Day Trips in Missouri

Missouri

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Question: What makes Missouri one of the Midwest's loveliest states?
Answer: Missouri is one of the Midwest's loveliest states, butting up against the majestic Mississippi River's western banks.
Question: What historical significance does Missouri have?
Answer: The state is known for its connection to early American pioneer history, including the famed 1804-1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition to the Pacific Northwest.
Question: What historic sites can visitors explore in Missouri?
Answer: Visitors can day trip to a number of historic sites throughout the state, including the Mark Twain-related attractions of charming city Hannibal and the preserved historic buildings of Carthage, many of which are connected to the historic American Route 66.

Best Time for Day Trips in Missouri

April to June – Ideal for mild weather, blooming flowers, and outdoor adventures.
September to October – Perfect for fall foliage, scenic drives, and festivals.
July & August – Warm summer days great for lake trips, hiking, and state parks.
November – Enjoy cooler weather and fewer crowds at historical and cultural sites.
December to March – Cold but perfect for indoor museums, cozy getaways, and winter activities.

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1. Kansas City

Explore jazz history and taste world-famous barbecue on a flavorful weekend escape.

Kansas City

Where is Kansas City located?
- Kansas City is one of Missouri's biggest cities, sitting directly on the state's border with neighboring state Kansas.
What is Kansas City known for?
- The city is known around the world for its delightful cuisine, which has earned it the unofficial title of the "Barbecue Capital of the World."
What is the significance of Kansas City's jazz history?
- Its rich jazz music history can be explored throughout its Historic Jazz District, which launched the careers of music icons like Count Basie, Charlie "Bird" Parker, and Big Joe Turner.
What can visitors see at the American Jazz Museum?
- The American Jazz Museum, located within the city's historic 18th and Vine Jazz District, shares a space with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, making for a great family-friendly double-header visit.
What other museums are in Kansas City?
- Other lovely museums throughout the city include:

2. Springfield

Visit museums and stroll botanical gardens on a laid-back retirement getaway.

Springfield

Why is Springfield famous?
- Springfield is known around the world as the "Birthplace of Route 66," blending small-town charm with big-city excitement.
Where is Springfield located?
- The southwestern Missouri city, which is located in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, is home to a plethora of family-friendly attractions.
What are some top attractions in Springfield?
- The new Bass Pro Shops Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium, voted as America's best aquarium by the readers of USA Today.
- Dickerson Park Zoo boasts an impressive collection of animals from around the world, including Malayan tigers, African elephants, and cheetahs.
- The Springfield Art Museum showcases Missouri's rich cultural heritage.
- Wilson's Creek Battlefield preserves the city's Civil War-era heritage.
Where can visitors watch baseball in Springfield?
- Visitors can catch Springfield Cardinals home games at Hammons Field throughout baseball season.

3. St. Louis

See the Gateway Arch and walk vibrant neighborhoods on a classic American trip.

St. Louis

What is St. Louis known for?
- St. Louis is Missouri's biggest city, known for its iconic 630-foot Gateway Arch, which honors the legendary journey of explorers Lewis and Clark in the 19th century.
What family-friendly attractions can be found in St. Louis?
- The city is a paradise for families looking for year-round adventures, home to attractions such as:
What amusement park is near St. Louis?
- Nearby in Eureka, Six Flags St. Louis offers more than 40 high and family thrill rides, including:
Where can visitors watch baseball in St. Louis?
- Throughout the spring and summer seasons, visitors can catch home games from the 11-time World Champion St. Louis Cardinals baseball team at Busch Stadium.
What historic attractions are located in Forest Park?
- Immense Forest Park is home to preserved attractions connected to the 1904 World's Fair.

4. Ste. Genevieve

Tour historic homes and browse charming shops on a peaceful romantic escape.

Ste. Genevieve

What makes Sainte Genevieve a distinctive destination?
- Sainte Genevieve is a lovely Missouri town that has been named as one of the Dozen Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
When was Sainte Genevieve founded?
- The city, which was originally founded in 1735, is known today for its impressive collection of beautiful French Colonial-style buildings.
What is unique about Sainte Genevieve's architecture?
- It has the largest collection of French Colonial-style buildings in the nation today.
- More than 150 buildings throughout the city were constructed before the 19th century.
- Many of these buildings are open to the public as living history museums showcasing unique French Creole Colonial architectural elements like vertical wood post construction.
Where can visitors stay and dine in Sainte Genevieve?
- Visitors can stay at quaint bed and breakfasts housed within National Historic Landmark Buildings.
- Local dining favorites include:
What annual events take place in Sainte Genevieve?
- Annual special events hosted in the city include the Jour de Fête French Colonial Festival.

5. Arrow Rock

Discover frontier history and catch a show at the theater on a cultural spring outing.

Arrow Rock

What is Arrow Rock?
- Arrow Rock is a delightful historic village in Saline County, located along the banks of the beautiful Missouri River.
Why is Arrow Rock designated as a National Historic Landmark?
- The village has been designated in its entirety as a National Historic Landmark for its connection to the United States Westward Expansion in the 19th century.
What is significant about Arrow Rock's historic downtown district?
- The village's historic downtown district is connected to 19th-century artist George Caleb Bingham.
- It is home to a number of National Register of Historic Places-listed buildings.
What national historic trails pass through Arrow Rock?
- A number of sites within the village are designated as part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and the Santa Fe National Historic Trail.
What are the major attractions in Arrow Rock?
- The J. Huston Tavern, the oldest continually-operating restaurant located west of the Mississippi River.
- The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, the state's oldest professional regional theatre.
What can visitors find on Arrow Rock's historic Main Street?
- Unique historic shops and attractions are located throughout the town's historic Main Street, commonly referred to as "The Boardwalk."

6. Bonne Terre Mine

Dive into underwater caves and explore ancient tunnels on a thrilling adventure.

Bonne Terre Mine

What is Bonne Terre Mine?
- Bonne Terre Mine was the first mine developed as part of the St. Joe Minerals lead mine network in 1860.
- It played a key role in Missouri becoming the leading producer of lead in the United States in the 19th century.
What role did Bonne Terre Mine play in the American Civil War?
- Throughout the American Civil War, the mine became a target during Price's Raid.
Is Bonne Terre Mine open to the public?
- Today, it is open to the public for guided tours and was named one of America's top 10 greatest adventure experiences by National Geographic.
What do guided tours at Bonne Terre Mine include?
- All tours travel to the mine's five beautiful levels.
- Boat tours traverse the crystal-clear one-billion-gallon lake that spans the mine's three lower levels.
What special activities can visitors enjoy at Bonne Terre Mine?
- Visitors can enjoy scuba diving experiences at the 17-mile lake, which is the world's largest freshwater diving venue.
Where is Bonne Terre Mine located?
- 185 Park Ave, Bonne Terre, MO 63628
- Phone: 888-843-3483

7. Boonville

Walk along riverfront trails and tour historic landmarks on a scenic fall afternoon.

Boonville

Where is Boonville located?
- Boonville is a charming river town located halfway between the cities of St. Louis and Kansas City.
Why is Boonville named after Daniel Boone?
- The town was named in honor of the sons of famed American pioneer Daniel Boone, who established a prominent salt business in the region in the early 19th century.
What outdoor attractions are available in Boonville?
- The Boonslick Region town is located approximately halfway through the famed Katy Trail state park, a popular spot for hikers and cyclists.
What historical sites can visitors explore in Boonville?
- Visitors can view more than 400 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
What entertainment options are available in Boonville?
- Visitors can enjoy the delightful gaming and dining attractions of the Isle of Capri Casino.
What sporting events are held in Boonville?
- Regional and state baseball tournaments are hosted each year at Harley Park's Twillman Field.
What annual festivals take place in Boonville?
- Annual special events include:

8. Caledonia

Browse antique shops and enjoy local eats on a cozy couples retreat.

Caledonia

What is Caledonia?
- Caledonia is a historic village in Washington County that has remained nearly unchanged since the 19th century.
When was Caledonia founded?
- The village was founded by Alexander Craighead in 1819.
Why is Caledonia named after Scotland?
- The village was named in honor of the Roman Empire's Latin name for the country of Scotland.
What architectural style is prominent in Caledonia?
- Visitors can explore beautiful Greek Revival-style buildings throughout the region's downtown district.
- Many of these buildings showcase beautiful Greek Revival front door entrances.
What historic religious site is in Caledonia?
- Bellevue Presbyterian Cemetery and Church are home to the oldest protestant church and cemetery in the United States west of the Mississippi River.
How many buildings in Caledonia are on the National Register of Historic Places?
- In all, 33 buildings throughout the city are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Many of these buildings are covered today in hand-painted barn quilts by artist John Smith.

9. Carthage

Admire grand architecture and visit art museums on a cheap cultural getaway.

Carthage

What is Carthage known for?
- Carthage is one of Missouri's most acclaimed historic towns, originally established in 1842.
What happened to Carthage during the American Civil War?
- Though much of the town was destroyed during the American Civil War, it was completely reconstructed after the war.
How many historic buildings are in Carthage?
- The town is home to over 600 National Register of Historic Places-listed buildings.
- Notable structures include the beautiful Jasper County Courthouse and the Historic Carthage Square.
What is Carthage’s connection to Route 66?
- Carthage is home to some of the first concrete sections of Missouri's interstate highway system, which were incorporated into famed American highway Route 66 in the 1920s.
What Route 66-related attractions can visitors explore in Carthage?
- The Carthage Civil War Museum
- The 66 Drive-In Theater
- The massive Kiddieland children's amusement park
What other attractions are in Carthage?
- The picturesque Precious Moments Chapel, themed after the famed collectible angel line.

10. Columbia

Explore college-town energy and hike nearby trails on a dynamic summer escape.

Columbia

What makes Columbia a unique city in Missouri?
- Columbia is a charming city within central Missouri, known as one of the state's most progressive, diverse cities due to its proximity to the University of Missouri, Stephens College, and Columbia College campuses.
What historic architecture can be found on Columbia’s college campuses?
- All of the college campuses are known for their stunning historic architecture.
- Notable sites include the University of Missouri's beautiful neo-Gothic-style Memorial Union and Jesse Hall, which have become landmarks for the city.
What historic neighborhoods and cultural attractions can visitors explore?
- Visitors can explore the city's beautiful National Register of Historic Places-listed neighborhoods.
- They can also peruse the exhibits of the Museum of Art and Archaeology.
- The Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts hosts theatrical performances.
What arts and music attractions are in Columbia?
- Art galleries populate the city's North Village Arts District.
- Events such as the Roots 'N Blues 'N BBQ Festival and the We Always Swing Jazz Series bring music performances to venues throughout the city.

Plan Your Trip

Table of Contents:

1. Kansas City
2. Springfield
3. St. Louis
4. Ste. Genevieve
5. Arrow Rock
6. Bonne Terre Mine
7. Boonville
8. Caledonia
9. Carthage
10. Columbia