Best Missouri Cities To Visit: A Missouri Travel Guide

A Travel Lover’s Guide to the Show-Me State. This is how I want to present this account of Missouri Cities and their hidden gems.

Further, with its black history, Civil Rights stories, lake, and caves, the USA state of Missouri is ready to offer a wealth of experience. Having said that, from bustling Missouri cities to charming small towns, the state has something for every type of traveler.

So, No wonder the “FY23 Report for the Missouri Division of Tourism” looks so impressive. Here are the quick excerpts of the data.

Total Number of Visitors: 41.9 Million
Total Economic Impact: $19.9 Billion
Employment In Tourism: 301,466

Moreover, the state is aggressively promoting tourism in its various parts. As a result, travelers spent $1.6 billion in the 2023 fiscal year, influenced by the marketing stance of MDT or the Missouri Division of Tourism.

So, with active government backing, Missouri now is all the more happening a tourism. In other words, with government intervention, you can expect more amenities and benefits while traveling to the state now.

Moreover, Missouri exudes the Southern and Midwestern influences in its culture. Again, it is the home to Kansas City jazz and St. Louis Blues.

In addition, the state can solely attract massive tourism with its barbecue. The Kansas-style and St. Louis-style barbecues are always a gastronomic connoisseur will crave.

So, with so many aspects of tourism in Missouri, it’s time we know the Missouri Cities and their hidden gems better before we pack our bags.

Best Missouri Cities You Will Explore Along With The Hidden Gems

Tourism in Missouri is beyond visiting the top attractions. It is most about focusing on human lives and cultural tapestry. Furthermore, traveling to this state is different, as you see the act of community building becoming prominent through tourism.

Also, the Missouri Division of Tourism itself says, “Missouri is bursting with beautiful imagery and compelling stories. There’s always something new, and we can’t wait to tell you about it.”

So, let’s unearth the hidden stories of social and economic angles of tourism in the Missouri cities and their top tourist places.

“Missouri’s tourism industry is driven by passionate, dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to showcase the unique beauty, culture, and attractions that make the state a top destination for travelers…”
Stephen Foutes, Missouri Division of Tourism Director

1. St. Louis: Gateway To The West

Our journey begins in St. Louis, a city rich in history and culture. Known for its iconic Gateway Arch, St. Louis offers much more than just this famous landmark.

Must-See Attractions:

Gateway Arch National Park
Missouri Botanical Garden
Forest Park
City Museum
Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour

Hidden Gem: Cherokee Street

For a taste of local flavor, head to Cherokee Street. This eclectic neighborhood is home to antique shops, art galleries, and some of the best Mexican food in the city.

Food Tourism In St. Louis: Inhaling The Air Filled With The Aroma Of BBQ

Kansas City will always top the list of Missouri cities ideal for food tourism. However, the BBQ and ribs of St. Louis also stand out with their unique seasoning, grilling technique, and cuts.

Further, with rectangular cuts, you find smaller bones in the meat as you take a bite. Moreover, BBQ sauce in St. Louis is something out of the world. So, no wonder the people of the city are so much in love with BBQ sauce.

Nevertheless, here are the Dream and Travel favorites for cherishing St. Louis-style BBQ.

Name of The BBQ Joint	Address	Contact No
Pappy’s Smokehouse	3106 Olive St Saint Louis, MO 63103	(314) 535-4340
Bogart’s Smokehouse	1627 S 9th St Saint Louis, MO 63104	(314) 621-3107
Sugarfire Smoke House	9200 Olive Blvd Saint Louis, MO 63132	(314) 997-2301
The Stellar Hog	5623 Leona St Saint Louis, MO 63116	(314) 481-8448
Salt + Smoke	6525 Delmar Blvd Saint Louis, MO 63130	(314) 727-0200

Are you content exploring the BBQ scenario of St Louis? Now, let’s head to Kansas City.

2. Kansas City: Where BBQ Reigns Supreme

Kansas City is a place that will capture your heart (and taste buds) with its famous barbecue and jazz scene. Further, it has the following attractions.

Top Attractions

National WWI Museum and Memorial
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Country Club Plaza
Kansas City Zoo
American Jazz Museum

Local Secret: West Bottoms

Once an industrial area, the West Bottoms has been transformed into a haven for antique lovers and food enthusiasts. Visit on First Friday weekends for special events and sales.

Relish On Kansas-City Style BBQ: Food Tourism In Missouri Cities

The history of BBQ in Kansas City goes back to the 1920s. Further, today, people know it as the city of Joe’s Kansas City BBQ joints spread across various locations. Also, the most popular one among them is located at 47th Avenue. Moreover, you can reach out to them at (913) 722-3366.

In addition, the table below has some other famous BBQ joints in Kansas City.

Name of The BBQ Joint	Address	Phone Number
Q39 Midtown	1000 W 39th St Kansas City, MO 64111	(816) 255-3753
Jack Stack Barbecue – Freight House	101 W 22nd St Ste 300 Kansas City, MO 64108	(913) 722-3366
Chef J BBQ	1401 W 13th St Ste G Kansas City, MO 64102	(816) 805-8283

So, let’s hit the city of Henry Perry, Bryant, and Gates Families who shaped the BBQ landscape here.

3. Branson: Entertainment Capital Of The Midwest

For a change of pace, head to Branson, a small city with big entertainment. Branson offers a huge range of accommodations to fit every budget and preference. From luxurious Branson Resorts to cozy cabins and family-friendly hotels, you’ll find the perfect place to rest after a day of excitement.

Must-Do Activities:

Silver Dollar City theme park
Dolly Parton’s Stampede
Branson Scenic Railway
Table Rock Lake
Titanic Museum

Off the Beaten Path: Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in nature at this 10,000-acre park. Enjoy hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing in a stunning Ozark Mountain setting.

4. Springfield: Birthplace Of Route 66

Known as the birthplace of Route 66, Springfield offers a mix of history and outdoor adventures.

Top Attractions:

Fantastic Caverns
Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium
Springfield Cardinals Baseball
Dickerson Park Zoo
Route 66 Car Museum

Local Favorite: C-Street

Commercial Street, or C-Street to locals, is a historic district filled with unique shops, restaurants, and galleries. Don’t miss the C-Street City Market on Saturdays.

5. Columbia: College Town Charm

Home to the University of Missouri, Columbia blends college-town energy with small-city charm.

Must-Visit Spots:

Francis Quadrangle and the Columns
Shelter Gardens
Stephens Lake Park
Museum of Art and Archaeology
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

Hidden Gem: The Blue Note

Catch a live show at The Blue Note, a legendary music venue that has hosted both up-and-coming artists and big names since 1980.

6. Jefferson City: Capital Culture

As the state capital, Jefferson City offers a blend of history and government intrigue.

Top Attractions:

Missouri State Capitol
Missouri State Museum
Jefferson Landing State Historic Site
Missouri State Penitentiary
Central Dairy Ice Cream

Local Secret: Runge Nature Center

Escape the city at Runge Nature Center, offering hiking trails and wildlife viewing just minutes from downtown.

7. Hannibal: Mark Twain’s Hometown

Step into the world of Mark Twain in his boyhood home of Hannibal.

Must-See Sites:

Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum
Mark Twain Cave Complex
Rockcliffe Mansion
Hannibal Riverboat Cruises
Molly Brown Birthplace & Museum

Off the Beaten Path: Sodalis Nature Preserve

Explore this former limestone mine, now a protected habitat for endangered bats and a unique hiking experience.

St. Joseph: Where the Pony Express Began

History comes alive in St. Joseph, the starting point of the Pony Express.

Top Attractions:

Pony Express National Museum
Patee House Museum
Jesse James Home Museum
Glore Psychiatric Museum
Remington Nature Center

Local Favorite: Parkway A Scenic Drive

Take a drive along Parkway A for stunning views of the Missouri River and rolling hills.

Outdoors Adventures Across Missouri

For nature lovers, Missouri offers an array of outdoor experiences.

Top Outdoor Destinations:

Lake of the Ozarks State Park
Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Elephant Rocks State Park
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
Katy Trail State Park

Missouri State Parks at a Glance

Park Name	Location	Main Attraction	Best Season to Visit
Lake of the Ozarks	Central Missouri	Boating & Water Sports	Summer
Ha Ha Tonka	Camdenton	Castle Ruins & Natural Bridge	Spring/Fall
Elephant Rocks	Belleview	Giant Granite Boulders	Year-round
Johnson’s Shut-Ins	Middle Brook	Natural Water Park	Summer
Katy Trail	Across Missouri	240-mile Bike Trail	Spring/Fall

Savoring Missouri: A Food Lover’s Paradise

No trip to Missouri is complete without indulging in its culinary delights.

Must-Try Missouri Foods:

Kansas City BBQ
St. Louis-style Pizza
Toasted Ravioli
Gooey Butter Cake
Springfield-style Cashew Chicken

Missouri’s Culinary Hotspots

City	Famous Dish	Where to Try It	Price Range
Kansas City	Burnt Ends	Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que	$$
St. Louis	Toasted Ravioli	Charlie Gitto’s on the Hill	$$
Springfield	Cashew Chicken	Leong’s Asian Diner	$
Columbia	Shakespeare’s Pizza	Shakespeare’s Pizza	$
St. Joseph	Ice Cream	Kris & Kate’s Ice Cream	$

Some More Of These Secret Spots

Now that you are aware of the lesser-known places and some of the restaurants you should try, here is a bonus section for you with some more secret spots that you can explore.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park Ruins

This state park covers an area of almost 3,700 acres and is located in Camdenton, MO. This park is famous for various reasons, but the most striking one is that it is home to one of the “once-grand castles’ built back in 1905.

Not only that, but it has a rich history behind it as well. It involved a rich businessman who had a tragic death in a devastating fire that ruined the castle as well.

Marble Creek

Marble Creek is located in Arcadia, MO, and is no doubt a striking gem in the Mark Twain National Forest. The creek runs through the St. Francis Mountains and is around 20 miles long.

This land sits on the remains of the grist mill dam, which dates back to 1935 and has various trailheads that lead to Crane Lake and Ozark Trail. You can set up, come here, or explore the place, and the experience is going to be absolutely sensational.

Forest Park Jewel Box

Forest Park is a location that can awestruck you with its natural beauty. Located in St. Louis, this is one of the major reasons why it is named the Jewel Box. This Jewel Box is basically a glass greenhouse that glows brightly with the colors of all the plants, trees, and flowers growing inside the greenhouse.

The trees that are found here are both exotic and native. This is not just a place capturing the hearts of nature lovers, but it is also an architectural genius that would capture your eye.

Grand Falls

Right in the southern part of Joplin, Missouri, the naturally flowing largest waterfall of the state flows, which is a sight that is going to stay in your mind rent-free for your entire lifetime.

This waterfall is 12 feet down and is 163 feet wide. The sight, as well as the sound, is something that you will not forget. This is a hidden gem that you would love to explore.

Planning Your Missouri Adventure: Key Takeaways

Missouri may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a trip, but as a travel enthusiast, I can assure you it’s a destination full of surprises.

From the urban excitement of St. Louis and Kansas City to the natural beauty of the Ozarks, Missouri offers a rich tapestry of experiences.

So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to discover the heart of America in the Show-Me State.

Happy travels!

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