Boonville Missouri
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Boonville, Missouri.
1. Gateway Arch
STUNNING VIEWS | ST LOUIS MO
The Gateway Arch provides awe-inspiring views of St. Louis and beyond from its observation deck reached via tram rides through its unique structure. Its museum showcases stories of pioneers who shaped America's landscape while surrounding park trails offer peaceful exploration opportunities along the Mississippi Riverfront.
2. Missouri Botanical Garden
EDUCATIONAL ESCAPE | ST LOUIS MO
With resources like the William T. Kemper Center for Home Gardening, this garden is an invaluable educational hub for aspiring horticulturists. Guided walking tours reveal seasonal highlights while fostering appreciation for global gardening traditions and sustainable practices.
3. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
HISTORIC LEGACY | KANSAS CITY MO
Established in 1933 through visionary bequests, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art combines history with artistic excellence. Its galleries feature works from nearly every continent and era, complemented by interactive exhibits and outdoor sculptures. The museum's free admission ensures accessibility to all visitors.
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
SPRINGS AND CAVES | VAN BUREN MO
Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park is renowned for its impressive concentration of first-magnitude springs and over 400 caves. Highlights include Big Spring, one of the largest in the world, and Round Spring Caverns, which offers guided tours. The park's karst landscape creates stunning geological formations and unique ecosystems.
6. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
PEDESTRIAN PARADISE | ST LOUIS MO
This mile-long bridge stands as a preserved relic from Route 66's golden age, now serving as a peaceful walkway over the Mississippi River. The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge's iconic bend adds intrigue to its already scenic route. It's an ideal destination for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike.
7. Missouri Great River Road
AMERICANA EXPERIENCE | EASTERN MISSOURI
The Missouri Great River Road celebrates the spirit of Americana with its blend of cultural landmarks and natural beauty along the Mississippi River. Travelers can visit historic homes, enjoy riverboat cruises, and discover artisan studios on the 50 Miles of Art Corridor between Hannibal and Clarksville. This journey promises lasting memories for all who explore it.
8. Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge
MIGRATION HOTSPOT | MOUND CITY MO
Designated as an Internationally Important Bird Area, Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge hosts hundreds of thousands of migratory birds each year. Flocks of snow geese create breathtaking sights and sounds at Loess Bluffs during peak migration seasons. Visitors can explore the refuge through hiking trails or the Wild Goose Auto Tour Loop for unforgettable experiences.
9. Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
AMERICAN HISTORY | INDEPENDENCE MO
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum chronicles the extraordinary journey of President Truman through compelling exhibits and rare artifacts. Visitors can explore his decisive actions during WWII, civil rights breakthroughs, and diplomatic efforts worldwide. Situated in Independence, Missouri, it is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.
10. TITANIC Museum Attraction
HISTORICAL IMMERSION | BRANSON MO
TITANIC Museum Attraction offers a unique journey back to 1912, allowing visitors to experience the legendary ship's grandeur and tragedy. Guests can walk through meticulously recreated spaces, including the Grand Staircase, while surrounded by over 400 authentic artifacts. Interactive exhibits like touching a real iceberg and dipping hands into icy water deepen the connection to the Titanic's story.
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
URBAN ADVENTURE | ST LOUIS MO
City Museum in St. Louis offers a sprawling 600,000-square-foot space packed with slides, climbing structures, and hidden tunnels. The rooftop features unique attractions like a Ferris wheel and a giant praying mantis sculpture. City Museum is an ever-evolving masterpiece that blends play with artistic ingenuity.
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
HISTORICAL TREASURE | KANSAS CITY MO
As America's official World War I museum, the National WWI Museum and Memorial preserves personal stories alongside global history through its diverse exhibits. Visitors can explore trenches or admire rare items like uniforms from notable figures such as General Pershing. The Liberty Memorial Tower provides an unforgettable perspective on Kansas City's landscape while honoring wartime sacrifices.
15. Fantastic Caverns
ACCESSIBLE ADVENTURE | SPRINGFIELD MO
Fantastic Caverns offers an accessible way to experience the beauty of Missouri's underground with its Jeep-drawn tram tours. The hour-long journey highlights breathtaking formations like stalagmites and soda straws while sharing the cave's rich history. Its year-round availability makes it a must-see destination for all visitors to Springfield.
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. Mastodon State Historic Site
ICE AGE LEGACY | IMPERIAL MO
Mastodon State Historic Site preserves the Kimmswick Bone Bed where mastodon fossils were discovered alongside Clovis spear points-evidence of Ice Age human activity. A museum features a full-size mastodon skeleton replica alongside hiking trails and picnic areas for outdoor exploration. This site is a must-visit for archaeology enthusiasts.
18. Big Joel's Safari Petting Zoo & Educational Park
ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS | WRIGHT CITY MO
Big Joel's Safari invites visitors to interact with over 60 species of animals in a walk-through petting zoo setting. Guests can feed camels, zebras, goats, and more while enjoying pony rides or relaxing at picnic areas. This family-friendly park is perfect for animal lovers seeking close-up experiences.
19. Sam A. Baker State Park
OZARK MOUNTAIN ESCAPE | PATTERSON MO
Sam A. Baker State Park spans over 5,000 acres of rugged terrain in the St. Francois Mountains, providing opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing. Visitors can enjoy scenic views from Mudlick Mountain or relax by Big Creek's gentle waters. With its rich history and abundant wildlife, this park offers a quintessential Ozark outdoor experience for families and adventurers alike.
20. Jesse James Wax Museum
OUTLAW HISTORY | STANTON MO
Located near Meramec Caverns, the Jesse James Wax Museum invites visitors to explore the life of America's infamous outlaw through lifelike wax figures and captivating exhibits. The museum features artifacts belonging to Jesse James and his gang, alongside vintage firearms and historical displays that delve into his exploits during the Wild West era. This roadside attraction provides an engaging mix of folklore and history, perfect for families and history buffs alike.