Well-known for offering the inspiration and backdrop for the legendary ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, ‘ the state is positioned within the Midwestern United States.
Bordering Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Arkansas, Kansas, and Nebraska, it’s a laid-back place stuffed with wide-open areas, a well-known sprawling mountain vary, in depth plains, meandering rivers, and beautiful hidden gems. Listed here are my favourite spots I’d wish to share…
1. Ozark Mountains and Lake of The Ozarks 
Made well-known by a well-liked Netflix collection and an enormous sprawling expanse masking Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and the far southeastern nook of Kansas, for my part it is a must-see (and keep!).
The realm contains 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 various nice issues to do right here, together with mountain climbing, {golfing}, boating, tenting, and exploring the numerous 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 known as one of the vital 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 many years, and I assumed it was an exquisite pure attraction.
Surrounding the spring are trails which you can 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 need to do is go to the spring and take pictures (sadly, you may’t swim right here to protect its magnificence), it’s nonetheless price 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 mountain climbing 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 after lined a a lot bigger a part of Missouri.
It’s a shocking and tranquil spot dotted with wildflowers corresponding to purple coneflowers , uncommon vegetation, and wildlife corresponding to deer and coyotes, and is properly price exploring along with your digital camera, particularly throughout 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 world and admiring the gorgeous wildflowers.
- Going for a stroll by the unspoiled space earlier than catching a wide ranging sundown.
4. Huge Cedar Lodge 
Huge Cedar Lodge is positioned in Ridgedale on Desk Rock Lake. It’s a lovely trip resort that many individuals go to yearly. It sits within the coronary heart of the Ozarks and gives an unimaginable view no matter the place you might be.
With mountains within the background and loads of bushes to take pleasure in, you’ll love Huge Cedar Lodge, no matter which season you select to go to.
Certainly, from the intense orange and pink leaves within the Fall to the nice and cozy temperatures of the summer time, I promise you’ll fall in love with this place similar 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 really gives one thing for everybody. You may go using, bike using, and even take a Segway tour for distinctive enjoyable!
There’s a restaurant and a terrific view of some implausible waterfalls, so in the event you’re on the lookout for a enjoyable and beautiful place, I’d recommend this one!
Dogwood Canyon is much-loved however not well-known to vacationers exterior the state, so the ability is working onerous 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 the designated paths to view the picturesque surroundings.
- Discovering nature on a wildlife tour on an open-air tram (Segways excursions had been additionally obtainable).
- Going mountain climbing on a path to discover Dogwood Canyon.
6. Elephant Rocks State Park
Situated in Belleview, Elephant Rocks State Park gives beautiful views and plenty of mountain climbing trails for individuals who love mountain climbing or jogging.
It additionally gives picnic tables for anybody wishing to chill out and revel in a pleasant lunch.
In my view, the spotlight of your entire park is the set of rocks formed like elephants in an old school 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 simple 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 sights 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 a wonderful Neoclassical-style Dome constructing and can be house to The Missouri State Museum, the place you may be taught concerning the state’s historical past. Free guided excursions are additionally provided year-round, and I recommend occurring one in the event you can.
The Governor’s Mansion is one other nice historic attraction. In-built 1871, the three-story brick mansion is a positive instance of Renaissance Revival Structure. It gives excursions that enable friends 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 sights, 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 town to admire the beautiful structure and well-known landmarks.
- Exploring the numerous 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 good mixture of lush inexperienced grass that blooms many of the yr and tons of beautiful wildflowers throughout the summer time months makes it a must-visit place.
Image a wonderful discipline stuffed with 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.
- Climbing alongside the Prairie Creek Redwoods Stroll (this path is great for all skills).
- Trying out the 50-foot-tall canyon lined with majestic primal ferns.
9. Gateway Arch, St. Louis 
This St. Louis icon guarantees to not disappoint, and it is among the most recognizable spots within the state. If you’re wherever close to St. Louis, I extremely advocate exploring this iconic landmark.
I recommend 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 entire 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 lovely park with beautiful protected surroundings. It spreads throughout over 3,700 acres and is positioned on the Niangua arm of the Lake of the Ozarks.
It’s house to caves, lakes, sinkholes, a big pure bridge, towering bluffs, and Missouri’s twelfth-largest spring.
There are various wonderful mountain climbing trails (together with some paved walkways) right here, a special-use tenting website, and wildlife corresponding 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 gives 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, positioned 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 may take pleasure in a picnic on the shore and even dip within the cool water.
Most individuals in Missouri take into account this probably the most lovely waterfall within the state, and when you go to it simply as soon as, I’m positive you’ll perceive what the fuss is about!
My favourite highlights…
- Going for a swim within the nonetheless swimming pools positioned downstream of the falls (in the event you go don’t overlook your water footwear).
- Watching a dramatic and vibrant sundown go down over the west facet 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 thought for its fountains, nice buying, and jazz heritage. There are various superior issues to do in Kansas Metropolis, however I personally assume one of many prettiest sights is Jacob L Free Park, a serious vacationer website and the third largest park within the metropolis.
It’s house to a beautiful lake with a central fountain, a shelter home, Civil Battle markers, and leisure highlights corresponding to tennis courts, a water park, picnic areas, and a Rose Backyard.
It’s positioned at 51st Avenue and Wornall Street. After you have explored it, I like to recommend visiting a number of the different sights 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 stuffed with practically 3,000 flowers throughout 1.5 acres of land.
- Trying out an exhibition on the Backyard Heart which additionally hosts a library.
- Wandering alongside the paths all through the park and discovering the fantastic 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 need to see when visiting this city that sits virtually smack-dab in the course of the state! Mom Nature supplies us with some wonderful 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 positioned in Cape Girardeau and Scott County within the state of Missouri within the U.S., with over 250 bars of historical past.
I recommend heading for the historic Outdated City for probably the most charming half. You’ll additionally discover a terrific assortment of eating places, boutique retailers, and historic landmarks right here.
Different superior issues to do in Cape Girardeau embody the Path of Tears Nationwide Historic Path, the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Heart, the Missouri Wall of Fame, the numerous Vintage Outlets, and in addition the close by Bollinger Mill State Historic Web site, which is house to one of many solely few lined bridges within the state and is extremely beautiful within the Fall.
My highlights…
- Visiting the Wall of Fame and trying out the murals created by well-known Missourians.
- Spending a day buying on the West Park Mall.
- Discovering the historic website of Fort D, which was constructed throughout the civil battle.
15. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park 
This has a humorous title, however it’s a terrific place! This state park is positioned in Little Brook, and if there’s one factor you may say about it, there’s lots of water surrounding it.
You’ll see plenty of massive rocks and swimming holes, so in the event you go there any time throughout the summer time, take into account bringing your swimming swimsuit!
Right here, you may hike, view waterfalls, picnic, and discover some significantly beautiful and distinctive terrain. I extremely advocate visiting in the event you’re on the lookout for a terrific family-oriented exercise!
My favourite highlights…
- Stopping by the customer middle and studying all of the park and its historical past.
- Climbing by 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 mountain climbing alongside the paths.
16. Meramec Caverns 
Meramec Caverns is positioned in Sullivan, and it’s a wide ranging and fascinating attraction! You may select between a half-hour tour or a barely longer one once you e-book right here.
Whenever you come up above floor, you may take pleasure in actions corresponding to ziplining and a terrific 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 the sky on a enjoyable zipline tour.
- Stopping for home-style meals on the restaurant positioned by the caverns.
17. Desk Rock Lake 
Situated in Branson, Desk Rock Lake gives beautiful water and beautiful pure views. Though no areas are thought of official seashores, you may nonetheless swim there in a number of areas, corresponding to kayaking, canoeing, and boating.
It’s such a flexible lake which you can take your loved ones, spend your entire day there, and by no means get bored. For those who love lovely sunsets and water-based actions, I recommend visiting right here!
My highlights…
- Going kayaking on the lake.
- Watching dwell 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, good for rafting, canoeing, or just stress-free on the shore. It gives sand, plenty of inexperienced bushes, and water!
Many actions are on provide right here, together with mountain climbing and biking, however I’d recommend getting concerned within the enjoyable rafting!
My highlights…
- Taking a guided tour contained in the fascinating and huge Fisher Cave.
- Going rafting alongside the magnificent river.
- Enjoyable and having a picnic alongside the river shores.
19. Powell Gardens
Powell Gardens is positioned 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.
For those who love flowers, pure grasses, and plenty of shade, then I personally assume you’ll love Powell Gardens. It’s a great spot for flower-lovers and nature-lovers alike, and only one journey there’ll allow you to perceive why that is one among Kansas Metropolis’s hottest vacationer sights, particularly in the event you’re a nature lover!
My highlights…
- Attending an fascinating gardening suggestions class.
- Wandering round and admiring the gorgeous backyard shows and unimaginable up to date structure.
- Trying out the fascinating Customer Training Heart which additionally had a restaurant.
20. Taum Sauk Mountain 
For those who love mountains, don’t skip this place! These mountains are on the highest elevations in your entire state and provide views such as you’ve by no means seen earlier than.
From distinctive rock formations to the majesty of the totally different close by forests, I personally assume you’ll by no means tire of mountain climbing to the highest of those mountains and searching on the surroundings and the implausible panoramic views. For those who’re close to Freeway CC in Ironton, I like to recommend stopping by!
My private highlights…
- 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.