Missouri, the Show-Me State, welcomes outdoor enthusiasts, urban explorers, history buffs, art lovers, foodies and sports fans to experience four seasons of scenic beauty, wide open spaces, events that shaped our state and nation, exciting entertainment and family fun.
Missouri is home to some of the best state parks and conservation areas in the country, beautiful botanical gardens and impressive caves. Experience nature at its finest with more than a thousand miles of trails offering hiking, cycling, mountain biking, bird watching, ATV and horseback riding. The pristine Ozark National Scenic Riverways is the first river system in the country to be protected by the National Park Service. The Katy Trail is the longest developed rail-to-trail project in the country.
The state’s award-winning theme parks, family-friendly attractions, aquariums and zoos are perfect places for visitors of all ages to make memories sure to last a lifetime. Thrill seekers can find roller coasters, zip lining and other action-packed activities across the state. No trip to St. Louis is complete without a visit to the Gateway Arch – now a national park. Zoos in Kansas City, St. Louis and Springfield are sure to appeal to animal lovers.
Satisfy your appetite with some of Missouri’s world-famous barbecue. Kansas City even has an app to help you sample your way through the city. From gourmet burgers and succulent steaks to specialties prepared by awarding-winning chefs, Missouri’s culinary offerings will keep you coming back for more. Dozens of wineries, breweries and distilleries, make it easy to discover a favorite Missouri-made beverage, too.
Missouri has certainly seen its share of history and events that have changed the course of our nation and the world. Lewis and Clark launched their westward expedition from the historic town of St. Charles. Dred Scott’s fight for freedom began at the Old Courthouse in St. Louis. Civil War sites recount Missouri’s vital role in the War Between the States. President Harry Truman hailed from the town of Independence. Relics and remembrances from the War to End All Wars are preserved at the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City. Learn about all this and more at historic sites, monuments and museums throughout Missouri.
Great art, legendary music and world-class theater take center stage throughout Missouri. You’ll find an eclectic mix of music across the state as well as museums and events that showcase Missouri’s contributions to jazz, the blues, ragtime, bluegrass, rock and roll, country, and more. Art museums, including the acclaimed Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City and the Saint Louis Art Museum, display works from around the world.
There’s always something new to discover in the Show-Me State!
Article courtesy of the Missouri Division of Tourism.
