Bell City MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bell City, Missouri.
1. The Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library
MILITARY HISTORY PRESERVED
The Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library honors the legacy of the military newspaper that began during the Civil War. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing historical editions, wartime journalism, and military memorabilia spanning multiple conflicts. The museum provides valuable insights into how military news reporting has evolved while preserving the unique perspective of service members throughout American history.
2. Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield
HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE
Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield serves as a dignified final resting place for those who served in the United States Armed Forces. The meticulously maintained grounds feature orderly rows of headstones, a serene memorial area, and beautiful landscaping that creates a peaceful atmosphere for reflection. Visitors can pay respects to veterans and learn about their sacrifices through various monuments and informational displays.
3. Historic Downtown Sikeston
CHARMING MAIN STREET EXPERIENCE
Historic Downtown Sikeston offers visitors a glimpse into the area's rich past with its well-preserved architecture and small-town charm. The district features locally-owned shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions that showcase the community's heritage and hospitality. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the brick-lined streets while experiencing authentic southern Missouri culture.
4. Gateway Arch
ICONIC ST. LOUIS MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch dominates St. Louis' skyline as both an architectural marvel and a symbol of westward expansion. Standing at 630 feet tall, this stainless steel monument offers visitors tram rides to its observation deck for panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River. The surrounding Jefferson National Expansion Memorial includes a museum detailing the history of St. Louis and the role it played in America's westward journey.
5. Silver Dollar City
HISTORIC THEME PARK ADVENTURE
Silver Dollar City is an 1880s-themed amusement park built atop Marvel Cave, Missouri's deepest cave. The park features record-breaking roller coasters, live entertainment, and a crafts colony with over 100 demonstrating artisans preserving traditional Ozark Mountain skills. Visitors can enjoy award-winning down-home country cooking while experiencing the rich heritage and natural beauty of the Ozarks.
6. Liberty Bell Replica
SYMBOL OF AMERICAN FREEDOM
The Liberty Bell Replica in Jefferson City stands as a powerful tribute to American freedom within the Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial. This faithful reproduction captures the essence of the original Philadelphia bell, complete with its iconic crack and historical inscriptions. The surrounding memorial creates a serene atmosphere for visitors to reflect on the values of liberty and honor those who protect it.
7. Showboat Branson Belle
MAJESTIC LAKE CRUISE EXPERIENCE
The Showboat Branson Belle is an impressive 1890s-style paddle wheeler known as America's Most Entertaining Lake Adventure. As the nation's largest ship ever built on a landlocked lake, it offers guests a delightful 3-course meal while talented performers entertain with music, dance, comedy, and magic. The cruise provides spectacular views of Table Rock Lake and the surrounding Ozark Mountains landscape.
8. Silver Dollar City's Marvel Cave
NATURAL UNDERGROUND WONDER
Marvel Cave is a natural limestone cavern that serves as the foundation upon which Silver Dollar City was built. Visitors descend into Missouri's deepest cave to witness stunning formations, cathedral-sized rooms, and underground waterways during guided tours. The cave's rich history includes Native American use, mining operations, and its eventual transformation into one of Missouri's most popular natural attractions.
9. Mingo National Wildlife Refuge
PRISTINE WETLAND WILDERNESS
Mingo National Wildlife Refuge protects over 21,000 acres of the last remaining bottomland hardwood forest in Missouri. Visitors can observe diverse wildlife including migratory birds, deer, beaver, and occasionally river otters while exploring hiking trails, boardwalks, and auto tour routes. The refuge offers excellent opportunities for photography, fishing, seasonal hunting, and connecting with pristine wetland environments.
10. Southeast Missouri State University River Campus
CULTURAL ARTS DESTINATION
The River Campus at Southeast Missouri State University serves as the region's premier cultural arts destination. Housed in a beautifully renovated historic seminary building overlooking the Mississippi River, the campus features multiple performance venues, art galleries, and studios. Visitors can enjoy theatrical productions, musical performances, dance recitals, and rotating art exhibitions throughout the year.
11. Lambert's Cafe
HOME OF THROWN ROLLS
Lambert's Cafe in Sikeston is famous as the "Home of Thrown Rolls" where servers literally toss fresh, hot rolls to diners across the restaurant. This unique eatery serves generous portions of Southern comfort food with endless pass-arounds of fried okra, black-eyed peas, and other sides. Visitors from across the country make special trips to experience the fun atmosphere and hearty cuisine that has made Lambert's a beloved regional institution.
12. Bollinger Mill State Historic Site
HISTORIC MILL AND BRIDGE
Bollinger Mill State Historic Site features a four-story stone and brick mill built in 1867 alongside Missouri's oldest covered bridge. Visitors can tour the mill to learn about 19th-century grain processing technology and the site's importance to local agriculture and commerce. The picturesque Burfordville Covered Bridge spans the Whitewater River, creating one of Missouri's most photographed historic landscapes.
13. Trail of Tears State Park
HISTORICAL MEMORIAL PARK
Trail of Tears State Park commemorates the forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation in 1838-1839 and the site where thousands crossed the Mississippi River during this tragic journey. The park combines historical interpretation with natural beauty, offering hiking trails through forested hills, river overlooks, and educational exhibits at the visitor center. Visitors can reflect on this somber chapter of American history while enjoying outdoor recreation opportunities including camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
14. Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center
INTERACTIVE WILDLIFE LEARNING
The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center offers hands-on exhibits and educational programs about Missouri's diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Visitors can explore indoor displays featuring live animals, interactive learning stations, and dioramas depicting regional habitats. The center is surrounded by walking trails through woodlands and restored wetlands where guests can observe native plants and animals in their natural environment.
15. Sikeston Rodeo
THRILLING WESTERN TRADITION
The Sikeston Rodeo, officially known as the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo, has been thrilling crowds since 1953 as one of the premier rodeo events in the Midwest. Professional cowboys and cowgirls compete in traditional events including bull riding, barrel racing, and calf roping while spectators enjoy the excitement and pageantry. The annual multi-day festival also features live country music concerts, a carnival, and various community activities that celebrate western heritage.