Big Lake Missouri
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Big Lake, Missouri.
1. Gateway Arch
GATEWAY TO WEST | ST LOUIS MO
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is a towering tribute to America's exploration and expansion. Its observation deck offers views spanning up to 30 miles, while its museum immerses visitors in historical narratives of pioneers and settlers. Surrounded by lush park grounds and scenic riverfront trails, it provides a perfect blend of history and leisure.
2. Missouri Botanical Garden
FLORAL PARADISE | ST LOUIS MO
Renowned for its vast botanical collections, the Missouri Botanical Garden includes unique features like a pioneer village and Osage camp in its Children's Garden area. The Japanese Garden is among North America's largest strolling gardens, offering tranquility amidst lush greenery. Guided tours enhance the visitor experience with fascinating insights into plant science and history.
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
SCENIC ESCAPE | STANTON MO
Located near the Meramec River, this cavern system blends geological marvels with historical intrigue, including its role in the Underground Railroad. Guided tours reveal stunning formations like the Wine Table while patriotic light shows add a unique touch. Visitors can enjoy outdoor recreation or relax in riverside accommodations.
5. Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park
FAMILY DESTINATION | VAN BUREN MO
Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park provides family-friendly activities such as picnicking at Watercress Park or swimming at Rocky Falls day-use area. Ranger-led nature hikes educate visitors about local wildlife during summer months. Accessible trails make it easy for all ages to explore the park's iconic landmarks and natural beauty.
6. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
ICONIC BEND BRIDGE | ST LOUIS MO
Known for its distinctive 30-degree turn, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is a historic marvel crossing the Mississippi River. Originally built in 1929 as a toll bridge, it now welcomes walkers and cyclists as part of the Route 66 experience. Its towering structure provides breathtaking views of the river and surrounding landscapes.
7. Missouri Great River Road
SCENIC BYWAY | EASTERN MISSOURI
The Missouri Great River Road offers travelers a chance to experience scenic views and historic charm along its stretch of the Mississippi River. Highlights include kayaking adventures at Crystal City Underground and exploring Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park's preserved buildings. With its blend of outdoor activities and cultural stops, this drive is ideal for all ages.
8. Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge
FAMILY OUTDOOR DESTINATION | MOUND CITY MO
Perfect for families, Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing, and educational activities in a serene setting. The auto tour loop at Loess Bluffs allows close encounters with waterfowl and other animals in their natural habitats. Seasonal events like Eagle Days celebrate its role as a winter haven for bald eagles at the refuge.
9. Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
RENOVATED EXPERIENCE | INDEPENDENCE MO
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum has undergone a million renovation to enhance its storytelling capabilities and visitor engagement. Exhibits now feature cutting-edge technology to depict pivotal moments like the Korean War and Cold War strategies. This Independence attraction sets the standard for presidential libraries.
10. TITANIC Museum Attraction
IMMERSIVE HISTORY | BRANSON MO
TITANIC Museum Attraction allows guests to step into history with its detailed recreations of ship spaces like cabins and engine rooms alongside interactive exhibits such as touching an iceberg or sending an SOS signal. Visitors learn about passengers' lives through boarding passes tied to real individuals from 1912. The museum blends education with engagement for an unforgettable visit.
11. Silver Dollar City
MEMORIES TO CHERISH | BRANSON MO
At Silver Dollar City, families create lasting memories through thrilling rides, artisan crafts, and live entertainment in a charming 1880s atmosphere. Seasonal festivals bring unique experiences like craft fairs and musical performances to every visit to Silver Dollar City. Marvel Cave tours add a touch of adventure to the unforgettable journey at Silver Dollar City's Ozark Mountain retreat.
12. City Museum
UNIQUE PLAYGROUND | ST LOUIS MO
City Museum in St. Louis is a one-of-a-kind playground built inside a repurposed shoe warehouse, offering an immersive experience for all ages. Visitors can explore slides, tunnels, and whimsical installations like a rooftop Ferris wheel and a bus hanging off the edge. City Museum combines art, history, and adventure to create an unforgettable destination.
13. Mark Twain National Forest
OUTDOOR PARADISE | SOUTHERN MO
Encompassing diverse ecosystems from oak hardwoods to bluestem prairies, Mark Twain National Forest offers something for every nature enthusiast. Its secluded campgrounds provide peaceful retreats while its trails cater to hikers and bikers alike. Mark Twain National Forest is a must-visit destination for anyone craving outdoor adventure.
14. National WWI Museum and Memorial
A MUST-VISIT | KANSAS CITY MO
The National WWI Museum and Memorial is an essential stop for history enthusiasts seeking to understand the Great War's legacy through immersive exhibits like trench recreations or sound booths featuring period recordings. Rotating exhibitions add fresh perspectives on wartime culture while permanent galleries anchor visitors in historical depth. Ascending the Liberty Memorial Tower is a fitting conclusion to this impactful experience.
15. Fantastic Caverns
OZARKS UNDERGROUND BEAUTY | SPRINGFIELD MO
Nestled beneath the rolling hills near Springfield, Missouri, Fantastic Caverns offers a relaxing yet awe-inspiring journey through its underground marvels. The guided tram tour reveals breathtaking sights like crystal-clear pools and towering stalagmites while preserving the delicate ecosystem within the cave. With its rich history and unique features, this attraction is a highlight of any visit to the Ozarks region.
16. Ha Ha Tonka State Park
CASTLE RUINS & SPRINGS | CAMDENTON MO
Ha Ha Tonka State Park combines natural beauty with history, featuring the ruins of a European-style castle overlooking Lake of the Ozarks. Visitors can hike trails through caves, sinkholes, and karst formations or admire the stunning Ha Ha Tonka Spring. This park offers a unique blend of geological wonders and cultural intrigue.
17. Talking Rocks Cavern
VERTICAL BEAUTY | BRANSON WEST MO
Talking Rocks Cavern offers an hour-long guided tour through breathtaking limestone formations like stalactites and flowstone columns in a comfortable 63-degree environment. Above ground, guests can enjoy mini-golf, gemstone panning, nature trails to lookout points, and family games. This living cave continues to grow its formations, making every visit unique.
18. Hidden Valley Ski Resort
WINTER THRILLS | WILDWOOD MO
Hidden Valley Ski Resort provides skiing and snowboarding fun across well-maintained slopes near St. Louis. Guests can enjoy night skiing under lights or relax at the lodge after conquering challenging terrain parks. With lessons available for beginners, it's an ideal winter destination for all skill levels.
19. Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park Headquarters
RIVER ADVENTURES & SPRINGS | VAN BUREN MO
Ozark National Scenic Riverways protects two pristine rivers, the Current and Jacks Fork, offering visitors opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and swimming in spring-fed waters. The park also features historic sites like Alley Mill and numerous trails that showcase caves, waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes. A haven for nature enthusiasts, this park is ideal for exploring Missouri's natural beauty.
20. Missouri Institute of Natural Science
PREHISTORIC DISCOVERY | SPRINGFIELD MO
The Missouri Institute of Natural Science captivates visitors with its extensive fossil collection, including dinosaur remains and Ice Age specimens. Interactive exhibits and educational programs make science accessible to all ages. Fossil-hunting activities on-site provide hands-on exploration for budding paleontologists.