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
Carnegie Library
Webb City's library, built in 1914, is one of the few active Carnegie libraries in Missouri. Housed in an elegant stone building highlighting Webb City'
Webb City, MO Carnegie LibrariesCity Square Park
Mansfield's downtown City Square Park is the center of community events and outdoor enjoyment. An historic gazebo stands in the center of the park surrounded by shaded grass areas for picnics, visiting with neighbors, or just walking barefoot through the park!
Mansfield, MO Recreation
Confederate Capitol
Neosho was the Confederate Capitol of Missouri, when on October 18, 1861
Neosho, MO Historic BuildingsChouteau Gardens
Chouteau Gardens history began when about 38,000 acres were included in the Pierre Chouteau land grant from the Osage Indians. About 6
Blackwater, MO GardensBloodworth House
The original red brick Queen Anne style cottage built around 1910 was the home of the C.T. Bloodworth family for many years. Today, this home has been restored as an English Baroque stately home in the style of the William and Mary Period (1689-1702)
Poplar Bluff, MO Historic HomesOzark Lake Area Caves
Missouri is truly the cave state, with over 5,380 registered and mapped wild caves. 300 of the wild caves are in the counties of Camden, Miller, and Morgan which surround the Lake of the Ozarks. Show Caves are wild caves that have been "tamed"
, MO CavingBig Spring
When the Moore family first settled there, there were Indian camps all along the bottom land. This spring puts out up to 13 million gallons of water a day, and has been a popular family picnic site for over a hundred years. It is located just beyond Rebel's Bluff and Old Shepherd'
Mt. Vernon, MO ArchaeologyPerforming Arts
The arts flourish in Joplin. Missouri Southern State college is host to many events, from a formal ballet or musical performance in Taylor Auditorium to a lighthearted "Pops" concert on the college'
Joplin, MO ArtsStockton Lake Area Equestrian Trails
Take to the trails to enjoy the beauty of nature and the company of others on horseback. The shoreline, the wilderness trails, the bluff, the lake and the old abandoned roads on Corp land are savored one hoof beat at a time.
, MO EquestrianSouthwest Missouri Electric Railroad
A.H. Rogers built a mule-drawn streetcar line from Webb City to Carterville in 1889, predeccessor of the South West Missouri Electric Railway. Established in 1893, it was expanded in the 1900s to a vast interurban system.
Webb City, MO Railroad History
Old Catholic Church
The Catholic Church was built in 1905 from bricks said to have come from Verona.
Aurora, MO Historic Churches