Missouri has many holiday getaways that draw millions of tourists every year. The natural beauty of the Ozark lakes, the uncanny exhibits at the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum and the country music of Branson are popular.
Missouri State Museum:
Founded in 1919, the Missouri State Museum is a showpiece museum in the state. It is located in Jefferson City, Missouri, inside the state capitol on the ground floor of the building. The museum has an impressive collection of artifacts that depict the diverse culture of Missouri’s past and present. There are over 65,000 artifacts in the museum.
The Lake of the Ozarks:
One of the favorite destinations in Missouri, the Lake of the Ozarks offers enormous fun to the visitor. Outdoor activities like golfing and hiking are common in the area. The lake has a serpentine shape that has led people to name it “The Magic Dragon.”
Gateway Arch:
Located in Missouri, the Gateway Arch is the centerpiece of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in St. Louis. It is the tallest national monument in the United States (630 feet). The Arch is a catenary-curved structure, and considered one of the most structurally sound arches.
Castlewood State Park:
Established in 1974, the Castlewood State Park offers opportunities for hiking, picnicking, rock climbing, fishing. The ruins of the Castlewood Canyon Dam in the area are a must-visit. The World Bird Sanctuary in the south section of the park is a great place for bird-watchers.
| State Parks | Bennett Spring State Park, Castlewood State Park, Current River State Park, Robertsville State Park, Wakonda State Park, St. Francois State Park |
| Beaches | Rockaway Beach, Shady Beach, Moonshine Beach, Council Bluff Beach |
| Museums | Missouri State Museum, Bonnell Museum, Campbell House Museum, City Museum, Dinosaur Walk Museum, Fred Bear Museum |
| Historical Landmarks | Battle of Lexington State Historic Site, Missouri State Capitol, Osage Village State Historic Site, Arrow Rock, Christ Church Cathedral |
| Other Places | Graham Cave, Gateway Arch, Lake of the Ozarks, truman Sports Complex, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum |
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum:
Located in Branson, which is often referred to as the “family friendly Las Vegas,” the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum is one of the most popular and unique places in the city. It is known as one of the most photographed buildings in the world because it looks like it has been destroyed by an earthquake. Some of the most unbelievable exhibits in the building include the Roman Colosseum and the Optical Illusion Gallery. Photography inside the museum is allowed unlike other places.