Best Places to Visit in Missouri
Sometimes you just want to get out and explore. We try to strike a good balance of places that you will really enjoy. Finding ideas for family friendly outings, or interesting places to go in Missouri with your friends, both are at your fingertips here with America Top 10. We aim to give you plenty of ideas without you having to do all the research. That way you can easily decide if you want to explore Missouri sites or check out the sites in another state.
You have also heard how it is becoming a lot more popular to have staycations (where you stay home instead of going to far off places) and discover new and interesting places in the near vicinity. We try to make that easier for you. Check out the sites in Missouri that have become local favorites easily with our site.
We hope that we have provided you plenty of choices in Missouri whether this is a new area for you or your own back yard. Something a little different from the typical amusement park. If you really loved somewhere but don’t see them on our list let us know, we are always looking to improve our lists and we can only do that with your help.
Leila’s Hair Museum
Independence, MO
Leila’s Hair Museum is the only hair museum in the world, boasting over 600 hair wreaths and over 2000 pieces of jewelry made of human hair. First-time visitors to the museum usually don’t know what to expect. The oldest brooch in the museum, with a piece of hair enclosed in a crystal case, was made in 1680. It arrived in the United States in the 1800’s through a family in Sweden. The gentleman, who was the last of his bloodline, sold the brooch to the museum so future generations could admire the masterpiece.
Finger Lakes State Park
Columbia, MO
The roar of ATVs and off-road motorcycles combines with the peacefulness of rolling hills at Finger Lakes State Park, one of two ATV parks in the state parks system. Built in a former coal mining area, Finger Lakes’ trails and motocross track are popular with users who come for the day, but often fall under the spell of the spacious campground, leafy trees and hilly terrain. The park is also the site of the challenging 2.75-mile Kelley Branch Mountain Bike Trail and a 4.5-mile water trail.
Stephens Lake Park
Columbia, MO
Stephens Lake Park is the center for outdoor winter sports in Columbia. Park users can warm themselves with a bonfire during the winter sports season at the fire pit at Collins Shelter near the sled hill, and there is a heated restroom nearby open year round. Ice skating is allowed on Stephens Lake only when the ice has been checked and deemed thick enough. Ice fishing is allowed on Cosmo-Bethel Lake when conditions allow.
Shelter Gardens
Columbia, MO
Shelter Gardens are frequented by horticulture and forestry students from schools and universities in the Columbia area. Elementary students also visit on class trips to gather specimens for leaf collections. A representative of every variety of plant life in the gardens has botanical information listed for the species, including its scientific and common names. Local bands fill the air with live music during “Concerts in the Gardens” on Sunday evenings in June and July, attracting crowds of local music lovers to the garden’s cedar gazebo. The Shelter Gardens contain 14 features, including a waterfall, rock garden, Vietnam veterans’ memorial, replica 19th century one-room school house, and garden for the blind.
Pythian Castle
Springfield, MO
FearFest Haunted House
Columbia, MO
FearFest is now in its 15th year of terror and features 4 amazing attractions at one location. Hawthorn State Asylum and The Mortuary (Haunted houses), Terror in the Woods (Haunted trail) and Zombie Safari Paintball (Shoot zombies while riding on the custom trailers!). Also new this year is the ability to customize your scare level. Both more intense and less intense options are available.
Saint Louis Zoo
St. Louis, MO
The Saint Louis Zoo is well-known for its Children’s zoo, conservation carousel, sea lion shows, and penguin feeding activities. Other animals can also be fed and visitors can also watch the zoo’s animals perform natural behaviors every day.
The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum
St. Louis, MO
The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum will engage all children with hands-on learning experiences that spark imagination, pique curiosity, enhance creativity and develop problem-solving skills within a place of beauty, wonder, joy and magic.
Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
St. Louis, MO
The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis presents, supports, and celebrates the art of our time. They create meaningful engagement with the most relevant and innovative art being made today. With a dynamic array of changing exhibitions, CAM provides a thought-provoking program that reflects and contributes to the global cultural landscape. They are a site for discovery, a laboratory for experimentation, and a gathering place in which to experience and enjoy contemporary visual culture.
Kansas City Zoo
Kansas City, MO
The Kansas City Zoo, with its world-class exhibits and exceptional programs, attracts visitors from around the world and families from close to home. A visit to the Kansas City Zoo is a journey around the world, an interactive experience that utilizes all the senses to entertain, educate and engage visitors of all ages.
