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
Performing 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 ArtsSmithville 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 FishingLong Branch Lake Area Hunting
Opportunities for hunting at Long Branch Lake can be found on over 5,500 acres managed by the Corps of Engineers and the Missouri Department of Conservation. The Corps manages approximately 1,000 acres on the east and west side of the lake that are open to public hunting. The Corps licensed 2,454
, MO HuntingCity Parks
Williams Creek Park and the "Spirit of 76" Recreation Complex - Mt. Vernon's largest and newest park is the "Spirit of 76"
Mt. Vernon, MO RecreationRailroad Historical Museum INC.
The Railroad Historical Museum features a Frisco 4524 Steam locomotive and tender, Burlington Baggage Car, Chicago Northwestern Commuter Car and Burlington Northern Caboose with hundreds of artifacts from the St.Louis San Francisco RR and other railroads.
Springfield, MO MuseumsNeosho Municipal Golf
Beautiful rolling hills and lush greens are the setting for Neosho's challenging 27-hole Municipal Golf Course. Golfers from the 4
Neosho, MO RecreationBothwell 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 HomesRay County Museum and Genealogical Library
Ray County, known as the Mother County of Missouri, and, its County Seat, Richmond, boasts a beautiful turn of the century building for its museum. 37
Richmond, MO MuseumsMark Twain Lake Fishing
With over 18,000 acres of water, Mark Twain Lake offers anglers thriving populations of catfish, bass, crappie, walleye, bluegill and sunfish. Timber has been left in the upper ends of the lake and in selected coves to improve fish habitat. According to 2004 reports: Bass. Based on 2003
, MO FishingThe Great River Road Scenic Byway
The mighty Mississippi was the lifeblood of many Missouri towns for over a century. The Missouri Great River Road is a route with stories to tell and a history to preserve. Civil War History and the movement west are just two of the great American stories that the byway has to tell.
Clarksville, MO Scenic Byways