Discover Missouri’s gems, from the historic Missouri State Capitol to the natural wonders of Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Check out the mysterious Stark Caverns and indulge in local favorites like Ozark Distillery and Central Dairy—this is your guide to remarkable places in the heart of Missouri!
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
Just outside Columbia, Mo., Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is best known for its namesake “Rock Bridge”... but there’s so much more to explore. With nearly 30 miles of trails featuring sinkholes, caves, and underground streams, the park is a virtual labyrinth shaped by what's known as a karst landscape, terrain formed by the erosion of soluble rock like limestone. Check out Devil’s Icebox Cave or the quieter Gans Creek Wild Area for a more secluded visit.
See MoreMuseum of Art and Archaeology
Located on the University of Missouri campus, the Museum of Art and Archaeology holds over 16,000 objects from six continents and 6,000 years' worth of history. You’ll find everything from ancient Greek pottery and Roman sculptures to African and American art. Some of its most significant pieces include classical antiquities and artifacts from the ancient Near East. It's a very worthwhile cultural stop, and admission is free! Tip: Extend your visit with a walk through the Museum of Anthropology, housed in the same building.
See MoreThe Tasting Room on The Blufftop at Rocheport
Stop at the Blufftop at Rocheport for a winery tour, tasting, or some retail therapy. The Tasting Room features award-winning wine from Les Bourgeois Vineyards (right next door), spirits from Rocheport Distilling Co., and local craft beer from Broadway Brewery, which brews on site!
See MoreWarm Springs Ranch
Warm Springs Ranch is the official breeding and training facility for the famous Budweiser Clydesdales! This iconic team of horses has been part of the Anheuser-Busch legacy since the early 1900s, appearing in their commercials, at parades, and promotional events. Over 70 Clydesdales roam Warm Springs Ranch, including foals, stallions, and mares! Take a tour for a behind-the-scenes look at these majestic horses. If you're a fan of the legendary Clydesdales, this ranch is a must-visit!
See MoreArrow Rock State Historic Site
Arrow Rock State Historic Site is a key stop on the Santa Fe Trail, a major trade and travel route between 1821 and 1880, offering a fascinating glimpse into Missouri’s history. Explore the historic village, including the J. Huston Tavern (the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi), and the house of famous Missouri artist George Caleb Bingham. With hiking trails and picnic spots along the Missouri River, you’ll want to stay a while!
See MoreLyceum Theatre
The Lyceum Theatre has been wowing audiences in a restored, historic church since 1961 with Broadway-caliber productions. Recently, the theater staged hit shows like “The Sound of Music” and “Les Misérables.” The intimate setting allows audiences to feel like they are part of the show. The Lyceum is one of Missouri's oldest regional theaters, drawing talented performers from across the country to perform!
See MoreAmerica's National Churchill Museum
Check out this museum dedicated to Winston Churchill’s life and legacy. Known for his leadership during World War II and his iconic "Iron Curtain" speech in 1946, Churchill’s impact on history can't be overstated. Located on the Westminster College campus, where he delivered the famed “Iron Curtain” speech, the museum is housed inside the relocated Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury, and features portions of the Berlin Wall and interactive displays. It's a must-see for history buffs!
See MoreAuto World Museum
If you’re into cars, the Auto World Museum in Fulton is definitely worth seeing. It’s not just rows of cars—they’ve set everything up in scenes from different periods, so you get a real sense of how cars fit into everyday life over the decades. The collection’s pretty varied, too, from early classics to some quirkier finds.
See MoreMissouri State Capitol
Traveling through Jefferson City, the Missouri State Capitol is a must-stop for a walk-through, or at least a walk around. It’s a massive, classical-style building made from locally quarried Carthage limestone, with a dome that towers 238 feet overhead (inspired by St. Peter’s in Rome). The grounds and exterior are impressive on their own, especially the bronze statue of Ceres at the top and the huge 13-by-18-foot front doors, which make for a pretty epic photo op. Free guided tours are offered year-round with reservations and will give you access to famous artworks and areas within the building.
See MoreMissouri State Penitentiary
For a look into a darker past, the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City is a fascinating (and pretty intense) place to explore. It opened in 1836 and stayed in operation until 2004, making it the oldest prison west of the Mississippi. Conditions were rough, to say the least ...Time Magazine once called it “the bloodiest 47 acres in America.” Now, you can take guided tours, learn about its infamous and storied past, or even join a paranormal investigation if you’re feeling brave.
See MoreMuseum of Missouri Military History
Showcasing Missouri’s military history from the Revolutionary War to the present, the Museum of Missouri Military History is made for history fans or war buffs. The museum features a diverse range of artifacts, including muskets, tanks, a C-130, and an F-15 jet, offering a comprehensive look at the state's military involvement through the years. Admission is free!
See MoreCentral Dairy Ice Cream Parlor
Chill out at Central Dairy in Jefferson City, a beloved and iconic spot since 1933, that offers a nostalgic ice cream parlor experience with its classic red and white canopies and over 40 flavors of ice cream, sundaes, malts, and shakes. Their ice cream is rich and creamy, thanks to a special formula, and their huge banana split is always a hit!
See MoreStark Caverns
If you’re near Lake of the Ozarks, Stark Caverns is a hidden gem. Known for its amazing variety of cave formations—think stalactites, stalagmites, and even rare helictites—it’s a must-see for anyone into natural wonders. It is also home to a variety of indigenous artifacts and ancient bear beds. There’s even an underground lake! Guided tours are available. The popular Black Light Tour lets visitors see a stunning show of colors and fluorescent minerals only visible with a long-wave black light! And did we mention they also have an Escape Room?
See MoreOzark Distillery
This family-owned distillery at Lake of the Ozarks is all about hand-crafted spirits, from Corn Whiskey Moonshine and Bourbon to Vodka and fun flavored moonshines like apple pie and blackberry. Ozark Distillery also has a brewery, a fantastic tasting room, and even a pizza oven on-site. Tours of the distillery are available and led by the Head Distiller, with a complimentary tasting at the end. You might just want to make this an overnight stay!
See MoreHa Ha Tonka State Park
Ha Ha Tonka State Park is full of caves, sinkholes, trails, and natural bridges perfect for exploring! It also has one of the largest natural springs in the state, Ha Ha Tonka Spring, feeding into the Lake of the Ozarks. Definitely check out the Castle Trail, which takes you up to the castle ruins and offers stunning views of the spring and the surrounding landscape.
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