Missouri

A central state where the Mississippi and Missouri rivers meet, with the St. Louis Gateway Arch, Kansas City barbecue and the Ozarks.

Missouri lies in the central United States, with the Mississippi River forming its eastern border and the Missouri River crossing the state. St. Louis is landmarked by the Gateway Arch, and its museums and forest park are also popular; Kansas City is known for barbecue and jazz; the Ozark Plateau in the south has lakes and caves, and Branson is a well-known show-business and entertainment town. Hannibal is Mark Twain's boyhood hometown. Spring and fall are the best times to visit, and summers are hot and humid. The main gateways are St. Louis and Kansas City international airports.

Destinations

• St. Louis
• Kansas City
• Branson
• Lake of the Ozarks
• Hannibal

Itineraries

• Missouri Triangle: Gateway Arch, Ozarks & Jazz – Travel from St. Louis through the Lake of the Ozarks and Branson to the jazz and BBQ of Kansas City.
• Route 66: Chicago to St. Louis – Start from the iconic sign in Chicago, passing through Pontiac and Lincoln's hometown to reach the Mississippi River.
• Great River Road: Twin Cities to St. Louis – Follow the Mississippi River south through blufftop towns, historic Galena, and Mark Twain's hometown.