Missouri
12 Best Things to Do in Missouri
Missouri, the “Show Me” state has a lot to offer – from the inspiring live shows and water features to the exciting thrills and world-class tourist attractions. Check out the 12 best things to do in Missouri:
1. See Penguins at Saint Louis Zoo
Source: Saint Louis Zoo | St. Louis Post Dispatch/Huy Mach
The St. Louis Zoo is a world-renowned zoo founded in 1910 that has more than 17,000* wild animals and 3,000,000 visitors each year. It has been voted as America’s top free attraction thanks to the fun and adventure it gives all its guests. See the penguins up close and learn more about their kind. You can take your kid to the play areas so they can play around while you rest for a bit.
2. Take Your Lover to the Forest Park
Source: Forest Park | RSA Photo/Randy Allen
Visiting one of the world’s most beautiful city parks is indeed one of the best things to do in Missouri! Forest Park is considered a natural oasis in an urban environment. It is where you can relax and take a stroll with your lover, or see the Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis Science Center, and more.
3. Explore the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
See awesome exhibitions in a place that features humankind’s greatest creations! Everyone is free to come and enjoy the finest visual arts.
What about the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art:
- Admission is free every day, although there are some ticketed exhibitions. You can just buy your tickets onsite.
- Personal photography is allowed in the museum. However, equipment such as tripods and monopods are not allowed.
- Dine at the Rozzelle Court Restaurant and Thou Mayest Coffee or shop at the Museum Store if you’re done checking out the exhibits.
4. Have Fun at the Silver Dollar City
Source: Silver Dollar City
Silver Dollar City is a 1880s-style theme park that thrills its guests with over 40 rides and attractions. Play and have fun! Afterward, you can take a break from the rides, check out the 18 award-winning restaurants and unique shops inside.
What to explore in Silver Dollar City?
- 100 resident craftsmen demonstrating America’s heritage crafts
- Unique Dining
- Signature Shows
- Rides & Attractions
- Marvel Cave
- Festivals & Events
5. Stroll Along the Walkable Garden at Missouri Botanical Garden
Source: Geodesic Dome Missouri Botanical Garden | iStock.com/ksteffens
Be a steward of creation as you walk down the Missouri Botanical Garden. This place is another St. Louis City oasis. It offers 79 acres of beautiful plants, a 14-acre Japanese-themed strolling garden, and the largest collections of rare and endangered orchids. There are also more than 4,800 trees live on grounds, some of which were planted by the Garden founder Henry Shaw.
Make sure to check Missouri Botanical Garden’s website to be updated on upcoming flower shows, live music, and special events.
6. Take a Guided Tour Through Meramec Caverns
Source: Meramec Caverns | iStock/Linda Johnsonbough
Take discovery and adventure to the next level by exploring Missouri’s buried treasure and largest commercial cave. This is the most enjoyable attraction you wouldn’t want to miss, especially when you’re driving along Route 66. Go on a guided tour facilitated by trained park rangers and be in awe of the thousand-year-old underground jewels that are too stunning for words.
Meramec Cavern Guide:
- Tours are conducted along well-lighted walkways so there’s no need to be afraid about being filled with absolute darkness.
- The tour will cover 1.25 miles and will take about one hour and twenty minutes or more depending on your pace.
- The Meramec Cavern is ideal for any age.
- You can tour seven levels of caves if you wish to do so.
7. Relive Titanic’s History at the Titanic Museum
Source: Titanic Museum | Viator
Get a fresh and insightful view of the Titanic by visiting Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience. For the ultimate Titanic experience, you can explore the shipyard on an electronic dark ride. After that, pretend you are feeling the excitement of launch day as you walk down the interactive galleries.
There’s also a discovery tour you can try together with your friends.
8. Find the Beauty in Ruins at Ha Ha Tonka State Park
There’s nothing more beautiful than history and nature finding their way together. Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a wonderland that puts caves, a natural bridge, sinkholes, and Missouri’s 12th largest spring on display. The castle remains will make you see the beauty in ruins.
9. See the Iconic Gateway Arch
Source: Gateway Arch | Wikipedia/Daniel Schwen
The iconic Gateway Arch is where you can get the experience of a lifetime. Breathe in the majestic beauty and have your breath be taken away from the top. The thrilling views and amazing stories will inspire you more than you’ll ever know.
Check out the following:
- Tram Ride to the Top of the Arch
- Documentary Movie
- St. Louis Riverfront Cruise
Hearing-impaired visitors may request for listening and captioned devices while sight-impaired guests may request for audio description devices when watching the documentary movie.
10. Chase Entertainment at the Shepherd of the Hills
Source: Shepherd of the Hills
Feel like going to a rustic outdoor theatre? Well, Shepherd Hills is the perfect place. Sit under the stars and experience the thrill of a good, old action-packed entertainment by watching the reenactment of the novel, “The Shepherd of the Hills.” The novel is a beautiful story of the Ozarks which speaks of love, tragedy, revenge, and forgiveness.
11. Trout Fish at Lake Taneycomo
Source: Trout Fishing at Lake Taneycomo | Missouri Department of Conservation
Lake Taneycomo is a haven for fishers. It doesn’t matter whether you fish with a fly rod or a spinning tackle. The trophy area below the Table Rock dam offers fly fishermen a chance to catch plenty of rainbows and brown trout. You can experience fantastic fishing in the spring since the four generators will be running constantly at the dam during that time.
12. Visit the Butterfly House
Source: Butterfly House | Darren Dedmar
Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House is one of the most visited spots in Missouri. It’s been that way for a reason – it houses the world’s most beautiful butterflies in free flight. Step inside the house and see the lush plants and nearly 100 species of flowering tropical plants. You can also find living exhibits, classrooms and visitor amenities in the additional 8,000 square feet of interior space.
What is the best thing to do in Missouri for you?
