Printable Missouri County Map Travel Guide
Introduction
Missouri is a state in the midwestern region of the United States with a rich history and diverse landscape. From the Ozark Mountains to the Mississippi River, Missouri has something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or foodie, this Printable Missouri County Map travel guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the top attractions and hidden gems in the state.
Top Attractions
Gateway Arch
The Gateway Arch is an iconic landmark in St. Louis that offers stunning views of the city skyline and the Mississippi River. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the arch and learn about its history at the museum located at the base.
Silver Dollar City
Silver Dollar City is a theme park in Branson that offers rides, shows, and attractions for all ages. The park also features craftsmen demonstrating traditional Ozarks crafts, such as glassblowing and blacksmithing.
Hidden Gems
Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Ha Ha Tonka State Park is located in Camdenton and features a castle ruin, natural bridge, and hiking trails. The park also has a spring-fed lake for swimming and fishing.
Elephant Rocks State Park
Elephant Rocks State Park is located in Ironton and features giant granite boulders that resemble elephants. Visitors can hike through the park and climb on the rocks.
Food Scene
Kansas City BBQ
Kansas City is known for its BBQ, and no trip to the city is complete without trying some. Some of the top BBQ spots in the city include Arthur Bryant’s, Gates BBQ, and Joe’s Kansas City BBQ.
St. Louis Style Pizza
St. Louis-style pizza is a unique style of pizza that features a cracker-thin crust, Provel cheese, and a sweet tomato sauce. Some of the top places to try St. Louis-style pizza include Imo’s Pizza and Cecil Whittaker’s Pizza.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Free Museums
Many of the museums in Missouri offer free admission, including the St. Louis Art Museum, the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, and the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence.
Parks and Trails
Missouri has many parks and trails that are free to visit, including the Katy Trail State Park, a 240-mile trail that runs through the state, and Forest Park in St. Louis, which features museums, a zoo, and hiking trails.
Outdoor Adventures
Mark Twain National Forest
Mark Twain National Forest covers over 1.5 million acres in southern Missouri and offers hiking, camping, and fishing. The forest also features the Ozark Trail, a 350-mile trail that runs through the state.
Missouri River
The Missouri River is the longest river in North America and offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. Visitors can also take a scenic drive along the river and explore small towns along the way.
Historical Landmarks
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield is located in Republic and was the site of the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River. Visitors can tour the battlefield and learn about the history of the Civil War in Missouri.
Trail of Tears State Park
Trail of Tears State Park is located in Jackson and is the site where Cherokee Indians were forced to leave their homeland and relocate to Oklahoma. The park features a museum and hiking trails.
Family-Friendly Activities
Six Flags St. Louis
Six Flags St. Louis is an amusement park in Eureka that offers roller coasters, water rides, and live shows. The park also has a section for younger children called Bugs Bunny National Park.
Science City at Union Station
Science City is a hands-on science museum located in Union Station in Kansas City. The museum features exhibits on physics, biology, and chemistry, as well as interactive activities for children.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Bonnie and Clyde’s Joplin Garage Apartment
Bonnie and Clyde’s Joplin Garage Apartment is located in Joplin and was the hideout for the infamous duo in the early 1930s. The apartment has been restored and is open for tours.
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is located in Middle Brook and features natural water slides and swimming holes. The park also has hiking trails and campsites.
Natural Wonders
Meramec Caverns
Meramec Caverns is a cave system located in Stanton that features guided tours and underground boat rides. The cave system is over 4.6 miles long and has been featured in movies and TV shows.
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is located in Columbia and features a natural rock bridge, a waterfall, and hiking trails. The park also has a cave system that visitors can explore.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Power and Light District
The Power and Light District is a nightlife and entertainment district in downtown Kansas City. The district features bars, restaurants, and live music venues.
The Delmar Loop
The Delmar Loop is a vibrant neighborhood in St. Louis that features bars, restaurants, and music venues. The Loop also has a streetcar that runs through the neighborhood.
Local Markets
Soulard Farmers Market
Soulard Farmers Market is located in St. Louis and is one of the oldest farmers markets in the country. The market is open year-round and features local produce, meats, and baked goods.
City Market
City Market is located in Kansas City and features local produce, flowers, and crafts. The market also has restaurants and live music.
Beaches and Mountains
Lake of the Ozarks
Lake of the Ozarks is a large reservoir in central Missouri that offers boating, fishing, and swimming. The area also has hiking trails and golf courses.
Taum Sauk Mountain
Taum Sauk Mountain is the highest point in Missouri and offers hiking trails and scenic views of the surrounding area. The mountain is located in the St. Francois Mountains in southeastern Missouri.
Cultural Immersion
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is located in Kansas City and features a collection of over 35,000 works of art from around the world. The museum also has a sculpture garden and hosts special exhibitions.
The Gateway Arch Museum
The Gateway Arch Museum is located in St. Louis and tells the story of the westward expansion of the United States. The museum features interactive exhibits and artifacts from the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Art and Music Scene
The Crossroads Arts District
The Crossroads Arts District is a neighborhood in Kansas City that features art galleries, studios, and performance spaces. The district also hosts a monthly First Friday art walk.
The Pageant
The Pageant is a music venue located in St. Louis that hosts concerts by local and national artists. The venue has been named one of the best music venues in the country by Rolling Stone magazine.
Walking Tours
The Missouri State Capitol
The Missouri State Capitol is located in Jefferson City and features a dome that is higher than the United States Capitol. Visitors can take a guided tour of the building and learn about the history of the state government.
The Kansas City Riverfront
The Kansas City Riverfront is a historic district that features a walking tour of the city’s early history. Visitors can see landmarks such as the Arabia Steamboat Museum and the City Market.
Architectural Marvels
The Eads Bridge
The Eads Bridge is a historic bridge that spans the Mississippi River between St. Louis, Missouri, and East St. Louis, Illinois. The bridge was completed in 1874 and was the first bridge to span the Mississippi River.
The Kansas City Public Library
The Kansas City Public Library is located in downtown Kansas City and features a unique exterior that resembles rows of books. The library also has a rooftop terrace with views of the city.
Historical Sites
The Missouri History Museum
The Missouri History Museum is located in Forest Park in St. Louis and
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