Missouri: A Blend of Culture, History & Quirky Charm
St. Louis - The Gateway Arch
Missouri offers a diverse mix of cultural highlights, rich history, and small-town charm. Whether you're drawn to vibrant cities or scenic countryside, there's something for every type of traveler.
Kansas City is famous for its live jazz scene and mouthwatering barbecue. “Barbecue and jazz are the two things that are most unique here, and both come in flavors that you don't readily find elsewhere,” says local expert Scott. One must-try specialty? Burnt ends—delicious, caramelized nuggets of barbecue brisket, said to have originated right here. Feast your way through iconic spots like Joe’s Kansas City BBQ, Chef J BBQ, Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue, Gates Bar-B-Q, and Slap’s BBQ.
St. Louis is home to the Gateway Arch, the tallest man-made national monument in the U.S. at 630 feet—more than twice the height of the Statue of Liberty! Often called the “Gateway to the West,” the Arch offers breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and serves as a powerful symbol of exploration and westward expansion.
In the Missouri countryside, Hermann channels the charm of Germany’s Rhine Valley with its picturesque vineyards and historic architecture. Jamesport, meanwhile, offers a peaceful step back in time with its thriving Amish community.
For outdoor lovers, Lake of the Ozarks delivers with waterfront resorts, hiking trails, golf courses, underground caves, cruises, and endless opportunities for boating and water sports.
Along the Mississippi River, Ste. Geneviève enchants with French colonial architecture, walkable historic streets, and nearby nature trails perfect for hiking and exploring.
Fun & Quirky Missouri Facts
1. The Gateway Arch is taller than the Statue of Liberty and offers a tram ride to the top for panoramic views.
2. Jesse James, the infamous outlaw, met his end in St. Joseph, allegedly while planning his next robbery.
3. Missouri is home to an impressive list of giant roadside attractions:
o A 12-foot-long pecan
o A 42-foot-tall rocking chair
o A 43-foot-tall rooster
Here are just a few Missouri festivals to get you started.
APRIL
Dogwood-Azalea Festival, Charleston
This springtime favorite has twice been voted a Top 5 Spring Flower Festival in the USA by Fodor’s, and the 51st annual Dogwood- Azalea Festival is sure to carry on the award-winning tradition.
The six-mile Dogwood-Azalea Trail, the star of the festival, will be in full bloom during the four-day event. Also on tap are Home Tours, a Candlelight Tour with white luminaries lining the trail, an Arts and Crafts Bazaar with a Pickers Garden, a parade, an old-fashioned ice cream social, an Art Show, carriage rides and piano concerts. A Taste of the Festival ensures there’s delicious fare for festivalgoers.
Step-on guides are available for motorcoach groups.
For more information and this year’s dates, visit charlestonmo.org/festival/events.php.
JUNE
Old Time Music, Ozark Heritage Festival, West Plains
Groups are invited to celebrate old-time music and Ozark Highlands culture the third weekend in June.
Old-time music is performed both days at the festival site, which stretches from the grounds of the West Plains Civic Center and along East Main Street. The main stage features regional artists, while the other stage presents up-and-coming musicians. Other events include a beard competition, jig dance competition, square dancing, and artisan demonstrations of quilting, pottery and other crafts. There are street performers, a bucket brigade, mule jump and fiddler’s frolic.
It’s not surprising this festival has been recognized as an ABA Top 100 Event. Get planning at oldtimemusic.org.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
Christmas Traditions, St. Charles
Come the holiday season, groups converge on this old city just west of St. Louis to enjoy Christmas characters, carolers, outstanding shopping and dining, and decorations along the brick streets of the Historic District. At Pancakes in the Park, you’ll get to rub elbows with some of the festival favorites and eat all the pancakes and sausage you want on two Sunday mornings.
Free events include the opening ceremony, tree-lighting ceremony and Santa Parade. Christmas Traditions begins the day after Thanksgiving and continues to Christmas Eve. Begin planning at discoverstcharles.com/events/christmas-traditions.
Ozark Mountain Christmas, Branson
This event is so large it needs two full months. There’s no waiting for Thanksgiving to kick off this holiday tradition that has been providing merriment for more than 25 years. As the Live Music Show Capital of the World, Branson is known for its line-up of themed shows and special performances morning, noon and night. From gospel and country to comedy and current hits, Branson theaters offer Christmas shows for every interest…
For more festival information, visit Travel & Leisure Magazine, “Missouri Festivals Entertain All Year Long”
