Missouri is one of the 48 contiguous states found in the United States of America. It is located in the southeast corner of the West North Central states.
In this article, we will show you where to find Missouri on a map of the U.S., provide you with some fun facts about the state, and clue you in to some unique places to visit in Missouri.
Where Is Missouri?
Missouri can be found in the Midwest region of the United States. It is bordered by the following Midwest states of Kansas (to the west), Nebraska (to the northwest), Iowa (to the north), and Illinois (to the east).
It is also bordered by the Southern states of Kentucky and Tennessee (to the southeast), Arkansas (to the south), and Oklahoma (to the southwest).
What Inventions is Missouri Famous for?
In 1904, St. Louis, Missouri hosted the World’s Fair and two iconic food inventions were created at this event. Richard Blechyden served the first glass of iced tea, as no one had ever thought to put tea over ice before.
Additionally, an ice cream vendor who had run out of cups created the first ice cream cone out of a waffle – thus, also inventing the waffle cone.
What Are Some Odd Missouri Laws?
Every state has its share of quirky laws and Missouri is no different. Most of this state’s strange laws have to do with animals.
For example, it is illegal to own a dangerous reptile measuring larger than eight feet and you cannot give elephants intoxicating liquor.
In addition, “worrying squirrels” is against the law because these animals are notoriously fearless in Missouri.
What Are Some Historic Places to Visit in Missouri?
Whether you’re an American history buff or a war history fanatic, Missouri offers some fantastic historical monuments, museums, and sites to visit.
If you love to learn about influential figures in American history, consider visiting the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site, National Churchill Museum, General John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site, Harry S. Truman Birthplace State Historic Site, George Washington Carver National Monument, Walt Disney Hometown Museum, Ulysses S. Grant Monument, and Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum.
For some war history places to visit, check out Fort D Historic Site, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, and Lincoln University and the Soldiers Memorial Plaza. Other historical areas include the Pony Express National Museum and Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park.
What Parks Does Missouri Have to Visit?
Missouri plays host to a number of beautiful state parks and wildlife refuges. If you’re looking to satisfy your craving for the great outdoors and enjoy walking trails, hiking, biking, picnicking, water activities, and wildlife viewing, check out these popular recreational spots in Missouri.
The northwestern part of the state offers plenty of wildlife viewing, hiking, camping, and water access at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge, Weston Bend State Park, and Crowder State Park.
In northeastern Missouri, you can find a suite of museums and historical sites, boating opportunities, and camping facilities at Thousand Hills State Park, Forest Park in St. Louis, and Mark Twain State Park.
The southern area of Missouri offers unique venues for wildlife photography, swimming, boating, and fishing in the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge and Wilderness, St. Joe State Park, Stockton State Park, and Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
In central Missouri you’ll find some beautiful hiking and camping spots at the Trail of Tears Memorial, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Laughlin Park and Roubidoux River, and Lake of the Ozarks State Park.
What Cave Exploring Opportunities Are There in Missouri?
Missouri offers a whole host of spelunking opportunities with over 6000 caves to explore throughout the state. More than two dozen of these have regularly guided tours and are open to the public.
Some of the most popular southwestern Missouri caves featuring Native American artifacts and Civil War history include Smallin Civil War Cave, Marvel Cave at Silver Dollar City, Bluff Dwellers Cave and Browning Museum, and Fantastic Caverns.
In the southeastern part of the state lies caves over 10,000 years old including the Graham Cave State Park and the Mark Twain Cave Complex.
The central caves of Missouri are home to beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations. These caves include Jacob’s Cave, Bridal Cave and Thunder Mountain Park, and the Stark Caverns.
Missouri’s southeastern caves also hold historical and geological significance and are well worth visiting especially Onondaga Cave and Meramec Caverns.
What Family Fun Activities Are There to Do in Missouri?
There are a lot of opportunities for family friendly attractions in Missouri. Some places which offer free admission include the St. Louis Zoo, Grant’s Farm, St. Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Laumeier Sculpture Park.
Missouri’s top kid friendly attractions include SIlver Dollar City amusement park, Sights and Sounds Theatres, Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction, Missouri Botanical Gardens, and the National World War I Museum and Memorial.
What Is Missouri’s Most Famous Attraction?
The Gateway Arch is renowned for being the tallest monument in the country and towers over the city of St. Louis at 630 feet high.
The Arch is more than just an impressive sculpture to look at though. You can purchase tickets to take a tram ride all the way to the very top and take in the incredible view of one of Missouri’s most famous cities.
Riverboat cruises are available to admire the Gateway Arch from the Mississippi River while taking in spectacular dining and river views.
The Museum at the Gateway Arch offers a great experience of exhibits featuring the pioneers, explorers, and Native Americans who helped shape America.
What Sports Stadiums Are in Missouri?
Missouri hosts two major baseball stadiums – the St. Louis Cardinals Busch Stadium in St. Louis and the Kansas City Royals Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. Both offer stadium tours to the public.
Missouri is also home to Arrowhead Stadium, the home stadium of the Kansas City Chiefs football team.
