Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Missouri. #Top Attractions

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Thinking of going to Missouri for on your vacation? Look at our carefully selected list of top Missouri attractions below on the best thing to do in Missouri and places to go in Missouri. Wondrous Drifter is a cutting-edge, Web 3.0 travel startup that aspires to change the world.

It should come as no surprise that a state with “Show-Me State” has a great deal to offer its visitors. Missouri’s top-notch attractions include everything from outstanding live events to family-friendly theme parks to nationally famous museums and historical sites.

Whether you’re visiting the Gateway Arch in St. Louis or exploring the forests, rivers, and caves of the Ozark Mountains, you won’t have to look far for exciting activities in Missouri.

There are plenty of wide-open spaces to make your own and get away from the noise and bustle of the city – but if it’s top-notch attractions and cuisine that you’re looking for, St. Louis and Kansas City will not disappoint.

Sail on an old-fashioned paddleboat steamer, visit one of the country’s few free zoos, see a Civil War battlefield, fish for rainbow trout, and journey deep underground to explore the state’s amazing cave system, among other activities.

It will be difficult to pick a single favorite memory from your unforgettable Missouri vacation.

Maybe you’re putting together a vacation for the near future.

Maybe you’re compiling a wish list for a time in the distant future.

The following are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Missouri that you should not miss.

Adrenaline Zone

Adrenaline Zone, Missouri
Adrenaline Zone is one of the best places to go in Missouri

Rainy days frequently induce a severe case of the blues. Add bored children to the mix, and the day may become a bit tense. Fortunately, Missouri is filled with enjoyable, family-friendly sites ideal for escaping the rain, snow, and even the hottest days of summer. Missouri’s The Adrenaline Zone is a family-friendly indoor amusement park.

Since they are all indoors, you may enjoy them regardless of the weather.

Traditional games consist of pool, foosball, skeeball, and laser tag.

More involved activities include timed laser mazes and “demolition ball,” a unique combination of basketball and hockey played in bumper cars.

After eating and drinking, you may play arcade games to collect tickets and win prizes.

Suppose you are traveling to Missouri with a group. In that case, you can rent the entire property for parties, work retreats, or “lock-in” events.

In fact, at the Adrenaline Zone, the fun never ends.

People who wish to unleash their inner child by rushing around and shooting each other with laser weapons can enter regardless of the weather.

Address: 1875 S Old Hwy 94, St Charles, MO 63303, United States

The Gateway Arch

The Gateway Arch Missouri
The Gateway Arch Missouri / Bryan Werner / Flickr

Even if we’ve never seen them in person, some of the most famous sites in the United States are easy to recognize. The United States has several great landmarks, from the Empire State Building in New York City to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The Gateway Arch in Missouri is one of the country’s most beautiful and photographed attractions.

The Gateway Arch, which gleams against the St. Louis skyline and is one of the most photographed monuments in the country, attracts visitors from Missouri and beyond.

Since its completion on October 28, 1965, the Arch has been a permanent fixture in the St. Louis skyline. It has received over 135 million visitors from all across the world since that day.

Indulge in spectacular views of the St. Louis skyline and beyond from the top. You should be able to see up to 30 miles in both directions if you visit on a clear day.

Did you know that except for President Dwight D. Eisenhower, none of the US presidents have been allowed to climb to the top of The Arch? Because of Arch’s height and narrowness, the Secret Service would not allow Presidents to climb to the top.

What are you waiting for? Plan your trip to the top and be ready to be amazed!

Address: St. Louis, MO 63102, United States

Exploring Missouri in United States? Do not forget to check out and explore the best things to do in Midwest USA. Have fun traveling and exploring the Midwest!

Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City Missouri
Silver Dollar City Missouri / Nan Fry / Flickr

Missouri, let’s have some fun today! You’re in luck if you’ve been looking for a day trip destination that the whole family will enjoy.

Look no further than Silver Dollar City Theme Park, a magnificent amusement park with something to offer everyone in the family. Climb aboard this world-record-breaking, one-of-a-kind roller coaster in Missouri to start your day if you’re an adrenaline junkie.

At Silver Dollar City Theme Park in Branson, be ready for an action-packed day of thrills, chills, and lots of delectable sweets.

It’s so enormous that, in keeping with the idea, it’s separated into “districts.”

Along the water, Rivertown has rides and eateries.

Wilson’s Farm provides agricultural-themed activities that are exciting for the whole family.

Homestead Ridge boasts vintage-style shops for all of your souvenir needs, while Midtown has more carnival games than you can throw a stick at.

Main Street is a thoroughfare that connects all of them.

This amusement park allows you to create your own adventure.

There’s something for everyone here, whether you want to witness a pottery demonstration or drop your stomach on death-defying roller coasters.

Silver Dollar City is another one of those well-known Missouri attractions.

If you don’t want to miss out on the excitement, purchase your tickets this weekend and prepare for a crazy trip!

Address: 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson, MO 65616, United States

When planning for a road trip to Missouri, do be sure to check out what Springfield and Branson in Missouri have to offer. Get more fun and interesting Missouri travel ideas at the best things to do in Springfield and the best things to do in Branson.

National World War I Museum

National World War I Museum Missouri
National World War I Museum Missouri / GPA Photo Archive / Flickr

Although World War I isn’t as well-known as World War II, this museum is an excellent place to learn about a crucial period in American history.

The government has designated it as the country’s official WWI museum, and it is located in Kansas City, Missouri.

To get to the main building, start by following the 265-foot tower.

You’ll then walk across a glass bridge covered with 9,000 red poppies, which represent the 9,000,000 lives lost during the war.

Photos, movies, maps, flags, letters, and objects ranging from rusting firearms to ancient propaganda posters are among the museum’s highlights.

A sound booth is available for audio recordings, and two theaters show educational films and reels.

A preserved Renault FT tank and a 1918 Ford Model T ambulance are also on display.

The National World War I Museum is a must-see for anybody interested in history.

It’s one of Missouri’s most interesting locales, so if you’re passing through Kansas City, do yourself a favor and stopover.

Address: 2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States

Margaritaville Lake Resort

Margaritaville Lake Resort, Missouri
Margaritaville Lake Resort is one of the best places to go in Missouri

Life can be really stressful at times. While taking a day off to relax at home can help us get some much-needed rest, there are times when we simply need to get away from it all. When you plan a vacation at this magnificent Missouri resort, you’ll feel as if you’ve gone to the middle of nowhere.

Margaritaville Lake Resort, nestled on the shores of Lake of the Ozarks, offers more than 400 acres of secluded beauty, exquisite accommodations, and a diverse range of activities.

No matter which room you choose, you will be surrounded by luxury. Standard, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites and ADA-accessible accommodations are available at this exquisite resort.

While you may want to spend your days resting in your accommodation, set aside some time to explore the resort, which is packed with family-friendly activities.

The resort has five outdoor pools to cool down on sweltering summer days, but true enjoyment is found. Water slides, a lazy river, and a 600-gallon tipping bucket are among the attractions of Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park, which spans 20,000 square feet.

The resort has so much to offer, from miniature golf to water sports like tubing, that you won’t have to leave the premises if you don’t want to.

Plan your visit to Margaritaville Lake Resort and enjoy some of the best vacation experiences of your life.

Address: 494 Tan Tara Estate Drive, Osage Beach, MO 65065, United States

Anyone traveling to Missouri has to check out the top tourist destinations in St. Louis and Jefferson City. For more travel ideas in Missouri, visit our best things to do in St. Louis and the best things to do in Jefferson City. Missouri awaits your arrival!

St. Joseph

St. Joseph Missouri
St. Joseph Missouri / Gary Todd / Flickr

Buckle up, boys, because this one is going to be a doozy!

St. Joseph was one of the last frontier settlements in the American West.

Many world-famous tourist attractions may be found in and around the city, including the starting point of the Pony Express as well as the final resting place of robber Jesse James.

However, while some portions of the city have been rebuilt, others have retained their historical significance.

Everything, from the architecture to the various museums, mansions, and courthouses that dot the downtown area, shows the importance of historic preservation in the city.

Retail centers and high-end restaurants may be found in St. Joseph.

Simply because you’re in a town with 17th-century architecture doesn’t mean you have to eat jerky from the 17th century.

The town of St. Joseph is a must-see for anyone with an interest in the Wild West.

It’s one of the most fashionable vacation destinations in Missouri, especially for those who appreciate genuine Americana.

Make sure you have your spurs and a cowboy hat on before you begin your ride!

Steinberg Skating Rink

Steinberg Skating Rink, Missouri
Steinberg Skating Rink is one of the best places to go in Missouri

It’s a lot of pleasure to be outside in Missouri during the winter, especially for those of us who enjoy spending time in nature during the coldest season of the year.

While we may all benefit from some exhilarating winter activities – such as snow tubing and sledding – there are times when we just want to take it easy. Skating around Missouri’s largest ice skating rink is an enjoyable way to spend a few hours any time of year, but especially during the winter.

Steinberg Skating Rink in St. Louis is the largest ice skating rink in Missouri and the Midwest, with 27,600 square feet.

Because the seasonal skating rink is located in Forest Park and is open from about the middle of November to the beginning of February, there is plenty of time for you to arrange a trip or many to the rink.

You can unwind in the indoor or outdoor lounging areas when you’re not skating around the big ice rink. If you need to warm up between laps, you can congregate around one of the bonfires.

In addition, the rink provides free wifi, parking, and the ability to store your items in one of the coin lockers. Bring your own ice skates or rent a pair if you don’t have any.

Steinberg skating rinks are the ideal surface for winter pleasure, whether you’re looking to improve your Flying V or polish your toe pick.

Address: 400 Jefferson Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States

When you have a vacation in Missouri, you cannot miss out on what Kansas City in Missouri has to offer. Check out our Kansas City travel guide at the best things to do in Kansas City.

Beyond the Lens

Beyond the Lens Missouri
Beyond the Lens Missouri / . Ray in Manila / Flickr

Finding family-friendly activities in Missouri is quite simple. However, getting everyone in the family to agree on the same destination at the same time could prove difficult. 

The next time you consider spending a few hours or a day at Beyond the Lens in Missouri, you may be fortunate enough to skip this lighthearted debate.

Beyond the Lens, billed as “techno-tainment,” promises an action-packed, participatory day of fun and plenty of photo opportunities (and selfies, too).

The theme of the popular Branson attraction is “exploring the greatest of pop culture” uniquely and unforgettably. Climb on the FlyRide to “fly” throughout the United States and visit some of the country’s most famous landmarks.

On your one-of-a-kind journey, you will encounter a variety of extraordinary effects, including dips, turns, wind, and fog. If you enjoy bumper cars, you should definitely visit Flip Zone.

Nonetheless, this is not your average bumper car experience. This ride likewise rotates 360 degrees – both vertically and horizontally – while you areștiin a customized chair and bumping into your pals as usual.

Like to take selfies? Paradise awaits, along with unique selfie opportunities with Elvis and at the White House. Additionally, you can flaunt millions of “dollars” in cash.

Remember how, as children, we would hold kaleidoscopes to our eyes and rotate them around to see colorful images? At Beyond the Lens, you can stroll through a life-sized kaleidoscope.

A ton of interactive experiences await at Beyond the Lens, where you can purchase tickets for individual attractions or opt for a combo package. So plan your visit today!

Address: 3115 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616, United States

National Museum of Transportation

National Museum of Transportation Missouri
National Museum of Transportation Missouri / artistmac / Flickr

If you enjoy airplanes, trains, and vehicles, you will enjoy the life-size models at the National Museum of Transportation.

As its name implies, it is the largest transportation museum in all of the United States, extending beyond the borders of Missouri.

In every regard, it is a national treasure.

Visitors can view a variety of artifacts relating to the history of transportation.

While the focus is on railroads and locomotives, nearly everything is covered, including planes, ships, trucks, automobiles, etc.

Both full-size and miniature versions of the models are exhibited.

Dissection and labeling of engines.

A miniature train chugs around the museum’s tracks, and a real, rideable trolley echoes it, offering you the opportunity to take a break from walking while you explore the museum’s grounds.

The National Museum of Transportation is the place to go if you’re a person who never grew out of their train phase.

It will reawaken your old passions for the hobby while presenting you with fascinating new information!

Address: 2933 Barrett Station Rd, St. Louis, MO 63122, United States

Hollywood Wax Museum

Hollywood Wax Museum Missouri
Hollywood Wax Museum Missouri / Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau / Flickr

Why fly across America to rub elbows with Hollywood icons when you can do so right here in this museum in Missouri?

When you visit the Hollywood Wax Museum, you can take a selfie with your favorite celebrities!

While the celebrity will not be able to sign autographs, they will not be able to refuse your requests for stupid or ludicrous postures.

It’s because they’re all made of wax, after all.

Because the roster includes everyone from Bruce Lee to Michael Jackson, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for photo opportunities.

One or more of the statues is so lifelike that it will make you stop and take a second look; others are so outlandishly bizarre that you will split your sides with delight at the thought of the artist who fashioned them.

There are a variety of other attractions in the museum.

A variety of cheesy, touristy activities, ranging from mirror mazes to interactive experiences, are available to keep you entertained while waiting.

The Hollywood Wax Museum isn’t exactly a respectable establishment.

However, it is precisely why it is so much pleasure.

In the mood for a good time? This is an excellent spot for it.

Address: 3030 W 76 Country Blvd A, Branson, MO 65616, United States

Laumeier Sculpture Park

Laumeier Sculpture Park Missouri
Laumeier Sculpture Park Missouri / artistmac / Flickr

Have you truly lived if you’ve never seen a seven-foot eyeball sitting in the middle of a lush green field?

This is a question presented by Laumeier Sculpture Park, one of Missouri’s most diverse tourist destinations.

As an expression of modernist art, its sculptures span from legendary creatures in flight to oil tankers stacked on top of one another.

A walking track will take you on a tour of the park’s outdoor sculptures, or you can visit an indoor gallery or the 1816 Tudor mansion’s surviving ruins.

You can catch special art-related shows, events, and educational activities if you plan your vacation carefully.

Laumeier Sculpture Park is one of the strangest places to visit in Missouri, but if you want to create amazing experiences, it is also the greatest.

Stop by with your camera to begin an original trip scrapbook.

Elephant Rocks State Park

Elephant Rocks State Park Missouri
Elephant Rocks State Park Missouri / George Lamson / Flickr

Can you name Missouri’s most beautiful location? You’d undoubtedly receive a wide variety of responses if you polled a few or perhaps hundreds of Missourians. Missouri is such a lovely state, full of natural beauty.

In fact, Elephant Rocks in Missouri may be one of the most spectacular natural wonders, making you feel as if you’ve traveled to another planet when you visit.

Elephant Rocks State Park in Belleview is home to a variety of natural wonders, but one sticks out: Elephant Rocks.

The popular state park’s major attraction, Elephant Rocks got its name from its resemblance to circus elephants lined up like a train.

The boulders, which are made of granite that is more than 1.5 billion years old, are popular with people of all kinds, especially children who frequently climb on the elephant train.

Climbing the boulders is possible because they are large and robust. In truth, Dumbo, the world’s largest elephant, reaches 27 feet tall and weighs 680 tons.

Follow the one-mile Braille Trail to Elephant Rocks, which is intended exclusively for persons who are visually impaired and physically challenged.

Plan your trip to Elephant Rocks State Park and experience its spectacular beauty.

Bootheel Youth Museum

Bootheel Youth Museum, Missouri
Bootheel Youth Museum is one of the best places to go in Missouri

When you tell the kids you’re going to a museum for the day, they might grumble. We, as adults, are probably used to it. After all, museums might be a bit boring for kids. However, there is one that you can call a “not-your-average” museum. It lets kids have fun while learning about science and history.

When you visit Bootheel Youth Museum in Malden, a favorite site since it debuted in 1996, you’ll set your imagination on fire while learning a few things.

Before heading inside, however, take a couple of shots from the colossal chair. Special guests such as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny may appear during the holidays.

The Bootheel Youth Museum has almost 50,000 square feet of attractions and displays, including a roughly 200-seat children’s theater.

The more than 50 hands-on exhibits allow children – and even adults – to learn while playing.

At the pizzeria, make a delectable, albeit fictitious, pizza, or go grocery shopping at The Market for the freshest products. Prepare to put your imagination through a rigorous exercise.

Now is your opportunity to try your hand at a giant game of chess.

At Bootheel Youth Museum, you can see various interesting exhibits and have a wonderful time with your kids.

Address: 700a N Douglass St, Malden, MO 63863, United States

Activity and Recreation Center

Activity and Recreation Center Missouri
Activity and Recreation Center Missouri / Richie Diesterheft / Flickr

You are in Missouri.

You are eating your weight in barbecue and coleslaw.

Are you unsure of what you can do to burn calories?

Think about visiting the Activity and Recreation Center (ARC) of Colombia.

The A.R.C. in Columbia is a 73,000-square-foot indoor recreation center, making it ideal for anyone who wishes to work up a sweat. There contains an indoor pool, a gymnasium, a game room, an indoor track, and cardio/strength training zones.

The pool includes a zero-depth entry, an interactive water play element, a triple-loop water slide, a lazy river, a vortex, three lanes for swimming laps, and a heated hydrotherapy pool. Annual, weekly, and daily passes are available for purchase.

Are you a sports fan?

Join a game of basketball, volleyball, or pickleball on the courts.

Are you committed to your weekly exercise regimen?

Use the cardio and weight training rooms.

Are you a swimmer?

The aquatic floor features pools, slides, vortices, lazy rivers, and swimming lanes.

The Activity and Recreation Center of Columbia, Missouri is a must-visit for those who want to be active while on vacation.

Is there ever a valid reason to skip leg day?

Plan your visit today!

Address: 1701 W Ash St, Columbia, MO 65203, United States

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Ha Ha Tonka State Park Missouri
Ha Ha Tonka State Park Missouri / Heath Cajandig / Flickr

Have you ever noticed how the colors of autumn make everything look so much more beautiful? Unfortunately, the explosion of autumn colors only lasts for a few weeks, so we must make time to enjoy the gorgeous scenery while we still can.

If you haven’t been to Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Missouri recently or ever, you should add it to your fall schedule.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park, tucked away in Camdenton, has 3,700 acres and is filled with an abundance of natural beauty and numerous surprises that will take your breath away.

You may not expect to see abandoned castles in Missouri, but that is precisely why the park is so popular.

It is one of the most distinctive spots in the state to visit!

The environment is loaded with interesting and uncommon characteristics, such as caverns, sinkholes, cliffs, and dense forests.

In addition, the park’s proximity to the Lakes of the Ozark makes traditional summertime activities such as swimming and camping available.

In Missouri, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a must-visștiit location.

It offers so many fascinating things to do, with its caves and castles, that you won’t want to miss it.

Exeter Corn Maze

Exeter Corn Maze, Missouri
Exeter Corn Maze is one of the best places to go in Missouri

What is your favorite aspect of autumn? The colder weather? All those treats spiced with pumpkin? Or perhaps it’s the enjoyment that awaits us when autumn arrives? 

Visiting our local corn maze for a day of family-friendly fun is perhaps one of the most cherished seasonal traditions. Exeter Corn Maze in Missouri, regarded as the best corn maze in Missouri and one of the best corn mazes in the United States, should be at the top of your fall bucket list.

Country Living readers have ranked Exeter’s Corn Maze among the top ten best corn mazes in the United States.

Bring the whole family for an afternoon adventure around the corn maze. Evening guests are welcome to become lost in the eerie corn labyrinth at Exeter Corn Maze.

You cannot pass up a visit to the over 75-acre pumpkin patch. Wagons transport guests to the pumpkin patch, which is…

Pumpkins of various shapes and hues are in abundance. You’ll find the perfect ones for baking and decorating.

Why rely on their word? Plan a visit this fall and see for yourself. The eight-acre corn maze is the centerpiece of the yearly autumn celebration.

Saint Louis Zoo

Saint Louis Zoo, Missouri
Saint Louis Zoo, Missouri / Heath Cajandig / Flickr

A visit to the zoo may be the most enjoyable outdoor activity. How could we not ooo and aaah over the cute animals, engage with some of them, and leave with pleasant memories?

You’ll want to travel along the Saint Louis Zoo’s canopy pathways to see the primate house because zoos constantly improve their animals’ habitats and visitor experiences.

The Saint Louis Zoo, nestled in Forest Park and home to over 12,000 species, including the ever-popular primates, is unbeatable.

After construction began in 2019, the Primate Canopy Trails made their long-awaited premiere during the summer of 2021. It is well worth the trip to the zoo to see the exhibit alone.

The exhibit, officially known as the Michael and Quirsis Riney Primate Canopy Trails, is a 35,000-square-foot addition to the primate house.

Explore the brand-new primate habitats while beginning your own adventure. Pass through a transparent tunnel to reach an elevated boardwalk.

Are you ready for a day at the zoo? Plan your trip today!

Boulevard Brewing Company

Boulevard Brewing Company Missouri
Boulevard Brewing Company Missouri / Paul Sableman / Flickr

Are you fond of beer?

Looking for affordable activities in Missouri?

With a tour of the Boulevard Brewing Company, you will experience the finest of both worlds.

The Kansas City, Missouri-based Boulevard Brewing Company is a site where alcohol is transformed into an art form.

The brewery’s brewers have spent decades honing their skills. Rather than keeping their procedure a mystery, they have opened their doors to anyone intrigued about their method.

Take a factory tour.

Try several beverages.

More than 100,000 square feet of taps are on display in the “Beer Hall”

Some activities require a paid admission fee, while the majority are free.

You need only reserve a space in advance.

Schedule a tour at the Boulevard Brewing Company if you’re looking for inexpensive things to do in Missouri.

You won’t believe it’s free because it’s so much fun!

Address: 2501 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States

Porter’s Candy World and Ice Cream Parlor

Porter's Candy World and Ice Cream Parlor, Missouri
Porter’s Candy World and Ice Cream Parlor is one of the best places to go in Missouri

If you’ve always fantasized about kicking your heels at a high-top counter while licking strawberry ice cream, this is your chance to live out your 1950s fantasies!

Porter’s Candy World and Ice Cream Parlor is a candy store in Arcadia, Missouri, that has brightly colored displays of sweets.

Some are frozen, such as their famed ice creams and malts; others, such as their bread, pastries, and cinnamon buns, are warm and freshly baked.

Visitors can sit in the bright, clean dining rooms or browse the jars, bags, and candy boxes along the walls to see if there’s anything they’d like to take home.

The ambiance is just as good as the desserts, so you’ll have a good time.

Porter’s Candy World and Ice Cream Parlor is a must-see Missouri destination.

It’s a small town with a modest destination, but that only adds to its appeal.

Furthermore, its treats are quite delectable!

Address: 211 South College St, Arcadia, MO 63621, United States

Meramec Caverns

Meramec Caverns Missouri
Meramec Caverns Missouri / Tydence Davis / Flickr

While time travel remains a fantasy, we can still experience living in different eras by visiting some of Missouri’s most distinctive sites. Take a visit inside this Missouri cave, to travel through time hundreds of millions of years. But that’s only the beginning of the excitement at this family-friendly venue, which also offers ziplining and float rides.

When you visit Meramec Caverns in Sullivan, a historic cave over 400 years, you’ll be transported back in time.

During the Civil War, the Union Army used the saltpeter they discovered in the cave as gunpowder for their guns. According to local tradition, Jesse James hid in the cave, and it served as a stop on the Underground Railroad.

In 1933, Meramec Caverns was designated as a tourist attraction, luring people with guided tours and rich history.

After your tour, there’s more excitement, including ziplining, gem mining, float rides, and a climbing wall. You can even eat at the restaurant and then go shopping for candy at the candy store.

Is one day not enough? Plan a weekend getaway to this wonderful location that will have you wanting to return again and again!

Still wondering if you should visit Missouri? Hop over to why visit Missouri at least once in your lifetime here.

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