Editors' Picks: 20 of the Best Things to Do in Missouri!

In the language of the Sioux, the name "Missouri" roughly translates to "wooden canoe people" -- but most of us know it as "The Show Me State."

At the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, the world got their first taste of the ice cream cone, cotton candy and Dr. Pepper (quite a culinary trifecta). St. Louis is also home to the Gateway Arch, the largest manmade national monument in the country.

Among the famous folks born in Missouri are President Harry Truman, singer Sheryl Crow, actor John Goodman and of course, iconic American humorist Mark Twain.

There's lots to see and do in this fascinating state, from diving in an underground cavern to exploring Civil War history. Here are 20 of the coolest things to get you started.

The World's Biggest Titanic Exhibit

Everyone is fascinated with the Titanic tragedy, and this display offers one of the largest collections of artifacts from the doomed liner. Upon entry, you're given the name of an actual passenger; at the end of your tour, check to see if "you" survived the sinking. (Branson)

National Tiger Sanctuary

Tigers from various distressing situations have found a safe home here, and visitors can get up close and learn more about these magnificent animals. You can even feed some of them. It's way better than seeing them at the zoo. (Chestnutridge)

The Butterfly House

Butterflies and springtime are synonymous. Enjoy these lovely creatures at the Missouri Botanical Garden. More than a thousand of them fly free inside the conservatory. (Chesterfield)

Laumeier Sculpture Park

This free, open-air museum encompasses over 100 acres. At every turn, you'll see something fascinating - and the park-like settting is also pretty gorgeous. (Sunset Hills)

Roaring River State Park

There are plenty of hiking trails….but fishermen will love the chance to hook a bounty of rainbow and brown trout in its waters. Visit the hatchery, too. (Cassville)

Tour The Budweiser Plant

Anheuser-Busch has been a fixture of American brewing since it's founding in 1852. Take a tour of the iconic brewery, and learn why its such a beloved brand. (St. Louis)

The Gateway Arch

The 630-foot arch is one of the most recognizable features of the state, and represents the nation's audacious push westward. (St. Louis)

Lake Of The Ozarks

The largest lake in Missouri draws folks who love to boat, hike and (especially) fish; some of the best fishing in the state can be found within its waters. The shoreline also features plenty of fun places to shop and chow down on local grub.

Missouri Civil War Museum

No less than Robert E. Lee was once stationed here at the site of what's now a museum. There are many original weapons, uniforms and related gear on display, as well as costumes from the quintessential Civil War movie, "Gone With the Wind." (St. Louis)

Bonne Terre Mine

This former lead mine is now known as one of the largest freshwater dive locations (the nickname is "Billion Gallon Lake"). If you're not the aquatic sort, you can explore it via walking or boating tours. (Bonne Terre)

The Mark Twain Boyhood Museum & Home

Samuel Clemens and Missouri are entwined, and this wonderful museum showcases his early years in Hannibal - and more. Amongst the cool artifacts is his famous white coat, believed to be the only one still in existence. (Hannibal)

Missouri Wineries

There are something like 80 vineyards in the state, in a tradition dating back about 175 years. The state "wine trail" lets you experience things you won't find anywhere else --- like visiting wine cellars that were dug by hand long before the Civil War.

Truman Presidential Museum And Library

He was "the man from Independence," and you can experience his life before and after the Presidency through many fascinating exhibits. (Independence)

The National World War I Museum And Memorial

It was "the Great War," the one that was supposed to end all future conflicts (sadly, it didn't). Over 75,000 objects and documents (one of the most comprehensive in the world) create a narrative of one of the most horrific periods of the 20th century. (Kansas City)

Pythian Castle

Originally built in 1913 as a home for widows and orphans, and later used as a place to entertain servicemen during the war, this quirky building has since become a popular destination for "ghost tours" and more. (Springfield)

Arabia Steamboat Museum

This 1856 steamboat was discovered buried in a field, and has since been restored to showcase the 200 tons of intact, pre-Civil War cargo that was found still aboard. You can see dishes, sewing objects, and the skeleton of a mule that was the ship's only casualty. (Kansas City)

Pony Express Stables

Long before e-mail and Federal Express, men saddled up and rode like hell to deliver important communications. This museum lets you trace the routes they took and even sit on some of the original saddles. (St. Joseph)

Vaile Mansion

Back in the 1880s, the wealthy Vaile family lived large in this home, which features 9 fireplaces, elegantly-painted ceilings and some of the earliest indoor plumbing in the country. It's a great snapshot in time - even if they didn't have wi-fi. (Independence)

Museum Of Transportation

There was a time when the only way we got around was by our own two feet. This wonderful museum showcases the variety of options we've since developed, from trains to aircraft to cars, fire trucks, trolley cars and much more. (St. Louis)

Sledding In Art Hill

There are photos dating to the 1904 World's Fair showing happy people sliding down this snow-covered hill in Forest Park - and whenever the white stuff flies, you'll find folks grabbing sleds, snowboards - even trash can lids and folding chairs -- to indulge in a good ride. Go for it. (St. Louis)

Share your favorites!
Missouri Search
Best Things To Do Near You
Best Things To Do Near You
Mar
20
Mar
20
Mar
21

Gianmarco Soresi

7:00 PM
The Blue Note, Columbia, MO
Learn More
Mar
21

Dale Hollow

8:00 PM
Rose Music Hall, Columbia, MO
Learn More
Mar
23

Poundgame Addison

9:00 PM
Rose Music Hall, Columbia, MO
Learn More
Mar
29

Zach Williams

7:00 PM
Jesse Auditorium, Columbia, MO
Learn More
Show More
Best Places To Go Near You
Best Places To Go Near You
5845 Osage Beach Parkway, Osage Beach, MO
The Main Street Music Hall is a live music show that is now in its fourteenth season at the Lake of the Ozarks in Osage Beach, Missouri. The Music ... Read More
4515 Osage Beach Parkway, Osage Beach, MO
If quality family fun is what you are looking for, you will find it all under one roof at Miner Mike's and Buster's. Come and join Miner Mike and h... Read More
330 Commerce Drive, Jefferson City, MO
This 100-acre area in Jefferson City features a visitor center with exhibits and live-animal displays, special events, trails, demonstrations, and ... Read More
5473 Osage Beach Parkway, Osage Beach, MO
Lazer tag is like a real life "Role Playing Game" (RPG). When you step into the arena you find yourself engulfed in blacklight, fog, flashing light... Read More
5473 Osage Beach Pkwy, Osage Beach, MO
Lazer tag is like a real life "Role Playing Game" (RPG). When you step into the arena you find yourself engulfed in blacklight, fog, flashing light... Read More
1019 Louisiana Avenue, Jefferson City, MO
Skateboarding is one of the fastest growing sports and is loads of fun. The Skate Park, located behind Washington Park Ice Arena, features hal... Read More
100 Madison Street, Jefferson City, MO
Since it was built in 1871, the Missouri Governor’s Mansion has been the official residence of Missouri's Governors.  On a visit to the ... Read More
23114 Highway TT, Versailles, MO
About Us: Jacob's Cave is Lake of the Ozarks' largest and most scenic cave. We are one of Missouri's and the lake area's top tourist attractions w... Read More
526 Bridal Cave Road, Camdenton, MO
About Us:Centuries before the paleface found his way into the Ozark Mountains, this vicinity was inhabited by the Osage Native American Indians. Wi... Read More
5901 South Highway 163, Columbia, MO
About Us:Katy Trail State Park is now open for approximately 240 continuous miles from Machens to Clinton. Katy Trail State Park has been designed ... Read More
3812 Buttonwood Drive, Columbia, MO
Our Mission Statement:Going Bonkers is dedicated to providing a safe, clean, and controlled environment, in which families may come together to hav... Read More
Mizzou North, 115 Business Loop 70 West, Columbia, MO
Mission The mission of the Museum of Art and Archaeology at the University of Missouri-Columbia is to provide access to original works of art and ... Read More
203 South Ninth Street, Columbia, MO
The Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts is dedicated to the availability and accessibility of the cultural arts in mid-Missouri by: Providing an a... Read More
Show More
Select a Missouri town to find
the Best Things-To-Do and Places To Go around you
Mercer County
Saint Louis City County