If you are planning to take a trip to the Midwest soon, consider stopping and enjoying famous landmarks in Missouri. Many of these landmarks separate East Coast civilization and the Western wild frontier that was not settled.
Several landmarks listed below are protected by the National Register for Historical Structures and are available for your viewing.
Famous Landmarks in Missouri
1. The Gateway Arch
If you want to visit the largest arch in the world, right in St. Louis is The Gateway Arch. At 630 ft tall, it allows visitors to overlook the city.
St. Louis was gifted with this arch because historically, this was the last major stop settlers made before venturing outward to the West. This arch is a symbol of that time and the effect this movement had on American history.
Also Read: Famous American Landmarks
This arch brings in thousands of visitors each year from around the country and internationally. When you visit the Gateway Arch, you can take it to the top and enjoy drinks and lounging along the way. Visiting the Arch will take around 45 minutes for the standard trip.
2. Missouri Botanical Garden
Another large St. Louis attraction is the Missouri Botanical Garden. With just one garden larger, it is one of the best gems that Missouri has to offer and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It was originally founded by Henry Shaw in the mid-1800s. The legacy of this garden has continued to grow since then and exists on a 79-acre property.
Each year, the garden gets to experience a number of festivals, attracting tourists to the area and embracing the culture of a botanical garden and its sacred place in Japan.
Some of the popular attractions within the garden include the Biblical garden reflecting the Mediterranean fruits of Genesis, Gladney Rose Garden, and the Tower Grove House, established in 1849.
3. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
A unique art museum, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art offers a significant representation of Asian art. There are some sculptures and art pieces that embrace a variety of human concepts and cultures dating back thousands of years.
The building itself has unique features in its architecture, allowing the journey to being before you ever get started.
This is a great option for days when you do not have a lot scheduled and want to visit between an unplanned open time on your itinerary. Admission is free of charge and you can choose to have guided tours at select times.
4. Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
One of the battles that took the American Civil War into the Western territory was the battle of Wilson’s Creek. This battlefield has been a memorial for those who lost their lives on that day and since the 1960s, has been properly maintained and preserved as a historic monument.
When you visit the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, make sure you stop first by the visitor’s center, where you can get a map of the park, and review a short film on the battle and the culture of the area after the fact.
On August 10 of each year, there are celebration and reenactment events that happen as a way to commemorate the battle that is the namesake of this park. However, there is more to this space than just a memorial.
Visitors in this area take advantage of the various walking trails found in the woods to stretch their legs and even take on this park while on horseback, making it a great option for getaways.
5. The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum
One of America’s most beloved authors is from Missouri, Samuel Langhorne Clemens otherwise known as Mark Twain. Understanding the life he had and what he experienced will tell a tale about how his writing came to be and give an insight into the stories that we all know and love.
This home is preserved and located in Hannibal, Missouri. Touring this property, you will find that there is a fence that was once whitewashed along the perimeter of the property.
Currently, there are seven structures on the site and lots of attractions nearby that will let you make a day of this on your trip to Missouri. Outside the property is the infamous Mississippi River that made its way into most of Mark Twain’s stories.
You will also find the Mark Twain Cave nearby which was instrumental in the Tom Sawyer story. This location brings in thousands of guests annually to get an understanding of this author’s insight and maybe even help build inspiration in those visiting the area.
6. Silver Dollar City
Located in Branson, Missouri is a theme park that attracts families each year for a festive experience.
If you want to have all the joys of fall, from the weather and food to the different rides and experiences that you have when you visit Silver Dollar City, As you walk through the park, you will notice that you are taken back in time, specifically to the late 1800s, or the turn of the 20th century.
7. Anheuser-Busch St. Louis Brewery
Every day, there are tours of hundreds of visitors in St. Louis take a tour of the Anheuser-Busch brewery that is behind some of America’s favorite domestic bears.
Created in 1875, this brewery was critical in the environment of St. Louis and Missouri at the time that it was essential to the economy. Many of the popular beers like Busch and Budweiser are brewed at this location before being bottled and shipped out.
When you tour the Anheuser-Busch grounds, make sure you get a picture of the Budweiser Clydesdales. They call this location home, and you can enjoy them out to pasture or watch them during their training routine.
If you want a tour, make sure you call ahead to reserve your place and have a guide available for you.
8. Tower Grove Park
One of the best-kept secrets in St. Louis is Tower Grove Park. It is often considered a local spot, where you can get outdoors and just enjoy nature greatly.
If you need a place to relax and just slow down for the afternoon, you can bring your bike to take on some trails, or you can even go for a hike or two. All the trails in this area are easy, making them a great option for all fitness levels.
If you have small children that are getting restless and need to burn some energy, then the playground is large enough to let them enjoy this space with each other and make new friends from around the area.
There isn’t a cost to use Tower Grove Park, and it is available any day of the week. Periodically, you can find events or festivals in the park area celebrating holidays and special events with the community.
9. City Museum St Louis
A large public project for the city of St. Louis, the City Museum offers a variety of exhibits and experiences for guests to enjoy when they visit the capital.
There are four floors of exhibits and a roof that gives you an opportunity to travel and experience the museum, describing how the culture of St. Louis and even Missouri, in general, has shifted over time.
Plan to give yourself several hours or an afternoon to get a full experience of the City Museum St. Louis. There are sculptures and architectural features to appreciate within the walls. While you are here, you are able to grab some food from the museum food court.
10. Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum
When you think of a simpler time and settlers moving to the west, your mind may take you back to the stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder and what she experienced moving out West.
Open 7 days a week, this historical site is now strictly preserved, so there are areas on the property that could be restricted.
However, you can see these stories come to life whenever you walk through the home that was Laura’s, beginning in 1911 after leaving South Dakota and then living in another home until this property was finished.
Throughout the year, there are a number of events and celebrations that take place on this property. The farmhouse is one that was truly close to Laura’s heart, so keeping it preserved as she had it is the way that fans of the books want to experience the property when they visit.