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
World's Largest Flowerbox
Neosho, Missouri, nationally known as the Flower Box City, is proud to be home of the world's largest flower box. After acquiring a railroad gondola car, it was transformed into a flower box. It's 66 feet long, eight feet wide and 44
Neosho, MO One Of A KindsOzark Outdoors Riverfront Resort
Instant Fun - Just Add Water!!! Open year round, our scenic rural setting is surrounded by the Huzzah Wildlife Area on the banks of the Meramec River, and near Onondaga Cave State Park. Only 1 ½ hours from St. Louis and 2 hours from Branson;
Leasburg, MO OutfittersHistoric Town Square
In the "heart of town," you will find the Square, where Sarcoxie's retail area began. Still a congregating place, the centerpiece of the Square is the gazebo built in 1831 and park where monuments commemorate the town's proud past. Rich in Civil War history;
Sarcoxie, MOStockton Lake Boating
Stockton Lake offers great opportunities for the boating and personal watercraft enthusiast. Stockton is known as one of Missouri's best sailing lakes and the Stockton Yacht Club (link)
, MO BoatingGrave of the Old Shepherd
In his book, "Old Matt's View of It," J.K. Ross wrote about the death of the Old Shepherd from Mutton Hollow. He was gored to death by a bull. A Civil War tombstone marks the grave of James Marion Wood, who met this untimely fate in 1910
Mt. Vernon, MO CemeteriesSmithville Lake Fishing
More than 4,000 of the lake's 7,190 water surface acres were left uncleared to provide the aquatic habitat that should provide excellent fishing for many years. Hundreds of irregularly shaped coves will furnish over 175
, MO FishingLawrence County Courthouse
Built in 1900 of native limestone, this is the third courthouse on this site. A statue of Justice graces the top of this historic landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The first courthouse was built of wood in 1846
Mt. Vernon, MO Historic CourthousesThe Clubhouse
The Clubhouse was built by the Southwest Missouri Electric Railway and is now the home to the Webb City Historical Society whose mission is collecting, preserving, and sharing Webb City's history. Historical exhibits are on display at various schedules throughout the year.
Webb City, MO Museums
Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site
A turn-of-the-century "Castle on the Hill." Bothwell Lodge represents early 20th-century living and arts and crafts architecture. This castlelike building was constructed between 1897 and 1928 for a prominent Sedalia lawyer, John Homer Bothwell.
Sedalia, MO Famous HomesGene Taylor Library and Museum
At the northeast corner of the Square is a replica of an office used by Congressman Gene Taylor during this 16-year tenure in Washington, DC. This building houses mementos of Mr. Taylor's years in public service. History on the Wild Peony fields, as well as other various memorabilia on Sarcoxie'
Sarcoxie, MO MuseumsMark 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 BoatingSmithville 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 Boating