Rivers In Missouri Map: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
If you’re planning a trip to Missouri, you should definitely include a visit to the rivers that flow through the state. Missouri is known for its beautiful and diverse landscape, and its rivers are no exception. From the mighty Mississippi to the peaceful Current River, the rivers in Missouri offer a wide variety of experiences for travelers.
Top Attractions
One of the top attractions in Missouri is the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. This iconic monument stands at 630 feet tall and offers stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River. Another must-see attraction is the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, which offers a glimpse into the life of one of America’s greatest writers.
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for a hidden gem, head to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. This park is home to two of the most beautiful rivers in Missouri, the Current River and the Jacks Fork River. You can kayak, canoe, or paddleboard down these pristine rivers and take in the stunning scenery.
Food Scene
Missouri is known for its barbecue, and there are plenty of great barbecue joints throughout the state. One of the best is Pappy’s Smokehouse in St. Louis, which serves up delicious ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. For something sweet, head to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard in St. Louis, which has been serving up frozen custard since 1929.
Budget-Friendly Tips
If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of free things to do in Missouri. The St. Louis Zoo is one of the best zoos in the country and is completely free to enter. The Missouri Botanical Garden is also free to enter on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. For a cheap thrill, head to Silver Dollar City in Branson, which offers discounted tickets after 3 p.m.
Outdoor Adventures
Missouri is a great place for outdoor adventures. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways offer endless opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. If you’re a hiker, head to the Ozark Trail, which spans 350 miles through the state. For something more challenging, try rock climbing at Elephant Rocks State Park.
Historical Landmarks
There are plenty of historical landmarks to visit in Missouri. The Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield in Republic is a great place to learn about the Civil War. The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence offers a glimpse into the life of one of America’s most beloved presidents.
Family-Friendly Activities
Missouri is a great place for families. The St. Louis Science Center is a fun and educational place to take kids. The City Museum in St. Louis is a unique attraction that kids will love, with its many slides, tunnels, and climbing structures. For something more outdoorsy, head to Meramec Caverns in Stanton, which offers guided tours of underground caves.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, head to Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. This park is home to a unique geological formation called shut-ins, which are natural water slides and pools. For something even more unusual, visit the World’s Largest Toy Museum Complex in Branson, which has over one million toys on display.
Natural Wonders
Missouri is home to many natural wonders. The Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton is a beautiful place to hike, with its many trails and stunning views of the Lake of the Ozarks. The Elephant Rocks State Park in Belleview is another unique natural wonder, with its giant granite boulders that look like elephants.
Vibrant Nightlife
Missouri has a vibrant nightlife scene. The Power and Light District in Kansas City is a great place to go if you’re looking for bars, clubs, and live music. The Delmar Loop in St. Louis is another popular spot, with its many restaurants, bars, and music venues.
Local Markets
Missouri has many great local markets where you can find fresh produce, handmade crafts, and other local goods. The Soulard Farmers Market in St. Louis is one of the oldest and largest farmers markets in the country. The Springfield Farmers Market in Springfield is another great option, with its many vendors selling everything from fruits and vegetables to baked goods and handmade crafts.
Beaches and Mountains
Missouri is known for its beautiful beaches and mountains. The Lake of the Ozarks is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming. The Ozark Mountains offer endless opportunities for hiking and camping.
Cultural Immersion
Missouri has a rich cultural history, and there are many opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture. The Missouri History Museum in St. Louis is a great place to learn about the state’s history. The Missouri State Fair in Sedalia is a fun and festive event that celebrates the state’s agriculture and culture.
Art and Music Scene
Missouri has a thriving art and music scene. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City has an impressive collection of art from around the world. The Missouri Theatre in Columbia is a beautiful venue that hosts many concerts and performances throughout the year.
Walking Tours
Missouri is a great place to take a walking tour. The Gateway Arch in St. Louis offers guided tours that take you to the top of the arch for stunning views of the city. The Westport Walking Tour in Kansas City is another great option, with its many historic buildings and sites.
Architectural Marvels
Missouri has many beautiful architectural marvels. The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis in St. Louis is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. The Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site in Kansas City is another beautiful building that offers a glimpse into the life of one of Missouri’s most famous artists.
Historical Sites
Missouri is home to many historical sites. The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail in St. Charles is a great place to learn about the famous explorers. The George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond is a tribute to one of America’s greatest scientists.
Biking Routes
Missouri is a great place for biking. The Katy Trail State Park is a 240-mile-long trail that spans most of the state. The Rock Island Trail State Park is another great option, with its many scenic views and historic sites along the way.
Wellness Retreats
Missouri has many wellness retreats where you can relax and rejuvenate. The Big Cedar Lodge in Branson is a luxurious resort that offers spa treatments, yoga classes, and other wellness activities. The Synergy Float Center in Springfield is another great option, with its many float tanks and other relaxation treatments.
Adventure Sports
Missouri is a great place for adventure sports. The Lake of the Ozarks is a popular destination for wakeboarding, waterskiing, and other water sports. The Show-Me State Games in Columbia is a fun and competitive event that offers many different sports and activities for athletes of all ages.
With so much to see and do, the rivers in Missouri offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, or just a relaxing getaway, Missouri’s rivers are sure to impress.