If you have ever longed to visit a state where you feel genuinely appreciated by friendly, down-to-earth people, Missouri is for you. Missouri is relaxation, whether you are enjoying the smooth sounds of blues and jazz, taking in a quiet game of golf, relaxing at one of Missouri's many wineries or canoeing along one of our many rivers. Take a break and breath fresh air. If, after a while, you crave a little excitement, venture to one of our metropolitan cities. You'll find plenty waiting for you…all delivered by a welcoming smile. Exciting adventures. Historic sites. Colorful landscapes. These are just a few of the countless reasons why millions of people annually make Missouri their travel destination.
Our quaint communities boast of Midwest charm. Jamesport in northwest Missouri celebrates the quiet Amish lifestyle, while Ste. Genevieve in southeast Missouri is proud of its heritage as Missouri's first permanent settlement. Missouri's picturesque communities look forward to sharing their stories with you.
In your history books you've read about Missouri …Lewis & Clark, Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer, Scott Joplin, Laura Ingalls Wilder and so many others. So why not come to Missouri to relive their history? Experience living history at the Laura Ingalls Wilder home in Mansfield, Missouri or capture the pioneer spirit by visiting one of the many attractions paying homage to explorers Lewis and Clark. The explorers began their journey from the banks of the Missouri River in St. Charles which is also home to the new Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center. Music fans will not want to miss a visit to Scott Joplin's home in St. Louis or the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival in Sedalia. Why not be a kid again and stop by the Annual Tom Sawyer Fence Painting Contest in Hannibal? Don't miss the Mark Twain Home & Museum and Becky Thatcher's House.
Much of Missouri's appeal lies in the history and pioneer spirit. In many ways, Missouri tells the story of the westward expansion and American life in the 19th century through our numerous well-preserved historic towns and sites. Home to both the famous and infamous, Missouri takes pride in carefully maintaining a link to the past. Fans of old westerns will not want to miss the legend of Jesse James. Visit his farm at the Jesse James Farm and Museum in Kearney. See where he met his demise at the Jesse James Home in St. Joseph. While in St. Joseph, stop in the Pony Express Museum and learn more about the strong-willed boys who carried the mail from St. Joseph to Sacramento, CA for the 18 months the Express operated.
Missouri is home to three world-class zoos, over 1.5 million acres of national forest, 5,000 caves and 80 state parks. They are also home to the NFL champion St. Louis Rams; one of the most interesting sports complexes in the world- the Harry S Truman Sports Complex in Kansas City; and the only official Negro League Baseball Museum in the country.
A family odyssey awaits you at Forest Park in St. Louis, a forested, urban treasure that is larger than New York's Central Park and the site of the 1904 World's Fair. Inside Forest Park's landscaped trails are the St. Louis Art Museum, the Zoo, the Muny Opera and a highly interactive Science Center. The western side of the state is home to Kansas City's Union Station/Science City. This former rail station is the second largest train station in the U.S. and now home to an entertainment, dining destination as well as housing Science City, a hands-on experience to delight all ages.
Missouri's Rivers aren't the only guides for adventure and discovery- the famous lakes will lead you to relaxing days of boating, fishing and water recreation. The Lake of the Ozarks boasts 54,000 acres of sparkling water and 1,200 miles of shoreline.
No one will want to miss Branson's entertainment. With 47 theaters and 90 shows, Branson offers more theater seats than Broadway and entertainment for the entire family. No matter if your taste is magic, country music, gospel, comedy or dance- Branson has want you want.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Katy Trail, a former MKT Railroad corridor that has been transformed into the country's largest rail to trail conversion. This 225 mile hiking and bicycling trail extends from St. Charles to Clinton, Missouri and offers breathtaking river views and wine-country scenery.
