Alba MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Alba, Missouri.
1. 66 Drive-In Theatre
CLASSIC OUTDOOR MOVIE EXPERIENCE
66 Drive-In Theatre offers a nostalgic outdoor movie experience that has delighted families for generations. Visitors can enjoy current films under the stars from the comfort of their own vehicles while experiencing a slice of Americana. The drive-in features a classic concession stand with traditional movie snacks and maintains its vintage charm while providing modern movie projection.
2. Stone's Throw Dinner Theater
ENTERTAINMENT WITH FINE DINING
Stone's Throw Dinner Theater combines quality theatrical performances with delicious meal service for a complete entertainment experience. Patrons enjoy professionally produced plays and musicals while dining on carefully prepared multi-course meals. The intimate venue creates a warm atmosphere where audiences can appreciate both culinary and performing arts in one memorable evening.
3. Kiddieland
FAMILY-FRIENDLY AMUSEMENT PARK
Kiddieland provides a charming collection of rides and attractions specifically designed for younger children. The park features classic carnival-style rides that are perfect for creating lasting family memories in a safe environment. Its affordability and focus on younger visitors make it a beloved destination for local families and tourists alike.
4. Giant Hands on Prayer
INSPIRING OUTDOOR SCULPTURE
The Giant Hands on Prayer is an impressive outdoor sculpture depicting two enormous hands joined in prayer. This striking art installation serves as both a cultural landmark and a place for reflection for visitors of all backgrounds. The sculpture's imposing scale and spiritual significance make it a unique photo opportunity and conversation piece for travelers exploring the region.
5. Cherry's Art Emporium
LOCAL ART AND CRAFTS
Cherry's Art Emporium showcases the talents of local artists and craftspeople in a welcoming gallery space. Visitors can browse and purchase unique artwork, handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and other artisanal items created by regional makers. The emporium also frequently hosts workshops and art events that connect the community with creative pursuits.
6. Grand River Historical Museum
LOCAL HISTORY TREASURE TROVE
Grand River Historical Museum preserves the rich cultural heritage of Northwest Missouri through its extensive collection of historical artifacts. The museum features meticulously recreated scenes from early 20th-century life, including period homes and businesses with an authentic soda fountain. Recently expanded to include the restored Bethel AME Church, the museum now offers dedicated space for Black history exhibits and traditional arts presentations.
7. Chloe Lowry Marsh
NATURAL WILDLIFE HABITAT
Chloe Lowry Marsh offers a pristine 115-acre natural habitat that serves as a sanctuary for marsh-dwelling wildlife and plant species. Visitors can explore the former railroad right-of-way that now functions as a trail for nature enthusiasts seeking an authentic outdoor experience. The site is particularly renowned for its spectacular display of closed gentian flowers that bloom by the thousands each fall, creating a stunning natural spectacle.
8. Gateway Arch
ICONIC NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch is a towering 630-foot stainless steel monument that symbolizes St. Louis' role as the gateway to the American West. Visitors can ride a tram to the top of the arch for spectacular views of the city and the Mississippi River. The surrounding Jefferson National Expansion Memorial grounds include a museum that chronicles westward expansion and the role St. Louis played in American history.
9. Missouri Botanical Garden
WORLD-CLASS HORTICULTURAL DISPLAY
The Missouri Botanical Garden spans 79 acres of horticultural displays featuring plants from around the world arranged in stunning themed gardens. Visitors can explore the Japanese Garden, Victorian District, and the Climatron geodesic dome greenhouse that houses a tropical rainforest environment. Founded in 1859, it stands as the nation's oldest continuously operating botanical garden and serves as both a recreational space and a center for botanical research and conservation.
10. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
PREMIER FINE ARTS COLLECTION
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art houses an encyclopedic collection spanning 5,000 years of human creativity from ancient times to contemporary works. The museum's campus combines a classic 1933 neoclassical building with a modern glass extension, surrounded by sculpture gardens featuring the iconic giant shuttlecocks. Admission is free to all visitors, making world-class art accessible while offering specialized exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural events throughout the year.
11. Meramec Caverns
HISTORIC UNDERGROUND WONDER
Meramec Caverns is a 4.6-mile cave system featuring spectacular formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and flowing calcite deposits created over millennia. The caverns gained notoriety as a hideout for Jesse James and his gang during their outlaw years in the late 1800s. Guided tours take visitors through illuminated chambers with dramatic names like the Wine Room and the Theatre Room, showcasing nature's underground artistry in an accessible way for families and travelers of all ages.
12. Ozark National Scenic Riverways
PRISTINE RIVER RECREATION
Ozark National Scenic Riverways protects 134 miles of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, creating America's first federally designated national riverway. Visitors can enjoy crystal-clear spring-fed waters perfect for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and floating trips through the scenic Ozark highlands. The park encompasses numerous caves, historic mills, and over 300 springs including Big Spring, one of the largest single-outlet springs in the United States.
13. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
HISTORIC MISSISSIPPI RIVER CROSSING
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is a historic mile-long pedestrian crossing spanning the Mississippi River with its distinctive 30-degree bend in the middle. Originally part of Route 66, the bridge now serves as a unique walking and cycling path offering spectacular views of the river and St. Louis skyline. The structure's unusual design, water intakes, and connection to America's most famous highway make it a fascinating destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts.
14. Precious Moments Chapel
INSPIRATIONAL ART SANCTUARY
The Precious Moments Chapel showcases the intricate artwork of Samuel J. Butcher, creator of the beloved Precious Moments figurines, in a serene sanctuary setting. The chapel walls are adorned with hand-painted murals depicting biblical scenes using the distinctive teardrop-eyed characters that have captured hearts worldwide. Visitors describe the experience as moving and inspirational regardless of religious background, with surrounding gardens and a visitor center completing the peaceful attraction.
15. Red Oak II
REIMAGINED HISTORIC VILLAGE
Red Oak II is an artist-created village that resurrects and reimagines the founder's childhood hometown through relocated and restored historic buildings. Artist Lowell Davis collected, moved, and lovingly reconstructed structures including a general store, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and jail to create this living museum of rural Americana. Visitors can freely wander the grounds of this unique art installation that blends nostalgia, preservation, and creative vision into a one-of-a-kind experience.