Top 6 Magnificient & Breathtaking Places In Missouri

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The state of Missouri is commonly referred to as the "Show Me State" due to its abundance of breathtaking landscapes, including caverns, mountains, lakes, and the stunning Mississippi River. It is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty, the abundance of opportunities for outdoor activity, and the historic cities that feature fascinating museums.

Take a look at the top six tourist destinations in Missouri and decide which ones you want to see the most on your vacation to the United States.

Top 6 Breathtaking Places You Must Visit In Missouri

1. Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Camdenton

Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Camdenton (Photo: traveltriangle)

Ha Ha Tonka State Park, situated on the shores of Lake of the Ozarks, is a popular tourist destination in Missouri. The castle ruins that are nearby can be blamed for this.

The location, which is 5 miles from Camdenton, Missouri, has been completely recreated into a 3,700-acre public park where you can visit the ruins of a 16th-century stone castle that are perched high on a bluff. This park is breathtakingly beautiful and has many different geographical features.

There is a natural bridge that is 60 feet long, 100 feet high, and 70 feet wide. In addition to this, there are two other sinkholes: the 150-foot-deep Whispering Dell Sink Basin and the Colosseum Sink Hole.

Each day, the Ha Ha Tonka spring discharges about 50 million gallons of water through a gorge that is 250 feet high. On the bluff, up high, are the castle's stone remnants. More than 15 miles of well-maintained trails wind through the park, passing by sinkholes, caves, and bridges that connect a stunning lake that is blue and clear.

2. Gateway Arch, St. Louis

Gateway Arch, St. Louis (Photo: traveltriangle)

There is no denying that St. Louis is the state's largest metro area and is teeming with tourist sites and adventurous activities. Numerous historic gardens, museums, parks, and breweries can be found there, not to mention the gateway arch, the tallest man-made structure in the world. An open mall in this urban area connects to the courthouse, which is situated in front of the gateway arch. The Dred Scott decision was made in this venerable courthouse.

The St. Louis Zoo, the Forest Park, and the Anheuser Busch brewery all offer fantastic brews for tourists to sample. The Soulard neighborhood is the best location to sample St. Louis barbecue cuisine. It's important to visit sites like the Westward Expansion Museum, St. Louis Cathedral, Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Magic House. Do not skip the Missouri botanical garden if you are in St. Louis during the spring.

The first of its kind in America, this botanical garden was established in the Victorian era by philanthropist Henry Shaw. This garden spans 79 acres of land and has a diverse assortment of trees, shrubs, and plants. More than 14000 different plant species, including banana, cocoa, coffee, orchids, and more, are housed in the geodesic dome known as Cilmatton.

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3. Onondaga Cave State Park, Leasburg

Photo: Wikipedia

A breathtaking show cave that is a National Natural Landmark can be found in this park. The park offers camping, lovely hiking trails, a lake, picnic areas, and a shelter, as well as access to the Meramec River. On Route H, the park is situated seven miles from I-44. According to visitmo, there is no charge for entry to the park or visitor center.

When you descend into the Onondaga cave state park, you come across a land of wonders that includes magnificent stalagmites and stalactites, flowstone, soda straws, etc. The Missouri nickname "cave state" is more than justified in light of this natural landmark. Tourists must take guided tours in order to explore the cave's underground areas. A park called Vilander Bluff Natural Area, which offers views of the Meramec River, is located above the cave.

Water sports like canoeing and fishing are available for participation by people. Due to its proximity to the main access road, the campground is typically quiet. There are all the essential elements of a camp: fire pits, a playground, lantern posts, etc.

An educational amphitheater is available at this location, where programs are held all summer long. There are swimming areas along the Meramec River. It is advisable to check the weather before traveling to this location because flooding affects it severely. There are shaded, well-maintained picnic areas, most of which are located next to rivers. There are restrooms, barbecue pits, and trash cans available.

4. Branson, Ozark

Branson downtown (Photo: petergreenberg)

Branson, which is well-known among tourists for providing them with a wide range of adventure activities and entertainment, including comedy, dance, acrobatics, and more, is another on the list of the best places to visit in Missouri.

It is close to the Branson tri-lakes, wineries, and Ozarks and has several ancient museums. Due to the scenic beauty it offers, it draws tourists. Visiting the historic downtown by trolley is like traveling back in time to the 1880s.

Visits to the zoo, marvel cave, butterfly palace, and picnics with a view of Table Rock Lake are among the top things to do in Branson. The Branson Landing Fountain Show, which includes fire, music, and water, is a visual treat in the evening.

At the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, one can also engage in a number of activities like hiking, bird watching, trout fishing, and taking advantage of the hatchery's seasonal tours. The table rock salt park and the biggest toy museum in the world shouldn't be missed.

5. Elephant Rocks State Park, Belleview

Photo: mostateparks website

This park features enormous granite boulders with elephant-like shapes. These enormous elephant rocks were created from granites that stood end to end like a line of circus elephants about 1.5 billion years ago. People like to climb on top of them.

These granite boulders' structures have piqued geologists' interest, leading to further research. This region's one-mile loop Braille trail is the first of its kind to be developed in Missouri, especially for visitors who are physically and visually challenged.

6. Talking Rocks Cavern

Talking Rocks Cavern (Photo: Explore Branson)

The early cave developer, Truman Powell, gave Talking Rocks Cavern the name "Fairy Cave" after his initial exploration. Talking Rocks Cavern, established in the late 1800s, is situated about 15 minutes away from Branson. The Herschel family amusement company offers frequent cave tours. To get to the bottom of the cave, visitors must descend a flight of 265 steps.

The caves are well lit and kept up, and they have created amazing crystalline formations. A light and sound show is also a part of the tour that this family has planned. Additional entertaining activities available to visitors include nature trails, a spell box crawl maze, and a lookout tower.

As one of the best places to visit in Missouri, a trip here would be incomplete without exploring the caverns and rocks.The ideal location for children of all ages to enjoy playing explorer is Talking Rocks Cavern. This amazing natural wonder—once dubbed "Missouri's Most Beautiful Cave"—offers a pace that is different from that of the typical shows and roller coasters.

The scenery for an incredible adventure that the family will never forget is provided by Talking Rocks Cavern and its stunning landscape of sparkling crystals.

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