Things to Do in Missouri

Fantastic Caverns in Springfield, offers visitors a unique chance to explore a cave in one-of-a-kind spelunking fashion. It is the only cave in North America that offers a completely ride-through tour, which is made possible via a Jeep-drawn tram. First discovered in 1862 by John Knox and his hunting dog, the cave wasn't explored until 5 years later by a group of twelve women associated with the Springfield Women's Athletic Club. Their names can be seen etched into a cave wall to this day. Visitors will find this cave to be a wondrous showcase of the state's underground phenomenon in the heart of the Ozarks.

Address: 4872 North Farm Road 125, Springfield, MO 65803, Phone: 417-833-2010

See a performance at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Address: 1601 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, 816 994 7222

Recommended Activities for Families

The historic Branson Scenic Railway originates in Branson, Missouri, and winds through the beautiful Ozark Mountains on a round trip of approximately 40 miles. This vintage passenger train will take riders over trestles and through tunnels, traveling amid parts of the Missouri and Arkansas wilderness where wildlife is on full display. The three domed cars afford panoramic views that occupy most of the passengers' attention; however, guests will also want to tour the cars on their journey, as they have been restored and refurbished to match the same passenger experience of 50 years ago. The trip takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Address: 206 East Main Street, Branson, MO 65616, Phone: 417-334-6110

A tribute to the greatest names in the world of chess, the World Chess Hall of Fame hosts exhibitions, musical concerts, lectures and chess classes.

Although the emphasis is on chess and the attraction will be particularly interesting to chess players, everyone will find something to interest them at this unique facility. If you live in the area, you can sign up to become a member so that you can attend a host of special lectures and events throughout the year. Varied exhibitions feature rare or unique chess sets and chess boards, chess inspired art, and home décor.

Address: 4652 Maryland Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63108, Phone: 314-367-9243

The Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis is a 27,000-square-foot building designed by the renowned American architect Brad Cloepfil. Celebrating the art of our time, the CAM offers a unique variety of changing exhibitions that provide thought-provoking elements contributing to the global cultural landscape.

With more than 20 exhibitions each year, guests will see a full range of art, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and performative, conceptual and interactive art. CAM also delivers art education through unique workshops for families, film screenings, and a monthly neighborhood art crawl. The family-friendly art museum can be found in the heart of downtown St. Louis.

Address: Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, 3750 Washington Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108, Phone: 314-535-4660

George Washington Carver National Monument is a 210-acre park situated 2 miles west of Diamond, Missouri. It is the first national monument dedicated to a black American and non-president, and bears great significance to the history of Missouri as well as to that of the United States. This park offers guided tours on a ¾-mile nature trail where guests will see the 1881 Moses Carver house, a pre-Civil War cemetery where Carver family members a buried, a museum, and an interactive exhibit. The trail also takes guests across streams, through woodlands, and along a tallgrass prairie restoration area. Art and education programs teach about the famous scientist, educator, and humanitarian.

Address: George Washington Carver National Monument, 5646 Carver Road, Diamond, MO 64840, Phone: 417-325-4151

Attractions for Couples

Nestled on the gorgeous rolling hills of Missouri’s historic wine country, Defiance Ridge Vineyard is a 42-acre property that boasts tons of beautiful features perfect for a wedding.

Address: Defiance Ridge Vineyard, 2711 South Highway 94, Defiance, MO 63341, Phone: 636-798-2288

The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial is located at the heart of St. Louis, Missouri. The memorial, nestled up to the Mississippi River, is near the starting point of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Patrons will find cultural history collections that include artifacts representing five major categories: St. Louis History, the Gateway Arch, the Old Courthouse, Westward Expansion, and the museum archives. Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn about the lives of Thomas Jefferson, Virginia Minor, the Lewis and Clark Journey of Discovery, and African-American Life in St. Louis, 1804–1865. The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial is a part of the National Park Service.

Address: Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, 11 North 4th Street, St. Louis, MO 63102, Phone: 314-655-1600

The Kansas City Zoo in Swope Park boasts 202 acres of wildlife exhibits. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about many different species of wildlife through zookeeper chats, some of which include topics such as penguins, gorillas, polar bears, elephants, lions, rhinos, tigers, and cheetahs. Guests will also experience the zoo's animal shows like Wings of Wonder (bird show) and Sea Lion Splash. They offer other attractions in the form of zoo rides, such as the African Sky Safari, Endangered Species Carousel, Zebra Tram, Boat Ride, and Train Ride.

Address: Kansas City Zoo, 6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City, MO 64132, Phone: 816-595-1234, Facebook

The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum is dedicated to the fascinating life of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known by his pen name, Mark Twain. Located in Hannibal, Missouri, visitors will have the opportunity to peer into the life of one of America's most famous novelists of literary realism. Twain is best known for his novels, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and its sequel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Here, guests will have the chance to see the home Mark Twain grew up in, the Tom & Huck Statue, the Huckleberry Finn House, the Becky Thatcher House, the interpretive center, and the museum gallery.

Address: Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, 120 North Main Street, Hannibal, MO 63401, Phone: 573-221-9010