This road trip includes the best historical and cultural attractions across Missouri on the Way of American Genius (Highway 36). These spots highlight the lives of figures like Mark Twain and Walt Disney, and showcase Missouri’s heritage through preserved homes, engaging exhibits, and innovations!
The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum
The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum in Hannibal, Mo., provides a clear look at the places and experiences that shaped famous writer Mark Twain’s early life. His preserved childhood home, which inspired “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” is open to explore, along with a museum featuring first editions, personal items, and even original Norman Rockwell artwork! This place really connects his writing to the river and the small-town life he knew.
See MoreMolly Brown Birthplace Museum
Explore the birthplace of Margaret “Molly” Brown, the famous Titanic survivor, at this exhibit in Hannibal. Housed inside the cottage where she was born, the museum is all about her journey from Irish immigrant to socialite and activist. You’ll learn about her role in the Titanic tragedy and her impact on American society. Her story is remarkable! Note: The home was recently relocated and is temporarily closed, but will reopen soon, so be sure to check before you go.
See MoreMark Twain Cave
Known for its maze-like passages, the Mark Twain Cave is believed to have inspired the cave scenes in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." The oldest show cave in Missouri is a fun place to explore and learn about its history. Twain (born Samuel Clemens) even signed the cave wall and his signature is still on display today!
See MoreMark Twain Riverboat
Enjoy a sightseeing or dinner cruise aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat in Hannibal, Mo. Learn about life along the Mississippi River while taking in unforgettable views. The steamboat is similar to one once piloted by Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) before he rose to fame as a writer. His experience as a pilot shaped much of his perspective and storytelling throughout his famous, adventurous writings such as “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and “Life on the Mississippi.”
Fun fact: A similar riverboat resides at Disneyland, and it is named in Twain’s honor as a tribute to Disney’s Missouri connection.
See MoreWalt Disney Hometown Museum
Located in the restored Santa Fe Railway Depot, the Walt Disney Hometown Museum provides insight into Walt Disney’s early years and his deep ties to his hometown of Marceline. It features thousands of personal items from the Disney family, including letters, photos, and early memorabilia. Exhibits trace Walt’s childhood experiences here, which influenced much of his creative vision and inspired elements later seen in his theme parks and films.
Fun fact: The design of Disneyland’s Main Street U.S.A. was inspired by downtown Marceline.
See MoreMa Vic's Corner Cafe
Be sure to stop in at the family-owned diner, Ma Vic's Corner Café, for some classic small-town vibes. They serve all the classic comfort foods, and the pies are exceptional. Their ice cream creation, the Dusty Miller sundae, made of vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, marshmallow fluff, and topped with malted milk, is truly one of a kind!
See MoreGen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site
Take a trip to the preserved boyhood home of General John J. Pershing, the legendary commander of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) in World War I. It includes the nine-room Gothic-style house where Pershing and his family lived in Laclede from 1866 to 1882, as well as the Prairie Mound School, where he taught before attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Exhibits in the visitor center offer further insight on America’s six-star “General of the Armies.”
See MoreGrand River Historical Society
Located in the town of Chillicothe, Mo., this museum explains why this town is the “Home of Sliced Bread.” Get a glimpse at one of the original bread slicing machines and learn about the people who shaped the Grand River region. The museum showcases everyday objects that tell fascinating stories of local history, like tableware and uniforms worn by service members. Exhibits include a railroad display, Native American artifacts, and even a recreated soda fountain and grocery store from Main Street. It's a spot that will transport you into the past.
See MoreMissouri Star Quilt Company
Quilts, and more quilts! Missouri Star Quilt Company is a family-owned business offering a wide range of quilting supplies, including precut fabrics, quilting kits, and machine quilting services. After all, with 13 retail shops, Hamilton, Mo., is known as "Quilt Town, USA." Enjoy exploring the different themed stores and taking in the quilt-themed murals.
See MoreMissouri Quilt Museum
Dedicated to the history of quilting and sewing in North America, the Missouri Quilt Museum is located inside the three-story remodeled 100-year-old Hamilton Schoolhouse, which stretches an entire city block. The museum is home to a large collection of quilts (both locally and internationally made), antique sewing machines, and other memorabilia, including toy sewing machines and thimbles. It is also home to the world's largest spool of thread: a 22-foot-tall sculpture containing over one million yards of thread.
Tip: Bring your own spool of thread to add to the sculpture!
See MoreJC Penney Museum
The J.C. Penney Museum and Boyhood Home in Hamilton honors the life and legacy of James Cash Penney, founder of the JCPenney department store chain. Located just a block from the original JCPenney store, the free museum highlights Penney's early business ventures and the start of his company, offering a glimpse into his personal life, business philosophy, and the beginnings of his retail empire.
See MoreShatto Milk Company
In operation for over a century, this family-owned and -operated dairy farm is well-known for its fresh, high-quality milk, which is bottled and delivered locally, often within 12 hours of milking! Keeping with tradition and commitment to sustainability, they still use returnable and recyclable glass bottles. Tours of the dairy, bottling facility, and the farm are available every week, Tuesday through Saturday.
See MorePony Express Museum
Step back in time to the days when the Pony Express was a vital mail service connecting Missouri to the Pacific coast at this local museum. Located in the historic Pikes Peak Stables in St. Joseph, Mo., where riders began their journeys, the Pony Express National Museum showcases exhibits about the Pony Express’s creation, operation, and decline. The museum delivers a fascinating deep dive into this important chapter in American history.
See MorePatee House Museum
The Patee House, built in 1858, was once the Pony Express headquarters and later a hotel and college. Now, it’s packed with exhibits like an 1860s train, antique cars, and a carousel. Just next door, find the Jesse James Home, where the famous outlaw was shot in 1882. It’s now a museum with artifacts from his life and death. Together, these spots bring St. Joseph’s history to life.
See MoreWalter Cronkite Memorial
This award-winning museum, housed at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, honors renowned CBS News anchor Walter Cronkite, who was once known as "the most trusted man in America.” The Walter Cronkite Memorial features exhibits about his life, career, and interests, including a replica of the actual CBS newsroom where he delivered the evening news and the original desk from his CBS office. The memorial is free to visit and open during university hours.
See More