• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Fantastic Caverns ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Attractions
Fantastic Caverns
© Courtesy of macropixel - Fotolia.com

2. Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Attractions

3. Branson Scenic Railway

Category: Kids & Family
Branson Scenic Railway
© Branson Scenic Railway

4. World Chess Hall of Fame

Category: Attractions
World Chess Hall of Fame
© World Chess Hall of Fame

5. Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis

Category: Museums & Culture
Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
© Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis

6. George Washington Carver National Monument

Category: Activities
George Washington Carver National Monument
© NPS Photo

7. Defiance Ridge Vineyard, Missouri

Category: Activities
Defiance Ridge Vineyard, Missouri
© Courtesy of glisic_albina - Fotolia.com

8. Jefferson National Expansion Memorial

Category: Attractions
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial
© Courtesy of Adam - Fotolia.com

9. Kansas City Zoo, Missouri

Category: Kids & Family
Kansas City Zoo, Missouri
© Courtesy of Rusty Dodson - Fotolia.com

10. Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum
© Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum

11. Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum
© Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum

12. Missouri Botanical Garden

Category: Activities
Missouri Botanical Garden
© Courtesy of Dmitry V. Petrenko - Fotolia.com

13. Missouri History Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Missouri History Museum
© Missouri History Museum

14. Museum of Transportation

Category: Museums & Culture
Museum of Transportation
© Museum of Transportation

15. The Gateway Arch

The Gateway Arch
© Courtesy of andreykr - Fotolia.com

16. National Blues Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
National Blues Museum
© National Blues Museum

17. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Category: Entertainment
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
© Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

18. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Category: Museums & Culture
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
© Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

19. Pulitzer Arts Foundation

Category: Museums & Culture
Pulitzer Arts Foundation
© Pulitzer Arts Foundation

20. Saint Louis Art Museum

Category: Museums & Culture
Saint Louis Art Museum
© Saint Louis Art Museum

21. Saint Louis Science Center

Category: Kids & Family
Saint Louis Science Center
© Saint Louis Science Center

22. Saint Louis Zoo

Category: Kids & Family
Saint Louis Zoo
© Courtesy of Alfred - Fotolia.com

23. Science City at Union Station

Category: Kids & Family
Science City at Union Station
© Science City at Union Station

24. Anheuser-Busch Brewery

Category: Food & Drink
Anheuser-Busch Brewery
© Courtesy of master_c - Fotolia.com

25. Innsbrook Resort, Missouri

Category: Accommodations
Innsbrook Resort, Missouri
© Innsbrook Resort

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

Missouri is that unassuming state tucked away in America's Midwest. On its western edge, Kansas City is famous for barbecue, hosting the annual American Royal Barbecue, the world's largest competitive barbecue event. It's also home to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. On the Mississippi side, St Louis boasts the Gateway Arch, the World Chess Hall of Fame, and the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. The Ozark Mountains and many other attractions are on hand to fill any summer holiday with fun.

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