Missouri
· US

Missouri

Missouri, United States

Discover Missouri: Where the Rivers Run Wild and the Blues Come Alive Missouri, the "Show-Me State," invites you to experience its unique blend of vibrant cities, charming small towns, and breathtaking natural beauty. He…

#Midwestern state#Mississippi River#Gateway Arch#Show Me State#St. Louis
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Missouri.

Top Hotels in Missouri

Top Flights to Missouri

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Missouri.

Tours

Gateway Arch National Park

Visit the iconic Gateway Arch, symbolizing the westward expansion of the United States, and explore the park grounds with various informational exhibits.

Forest Park

One of the largest urban parks in the U.S., offering a zoo, art museum, and a variety of outdoor activities.

Silver Dollar City

A family-friendly theme park featuring 1880s-style buildings and attractions such as roller coasters and live entertainment.

Hannibal's Historical Tour

Discover the rich history of Hannibal, including sites related to Mark Twain, with a guided city tour.

Shopping

Branson's Entertainment and Shopping District

Explore the vibrant entertainment and shopping scene in Branson, offering theaters, live shows, and unique boutiques.

Kansas City Shopping Spree

Enjoy a day of shopping at Kansas City's finest malls and boutiques, featuring a blend of high-end stores and local shops.

Outdoor

Lake of the Ozarks

A large reservoir created by impounding the Osage River, offering boating, fishing, and various water sports.

Table Rock State Park

Nestled in the Ozarks, this state park offers hiking, camping, and water activities with beautiful lake views.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Missouri.

Currency
$ | USD | US Dollar
Population
6.1 million
Languages
English, English

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Missouri.

What people love

Missouri, located in the United States, offers a variety of attractions and activities for travelers to enjoy. Some of the pros of traveling to Missouri include:

  1. Natural Beauty: Missouri is home to beautiful landscapes, including rolling hills, forests, rivers, and lakes. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating in the state's many parks and conservation areas.

  2. Historic Sites: Missouri has a rich history, with numerous historic sites and landmarks to explore. Visitors can learn about the state's role in the Civil War, visit historic homes and buildings, and tour museums dedicated to Missouri's heritage.

  3. Music and Culture: Missouri has a vibrant music scene, particularly in cities like St. Louis and Kansas City. Visitors can enjoy live music performances ranging from jazz and blues to country and rock. The state also hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

  4. Culinary Delights: Missouri is known for its delicious cuisine, including barbecue, fried chicken, and other regional specialties. Visitors can sample local food and drink at restaurants, food trucks, and farmers markets across the state.

  5. Family-Friendly Attractions: Missouri is home to several family-friendly attractions, such as theme parks, zoos, and aquariums. Families can enjoy a day of fun and entertainment at destinations like Silver Dollar City, the St. Louis Zoo, and the City Museum.

Overall, Missouri offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers, from outdoor adventures to cultural enrichment.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Missouri, United States, include:

  1. Weather: Missouri experiences a range of weather conditions throughout the year, including hot and humid summers, cold winters with occasional snowstorms, and the possibility of severe weather such as tornadoes in spring and summer.

  2. Transportation: Depending on where you are traveling within the state, public transportation options may be limited, and a car may be necessary to get around efficiently.

  3. Tourist crowds: Popular tourist destinations in Missouri, such as Branson and the Lake of the Ozarks, can become crowded during peak travel seasons, leading to longer wait times and less availability for accommodations and attractions.

  4. Crime rates: Some areas of Missouri, particularly in urban centers like St. Louis and Kansas City, have higher crime rates compared to other parts of the state. It's important to take precautions to ensure your safety while traveling.

  5. Limited outdoor activities in urban areas: While Missouri offers beautiful outdoor landscapes and recreational activities in rural areas, urban centers may have fewer options for outdoor enthusiasts, limiting the variety of activities available to travelers.

It's important to note that these potential cons may vary depending on individual preferences and travel plans. It's always a good idea to research specific locations and take necessary precautions to have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Missouri, a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States, has a rich history marked by significant events, influential historical figures, and numerous landmarks.

Early History and Exploration

  • Indigenous Peoples: Before European exploration, Missouri was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Osage, Missouria, and Illini.
  • European Exploration: The first Europeans to explore the area were French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet in 1673. In 1682, René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, claimed the entire Mississippi River Valley, including present-day Missouri, for France.

French and Spanish Rule

  • French Rule: Missouri was part of the vast French territory of Louisiana. The French established St. Louis in 1764 as a fur trading post.
  • Spanish Rule: In 1762, France secretly ceded the Louisiana Territory to Spain. Spanish control lasted until 1800, though the area maintained a predominantly French culture.

U.S. Acquisition and Statehood

  • Louisiana Purchase (1803): The United States acquired Missouri as part of the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the size of the nation.
  • Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806): The expedition, commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson, explored the newly acquired western land, starting from St. Louis.
  • Statehood (1821): Missouri was admitted as the 24th state on August 10, 1821, as part of the Missouri Compromise, which allowed Missouri to enter as a slave state while Maine entered as a free state.

Civil War and Reconstruction

  • Civil War: Missouri was a border state with divided loyalties. It saw significant military action and guerrilla warfare during the Civil War, including battles such as Wilson's Creek and Westport.
  • Reconstruction: After the war, Missouri went through a period of reconstruction, with efforts to rebuild and integrate freed slaves into society.

Development and Industrialization

  • Westward Expansion: Missouri was a gateway for westward expansion, with the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe Trails all beginning in the state.
  • Railroads and Industry: The development of railroads facilitated growth. St. Louis became a major industrial and transportation hub.

20th Century to Present

  • Personalities: Missouri was home to several influential figures, including Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens), a famed author from Hannibal, and Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, from Independence.
  • Civil Rights Movement: Missouri played a role in the civil rights movement, with activists working to end segregation and discrimination.

Significant Landmarks

  • Gateway Arch: Located in St. Louis, the Gateway Arch is a symbol of westward expansion and is the tallest man-made monument in the United States.
  • Harry S. Truman Library and Museum: Located in Independence, it preserves the legacy of President Truman.
  • Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum: Situated in Hannibal, it celebrates the life and works of Mark Twain.
  • Wilson's Creek National Battlefield: This site commemorates one of the first major battles of the Civil War.

Modern Missouri

Today, Missouri is known for its cultural diversity, economic contributions in agriculture and industry, and vibrant cities like St. Louis and Kansas City, which offer rich cultural and historical experiences.