to add to your agenda. Whether you’re flying in for a family vacation or have lived in the State your whole life Missouri has something for everyone.

Let’s get started.

St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis should be on everyone’s list when heading to Missouri. It’s filled with history, fun and a little bit of magic.

St. Louis City Museum

This museum is a must see that’s been voted the #1 Family Attraction in the world by Trip.com.  This 600,000 square feet attraction will amaze and entertain family members young and old.

Grant’s Farm

There are 900 animals of over 100 different species to enjoy on this 281 acre farm. The homestead of the Busch family and honoring President Ulysses S Grant, this farm is the perfect mixture of history, fun, and up-close animal experiences.

There are rides to take, animals to get to know and food to enjoy as you explore this attraction.

The Magic House

The magic house is filled with 100s of hands-on activities and exhibits for children and parents to enjoy and learn from.

Springfield, Missouri

Approximately 3 hours drive to the southwest of St. Louis is Springfield. You’ll want to add this city to your list of must visit places in Missouri. It is filled with great activities to do and things to learn.

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Fantastic Caverns and Riverbluff Caves

You can’t very well visit the Cave State of Missouri without visiting a cave or two. If you don’t want to walk The Fantastic Caverns give you the cave experience but from the comfort of your car.

Riverbluff Caves are another great option to visit in Springfield. Riverbluff has been home of many science firsts with findings from 1.8 million years ago.

Wonders of Wildlife Museum

This 1.5-mile museum will keep you entertained and intrigued as you learn about the animal kingdom and their varying habitats. There are aquarium adventures and wildlife galleries to help you get up-close and personal with creatures big and small from around the world.

Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center

If you prefer flowers and butterflies to mammoths and sharks than the botanical gardens and butterfly house here will be more your cup of tea.

Air & Military, Railroad and Car Museums

For those more mechanically inclined there are lots of museums and points of interest for you too. With Air and Military, railroad and car museums located in Springfield you’ll find lots of things to get your motor running.

Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City is a world filled with fun, animals, science, music, and history.

Worlds of Fun and Ocean of Fun

This amusement park offers 235 acres of slides, rides, and entertainment for the whole family. Meet the Peanuts gang for some summer fun, get a fright at Halloween, attend Winterfest for Christmas lights or ride the rollercoaster as you wander the park looking for your favorite activity.

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Kansas City Zoo

A beloved attraction since 1909 this zoo gives you an up-close and personal view into the lives of more than 1300 animals.

Science City

This is the place to be for anything science related. From Engineering exhibits to Planetarium shows and paleontology dinosaur labs- you’ll find fun, educational activities for kids of all ages.

WW1, Steamboat, Baseball and Jazz museums

Whether your passion is WW1 history or baseball, riverboats or the soothing sounds of jazz Kansas City has a museum for you.

Independence Missouri

Independence is known for its rich history. Lewis and Clark stopped here in 1804 to pick plums and apples. Named after the Declaration of Independence in 1827, the area was part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

There’s history here for everyone though it’s particularly popular with Mormon historians.

Harry S Truman Library and Museum, Truman National Site

One of the most well-known attractions in Independence is the Harry S Truman Library and Museum which is the presidential library and resting place of this 33rd President of the United States.

It includes replicas of the oval office in the White House as well as a “White House Decision Room” display to help students and visitors understand how the president and leaders made historical decisions.

The Peace Pavilion

The Peace Pavilion explores the way each of us can create a more peaceful world for ourselves and others.

There are 25 interactive and thought-provoking displays to promote these concepts of peace to young and old.

The exhibits focus on four concepts of peace:

  • Peace for me
  • Peace for us
  • Peace for everyone
  • Peace for the planet
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There are tons of great places to eat in Independence MO before heading off to your next adventure.

Places to Visit in Missouri: State Capital Jefferson City

There’s history, arts, museums, gardens, jails, and even some brains to explore in Missouri’s State Capital Jefferson City.

You can visit several museums and historical sites here. No matter what your interest, there’s probably a museum or gallery in Jefferson City to pique your interest.

Some of the noteworthy attractions and museums to visit:

  • Missouri State Museum
  • Missouri Veterinary Museum
  • Museum of Missouri Military History
  • Jefferson City Museum of Modern Art
  • Colonel Alvin R Lubker Memorial Safety and Education Center
  • Missouri State Penitentiary Museum

Food for Thought

If you’ve ever wondered what brains taste like, you can try that out in Jefferson City too. That’s right start your day off with some brain food as you order up some scrambled eggs, hash and even beef brains at the Towne Grill.

If you’re more the cake connoisseur than interested brains you’ll want to find then you’ll have to put a bakery on your list when you’re in St. Louis. Gooey Butter Cake is a Missouri favorite created during the depression. You can get some of the best Gooey Butter Cake at Gooey Louie’s bakery in St. Louis.

Plan a Trip of a Lifetime

Whether you’re traveling with a group or wanting to take a trip by yourself there are some great places to visit in Missouri.

For more travel ideas and tips check out the rest of our travel hack blog today.