The railway journeys capable of crossing entire continents
If you're looking for truly epic trails, head to Katy Trail State Park. Following the country's longest recreational rail trail, it runs for 240 miles (386 km) along the north bank of the Missouri River.
In the Kirkwood suburb of St. Louis, the National Museum of Transportation is a must-visit destination for transport buffs. It's home to the largest collection of its kind in the world, with more than 190 exhibits covering planes, trains, and automobiles!
Meramec State Park, around 60 miles (96.5 km) from St. Louis, is famous for its network of canyons and caves. Fisher Cave, filled with stalactites and stalagmites, is the most eerily impressive.
Another famous Missourian, Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as writer Mark Twain, lived in this Hannibal home from 1844 to 1853. Interactive exhibits showcase the life and times of the 'Adventures of Tom Sawyer' author in a space dedicated to preserving his legacy.
Located in downtown Kansas City, the National WWI War Museum is America's official World War I museum. The Liberty Memorial was built in 1926 as a lasting tribute to those who lost their lives in the war, and the museum's thought-provoking exhibits highlight the causes and impact of the war.
In the scenic Missouri city of Independence, the Harry S Truman National Historic Site allows visitors to visit the home where the 33rd US President lived for over 30 years. Visitors can tour the 14-room home and visit a museum dedicated to his life and work.
The only 'ride-thru' cave experience in North America, Fantastic Caverns in Springfield is a tourist attraction with a difference. Following a track left by an ancient underground river, jeep-drawn trams take a 55-minute tour of caves discovered in 1862 by an Ozark farmer.
In the scenic city of Springfield, southwestern Missouri, the Nathanael Green Memorial Park attracts hordes of green-thumbed visitors. Here you'll find dozens of themed gardens, as well as a butterfly house and a myriad of walking trails.
In the heart of St. Louis, the glorious Missouri Botanical Garden is an oasis of greenery and spectacular flower displays. Highlights of the themed gardens include the English Woodland Garden and the Chinese Garden.
At the highest point in Taney County, the Chapel of the Ozarks is a popular wedding destination, but is worth a visit even if you're not planning on getting hitched. Just north of Branson, the cedar chapel has sweeping views over Table Rock Lake and the surrounding countryside.
Missouri's top destination for culture vultures, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City is a treasure trove of art exhibits from around the world. Featuring stellar permanent displays as well as touring exhibitions from major artists such as Van Gogh and Degas, it's unmissable for any arts enthusiast.
A railway line on a significantly smaller scale runs through the Saint Louis Zoo. The Emerson Zooline Railroad takes its enthusiastic passengers on a 20-minute trip, taking in tunnels and the well-kept enclosures of the zoo's animal inhabitants. There are more than 12,000 animals, representing 500 species, in the hugely popular zoo.
The best way to take in the sights of Branson and its beautiful surrounding countryside is to ride the Branson Scenic Railway. The vintage trains set off from a historic downtown rail depot, before taking a 40-mile (64-km) ride through the Ozark Mountains.
The handsome state capital, Jefferson City is packed with grand government buildings. It's home to some of the best museums and galleries in the state, so arts enthusiasts should set aside at least a couple of days to explore here.
The largest attraction in the Thousand Hills State Park, Forest Lake is a paradise for nature lovers. Hiking and mountain biking trails abound, fishing and boating are popular year round, and visitors can swim in the lake during the warmer months.
Famous for its jazz roots and buzzing nightlife, Kansas City sits on Missouri's border with, you guessed it, Kansas. It's the largest city in Missouri, and has a thriving arts and cultural scene as well as excellent restaurants.
Another of Missouri's magnificent bodies of water, Fellows Lake is a tourist attraction as well as the main source of drinking water for the people of Springfield! It was created in 1955 by the impoundment of the Little Sac River. It's a popular fishing spot, while the surrounding trails attract hikers, cyclists, and runners.
Sports fans, shoppers, and party people all make a beeline for Kansas City's lively Power & Light District. The eight-block entertainment hub is home to buzzing bars, restaurants, and chic boutiques, and the Sprint Center hosts major basketball games.
A landmark Kansas City building, Union Station is the largest passenger railway terminal in the western United States. Built in 1939, its striking Mission Moderne architectural style makes it a tourist attraction in its own right.
Founded in 1909, Kansas City Zoo is one of the most appealing animal attractions in Missouri. Popular inhabitants include koalas, big cats, orangutans, and African elephants.
Reminiscent of a Spanish town square, Country Club Plaza takes inspiration from Kansas City's sister city of Seville. Visitors can take in ornate fountains and European-style architecture, while shopping at chic boutiques and dining at romantic restaurants on the flagstones.
An iconic landmark on the St. Louis skyline, the Gateway Arch is the tallest man-made national monument in the United States. It rises 630 feet (102 m) above the riverside city, and visitors can take a thrilling elevator ride to the top for incomparable views.
The most striking work of architecture in Jefferson City, the ornate Missouri State Capitol was built in 1917. Its dome rises 238 feet (73 m) above the ground, making for an imposing sight on the banks of the Missouri River.
For a lake escape on a larger scale, Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the place to go. It's a popular vacation destination, with more than 1,100 miles (1770 km) of shoreline. A reservoir created in 1931 by impounding the Osage River in northern Missouri, it's packed with resort amenities.
Set among the beautiful lakes and mountains of the Ozarks, the town of Branson is famous nationwide for its country music scene. The famous 76 Country Boulevard is lined with theaters, and visitors are never short of an opportunity to take in a show.
One of the most beautiful spots in the Ozark countryside, Table Rock Lake has an incredible 800 miles (1287 km) of shoreline. A popular vacation destination, the lake is surrounded by waterfront cabins, restaurants, and opportunities for family-friendly activities such as kayaking and fishing.
Just south of the Ozark city of Camdenton, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is home to the ruins of a stone castle with terrific views, as well as fascinating geological features such as sinkholes, caves, and an enormous natural bridge.
German winemakers arrived in the Hermann region, west of St. Louis, way back in the 1800s. Today there are many wine estates in Missouri, and wine tours through Hermann are a wonderful way to combine sightseeing with sipping.
Ancient, building-sized boulders form a natural adventure playground in this incredible state park in the Saint Francois Mountains region of Missouri. The exact number of 'elephants' in the herd is unknown, but visitors can have great fun climbing over as many as possible.
Sources: (Midwest Living) (Attractions of America)
See also: Exploring magnificent Minnesota
Scenic and sedate, the Midwest state of Missouri is great for those who want to recharge their batteries. The countryside calls for long walks and bike rides in nature, while the state's cities are home to leafy parks and plazas that are perfect for strolling or sipping a drink. The wild mountains and lakes of the Ozarks appeal to outdoor types, while those looking for a city buzz will find it in state capital Jefferson City, lively St. Louis, and cool Kansas City.
Keen to see more of the Show Me State? Click through this gallery to discover some of the magic of Missouri.
Exploring the magic of Missouri
Keen to see more of the Show Me State?
TRAVEL Usa
Scenic and sedate, the Midwest state of Missouri is great for those who want to recharge their batteries. The countryside calls for long walks and bike rides in nature, while the state's cities are home to leafy parks and plazas that are perfect for strolling or sipping a drink. The wild mountains and lakes of the Ozarks appeal to outdoor types, while those looking for a city buzz will find it in state capital Jefferson City, lively St. Louis, and cool Kansas City.
Keen to see more of the Show Me State? Click through this gallery to discover some of the magic of Missouri.