Missouri is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States. Ranking 21st in land area, it borders Iowa to the north, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee to the east, Arkansas to the south and Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska to the west. Wikipedia
Spring (April–June): Ideal weather with blooming flowers and outdoor festivals.
Fall (September–October): Mild temperatures and vibrant fall foliage, especially in the Ozarks.
Summer (July–August): Good for lake trips and outdoor concerts, but can be hot and humid.
Winter (December–February): Cold but manageable—good for city visits and holiday events.
By Air:
St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) – Serves eastern Missouri.
Kansas City International Airport (MCI) – Serves western Missouri.
Springfield–Branson National Airport (SGF) – Great for Ozarks travelers.
By Train:
Amtrak runs the Missouri River Runner (St. Louis–Kansas City) and Texas Eagle routes.
By Car:
I-70 crosses east-west through Kansas City, Columbia, and St. Louis.
I-44 goes from St. Louis to Springfield and into the Ozarks.
Gateway Arch (St. Louis): Iconic 630-foot monument and museum.
Branson: Family entertainment hub with shows, amusement parks, and lakes.
Lake of the Ozarks: Boating, fishing, resorts, and party coves.
Silver Dollar City (Branson): 1880s-themed amusement park.
Forest Park (St. Louis): Larger than NYC’s Central Park, with a zoo, art museum, and more.
National WWI Museum and Memorial (Kansas City): World-class exhibits and views.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Kansas City): Known for its giant shuttlecocks and diverse collection.
Mark Twain Boyhood Home (Hannibal): Explore the town that inspired Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn.
Explore the Ozark Mountains: Hiking, caving (like Meramec Caverns), floating rivers.
Visit wineries: Missouri’s wine country along the Missouri River Valley and Augusta.
Live music and comedy shows in Branson.
Visit museums – Missouri History Museum, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Titanic Museum.
Attend festivals: Missouri State Fair (August), St. Louis Mardi Gras, and Roots N Blues Festival (Columbia).
Baseball & BBQ – Catch a Cardinals or Royals game.
Luxury:
21c Museum Hotel (St. Louis or Kansas City) – Art-filled boutique hotel.
Château on the Lake (Branson) – Lakeview luxury resort and spa.
Mid-range:
Drury Hotels – Missouri-based chain known for comfort and free perks.
Hotel Vandivort (Springfield) – Stylish and modern.
Budget:
National chains and motels along highways and in cities.
Cabin rentals around Lake of the Ozarks or in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
Unique:
Historic inns in towns like Hermann or St. Charles.
Houseboats and lakeside lodges in southern Missouri.
Must-Try Missouri Foods:
Kansas City-style BBQ: Slow-smoked, saucy, and served with burnt ends.
Toasted ravioli: Breaded and fried pasta pockets, a St. Louis specialty.
St. Louis-style pizza: Thin, cracker-like crust and Provel cheese.
Gooey butter cake: Sweet and rich dessert from St. Louis.
Fried catfish and hushpuppies
Notable Restaurants:
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que (KC) – Often ranked among the best in the U.S.
Pappy’s Smokehouse (St. Louis) – Iconic for ribs and brisket.
The Hill (St. Louis) – Italian-American restaurants like Charlie Gitto’s and Zia’s.
The Savoy (Kansas City) – Historic, upscale dining.
Farmhaus (St. Louis) – Farm-to-table fine dining.
Blues & Jazz Roots: Especially strong in St. Louis and Kansas City—home of legends like Charlie Parker and Chuck Berry.
Proud Sports Fans: Cardinals (MLB), Royals (MLB), Chiefs (NFL), Blues (NHL), Mizzou Tigers (college sports).
Show-Me State Mentality: Missourians value honesty, pragmatism, and tradition.
Civil War & Frontier History: Explore battlefields, preserved towns, and historical trails.
German Heritage: Especially in wine towns like Hermann, with Oktoberfest and wineries.
Literary Legacy: Mark Twain, T.S. Eliot, and Maya Angelou all have Missouri ties.