Missouri
What to do in Missouri
Itineraries
Activities
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Missouri is during late spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October). These seasons offer mild temperatures and clear skies, making it ideal for outdoor activities. The state’s natural beauty is especially vibrant during these months, with the flowering trees and lush landscapes of spring, followed by the stunning fall foliage in autumn. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy, particularly in the northern parts of the state.
Things to do in Missouri
- Visit the iconic St. Louis Gateway Arch, now a national park, and go to the top of the arch.
- Go for a hike in the Ozark Mountains at the Ozark National Scenic Riverways or the Mark Twain National Forest.
- Explore the Missouri wine country, some of the oldest wine regions in the United States.
- Take a cave tour through Meramec Caverns.
- Visit historic Silver Dollar City for rides, craft demonstrations, and live shows.
- Catch a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game at Busch Stadium.
- Go fishing and boating at the Lake of the Ozarks.
- Learn about World War I at the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, the only museum of its kind.
Where to go in Missouri
National & State Parks
Missouri NPS Sites: https://www.nps.gov/state/mo/index.htm
Missouri State Park Website: https://mostateparks.com/
Major Cities
Columbia
Home to the University of Missouri and is known for its vibrant college-town atmosphere. It’s a major cultural hub in central Missouri with a wide variety of music venues, cafes, and festivals.
Kansas City
Known as the “City of Fountains,” Kansas City boasts more than 200 officially registered fountains, second only to Rome. Culturally, Kansas City has a rich heritage in jazz music and is renowned for its distinctive Kansas City-style barbecue.
Springfield
Serves as a gateway to the Ozark Mountains and is rich in natural beauty. Springfield is also known for its historical significance, including its ties to the Wild West.
St. Louis
Known for the iconic Gateway Arch, St. Louis has a rich history, especially in terms of the westward expansion of the United States. It’s also known for its strong cultural scene, with world-class museums, theaters, and a deep-rooted tradition of sports, including the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team.
Major Airports
- Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) in St. Louis
- Kansas City International Airport (MCI) in Kansas City
- Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) in Springfield
Missouri Basics
Jefferson City
Central
MO
Midwest
Hawthorn Blossom
Eastern Bluebird
The Show-Me State
Kansas City