Missouri
The rivers arrived first, carving their priceless art into the Missouri landscape. They were our first trails, cutting a path for hundreds of explorers and thousands of settlers. The early pioneers branched out, forming their own trails, establishing towns along the way.As you follow those first settlers through the Gateway to the West, you too will carve a path. One filled with memories from an adventure second to none. Branch out, like the pioneers did, covering the trails that launched thousands of prairie schooners.
Along the way, experience Missouri's natural beauty and neighborliness, with a lifetime of navigable rivers. Just ask the ghosts of Lewis and Clark, who started - and ended - their 1804 Corps of Discovery in St. Charles. Carve your own path of discovery along Missouri's rivers. Blaze your own trails and write your own journals.
All across the state, you'll find plenty of opportunities to take home Missouri memories. Our shops are like our rivers. No two are the same. Each offers something new. So take off antiquing through Missouri's rich history. Browse through hundreds of shops at two of the world's largest railroad stations turned into shoppers' paradise, they're the state's biggest bookends, both named Union Station - one in Kansas City, one in St. Louis. From either spot, you can do more than read about Missouri's past, you can jump right in.
Explore Missouri
Mormon Visitors Center
Learn about the key roles Mormons played in the early and tempestuous history of Independence. See rare artifacts, exhibits and artwork documenting the history and belief of the Saints. Of particular note is a two story mural entitled "The Second Coming of Jesus Christ."
Independence, MO MuseumsAuto World Car Museum
More than 100 years of automobile history is on display: Studebakers; a Ford Quadracycle; a 1903 English Hummerette and much more. We have solar-powered cars developed at the University of Missouri. In addition, the museum has arrowheads, china doll heads (400 or more)
Fulton, MO MuseumsRailroad Historical Museum INC.
The Railroad Historical Museum features a Frisco 4524 Steam locomotive and tender, Burlington Baggage Car, Chicago Northwestern Commuter Car and Burlington Northern Caboose with hundreds of artifacts from the St.Louis San Francisco RR and other railroads.
Springfield, MO MuseumsLake of the Ozarks SP Cabins
Experience a new kind of camping adventure at the Outpost. Nestled in the heart of Lake of the Ozarks State Park, the Outpost offers eight rustic log cabins for campers who want to experience the outdoors without pitching a tent. Developed in 1993
, MO CabinsThe 2nd "Old Jail"
The county's first log jail burned in 1854, and a brick structure was built on Walter Street a block west of the square. It is presently undergoing reconstruction for historical preservation. It was used until 1868, and had an original cost of $3,500.
Mt. Vernon, MO Pioneer LifeConfederate Capitol
Neosho was the Confederate Capitol of Missouri, when on October 18, 1861
Neosho, MO Historic BuildingsMark Twain Lake Boating
18,000 acres of sparkling waters and scenic lands of Clarence Cannon Dam and Mark Twain Lake make an ideal location for all types of water recreation. Boaters will find numerous boat ramps located conveniently around the lake as well as two full service marinas that offer boat and slip rentals.
, MO BoatingWar Memorials
The Doughboy Statute was erected in 1925 in honor of the Polk County servicemen during 1917-1919. Next to the WWI memorial is a black granite memorial to honor servicemen of All Wars erected in 1996
Bolivar, MO MemorialsMaclay Home
Built in 1858 as a girls seminary, this 3 story brick structure served briefly as headquarters for General John Fremont in 1861
Tipton, MO Historic HomesLake of the Ozarks Birdwatching
"The Missouri Ozarks is one of the most productive breeding areas for migratory birds in the hemisphere. Neotropical migrants such as the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Northern Oriole, Woodthrush, and over 100
, MO BirdwatchingWilder Family Gravesites
Almanzo, Laura and Rose are buried in the Mansfield Cemetery. The Wilder family's gravesites are marked for ease in locating them. Many visitors each year, visit the gravesites and leave flowers in Laura'
Mansfield, MO Cemeteries