Missouri is one of the most culturally diverse and interesting US states. It has everything. Mountains, urban cities, parks, monuments, and museums. In fact, this is one of the most popular states for tourists to visit.
Missouri has a rich history and great wilderness. But despite all this, the US state is still underrated because it's often overshadowed by famous states like New York and California. Because of this, most people miss out on everything Missouri has to offer.
From the symbolic St. Louis Gateway Arch to the iconic Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, this state will leave you mesmerized. It's also surprising that some towns and villages in this state are so quaint and traditional that even the internet usage isn't common there.
Here are some of the best places in Missouri that also offer a glimpse of how life is like there.
1. Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum
This one's for the literature lovers. Imagine seeing the place where Mark Twain grew up and began his journey as one of the greatest American writers of all time. Not only this, Mark Twain's boyhood home is also a museum containing a large variety of monuments and details of the writer's life.
Mark Twain lived in this house until he was about 18 years of age. This iconic place has been restored and reinvented several times, but not enough to make it lose its authenticity. It has also been open to the public since the early twentieth century. One of the most fascinating details of this museum is that it contains the desk where Mark Twain wrote The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
2. National WWI Museum and Memorial
The state of Missouri is also home to one of the most important World War museums and memorials. The National World War 1 memorial attracts a large amount of people every year with its wide variety of World War artefacts and ornaments. Located in Kansas City, this place first opened its doors to the public in 2006.
The National World War Museum and memorial contains rare eyewitness accounts of the Great War. It also contains a large number of artefacts that depict how battles were fought and what strategies were implemented. This museum is one of the most significant places in Missouri.
3. Branson Scenic Railway
Branson is basically situated in Missouri. It is a renowned destination due to the presence of a number of lakes that amplify the beauty of the surroundings. Trees are arranged, live shows are held, gifts are distributed, and many other traditions are followed due to which an unforgettable experience is created. Various brands also distribute different types of gifts among people to make them feel special and also to promote their own name.
Branson city can be found in Missouri's iconic and scenic Ozark Mountains. This city is known for its entertainment, music, and life. A large number of tourists visit the city every year to witness its great music scene. This is what Branson city is known for. Great live music. In fact, there's a special place that's dedicated entirely to music.
Branson's 'Strip' consists of music motels, restaurants, squares, stores, performances, and much more. If you're a country music fan, you're in for a pleasant surprise. Branson pays special attention to country music which is why fans of this genre can often be found lined up here. Another interesting way to explore the lively city is to take the Branson Scenic Railway and enjoy all the sights and sounds.
4. Fantastic Caverns
Springfield is one of Missouri's most scenic cities. It is home to a large number of lakes, gardens and caverns. All natural sites. Springfield consists of a small-town life, quaint, quiet, and scenic. But this doesn't mean that the city doesn't have its own share of iconic sites.
The Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park has a great variety of walking trails, ponds, and gardens. It's also where the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden lies, one of the most famous gardens in Springfield. This city also has an interesting number of caverns. One of these is the Fantastic Caverns which attracts many sightseers.
5. Lake of Ozarks State Park
The Lake of Ozarks is regarded as one of the greatest lake destinations in Missouri. It attracts a large amount of people because of its beautifully designed golf courses, lake resorts, and camping sites. Apart from this, it also provides people with a wide array of activities. These include boating, canoeing, fishing, and swimming. The Lake of Ozarks also has beaches that are perfect for vacation in the summer time.
6. The Gateway Arch
Part of Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park, Gateway Arch is an iconic structure that symbolizes the significance of the Westward Expansion of Saint Louis. Be sure to ride on the top for great views of one of the best cities to live in USA and Mississippi.
Thus, all these sites make Missouri one of the most interesting states in America.