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
Smithville Lake Water Sports
Boating - Smithville Lake has over 175 miles of shoreline offering excellent boating opportunities. Five multi-lane boat launch ranps and excellent parking for trailers insure easy accessibility to all parts of this 7,200
, MO BoatingMilitary Memorials
For those interested in military machinery, the following memorials can be seen on a short day trip to the following cites around the Pierce City area.
Pierce City, MO - M4 Sherman Tank
Cassville, MO - M60A3 Main Battle Tank
Purdy, MO - A-4 Skyhawk Fighter-bomber
Pierce City, MO Memorials
Aurora Carnegie Library
The Carnegie library was built in 1917-18 for $18,000
Aurora, MO Carnegie LibrariesThe 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 LifeSouthwest 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
Branson Zipline Canopy Tours
Branson Zipline Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve offers visitors of all ages a World Class Eco-Adventure in the Ozark Mountains. Imagine soaring through and over the trees during a fun activity that combines both adventure and the outdoors. It'
Branson, MO Outdoor RecreationBig 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 Archaeology