Missouri Travel Guide
Missouri is a Midwestern state with a rich history, diverse geography, and vibrant culture. It is bordered by eight other states and features landscapes ranging from the Great Plains to the Ozark Mountains. Explore St. Louis, with its iconic Gateway Arch, and step into the Ozark Mountains, which offer scenic hiking, tranquil rivers, and charming small towns.
Gateway Arch National Park
How to Visit Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis
Located in St. Louis, Gateway Arch is a famous American icon and also the smallest of the U.S. national parks. In this article, learn how to best plan your trip to Gateway Arch National Park.
Top Experiences in Missouri
St. Louis. One of the largest and most populous cities of Missouri, St. Louis is known as the “Gateway to the West”, which is symbolized by the iconic Gateway Arch. St. Louis is also known for its deep musical heritage in blues, jazz, and rock ‘n’ roll. Other popular things in St. Louis include the very unique and fun City Museum, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and Forest Park.
Gateway Arch National Park. Gateway Arch was built as a monument to the westward expansion of the United States. It is located in St. Louis right next to the Mississippi River. Visitors can ride the tram to the top of the arch for views out over St. Louis and visit the museum to learn more about this piece of American history.
The Ozarks. Stretching across southern Missouri and extending into states such as Arkansas and Oklahoma, this region of rolling hills, rivers, and lakes is a scenic vacation destination. Recreational activities include hiking, biking, boating, fishing, swimming, and more.
Branson. Branson is a popular destination town in the Ozarks. Branson features plenty of live music and entertainment, family-friendly fun, and is a gateway to the nearby Table Rock Lake, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, and Silver Dollar City.
Table Rock Lake. Just outside the town of Branson, Table Rock Lake is a popular spot for swimming, boating, fishing, and spending an afternoon on the water.
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. Featuring a rugged landscape with towering bluffs and waterfalls, visitors can go hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and take a wildlife tour. This park is about a 35-minute drive from Branson.
Silver Dollar City. Silver Dollar City is a popular theme park in southern Missouri located near Branson. Guests rave about the park’s attractions, which include an amusement park, water park, resort, and campground.
Fantastic Caverns. Go for a ride through the cavern in a Jeep-drawn tram that follows the path left by an ancient underground river. This is a one-of-a-kind cave experience and is great for families.
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. This battlefield was the site of the first major Civil War engagement fought west of the Mississippi River. Today, you can explore this historical site along Tour Road. Paths off Tour Road allow visitors to explore further on foot or by horseback.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Ha Ha Tonka State Park features sheer bluffs, sinkholes, caves, and a natural bridge. Popular activities include hiking, boating, kayaking, fishing, and camping. There are also ruins of a stone castle that can be explored.
Kansas City. Kansas City is a metropolitan hub that straddles the border of Missouri and Kansas. With over 200 public fountains it is known as the “City of Fountains”. It is also known for its jazz and blues music heritage, as well as for its barbecue smokehouses. Other popular things in Kansas City include the National WWI Museum and Memorial, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and the Arabia Steamboat Museum.
Best Time to Visit Missouri
Missouri is a midwestern state that experiences all four seasons with the summer and fall seasons being the best time to visit.
During the summer season (June-August) expect hot and humid weather. This is the best time to visit for water activities like swimming and boating.
The fall season (September-November) starts warm in September and becomes cooler as the season progresses. Expect sunny days and cool nights. This is the best time to visit cities and for outdoor activities other than watersports.
The spring season (March-May) is the rainy season. Expect mild temperatures in the morning that warm up in the afternoon.
Places to Visit Near Missouri
12 Best Things to Do in Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville, Kentucky…the home of the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Louisville Slugger bats. Named after King Louis XVI of France, the city was founded in 1778 by George Rogers Clark. Muhammad Ali and Jennifer Lawrence were born and raised here. One third of all bourbon comes from Louisville. It’s home to several stops on […]
Best Distilleries to Visit on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is hot right now! With the increasing popularity of bourbon, tourism is up in Kentucky. What better way to learn about and sample bourbon than on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail? The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a collection of 60 whiskey distilleries. All of these distilleries offer tours and tastings. On the […]
Kentucky Bourbon Trail Itinerary – Suggestions for 1 Day to 1 Week
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a collection of bourbon distilleries located in and around Louisville. In 2024, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail merged with Kentucky Bourbon Craft Trail, bringing the grand total up to 46 distilleries. It would take weeks to visit all 46 distilleries, but it is much more doable to limit your time to […]
Top 10 Things to Do in Indiana Dunes National & State Parks
Indiana Dunes is one of the newest national parks in the USA. This has been a popular beach destination for decades, but it is also one of the most biodiverse national parks in the USA. Exploring the sand dunes and relaxing on the beach are two of the best things to do in Indiana Dunes […]
12 Best Things to Do in Nashville, Tennessee
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “Nashville?” For me, the answer is country music. Country music was not born here (it was actually born in Bristol, Tennessee) but Nashville is responsible for growing the country music industry over the past 100 years. People travel here to see the Country Music […]
Mammoth Cave National Park: How to Pick the Best Tour
Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest cave system, with over 400 miles of explored caves and passageways. On a visit to Mammoth Cave, explore this subterranean world of immense rooms, long canyons, and tight passageways and learn why it is called a “grand, gloomy, and peculiar place” by Stephen Bishop, Mammoth Cave’s most famous guide […]
US National Parks
The Ultimate Guide to the 63 US National Parks
The US National Parks make an excellent travel destination, whether you are planning a cross-country road trip or a weekend getaway. In our guide to the national parks, get detailed trip planning information, advice on which parks to visit by season, and itineraries to help simplify your travel planning process.