MISSOURI
The Midwest meets the South in Missouri, and visitors can get a sense of both regions when they visit the Show Me State’s cities and towns. Savor barbecue, old-fashioned entertainment and rugged landscapes as you explore. Ride to the top of an amazing arch for views of the Mississippi River.
Kansas City
Kansas City overflows with exciting entertainment and activities. Catch a summer ballgame at Kauffman Stadium to watch the Royals, or hop in the driver’s seat for a NASCAR thrill at the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Foodies will savor the tangy flavor of KC barbecue.
KC’s Natural Side
Enjoy a slice of nature in the middle of a thriving metropolis at Lakeside Nature Center. The center offers wildlife education programs and is home to a hiking trail and native wildlife exhibit. It also houses one of Missouri’s largest wildlife rehabilitation facilities. Wander through stalls of fresh produce and artisan creations at the farmers’ market in historic River Market, easily the largest of its kind in the region. The site is also home to the Arabia Steamboat Museum.
Lake of the Ozarks
Twisting through the rugged countryside of western Missouri like a watery serpent, the Lake of the Ozarks brings thousands of visitors each year to its 80 miles of shoreline. That means plenty of room for zooming in a speedboat or gliding across the surface on water skis. Folks seeking a slower pace can discover ample fishing, biking, hiking and wildlife spotting on the lake’s lush banks.
Fun Along the Banks
Landlubbers can explore the many Missouri state parks that surround the 54,000-acre lake, nicknamed the Missouri Dragon for its winding shape. Lake of the Ozarks State Park boasts thousands of acres of wooded terrain, with dozens of trails.
Regional Recipe
Foil-Roasted Apples
The peel of an apple contains three to five times as much vitamin C as the flesh. Recipe adapted from Woodall’s Campsite Cookbook.
Getty Images
Ingredients:
- 6 medium apples
- Raisins
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp butter
- Optional: cloves, chopped nuts
Directions:
Core apples and scoop out some of the flesh. Fill each cavity with 1 teaspoon of raisins. Top with mixture of sugar and cinnamon; dot with butter. Place each prepared apple on a large square of foil. Seal packages and place on medium-hot coals for 45 minutes or until tender.
St. Louis
From barbecue to baseball, the largest city in the Great Plains is chock-full of authentic American experiences.
Arch Attraction
Originally founded as a fur-trading post on the banks of the Mississippi River, St. Louis’s long history as the jumping off point for pioneers heading west is honored in truly spectacular fashion at the iconic Gateway Arch. Opened to the public in 1965, the arch stands 630 feet high, making it the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere. You can take a tram to the top where sprawling views of the city await.
Ride the Mighty Miss’
Try a day trip to Lincoln Lake in rugged Cuivre River State Park, where you can kayak, swim, or fish for bass, bluegill and catfish.
For More Information
Missouri Division of Tourism
573-751-4133
Lake of the Ozarks
800-386-5253
Visit Kansas City
800-767-7700
Explore St. Louis
800-916-8938