Belton Missouri
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Belton, Missouri.
1. Gateway Arch
ICONIC MONUMENT | ST LOUIS MO
The Gateway Arch, standing 630 feet tall, is the tallest monument in the United States and a symbol of westward expansion. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from the top via a tram ride, explore interactive exhibits in the museum, and stroll through the scenic national park grounds. This architectural marvel, designed by Eero Saarinen, has become an enduring landmark of St. Louis.
2. Missouri Botanical Garden
ECOLOGICAL LEGACY | ST LOUIS MO
This iconic garden upholds its commitment to sustainability through conservation initiatives that protect endangered plant species globally while educating visitors on ecological stewardship principles locally through hands-on activities and demonstrations at its various centers and exhibits.
3. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
WORLD-CLASS ART | KANSAS CITY MO
Celebrated for its extensive Asian art collection and diverse global exhibits, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a premier cultural institution. Its architectural marvels include the historic Beaux-Arts building and modern Bloch Building. Visitors can enjoy free admission, gourmet dining, and engaging events year-round.
4. Meramec Caverns
HIDDEN BEAUTY | STANTON MO
Beneath Missouri's Ozarks lies Meramec Caverns, a breathtaking network of limestone formations shaped over millennia. Guided tours feature light shows and historical tales that captivate visitors year-round. Outdoor adventures like canoeing and ziplining make it an unforgettable destination.
5. Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park
NATURAL BEAUTY | VAN BUREN MO
Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park protects the ancient Ozark Highlands, known for their breathtaking biodiversity and scenic landscapes. The park's river corridors are home to endemic species found nowhere else in the world. Nature lovers can enjoy birdwatching, photography, and camping amid tranquil forests and glades.
6. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
HISTORIC FOOTPATH | ST LOUIS MO
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge stands as a symbol of historic Route 66, connecting Illinois and Missouri over the mighty Mississippi River. Now reserved for foot traffic, it invites visitors to explore its unique architecture and scenic beauty. A walk across this bridge is both relaxing and educational.
7. Missouri Great River Road
CULTURAL TREASURES | EASTERN MISSOURI
The Missouri Great River Road showcases a rich tapestry of cultural and historical sites along its scenic route. Notable attractions include the St. Louis Zoo, Ste. Genevieve's French heritage, and Trail of Tears State Park's poignant history. This drive offers a unique perspective on Missouri's past and present.
8. Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge
BIRD MIGRATION HAVEN | MOUND CITY MO
Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge, located in northwestern Missouri, is a vital sanctuary for migratory birds and diverse wildlife. Visitors to Loess Bluffs can witness spectacular migrations of snow geese, trumpeter swans, and bald eagles during spring and fall. The refuge features a scenic auto tour, hiking trails, and a visitor center with educational exhibits.
9. Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
CULTURAL TREASURE | INDEPENDENCE MO
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum provides a cinematic experience of pivotal moments in U.S. history under Truman's leadership. The museum features rare artifacts, immersive theaters, and engaging role-playing games. Situated on a hill overlooking Independence, it celebrates Truman's enduring legacy.
10. TITANIC Museum Attraction
LEGENDARY JOURNEY | BRANSON MO
TITANIC Museum Attraction honors the legacy of the world's most famous luxury liner with its immersive self-guided tour experience. Visitors can walk recreated hallways, touch icy water, and learn about survivors' documented thoughts and feelings. With over 400 artifacts on display, this museum is a must-see for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
11. Silver Dollar City
ARTISANS & ENTERTAINMENT | BRANSON MO
Artisans at Silver Dollar City showcase timeless crafts like glassblowing and pottery while entertaining visitors with their skills. Live performances at Silver Dollar City range from signature shows to celebrity concerts during seasonal festivals. The park's 40 attractions offer fun for all ages in a charming 1880s setting.
12. City Museum
HISTORICAL PLAYGROUND | ST LOUIS MO
Housed in a former shoe factory, City Museum combines history with fun through its imaginative use of salvaged materials. Visitors can climb through treehouses, crawl through tunnels, and marvel at mosaics and sculptures throughout the museum. City Museum's innovative design makes it a must-see attraction in St. Louis.
13. Mark Twain National Forest
PRISTINE SPRINGS | SOUTHERN MO
With nearly 3,000 springs feeding clear streams year-round, Mark Twain National Forest boasts some of Missouri's most pristine aquatic landscapes. Activities like tubing on the Eleven Point River or fishing along Big Piney make it an ideal destination for water lovers. The natural beauty of Mark Twain National Forest is unmatched.
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
UNIQUE CAVE TOUR | SPRINGFIELD MO
Fantastic Caverns stands out as one of only four ride-through caves in the world and the only one in North America. Guests enjoy a leisurely tram ride through stunning formations while learning about the cave's discovery by John Knox and its early explorers. This family-friendly attraction offers an unforgettable glimpse into Missouri's underground wonders.
16. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE | ST LOUIS MO
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is renowned for its stunning mosaics covering over 83,000 square feet of its interior walls and ceilings. Visitors can marvel at this architectural gem's intricate designs while learning about its historical significance to the city's Catholic community. Guided tours provide deeper insights into its artistry.
17. Missouri State Penitentiary
HISTORIC PRISON | JEFFERSON CITY MO
Missouri State Penitentiary offers guided tours through its historic prison buildings where infamous inmates once served time. Visitors can learn about its 168-year history while exploring cells and hearing stories about escapes and riots that shaped its legacy. Nighttime ghost tours add a thrilling twist to this unique attraction.
18. Cuivre River State Park
NATURAL ESCAPE | TROY MO
Cuivre River State Park offers over 6,400 acres of rugged landscapes, including native grasslands, limestone bluffs, and forested hills. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, and camping, with trails leading to scenic overlooks and wildlife observation areas. The park's rich biodiversity and historical features make it a serene retreat for nature lovers.
19. Glore Psychiatric Museum
MENTAL HEALTH HISTORY | ST JOSEPH MO
The Glore Psychiatric Museum explores centuries of mental health treatment through thought-provoking exhibits featuring artifacts, patient artwork, and life-size models of historical devices. Housed in a former mental hospital building, the museum provides a sobering yet fascinating look at the evolution of psychiatric care. Recognized as one of the nation's most unusual museums, it offers a unique educational experience for visitors.
20. Missouri State Museum
STATE HERITAGE | JEFFERSON CITY MO
Situated in the State Capitol, the Missouri State Museum highlights the state's natural and cultural history through rotating exhibits and interactive displays. Visitors can explore themes ranging from Civil War battle flags to environmental conservation efforts. Free guided tours enhance the experience with insights into Missouri's rich heritage.