Missouri Travel Guide
Full of cultural diversity and enchanting natural beauty, Missouri is located in the Midwest region of the United States. A thriving mecca for outdoor activities, the state is packed with many beautiful state parks, fascinating caves and several rivers. If these dreamlike sceneries make you feel dizzy with delight, you can even knock back a glass of local wine from one of many award-winning wineries while you enjoy nature’s beauty.
The most famous town in Missouri is St Louis, the state’s cultural hub and home to the St Louis Art Museum, City Museum, St Louis History Museum and many galleries. A trip to St Louis wouldn’t be complete, however, without a visit to the renowned St Louis Union Station, which features retail shops and a posh hotel.
St Louis’ major landmark is the 190-meter-high Gateway Arch that dominates the skyline. Always pictured in postcards, this significant arch glorifies the country’s successful expansion. Those looking for outdoor activities should head to the Great Forest Park, the city’s premier park where you can find a zoo, a planetarium and an impressive open-air theatre.
If all these cultural venues are too much for your hedonistic soul, wait until the sun goes down. St Louis comes to life at Laclede’s Landing, the main area for nighttime entertainment where a number of bars, clubs and pubs dot the district. In the day time, this area is usually flooded with shopaholics as some of the biggest malls in the city are also located here.
Visitors will find a dizzying array of jazz clubs in Kansas City (not to be confused with Dorothy’s Kansas) which is home to a vibrant jazz scene. Apart from jazzy venues, there are two stunning art museums and an interesting Huron Indian cemetery here.
The capital city of the state is Jefferson, an unusually low-key, small town probably only famous for its Italian Renaissance-domed State Capitol which boasts Carthage marble and overlooks the Missouri River. Apart from the fact that the city was named after former US President Thomas Jefferson, it doesn’t really have much to write home about.
A more exciting and upcoming town is Branson, which has become increasingly become popular among tourists. A number of country music, comedy and magic shows are shot here everyday. To top it off, the city is home to Silver Dollar City, one of the most remarkable amusement parks in the country.