Amsterdam Missouri
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Amsterdam, Missouri.
1. Gateway Arch
WESTWARD EXPANSION | ST LOUIS MO
Rising above downtown St. Louis, the Gateway Arch is a stainless steel masterpiece commemorating America's westward expansion. Guests can ride to the top for panoramic views, visit the museum to learn about pioneer history, or relax on riverboat cruises along the Mississippi River. This iconic structure is a must-see destination for history and architecture enthusiasts alike.
2. Missouri Botanical Garden
CULTURAL TREASURE | ST LOUIS MO
The garden's diverse attractions include cultural gems like sculptures by Dale Chihuly and Niki de Saint Phalle alongside its horticultural displays. Visitors can explore themed gardens that reflect global influences while learning about conservation efforts through interactive exhibits and workshops.
3. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
ARTISTIC TREASURES | KANSAS CITY MO
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art offers an encyclopedic collection spanning 5,000 years of global art history. Visitors can explore diverse galleries, including renowned Asian and European art, and enjoy outdoor sculptures in the 22-acre Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park. With free admission and amenities like an Italian courtyard-inspired restaurant, it is a cultural gem for art lovers.
4. Meramec Caverns
UNDERGROUND ESCAPE | STANTON MO
Explore seven levels of natural limestone beauty at Meramec Caverns, Missouri's iconic tourist attraction since 1933. The guided tours highlight unique formations and fascinating legends tied to local history. On-site activities such as camping and rafting ensure a memorable visit for all.
5. Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park
BIODIVERSITY HAVEN | VAN BUREN MO
Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park supports a wide variety of aquatic, terrestrial, and subterranean habitats within its 80,000 acres of protected land. Its rivers are designated Outstanding National Resource Waters due to their ecological importance. Wildlife diversity is further enriched by elk reintroduction efforts within the park's boundaries.
6. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
ROUTE 66 LANDMARK | ST LOUIS MO
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, once a vital link on Route 66, is now a preserved piece of history for pedestrians and cyclists. Its unique bend and proximity to water intake towers add to its allure. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride with picturesque views of the Mississippi.
7. Missouri Great River Road
RIVER ROAD ESCAPE | EASTERN MISSOURI
The Missouri Great River Road delivers an escape into scenic beauty and historical richness along its winding path beside the Mississippi River. Visitors can enjoy iconic sites like the Gateway Arch while discovering hidden gems such as Crystal City Underground kayaking tours or artisan galleries in Clarksville. It is a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration for any traveler seeking adventure in Missouri.
8. Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge
BIRDING PARADISE | MOUND CITY MO
Known as one of the Midwest's premier birding destinations, Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge hosts impressive gatherings of snow geese numbering over one million during peak migrations each year. Early morning visits to pools like Pelican Pool and Eagle Pool at Loess Bluffs provide optimal birdwatching opportunities for enthusiasts seeking unforgettable moments in nature. Seasonal surveys track bird populations across this vibrant refuge for visitors to follow closely during their trips to Loess Bluffs.
9. Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
CIVIC LEADERSHIP | INDEPENDENCE MO
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum celebrates the achievements of America's 33rd president through immersive exhibits and interactive displays. Guests can learn about his role in shaping postwar policies and advancing civil rights initiatives. Located in Independence, Missouri, it remains a cornerstone of historical exploration.
10. TITANIC Museum Attraction
A TRIBUTE TO TITANIC | BRANSON MO
TITANIC Museum Attraction commemorates the iconic ship's legacy with its immersive exhibits and personal storytelling approach. Visitors receive boarding passes linked to real passengers, making their exploration deeply meaningful as they uncover individual fates at tour's end. With interactive features like icy water challenges, this museum connects guests to history in unforgettable ways.
11. Silver Dollar City
THEME PARK THRILLS | BRANSON MO
Silver Dollar City is an 1880s-themed park nestled in the picturesque Ozark Mountains, offering visitors a unique blend of history and entertainment. Silver Dollar City features over 40 rides, live shows, and artisan demonstrations, creating an immersive experience for all ages. Guests at Silver Dollar City can also explore Marvel Cave and enjoy award-winning dining and seasonal festivals.
12. City Museum
ADVENTURE HAVEN | ST LOUIS MO
A visit to City Museum means discovering hidden treasures like underground caves, towering slides, and quirky rooftop features such as a vintage bus installation. This dynamic space encourages creativity through interactive exhibits designed for all ages to enjoy together. City Museum redefines what it means to explore.
13. Mark Twain National Forest
RUGGED OZARKS | SOUTHERN MO
Mark Twain National Forest showcases Missouri's natural beauty with its rocky glades, volcanic mountains, and over 5,000 caves. Visitors can enjoy activities like floating on pristine rivers, camping in secluded spots, or exploring historic sites scattered throughout the forest. Its diverse terrain makes Mark Twain National Forest a unique destination for adventure and relaxation.
14. National WWI Museum and Memorial
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE | KANSAS CITY MO
The National WWI Museum and Memorial captivates guests with its comprehensive collection of artifacts and interactive exhibits. Highlights include a glass bridge above a symbolic poppy field and detailed galleries showcasing the war's timeline. Visitors can also ascend the Liberty Memorial Tower for stunning panoramic views.
15. Fantastic Caverns
ALL-SEASON ATTRACTION | SPRINGFIELD MO
Fantastic Caverns provides a 55-minute guided tour through a stunning underground landscape, all from the comfort of a Jeep-drawn tram. Its constant 60-degree temperature makes it an ideal destination no matter the season. Visitors can learn about the cave's rich history while enjoying its breathtaking formations and family-friendly accessibility.
16. SEA LIFE Kansas City
UNDERWATER WONDERLAND | KANSAS CITY MO
SEA LIFE Kansas City offers an immersive aquatic experience with over 5,000 marine creatures, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Guests can walk through a 180-degree ocean tunnel and interact with starfish in touch pools. This family-friendly aquarium emphasizes marine conservation while providing educational fun.
17. National Museum of Transportation
TRANSPORT HISTORY | KIRKWOOD MO
The National Museum of Transportation showcases an extensive collection of trains, cars, planes, and boats spanning 15 decades of American history. Highlights include rare locomotives like Union Pacific Big Boy #4006 and unique vehicles such as a Chrysler turbine car. Interactive exhibits and guided tours make it a family-friendly destination for learning about transportation evolution.
18. Discovery Center of Springfield
HANDS-ON SCIENCE | SPRINGFIELD MO
The Discovery Center of Springfield is an interactive science museum featuring exhibits on health, technology, and natural history. Visitors can explore a giant walk-through brain or engage in STEM-focused activities like virtual reality simulations. This dynamic center inspires curiosity for learners of all ages.
19. Alley Spring & Mill
HISTORIC MILL & SPRINGS | EMINENCE MO
Alley Spring & Mill combines natural beauty with historical charm as visitors explore its turquoise spring waters and iconic red mill listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The mill offers seasonal tours showcasing original equipment used to grind wheat into flour in bygone days. Surrounding trails provide scenic hikes through caves, cliffs, and rushing streams for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
20. Route 66 Museum
MOTHER ROAD HISTORY | LEBANON MO
The Route 66 Museum celebrates the iconic highway with exhibits featuring vintage cars, neon signs, and nostalgic memorabilia. Visitors can explore interactive displays that highlight the cultural significance of Route 66. The museum's engaging atmosphere evokes the spirit of America's road trip era.