Things to do & places to visit in Missouri, United States

From the riverboat casinos, breweries and historical neighborhoods in St. Louis and fabulous fountains and barbeque in Kansas City to the “Live Music Show Capital of the World, Branson, to the awesome outdoor lifestyle in the Lake of the Ozarks region, the state offers visitors a seemingly endless line-up of unique vacation experiences. You’re never far from a state park or historic site as there are 85 of them throughout the state. There are 840 miles of trail for hikers, backpackers, bicycle riders, off-road vehicle users and horseback riders. Some of the state’s top attractions include the Gateway Arch and St. Louis Zoo in St. Louis, Cameron Cave in Hannibal, and the American Jazz Museum and Worlds of Fun amusement park in Kansas City. Wine lovers will be pleased to know there are 96 wineries in the state where you can sample wines and take tours. For golfers, the picturesque Lake Ozark region offers play on gems like the Tan-Tar-A Resort Oaks Course and Old Kinderhook. Why not introduce your children to the real world of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn? Visit Hannibal, where your kids can immerse themselves in the world of Mark Twain with a tour of the author’s home, a cruise on the Mississippi River, an exploration excursion of the caves in his books and visits to various historic homes. Other great family-oriented activities throughout the state include hiking the Ozark Trail, splashing at a water park in Branson and visiting the Harry S. Truman home and presidential library in Independence.

Missouri #17 destination in United States 2023. The average rating score is 4.57 based on 242.8k traveler reviews, of 2.167 attractions. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Saturday, April 27, 2024, 8:00.

Top things to do (33)

Top destinations in Missouri 100

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Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Sight & Sound Theatres (8.134 reviews)
- He is Alive!
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

Sight & Sound Theatres is the nation's largest Christian theatre company and one of the highest attended live theatres on the East Coast and in the Midwest. This inspiring family experience includes a majestic 2000-seat theatre, a massive 300-foot wrap-around stage, a professional cast, spectacular sets up to 40 feet high and a variety of live animals. Go back in time and witness the greatest stories of the Bible as they come to life right before your eyes! See more..
5.0 The Haygoods (7.559 reviews) from $52.00
- Amazing show
Saturday: 7:30 PM - 9:45 PM Theaters

31st SMASH-HIT SEASON! Celebrating 31 Years of Legendary Family Entertainment! Experienced by over 6 Million People! World Class Production and Special Effects! 5 Brothers and 1 Sister performing on 20 Instruments! BRANSON'S MOST POPULAR SHOW!! CALL EARLY! THE HAYGOODS SELL OUT FAST! The Haygoods are Modern Family Entertainment at its BEST! This group of six siblings, (5 brothers and 1 sister), bring an all-new show to the Branson stage every year. Stunning visual effects and a state of the art stage presentation are the backdrop to an amazing array of musical styles, performed with more energy and excitement than anything you have ever experienced! The hits of today's Country, Rock, and Pop artists along with the music of the last 5 decades, are showcased in an electrifying ride of song, rhythm, and sound that you won't soon forget! Fans of all ages LOVE The Haygoods and their music! See more..
5.0 National WWI Museum and Memorial (5.594 reviews)
- Outstanding Museum. One of the Best in the Country.
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Military Museums • History Museums

The National WWI Museum and Memorial is America's leading institution dedicated to remembering, interpreting and understanding the Great War and its enduring impact on the global community. The Museum and Memorial holds the most comprehensive collection of World War I objects and documents in the world and is the second-oldest public museum dedicated to preserving the objects, history and experiences of the war. The Museum and Memorial takes visitors of all ages on an epic journey through a transformative period and shares deeply personal stories of courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice. Designated by Congress as America's official World War I Museum and Memorial and located in downtown Kansas City, Mo., the National WWI Museum and Memorial inspires thought, dialogue and learning to make the experiences of the Great War era meaningful and relevant for present and future generations. See more..
5.0 Missouri Botanical Garden (4.432 reviews)
- STL treasure flows at Holidays
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens

The Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis was founded in 1859 by Henry Shaw. Today, the Garden is a National Historic Landmark and a center for science, conservation, education and horticultural display - widely considered one of the top three botanical gardens in the world. It features 79 acres of horticultural displays, including indoor conservatories and demonstration, formal and international gardens. See more..
5.0 The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (3.304 reviews)
- Definitely a great art museum!
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

Drop in for an hour, come for lunch, or spend the entire day wandering through world-class galleries. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is the cultural jewel of Kansas City and just three blocks from the Country Club Plaza, and admission is free. The Nelson-Atkins, recognized as one of America’s finest art museums, strives to be the place where the power of art engages the spirit of community. With 40,000 works of art, the Nelson-Atkins is best known for its new Bloch Galleries, featuring Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, plus its Asian art, photography, American paintings, American Indian and Egyptian galleries. The Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park, a beautiful setting for a walk or picnic, is an oasis in the city and home to notable sculptures. See more..
5.0 College of the Ozarks (3.164 reviews)
- We wish more colleges were like this.
Lookouts • Gardens • Educational sites

College of the Ozarks, known as "Hard Work U," is more than a college. It's a destination with tons of family-friendly activities, including two museums, an old-fashioned grist mill, fruitcake and jelly kitchen, stained glass studio, and exquisite 4-star dining at Dobyns Dining Room in The Keeter Center. It's a great way to spend a day while you are in the Branson area. The only thing that requires admission is the Ralph Foster Museum ($6 Adults, $5 Seniors, and Free to all 18 and under). Dobyns Dining Room offers a farm to table experience without breaking the bank. Come learn why this unique college is nationally known. See more..
5.0 Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis (3.097 reviews)
- Comparable to basilicas in Europe
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Churches & Cathedrals

The Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis, the superstructure of the Cathedral was built between 1907 and 1914. The Cathedral's 100th Anniversary is being celebrated in 2014. It is known for its' beautiful interior mosaics, which took nearly 80 years to create using more than 41 million pieces of glass tesserae. The Cathedral is known for having one of the largest mosaic collections in the Western Hemisphere. See more..
5.0 Forest Park (2.487 reviews)
- Amazing Park
Saturday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Parks

The site of the 1904 World's Fair, America's second largest urban park is a prime St. Louis recreation spot. See more..
5.0 Runaway Mountain Coaster (1.936 reviews) from $25.98
- BEST mountain coaster in Branson!
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

Runaway mountain coaster at Branson Mountain Adventure Park uses nature and scenery to provide a thrill 4900' coaster ride throughout the Ozark woods & hills. Ride single or double and control your own speed for the maximum thrill. Flyaway Ziplines is the fastest & most thrilling zipline soaring at over 70 feet above the ground at speeds over 30 mph over Fall Creek & The Runaway Mountain Coaster. See more..
5.0 Presleys' Country Jubilee (1.790 reviews)
- It was wonderful! I definitely would recommend this!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Theaters

The first theater opened on Branson's famous Highway 76. See more..
5.0 Jerry Presley's God and Country Theaters (1.664 reviews)
- Don’t stop believing
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Theaters

The King may not be around today, but ElViS fans can enjoy the next best thing by the music legend's cousin—Branson's own Jerry Presley. With your advance tickets, skip the same-day ticket lines and enjoy a family-friendly show packed with hits. See more..
5.0 Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum (1.472 reviews)
- A wonderful facility, honoring a great Missourian!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Libraries

The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum is reopened, following a $29 million world-class transformation. Visitors can expect a cinematic experience of some of the most dramatic chapters of world history, from the Great War to WWII to the Red Scare and the Korean War, plus, the creation of the State of Israel, Civil Rights advancements, the extreme makeover of The White House and, of course, Truman's Whistle Stop campaign and 1948 victory. Hailed as "the new standard for presidential libraries" the new museum is a must-see experience for all ages! The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum is one of 15 presidential libraries operated by the National Archives and Records Administration. Winter Museum Hours (through March 31): Mon-Sat 9 am - 5 pm (through March 31) Regular Museum Hours: Mon-Sat 9 am - 5 pm, Sun 12-5 pm See more..
5.0 Missouri State Penitentiary (1.183 reviews)
- Worth the visit
Historic Sites

The Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) opened in 1836 along the banks of the Missouri River in Jefferson City, Missouri, the state capital. The prison housed inmates for 168 years and was the oldest continually operating prison west of the Mississippi until it was decommissioned in 2004. The prison was already 100 years old when Alcatraz began taking inmates.The Jefferson City Convention & Visitors Bureau now offers a wide variety of tours at the site, once named the "The bloodiest 47 acres in America" by Time magazine. Visitors can choose to take a History or Ghost Tour, among others, and will walk through several incredibly historic housing units, the vast upper yard of the property and the gas chamber, where 40 men and women were executed. The tour also showcases cells of infamous inmates such as Sonny Liston, and James Earl Ray, who escaped from MSP before assassinating Martin Luther King Jr. Tour Season runs March - November each year. Tour Season: March - November See more..
5.0 Branson Zipline at Wolfe Mountain (1.140 reviews)
- Excellent!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

Our zip line guides, Chris and Fernie, were excellent and facilitated a safe, fun, and exhilarating experience! Snow flex was super fun as well. Our entire family—parents, grandparents, and kids (ages 11, 8, and 4 yrs) had a blast! See more..
4.5 The Gateway Arch (12.6k reviews)
- A Must do
Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers • Monuments & Statues

From the thrilling views to the amazing stories, a visit to the Gateway Arch is an experience that never fails to inspire. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, you’ll find activities to please every member of your party. Attractions include the Tram Ride to the Top of the Gateway Arch, the Museum at the Gateway Arch (opened July 3, 2018), a documentary film about the construction of the Arch, shopping at The Arch Store, a new Arch Cafe, and cruises aboard the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch. Tickets sell out early and often - advance purchase strongly recommended. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. See more..
4.5 Silver Dollar City (12.1k reviews)
- Awesome Amusement Park
Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks • Water Parks

Branson's #1 attraction for over 50 years, Silver Dollar City features six world-class festivals, 30 thrilling rides & attractions, 40 live shows daily, 60 unique shops, a dozen family restaurants and over 100 demonstrating craftsmen. See more..
4.5 St. Louis Zoo (8.623 reviews)
- Nice zoo, just a hot day.
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos

Visitors are wowed by this zoo that has 6,600 animals and 15 major exhibit areas. See more..
4.5 Titanic Museum (7.296 reviews) from $39.46
- Great experience!
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Educational sites • History Museums

Everyone knows the name Titanic! Everyone knows Titanic struck an iceberg! And everyone knows Titanic was lost! She sat at the bottom of the ocean for 75 years before they found her in 1985. A second expedition to the wreck site went out in 1986 and that expedition was co-led by the owner of this museum. The artifacts you see throughout the ship are REAL and valued at over $4 million dollars. You'll be able to touch a growing iceberg, experience the 28 degree water, try and steer the ship and pay tribute to the 2,208 passengers and crew that were on the Titanic. You will enter as a guest and leave as a Titanic Passenger! See more..
4.5 City Museum (6.638 reviews)
- City Museum
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Don't take the name so literally. We're about fun. Not your white walls, walk around, and be quiet museum. If you want to climb around, get active with your kids or are a big kid at heart, we're the place. If you get freaked out easily, you might not want to come. We're four floors filled with miles of tunnels, a full cave system, over 30 slides, a circus, an arts area, a large outdoor climbing space, Architectural Museum, a Cabin that serves adult beverages, a Museum of Mayhem, Mirth and Mystery, and a ton more. Also, there's the roof with a Ferris Wheel and a bus hanging off its edge. See more..
4.5 Busch Stadium (4.934 reviews)
- Great ballpark with loyal fan base
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Arenas & Stadiums

This stadium is one of the most visible symbols of St. Louis' success. See more..
4.5 Pierce Arrow (2.719 reviews)
- The one show in Branson we always see.
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 8:15 PM Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

This is one show we always see when we are in Branson. Great show! Great singers! Great musicians! Half price tickets for the second night (different show) is very helpful on the budget. We took our 2, 18 year old granddaughters this year and they loved it. They were excited to go back the second night. See more..
4.5 Branson Landing (2.666 reviews)
- Nice Afternoon at Branson Landing
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Shopping Malls

Branson Landing where the adventurous shop, dine, play and stay! Discover uncharted waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment adventures at Branson Landing, located on the waterfront of beautiful Lake Taneycomo in downtown Branson. At Branson Landing, you will have a whole new world to explore, with Belk Department Store, Bass Pro Shops and over 100 specialty stores and restaurants, PLUS... the NEW Hilton Promenade! See more..
4.5 Kauffman Stadium (2.575 reviews)
- Great Stadium! Parking is Wild...
Arenas & Stadiums

First time ever attending an MLB game at Kauffman Stadium and it was a lot of fun. There are plenty of seats and lots of amenities and entertainment throughout the game. Careful getting seats in right field as you have zero protection from the sun until it completely sets, but the seats were great. Parking is the only issue I have. You pay $20 or $30 for parking and it is complete chaos leaving at the end of the game. I highly recommend using a ride share service to get here. Overall, it was a great venue! See more..
4.5 Union Station (2.543 reviews)
- Recommended visit, we were pleased
Historic Sites

We happened to be at a antique shop in West Bottoms where we chatted with the owner of the shop. He said we should go visit the Union Station which was built in 1914 after the original Kansas City Union Depot located in West Bottoms which used to be the original downtown but flooded badly in 1906. Anyway, we drove out to see the Union Station on our last day in KC, Thursday, March 9, 2023. It is an amazing building rivaling the Union Depot in Chicago, not quite Grand Central Station in NY, but still well worth a visit. It is free to visit the station public areas, but you must pay for parking if staying more than 30 minutes. There are several event areas and exhibits but those are also require paid admission. We were only staying for an hour or so. We viewed as much as we could for free. Great place to visit on a rainy day. See more..
4.5 Grant’s Farm (2.363 reviews)
- A Day at Grant’s Farm
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Farms

This is the perfect place for all ages. We booked the Clydesdales Tour, which took 1.5 hours and it was well worth the $25 per person cost. Learned so much about this breed of horse and the training they go through. The $15 parking fee is all we had to pay to enter the grounds and it included the tram ride around the property. You could see the animals up close as you drive by. It stops at the courtyard where there are animals you can feed and activities for the kids. Great big food court with polka music playing while you eat. Lots to do and see. See more..
4.5 Branson Landing Fountain Show (2.359 reviews)
- Bellagio 2.0
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Fountains

Nighttime show with fire incorporated with the fountains was not quite the scale of the Bellagio in Vegas, but was great with fire, fountains, colored lights and music. They utilize firework sort of to launch the water higher, which could be scary for young kids possibly. The last sho of the night has fewer people. If you get too close and depending on the way the wind blows, those up front might get wet. There are a lot of restaurants and shops down near the show. I recommend seeing it after dark. See more..
4.5 Arabia Steamboat Museum (2.213 reviews)
- An amazing collection and seldom heard part of the Western expansion story.
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

The Arabia Steamboat Museum is a favorite Kansas City attraction, a history museum housing 200 tons of cargo from life on the American frontier in 1856. Our tour is now self-guided to assist with social distancing and face masks are required by order of the health department. You'll want to plan about 90 minutes for a visit. See more..
4.5 Branson's Promised Land Zoo (2.112 reviews)
- Do it
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Zoos

All NEW for 2023 Drive Thru Feeding Areas Now Open! Branson’s Top Rated Animal attraction is open 7 days a week! Every admission includes the New 2 Mile Drive Thru, Parakeet Paradise, Foot Safari & Animal Adventure Building. Want to GET CLOSER to the animals? NEW for 2023 our VIP Jungle Explorer which includes everything in Basic Admission an amazing all inclusive Encounter at the VIP Lounge with many animals not on display for you to hold, learn about, take photos with & more. VIP is our MOST POPULAR admission choice and great for ANY AGE! Basic Admission where you get to see Parakeet Paradise, Foot Safari, the Animal Adventures Building and Drive Thru! Our recently opened Drive Thru Safari is a free addition to every admission where you can view AND FEED animals from around the world from the comfort of your own vehicle Want to do it all? Try our Ultimate Excursion complete with atv tour and lots of hands on interaction, a private giraffe experience, sloth experience and more. See more..
4.5 Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery (2.018 reviews)
- Nice Change-of-Pace Visit
Nature & Wildlife Areas

It is interesting that you consistently see similar comments in the reviews of this place: (1) It is a good change of pace from go-carts, music shows, and mini-golf, (2) kids were not excited about going until they got there, and (3) it's free. All are true. Seeing that many fish in different sizes really is pretty neat. And if you spring a quarter for fish food, it looks like a piranha horror movie scene with all the fish going after the food. Com'on, you know you want to go see it, even if the kids are making fun of the fact you're making them go... See more..
4.5 Fantastic Caverns (1.952 reviews)
- Great experience with a wonderful tour guide
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Caverns & Caves

Discover the timeless beauty of Fantastic Caverns, one of the earth's rarest treasures. There are only four of its' kind in the entire world, and only one in North America. Here, you'll discover one of the world's most beautiful natural wonders; giant columns stretching from floor to ceiling, delicate soda straws glistening with minerals, tiny cave pearls hidden in crystal-clear water. And best of all, you'll see it close-up from the comfort of a Jeep-drawn tram! See more..