Although being sometimes ignored, the Midwest state of Missouri is an interesting area to explore with a variety of perspectives. There is great wildness, wide-open landscapes, and streams, as well as major and active cities and peaceful small communities. While cities like St. Louis and Kansas City have breathtaking views and bustling culinary and music scenes, smaller towns like Hamilton provide a glimpse of down-home rural living. The 'Show-Me State,' named after the raging river that passes through it, is home to stunning terrain and landscapes. While the undulating Ozark Mountains are ideal for hiking and horseback riding, the gorgeous Lake of the Ozarks and Ozark National Scenic Riverways are ideal for swimming and boating. With so much to offer, the top locations to visit in Missouri are ideal for experiencing life on the Great Plains.

Top Tourist Places in Missouri

1. Branson

Branson, located in southwest Missouri, is a vibrant, festive town that is sometimes referred to as a "family-friendly Las Vegas." This is due to the fact that it showcases a plethora of enthralling magic, music, and comedy events, with over a hundred entertainment venues strewn along its neon-lit strip. There are several motels and restaurants in addition to the flashily designed entertainment venues, as well as attractions such as the Titanic Museum, Ripley's Odditorium, and Hollywood Wax Museum. Amusement parks abound in Branson, as do go-karting, mini-golf, and ziplining, all of which are great family-friendly activities. While the bright lights and loud music draw the majority of visitors, the city's location in the clean and scenic Ozarks means there is plenty of breathtaking landscape nearby. Locals and visitors alike may enjoy swimming, kayaking, and watersports at Table Rock Lake, as well as hiking along the gorgeous lakeshore.

2. Ha Ha Tonka State Park

While it is most known for the massive castle remains that lie at its core, Ha Ha Tonka State Park in the heart of Missouri offers so much more. Situated along the Niangua arm of the Lake of the Ozarks, the park was purchased and developed as a private property in 1905 by Kansas City industrialist Robert McClure Snyder, Sr. Tragically destroyed by fire in the 1940s, the remnants of the stone mansion he erected today make for spectacular vistas and are the park's distinguishing feature. Its gorgeous brick arches and robust stone walls, modelled after European castles of the 16th century, overlook the gleaming lake below, which is currently utilised for swimming and boating. Spectacular caverns, sinkholes, and bluffs surround the castle, and picturesque hiking paths wind through the park's woodlands and karst landscapes.

3. Hannibal

Hannibal, located in the northeast of the state near the Illinois border, is a peaceful and attractive city most known for being Mark Twain's boyhood home. Moreover, the settings of his two most renowned and beloved novels, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, were inspired by the wonderful laid-back village in which he grew up. As a result, when strolling about town, you'll come across countless historical places featured in his novels or associated to the acclaimed author himself. The Mark Twain Boyhood House & Museum, which is filled with mementos and personal items, is one of the greatest sites to gain a sense of the author and the inspiration behind his works. Apart from that, tourists to Hannibal may wander along the Mississippi River waterfront or explore the fascinating Mark Twain Cave Complex, which was featured in five of his novels.

4. Kansas City

While it is sometimes neglected by tourists, Kansas City has a lot to offer and is one of the Midwest's largest and liveliest metropolitan cities. It is located on the banks of the Missouri River, straddling the Kansas-Missouri state boundary, and is somewhat confusingly surrounded by the smaller Kansas City, Kansas (KCK). Apart from having more boulevards than any other city on the planet save Paris, it is also affectionately known as the 'City of Fountains,' with over 200 of them dotting its picturesque avenues. It's a pleasure to go around: world-class museums and performing arts theatres coexist with lovely and artistic districts. While the city is well-known for its jazz and live music scenes, it is also well-known for its Southern cuisine and Kansas City-style barbeque. With over a hundred barbecue establishments sprinkled across town, no visit is complete without trying some of its sizzling strip steaks.

5. Lake of the Ozarks

The Lake of the Ozarks, the Midwest's most popular lake resort location, is home to breathtaking beauty and a plethora of outdoor activity possibilities. The large man-made reservoir and its three tributaries, nicknamed 'Puff the Magic Dragon' due to its serpentine design, were built in 1931 by damming the Osage River. They have almost 1,800 kilometres of gorgeous coastline, which is more than the entire state of California. There are several coastal lodgings and eateries tucked away among its coves, streams, and channels, with Osage Beach serving as its major city. While some portions of the lake are peaceful and relaxed, others are loud and boisterous, with wonderful boating, fishing, and watersports available everywhere. There are also several good waterparks and golf courses, as well as nice stores and state parks. The Lake of the Ozarks provides something for everyone, whether it's a family vacation or a weekend escape with friends.

6. Mark Twain National Forest

Mark Twain National Forest, which includes everything from mountains and forests to springs, streams, and lakes, is a fantastic destination that will excite nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It comprises of different wilderness areas and national scenic rivers spread across a large section of the state's southeast. It is named after the great novelist and native Missourian Mark Twain. The magnificent Ozark Trail, which travels through the exquisite landscapes for more than 350 kilometres, connects the pockets of pure woodland and unspoilt environment. Hiking and cycling in the national forest are popular due to the gorgeous landscape; fishing, swimming, and canoeing in its rivers and lakes are also enjoyable. Many campsites and picnic spaces may be found throughout the park. Eleven Point National Scenic River is one of the most beautiful places to explore, winding through the lovely Ozark highlands. Another feature is the Glade Top Trail National Scenic Byway, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

7. Meramec State Park

Meramec State Park is a fantastic spot to come if you want to immerse yourself in nature, with majestic bluffs, lush woods, and dismal caverns. It is located in the east of the state, not far from St. Louis, and is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and the spectacular Meramec River. While trekking along its paths or kayaking and fishing in its raging waters are enjoyable, the park is most renowned for its intriguing caverns, which number in the hundreds. Fraser Cave is the most striking of them because to the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites that cover its glittering interior. With its attractive and informative visitor centre, visitors may learn about the park's ecology and ecosystem as well as its spectacular formations. Many visitors prefer to tent or stay in one of Meramec State Park's lodges so that they may wake up to the gorgeous environment.

8. Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Ozark National Scenic Riverways was the first national park to protect a river system, having been created in 1964. It encompasses everything from meadows and woodlands to springs, caverns, and cliffs and is centred on the Current and Jacks Fork rivers. Many people arrive every year to enjoy the abundant outdoor activities offered by its magnificent wildness and exceptional natural beauty. While hiking and horseback riding along the picturesque Ozark Trail are popular activities, nothing beats relaxing in a kayak or canoe along one of the tranquil lakes. The picturesque rivers and streams are ideal for fishing and swimming, and there are over 300 caverns to explore. The park's headquarters are in Van Buren, where there is a visitor centre and a modest museum dedicated to its history.

9. Springfield

Springfield, Missouri, is known as the "Birthplace of Route 66" and is the third-largest city in the state. Many attractions associated to the renowned and historic route can be found around town, including themed cafes and hotels, as well as an antique mall and vintage vehicle museum. In addition, the city has several fantastic interactive and instructive visitor attractions. Visitors flock to the Discovery Center and the well-preserved Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. Its main feature, though, is Fantastic Caverns, a large cave system that passengers may explore on a jeep-drawn tram. Moreover, Springfield is known as the "Queen City of the Ozarks" owing to the abundance of woods, mountains, and natural beauty in the surrounding area. Several visitors enjoy hiking and cycling in the beautiful environment and sceneries that surround the city.

10. St. Louis

St. Louis is a charming and easygoing destination to visit, presided over by the magnificent Gateway Arch, which dominates and defines the city's skyline. It is named for Louis IX of France and is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River, near the border with Illinois. Once known as the "Gateway to the West," it now houses the stunning Gateway Arch, the world's highest man-made structure. Apart from this spectacular vista, the city is quite beautiful and enjoyable to explore. Ample green areas may be found throughout its charmingly diversified districts and communities. While Downtown has several upscale hotels, corporate headquarters, and glittering sports stadiums, Laclede's Landing and Lafayette Square also have spectacular historic architecture on display. St. Louis also features a variety of wonderful museums for travellers to explore, as well as vibrant culinary, nightlife, and live music scenes.