Missouri is chock-full of things to see and do, including outdoor activities, museums, historic sites, and more. Whether you prefer checking out cool architecture, learning new things, or seeing bizarre roadside attractions, you’ll find something fun to fill your time during your Missouri getaway. The only problem might be deciding which things to do during your visit. A Missouri bucket list can help you narrow down your options, ensuring you see the things that are most important to you during your trip to the Show-Me State.
Gateway Arch National Park
A memorial to Thomas Jefferson’s role in opening the West, Gateway Arch National Park is the place to learn about westward expansion. Discover how St. Louis helped pioneers and explorers as they headed west, and learn what this expansion meant for the country. Exhibits also invite visitors to consider the full legacy of westward expansion, including its impact on Native American tribes and the shape of the growing nation.
George Washington Carver National Monument
As a young child, George Washington Carver was known as the “plant doctor.” He tended his garden in secret while also helping run a 19th-century farm. As an adult, his observations and studies paid off when he became a renowned agricultural scientist. Learn about Carver’s life at the George Washington Carver National Monument.
Harry S. Truman National Historic Site
Harry S. Truman was the nation’s 33rd president. The Harry S. Truman National Historic Site includes the Truman Home, the Truman Farm Home, the Noland Home, and the George and Frank Wallace Homes. See how Truman’s roots in Missouri influenced his life and his presidency.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
The first NPS site established to protect a river area, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a beautiful spot. Float with the current, go for a swim, or cast a fishing line. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to take some time to appreciate the natural beauty here.
Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park
Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park marks the first permanent European settlement in the state of Missouri. It was established by 1750 by early French Canadian settlers who were drawn to the area by rich agricultural land. After a flood in 1785, the town relocated to higher ground just a few miles away and still stands there today.
Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
Known to most as a heroic Civil War general and the 18th president of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant was a fascinating man. Learn more about him, his work, and his family at the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site.
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
The first major battle fought west of the Mississippi River during the Civil War was at Wilson’s Creek, and it resulted in a costly southern victory. Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield commemorates and interprets the battle, giving visitors a way to learn about and connect with the past.
National Historic Trails
There are also many national historic trails that weave their way around the state. Each of these is worth seeing and can teach you more about the country’s history.
- Trail of Tears National Historic Trail
- Pony Express National Historic Trail
- Oregon National Historic Trail
- Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
- California National Historic Trail
Go Underground at Fantastic Caverns
Caves are scattered all over the state of Missouri, and a good number of them can be toured. One of the best cave tours in the state takes you into Fantastic Caverns. This cave is located in Springfield and offers a ride-through tour, making it accessible to many people.
See the Walt Disney Hometown Museum
The Walt Disney Hometown Museum is in Marceline, MO – the small town where Walt grew up. The museum tells visitors all about his childhood, as well as his adult life and work. It is an interesting and fun place to learn about the creator of Mickey and the gang.
Step Back in Time at the Titanic Museum
At the Titanic Museum, you can imagine yourself in the shoes of those aboard this ship – a terrifying but also intriguing experience. It’s what makes this immersive museum one of the best history museums we’ve ever visited.
Seek Out the Joplin Spook Light
Those who enjoy a good scare are sure to love the Joplin Spook Light. This light is rumored to appear between 10 and midnight most nights. It moves around down the road, sometimes zooming quickly, sometimes bobbing in place, but never getting any closer. Nobody knows where the light comes from, but there are plenty of spooky theories out there.
Ride the Branson Scenic Railway
Hop aboard the Branson Scenic Railway for a beautiful and exciting ride through the Ozark Mountains. This ride is especially scenic during the fall when the leaves are changing colors.
Check Out the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum
The Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum is a must-see for anyone who loves old technology. This museum follows the timeline of the telephone and has a huge number of antique and vintage telephones on display. Additionally, there are interactive exhibits, making this fun for everyone.
Play at City Museum
City Museum is kind of a hands-on museum, and kind of a gigantic art piece that fills an entire warehouse. Visitors are encouraged to climb and explore the area. There are tunnels, giant slides, secret passages, and more.
Admire the Precious Moments Chapel
The Precious Moments Chapel is great stop for fans of the adorable figurines. The whole place is decorated with the tear-drop-eyed children of the Precious Moments line, and tours of the chapel are conducted on a daily basis.
Scramble to the Top of the Elephant Rocks
The rocks in Elephant Rock State Park are tons of fun to see and even more fun to climb on. These boulders almost perfectly resemble a line of elephants marching along, trunk-to-tail.
Learn at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum
Head to the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum to learn more about the life and times of this president. You can also his library collections, and there are often other exhibits about Truman’s time period as well.
Walk the HaHa Tonka Castle Ruins
Robert Snyder set out to build a mansion modeled after a castle where he could retire. He died before his project could be completed, but his son picked up where he left off and had the castle completed. Today, the ruins of this castle are a part of the Ha Ha Tonka State Park and are fun to explore.
Visit Mark Twain’s Boyhood Home
Mark Twain’s books are full of the spirit of Missouri and the nearby Mississippi River – even his pen name is river-inspired. Visit Mark Twain’s boyhood home to learn about the childhood of Samuel Clemens (the author’s birth name), and about the experiences that shaped his life and writing career.
Stroll the Missouri Botanical Garden
A stroll around the Missouri Botanical Garden is the perfect break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here you will be surrounded by a huge number of local and foreign plants as you wander the well-manicured grounds. Be sure to stop and smell the flowers as you reflect and refocus in this beautiful place.
Spend Some Time at Leila’s Hair Museum
Leila’s Hair Museum is devoted to hair artistry. There is hair made into wreaths and other art pieces, hair from celebrities, and even the hair of royalty on display here. Stop in for an unusual museum visit.
Discover the National Blues Museum
Blues music plays a huge role in Missouri’s history and culture. Learn all about the history of blues, as well as the way it has influenced both our past and our present, at the National Blues Museum. You can attend a live performance as well.
Take Your Family to the Saint Louis Zoo
The Saint Louis Zoo is free, and makes a great stop for the family. Wander the well-kept pathways, play on the fun playgrounds, and see the amazing animals, including penguins, big cats, and great apes.
Explore Union Station
A beautiful historic building, Union Station has always been a bustling place. Though train travel is not as popular as it once was, this building is still just as busy as ever. Here you’ll find a restaurant that uses model trains to serve your meal, a fantastic science center, and an amazing model train display.
Chow Down on Some Kansas City Barbecue
Nothing says Kansas City like a heaping plate of delicious, Kansas City-style barbecue. Trying some of their brisket, pulled pork, ribs, or famous burnt ends is a great way to experience the city.
Climb the Taum Sauk Mountain
Missouri may not be the most mountainous place in the country, but it does have some climbs. One popular hike is to the summit of Taum Sauk Mountain. The top of this mountain is the highest point in the state, and hiking to the top is a great way to experience the outdoors.
Hike the Ozark Trail
Another great place to hike is the Ozark Trail. It’s very long, but you don’t have to hike the entire thing while you’re visiting Missouri. Choose one spot and follow the trail for as long as you’d like to experience the beauty of the Ozark Mountains.
Try Fitz’s Root Beer
Cool off after a hike or on a hot day with a Fitz’s Root Beer. Whether you choose to head to the actual Fitz’s restaurant for some food to go along with your drink or grab a bottle from the grocery store, you’re sure to enjoy the refreshing taste of this local favorite.
Take a Dip at Johnson Shut-Ins State Park
Johnson Shut-Ins State Park is a great place to cool off during a hot Missouri summer. Swim in the runoff from the St. Francois Mountains or fish, hike, and do other outdoor activities.
Find the “World’s Largest” Things
Some of the more unusual attractions in Missouri include several “world’s largest” items. Look for the largest fork, the former largest rocking chair, the largest goose, the biggest ball of twine (or one of them, anyway), and the former largest pecan while in this state.
Missouri is a fantastic place to visit and has plenty of awesome ways to fill both your time and your Missouri bucket list. That said, you will need to find places to stay in all the spots you plan to visit. Consider a Missouri RV rental. By staying in an RV, you can rest your head in comfort no matter where in the state you roam, and you won’t find yourself unpacking and repacking the suitcases every time you move.
