Arcola MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Arcola, Missouri.
1. Stockton Lake
SERENE WATERFRONT RECREATION
Stockton Lake is a beautiful body of water that offers numerous recreational activities for visitors near Arcola. The lake features clear waters perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing throughout the warmer months. Surrounded by scenic shorelines, it provides a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
2. 7C's Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
7C's Winery offers visitors a charming wine tasting experience in the Arcola region. The winery produces a variety of locally crafted wines made from regional grapes and fruits. Guests can enjoy tastings in a rustic setting while learning about the winemaking process from knowledgeable staff.
3. Thorncrown Chapel
ARCHITECTURAL GLASS MARVEL
Thorncrown Chapel is an architectural masterpiece constructed primarily of glass and wood in a serene forest setting near Missouri. The chapel features 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass, creating a stunning interplay of light and nature. Visitors from around the world come to admire its unique design and peaceful atmosphere.
4. Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel
GOTHIC-INSPIRED GLASS SANCTUARY
Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel is a stunning glass and steel chapel designed with Gothic inspiration not far from the Missouri border. The chapel's walls consist of 4,460 square feet of glass, allowing natural light to flood the interior and creating a harmonious blend with the surrounding woodland. Visitors appreciate both its architectural significance and the tranquil setting for reflection.
5. Kansas City Missouri Temple
SACRED RELIGIOUS MONUMENT
The Kansas City Missouri Temple is an impressive religious edifice serving as a sacred site for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The temple's distinctive architecture features a single spire and white exterior that makes it a notable landmark in the region. Visitors can explore the beautifully landscaped grounds year-round, though the interior is reserved for church members.
6. Gateway Arch
ICONIC NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch is Missouri's most recognizable landmark, standing 630 feet tall on the banks of the Mississippi River. Visitors can ride a tram to the top of this stainless steel monument for panoramic views of St. Louis and the surrounding area. The arch serves as a symbol of westward expansion and is part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.
7. Missouri Botanical Garden
HISTORIC FLORAL PARADISE
The Missouri Botanical Garden encompasses 79 acres of horticultural displays, including a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden. Founded in 1859, it is one of the oldest botanical institutions in the United States and a National Historic Landmark. The garden features numerous themed sections, conservatories, and seasonal displays that attract plant enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
8. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art houses an encyclopedic collection spanning nearly 5,000 years of human creativity. The museum is known for its neoclassical architecture, expansive sculpture park featuring oversized badminton shuttlecocks, and impressive Asian art collection. Visitors can explore diverse exhibitions from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces in this renowned cultural institution.
9. Meramec Caverns
FAMOUS UNDERGROUND WONDER
Meramec Caverns is an extensive cave system formed from limestone over millions of years in Missouri's Ozarks. The caverns feature dramatic formations including the massive Stage Curtain, a seven-story formation highlighted in colorful light shows for visitors. Once used as a hideout by Jesse James, the cave now offers guided tours through its illuminated chambers and underground river.
10. Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park
PRISTINE RIVER WILDERNESS
Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park protects 134 miles of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, creating America's first national park area to protect a river system. The park features crystal-clear springs, towering bluffs, and lush forests that create a haven for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities such as canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and exploring more than 300 caves within the park boundaries.
11. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is a historic mile-long pedestrian bridge spanning the Mississippi River with its distinctive 22-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. History enthusiasts appreciate its engineering significance and connection to America's most famous highway.
12. Branson Entertainment District
FAMILY-FRIENDLY SHOW CAPITAL
Branson's Entertainment District features dozens of theaters offering live music shows, comedy acts, and variety performances in the heart of the Ozarks. The district combines traditional country music heritage with modern entertainment options, making it one of America's most popular family vacation destinations. Visitors can experience everything from elaborate production shows to intimate acoustic performances throughout the year.
13. Silver Dollar City
HISTORIC THEME PARK
Silver Dollar City is an 1880s-themed amusement park featuring over 40 rides and attractions, including world-class roller coasters and water rides. The park showcases more than 100 craftspeople demonstrating traditional skills like glassblowing, blacksmithing, and candy making throughout the grounds. Seasonal festivals, musical performances, and hearty Ozark cuisine add to the immersive experience of stepping back in time.
14. Table Rock Lake
PREMIER OUTDOOR DESTINATION
Table Rock Lake offers 43,000 acres of pristine water surrounded by the scenic Ozark Mountains just south of Branson. The lake is renowned for its exceptional fishing, particularly for bass, with numerous tournaments held throughout the year. Water enthusiasts can enjoy boating, swimming, scuba diving, and waterfront camping along its 800 miles of shoreline.
15. Ha Ha Tonka State Park
CASTLE RUINS AND NATURE
Ha Ha Tonka State Park features the stone ruins of a 1900s castle perched dramatically on a bluff overlooking the Lake of the Ozarks. The park encompasses sinkholes, caves, a natural bridge, and Missouri's 12th largest spring, creating a diverse landscape for exploration. Visitors can hike over 15 miles of trails that wind through oak-hickory woodlands and showcase spectacular geological features.