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
Long Branch Lake Fishing
Long Branch Lake has an excellent reputation for bass fishing, but anglers can cast their lines for catfish, walleye and crappie as well. The lake's 24 miles of shoreline have many small coves that offer good fishing. Statewide fishing regulations apply.
, MO FishingOsage Indian Chain Saw Sculpture
Complete with staff and scroll, presented to Pierre Chouteau, serving as a deed for 38,000 acres in 1792
Blackwater, MO ArtVeterans Memorial Museum
Veterans Memorial Museum in Branson, Missouri features over 2000 exhibits progressing through the wars of the 20
Branson, MO MuseumsSmithville Lake Area Hunting
The public may hunt on more than 7,000 acres in the Smithville wildlife management area. Areas marked as "Wildlife Management Areas" are open year round. However, about 2,200 acres of land and water in the Honker Cove Waterfowl Refuge closes seasonally (October 15 – January 15)
, MO HuntingHarold Bell Wright/Pierce City Museum
When the First Christian Church (aka Pierce City Christian Church) in Pierce City closed, its board decided to give the building to the community for a library. The building served as Pierce City's public library from 1933-2000
Pierce City, MO MuseumsPromised Land Zoo
Promised Land Zoo currently features 500 animals from 40 species! Rare and endangered animals from all over the world. Babies are being born year round! We currently have a 4 mile drive thru, petting zoo and walk thru too!
Eagle Rock, MO ZoosMartha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary
The Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary is a 100-acre sanctuary for plants and animals. People can enjoy wildlife viewing on four miles of trails, outdoor education programs and a nature center.
Liberty, MO Nature CentersDewey Short Visitors Center
The Dewey Short Visitors Center is located at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Resident Office at Table Rock Dam. The center offers free informative programs to the public, April through October.
, MO Nature CentersShepherd Sawmill - Jolly Mill Park
The Shepherd family has operated sawmills in this area for many years. The family built this sawmill to honor all members of the family. The sawmill is steam powered by a 1918
Pierce City, MO Historic MillsPraying Hands Memorial
Nestled in the small Midwest town of Webb City, Missouri, the Heartland of America, stands the Praying Hands Memorial. Its stately vigil of more than twenty years is a silent testimony of the need for individual reflection and commitment.
In 1971, Jack Dawson, a 20
Webb City, MO Arts