Well-known for offering the inspiration and backdrop for the legendary ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, ‘ the state is situated within the Midwestern United States.
Bordering Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Arkansas, Kansas, and Nebraska, it’s a laid-back place full of wide-open areas, a well-known sprawling mountain vary, in depth plains, meandering rivers, and lovely hidden gems. Listed here are my favourite spots I’d prefer to share…
1. Ozark Mountains and Lake of The Ozarks 
Made well-known by a preferred Netflix sequence and an enormous sprawling expanse protecting Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and the far southeastern nook of Kansas, for my part it is a must-see (and keep!).
The realm includes three separate areas: Boston, Springfield, and Salem Plateaus, and it’s closely forested.
It’s a tranquil place and a household trip favourite. There are numerous nice issues to do right here, together with mountaineering, {golfing}, boating, tenting, and exploring the various quirky little gems dotted across the space.
I extremely advocate not lacking the Lake of the Ozarks, a reservoir created by impounding the Osage River and one among Missouri’s premier trip locations!
- Location: southern a part of the state
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: summer time
My favourite highlights…
- Photographing the magnificent rock formations on the Bridal Cave, often called some of the scenic caverns in America.
- Visiting the ruins of the Twentieth-century citadel in Ha Ha Tonka State Park the place I noticed spectacular views of the lake.
- Tasting the scrumptious flavors of handmade dipped chocolate, fudge and saltwater taffy at Grandma’s Sweet Kitchen.
2. Blue Spring 
Situated in Eminence Township, the spring is beautiful with its clear turquoise water! It has been round for over 4 a long time, and I assumed it was an exquisite pure attraction.
Surrounding the spring are trails that you would be able to hike for roughly three miles; they finish proper the place the spring is. Each the path and the spring are very simple on the attention.
Even when all you wish to do is go to the spring and take images (sadly, you’ll be able to’t swim right here to protect its magnificence), it’s nonetheless value a visit to Eminence Township.
- Location: Close to Eminence, within the Ozark Nationwide Scenic Riverways
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: Might to September
My highlights…
- Snapping an Insta-worthy shot of the colourful blue water.
- Admiring the surroundings alongside the mountaineering path to get to the Blue Spring and going for a picnic alongside the best way.
3. Wah’Kon-Tah Prairie 
It is a beautiful and unspoiled spot to discover in Missouri. It’s an enormous 3,350-acre space, and a big a part of it’s a conservation space owned by The Nature Conservancy of Missouri.
The belief goals to revive native grasslands and defend the prairie ecosystem that when coated a a lot bigger a part of Missouri.
It’s a surprising and tranquil spot dotted with wildflowers akin to purple coneflowers , uncommon vegetation, and wildlife akin to deer and coyotes, and is properly value exploring together with your digital camera, particularly in the course of the fall when the leaves change.
- Tackle: Wah’Kon-Tah Prairie Conservation Space State Freeway 82 El Dorado Springs, MO 64744
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: late spring to fall.
My private highlights…
- Experiencing the tranquillity of the realm and admiring the gorgeous wildflowers.
- Going for a stroll by means of the unspoiled space earlier than catching a wide ranging sundown.
4. Massive Cedar Lodge 
Massive Cedar Lodge is situated in Ridgedale on Desk Rock Lake. It’s a stunning trip resort that many individuals go to yearly. It sits within the coronary heart of the Ozarks and provides an unimaginable view no matter the place you might be.
With mountains within the background and loads of bushes to get pleasure from, you’ll love Massive Cedar Lodge, no matter which season you select to go to.
Certainly, from the brilliant orange and purple leaves within the Fall to the nice and cozy temperatures of the summer time, I promise you’ll fall in love with this place identical to I did!
- Tackle: 190 Prime of the Rock Street, Ridgedale, MO 65739
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: late spring to early fall
My highlights…
- Taking the two.5-mile golf cart tour and discovering the rock formations and waterfalls surrounding the Prime of the Rock Misplaced Canyon.
- Enjoying a spherical of golf on the award-winning course designed by well-known gamers.
- Staying in a single day at a super-cute glamping tent at Camp Lengthy Creek.
5. Dogwood Canyon 
With water, bushes, and plenty of stuff to do, this facility in Lampe actually provides one thing for everybody. You possibly can go driving, bike driving, and even take a Segway tour for distinctive enjoyable!
There’s a restaurant and an awesome view of some incredible waterfalls, so if you happen to’re on the lookout for a enjoyable and beautiful place, I’d counsel this one!
Dogwood Canyon is much-loved however not well-known to vacationers exterior the state, so the ability is working arduous to make this occur.
- Tackle: 190 Prime of the Rock Street, Ridgedale, MO 65739
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: spring to early fall
My favourite highlights…
- Hiring a motorcycle and biking by means of the designated paths to view the picturesque surroundings.
- Discovering nature on a wildlife tour on an open-air tram (Segways excursions have been additionally out there).
- Going mountaineering on a path to discover Dogwood Canyon.
6. Elephant Rocks State Park
Situated in Belleview, Elephant Rocks State Park provides beautiful views and lots of mountaineering trails for individuals who love mountaineering or jogging.
It additionally provides picnic tables for anybody wishing to chill out and luxuriate in a pleasant lunch.
In my view, the spotlight of your complete park is the set of rocks formed like elephants in an old style circus line!
- Tackle: 7406 Freeway 21, Belleview, MO 63623
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: spring to early fall
My highlights…
- Capturing the uniquely fashioned rocks for Instagram.
- I hiked alongside the Braille Path, which was a straightforward hike. I noticed placing rocks and an previous railroad engine home.
- Strolling to the lookout level which then took me right down to a sheltered cove and a small swimming spot.
7. Missouri State Capitol and Governor’s Mansion, Jefferson Metropolis 
These are each spectacular historic points of interest so as to add to your Missouri itinerary. Situated within the capital of Missouri Jefferson Metropolis, the State Capitol Constructing was accomplished in 1918 and covers a sprawling three acres within the downtown space.
It’s an attractive Neoclassical-style Dome constructing and can also be residence to The Missouri State Museum, the place you’ll be able to be taught concerning the state’s historical past. Free guided excursions are additionally provided year-round, and I counsel happening one if you happen to can.
The Governor’s Mansion is one other nice historic attraction. Inbuilt 1871, the three-story brick mansion is a tremendous instance of Renaissance Revival Structure. It provides excursions that permit visitors to step again in time and be taught concerning the state’s historical past.
When within the metropolis, I extremely advocate visiting Jefferson Metropolis’s points of interest, together with the Carnahan Memorial Backyard, Missouri State Penitentiary Museum, and the Missouri State Penitentiary.
- Tackle: 201 W Capitol Ave, Jefferson Metropolis, MO 65101
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: 8:00 a.m. to five:00 p.m
My private highlights…
- Happening a historic tour contained in the Governor’s Mansion was like stepping again in time!
- Wandering by means of town to admire the beautiful structure and well-known landmarks.
- Exploring the various markets and boutiques across the space.
8. Prairie State Park 
Situated at NW a hundred and fiftieth Lane in Mindenmines, it’s the state’s largest remaining tallgrass prairie. Its excellent mixture of lush inexperienced grass that blooms a lot of the yr and tons of beautiful wildflowers in the course of the summer time months makes it a must-visit place.
Image an attractive discipline full of lavender wildflowers and wholesome inexperienced grass dotted with buffalo, birds, deer, and snakes, and also you’ll perceive what makes this state park so distinctive.
I’m an enormous fan of the pure magnificence and colourful landscapes right here!
- Tackle: 128 NW a hundred and fiftieth Lane, Mindenmines, MO 64769
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: spring to fall
My private highlights…
- Visiting the coast and having fun with a picnic on the seaside.
- Mountain climbing alongside the Prairie Creek Redwoods Stroll (this path is superb for all talents).
- Testing the 50-foot-tall canyon coated with majestic primal ferns.
9. Gateway Arch, St. Louis 
This St. Louis icon guarantees to not disappoint, and it is likely one of the most recognizable spots within the state. If you’re wherever close to St. Louis, I extremely advocate exploring this iconic landmark.
I counsel visiting the museum and cruising the waters surrounding the Arch for a good higher look.
I’d additionally advocate visiting the Arch at nighttime to see the way it lights up the sky and makes your complete space look beautiful!
- Tackle: 11 N 4th St, St. Louis, MO 63102
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: all yr spherical
My private highlights…
- Taking a trip within the historic Otis Traction Elevator.
- Taking a riverboat cruise tour and admiring town skyline.
- Photographing the Instaworthy Bridge.
10. Ha Ha Tonka State Park 
It is a stunning park with beautiful protected surroundings. It spreads throughout over 3,700 acres and is situated on the Niangua arm of the Lake of the Ozarks.
It’s residence to caves, lakes, sinkholes, a big pure bridge, towering bluffs, and Missouri’s twelfth-largest spring.
There are numerous wonderful mountaineering trails (together with some paved walkways) right here, a special-use tenting website, and natural world akin to prairie grasses, wildflowers and valley woodlands.
I’d extremely advocate visiting the ruins of the Ha Ha Tonka citadel, in-built 1905 by businessman Robert McClure Snyder.
Though it was severely burned in a hearth, it’s nonetheless a photogenic sight on a 250-foot bluff. The park provides cabins, a campsite, and an RV park for vacationers.
- Tackle: 1491 State Street D, Camdenton, MO 65020
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: late spring to early fall
My highlights…
- Visiting the naturally fashioned bridge over 100 ft tall was as soon as the citadel’s entrance.
- Climbing up the 316 wood steps from the spring head to the highest of the bluff.
- Kayaking and exploring the river path.
11. Grand Falls 
Grand Falls, situated in Joplin, is one among Missouri’s many unimaginable waterfalls. It’s the largest repeatedly flowing pure waterfall within the state.
In my view, it’s breathtaking, and whereas these unimaginable waterfalls encompass you, you’ll be able to get pleasure from a picnic on the shore and even dip within the cool water.
Most individuals in Missouri contemplate this probably the most stunning waterfall within the state, and when you go to it simply as soon as, I’m certain you’ll perceive what the fuss is about!
My favourite highlights…
- Going for a swim within the nonetheless swimming pools situated downstream of the falls (if you happen to go don’t neglect your water sneakers).
- Watching a dramatic and vibrant sundown go down over the west aspect of this location.
- Embarking on a kayak journey within the calm water swimming pools by the waterfall earlier than heading downstream with the present.
12. Jacob L Free Park, Kansas Metropolis
Kanas Metropolis is understood for its fountains, nice purchasing, and jazz heritage. There are numerous superior issues to do in Kansas Metropolis, however I personally suppose one of many prettiest points of interest is Jacob L Free Park, a serious vacationer website and the third largest park within the metropolis.
It’s residence to a stunning lake with a central fountain, a shelter home, Civil Conflict markers, and leisure highlights akin to tennis courts, a water park, picnic areas, and a Rose Backyard.
It’s situated at 51st Road and Wornall Street. After getting explored it, I like to recommend visiting among the different points of interest within the metropolis, together with the gorgeous Union Station, The Vine District, Arabia Steamboat Museum, and its many wonderful Craft Beer Breweries.
My highlights…
- Admiring the gorgeous rose backyard full of practically 3,000 flowers throughout 1.5 acres of land.
- Testing an exhibition on the Backyard Middle which additionally hosts a library.
- Wandering alongside the paths all through the park and discovering the great greenery.
13. Clifty Creek Pure Bridge 
I like this place! This beautiful pure bridge is 40 ft lengthy and is lcoated on the finish of the two.5-mile Clifty Creek Pure Space Path.
Providing breathtaking views and surroundings, the bridge is one thing you’ll wish to see when visiting this city that sits nearly smack-dab in the course of the state! Mom Nature offers us with some superb pure phenomena, and I extremely advocate not lacking this one!
My favourite highlights…
- Taking the scenic 2.5-mile path that led me from the conservation space proper to the bridge.
- Photographing the placing stone bridge.
14. Cape Girardeau
This metropolis, perched on the western financial institution of the Mississippi River, has been named one of many prettiest cities within the state. The town is situated in Cape Girardeau and Scott County within the state of Missouri within the U.S., with over 250 bars of historical past.
I counsel heading for the historic Previous City for probably the most charming half. You’ll additionally discover an awesome assortment of eating places, boutique retailers, and historic landmarks right here.
Different superior issues to do in Cape Girardeau embrace the Path of Tears Nationwide Historic Path, the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Middle, the Missouri Wall of Fame, the various Vintage Outlets, and in addition the close by Bollinger Mill State Historic Website, which is residence to one of many solely few coated bridges within the state and is extremely beautiful within the Fall.
My highlights…
- Visiting the Wall of Fame and testing the murals created by well-known Missourians.
- Spending a day purchasing on the West Park Mall.
- Discovering the historic website of Fort D, which was constructed in the course of the civil battle.
15. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park 
This has a humorous title, however it’s an awesome place! This state park is situated in Little Brook, and if there’s one factor you’ll be able to say about it, there’s lots of water surrounding it.
You’ll see numerous massive rocks and swimming holes, so if you happen to go there any time in the course of the summer time, contemplate bringing your swimming swimsuit!
Right here, you’ll be able to hike, view waterfalls, picnic, and discover some significantly beautiful and distinctive terrain. I extremely advocate visiting if you happen to’re on the lookout for an awesome family-oriented exercise!
My favourite highlights…
- Stopping by the customer middle and studying all of the park and its historical past.
- Mountain climbing by means of the forest to the valley, alongside the stream mattress and as much as the ridge on the Scour Path loop.
- Taking a fast refreshing dip within the cool waters after mountaineering alongside the paths.
16. Meramec Caverns 
Meramec Caverns is situated in Sullivan, and it’s a wide ranging and fascinating attraction! You possibly can select between a half-hour tour or a barely longer one whenever you e book right here.
If you come up above floor, you’ll be able to get pleasure from actions akin to ziplining and an awesome climbing wall to make a fun-filled day!
My private highlights…
- Exploring the caverns to see the spectacular pure mineral formations which have taken 1000’s of years to create.
- Hovering by means of the sky on a enjoyable zipline tour.
- Stopping for home-style meals on the restaurant situated by the caverns.
17. Desk Rock Lake 
Situated in Branson, Desk Rock Lake provides beautiful water and beautiful pure views. Though no areas are thought-about official seashores, you’ll be able to nonetheless swim there in a number of places, akin to kayaking, canoeing, and boating.
It’s such a flexible lake that you would be able to take your loved ones, spend your complete day there, and by no means get bored. When you love stunning sunsets and water-based actions, I counsel visiting right here!
My highlights…
- Going kayaking on the lake.
- Watching stay leisure at Black Oak Amp.
- Absorbing the beautiful views and tranquil vibes!
18. Meramec River and State Park
I’m an enormous fan of the Meramec River, excellent for rafting, canoeing, or just enjoyable on the shore. It provides sand, numerous inexperienced bushes, and water!
Many actions are on supply right here, together with mountaineering and biking, however I’d counsel getting concerned within the enjoyable rafting!
My highlights…
- Taking a guided tour contained in the fascinating and enormous Fisher Cave.
- Going rafting alongside the magnificent river.
- Stress-free and having a picnic alongside the river shores.
19. Powell Gardens
Powell Gardens is situated in Kingsville, Kansas Metropolis. It consists of seven themed gardens, tons of lovely wildflowers to admire, and distinctive sections such because the Fountain Backyard, the Heartland Harvest Backyard, and the Perennial Backyard.
When you love flowers, pure grasses, and plenty of colour, then I personally suppose you’ll love Powell Gardens. It’s a great spot for flower-lovers and nature-lovers alike, and only one journey there’ll provide help to perceive why that is one among Kansas Metropolis’s hottest vacationer points of interest, particularly if you happen to’re a nature lover!
My highlights…
- Attending an fascinating gardening ideas class.
- Wandering round and admiring the gorgeous backyard shows and unimaginable modern structure.
- Testing the fascinating Customer Training Middle which additionally had a restaurant.
20. Taum Sauk Mountain 
When you love mountains, don’t skip this place! These mountains are on the highest elevations in your complete state and supply views such as you’ve by no means seen earlier than.
From distinctive rock formations to the majesty of the completely different close by forests, I personally suppose you’ll by no means tire of mountaineering to the highest of those mountains and searching on the surroundings and the incredible panoramic views. When you’re close to Freeway CC in Ironton, I like to recommend stopping by!
My private highlights…
- Mountain climbing to Mina Sauk Falls which is the best wet-weather waterfall in Missouri.
- Witnessing the spectacular panoramic views from the highest of the mountain.
