Clarksburg Missouri
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Clarksburg, Missouri.
1. Gateway Arch
ARCHITECTURAL WONDER | ST LOUIS MO
Designed by Eero Saarinen, the Gateway Arch is an extraordinary feat of engineering and design that stands as a beacon of progress. Visitors can ride its tram for unparalleled views, watch documentaries about its construction, or explore exhibits highlighting its historical significance. This stainless steel structure embodies both beauty and purpose.
2. Missouri Botanical Garden
URBAN RETREAT | ST LOUIS MO
Nestled in St. Louis, this garden combines urban accessibility with natural splendor across 79 acres of curated landscapes. Attractions like the Chinese Garden and Climatron rainforest dome captivate visitors with their unique designs and biodiversity. Its mission emphasizes environmental stewardship through engaging exhibits and programs for all ages.
3. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
ARTISTIC TREASURES | KANSAS CITY MO
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art offers an encyclopedic collection spanning 5,000 years of global art history. Visitors can explore diverse galleries, including renowned Asian and European art, and enjoy outdoor sculptures in the 22-acre Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park. With free admission and amenities like an Italian courtyard-inspired restaurant, it is a cultural gem for art lovers.
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
SCENIC RIVERS | VAN BUREN MO
Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park features 134 miles of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, offering pristine waters perfect for floating and fishing. The park is also home to crystal-clear springs, caves, and diverse wildlife habitats. Visitors can enjoy hiking, exploring historic sites, and participating in ranger-led programs during the summer.
6. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
MISSISSIPPI CROSSING | ST LOUIS MO
Stretching over the Mississippi River, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is a testament to early 20th-century engineering. This former vehicular bridge is now a serene pedestrian trail connecting Missouri and Illinois. Its historic charm and panoramic views make it a must-visit destination.
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
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
EDUCATIONAL HUB | INDEPENDENCE MO
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum is a premier destination for learning about one of America's most transformative leaders. Visitors can engage with exhibits on the atomic bomb decision, NATO formation, and desegregation policies. Its recent renovation ensures an unforgettable experience for all ages.
10. TITANIC Museum Attraction
INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS | BRANSON MO
TITANIC Museum Attraction invites guests to explore life aboard the RMS Titanic through interactive displays and historical artifacts. Visitors can experience sloping decks, touch a frigid iceberg, and view personal items from passengers. The museum's detailed recreations bring the ship's story to life in an unforgettable way.
11. Silver Dollar City
SEASONAL FESTIVALS | BRANSON MO
From springtime expos to dazzling Christmas celebrations, seasonal festivals make every visit to Silver Dollar City special. Guests at Silver Dollar City can enjoy themed entertainment, artisan crafts, and delicious festival foods throughout the year. The park's thrilling rides and historic charm complete the unforgettable experience at Silver Dollar City.
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
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
UNIQUE COLLECTIONS | KANSAS CITY MO
Housing one of the world's most comprehensive collections of World War I artifacts, the National WWI Museum and Memorial offers an unparalleled glimpse into history. Highlights include trench recreations, rare vehicles, and personal keepsakes from soldiers' lives during wartime. The Liberty Memorial Tower crowns this remarkable experience with scenic views of Kansas City.
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. Laumeier Sculpture Park
OUTDOOR ART GALLERY | ST LOUIS MO
Laumeier Sculpture Park blends art with nature across its sprawling outdoor space filled with contemporary sculptures by renowned artists. Visitors can stroll through wooded trails or open fields while enjoying thought-provoking installations that engage with their surroundings. This free attraction offers a peaceful yet inspiring cultural experience.
17. Maramec Spring Park
TURQUOISE SPRING | ST JAMES MO
Maramec Spring Park captivates visitors with its stunning turquoise spring, which pumps 100 million gallons of water daily and supports a thriving trout hatchery. The park's rich history is showcased through remnants of the Maramec Iron Works and two engaging museums. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, hiking, camping, and scenic drives through the Ozark landscape.
18. Discovery Center of Springfield
HANDS-ON SCIENCE | SPRINGFIELD MO
The Discovery Center of Springfield is an interactive science museum featuring exhibits on health, technology, and natural history. Visitors can explore a giant walk-through brain or engage in STEM-focused activities like virtual reality simulations. This dynamic center inspires curiosity for learners of all ages.
19. Missouri State Capitol
ARCHITECTURAL BEAUTY | JEFFERSON CITY MO
The Missouri State Capitol impresses visitors with its grand architecture featuring stunning murals depicting state history alongside intricate stonework throughout its halls. Guided tours reveal fascinating details about legislative processes while showcasing art collections housed within its walls. Overlooking the Missouri River, this iconic building serves as both a political hub and cultural treasure for locals and tourists alike.
20. Missouri Town Living History Museum
PIONEER EXPERIENCE | LEE'S SUMMIT MO
Missouri Town Living History Museum recreates a 19th-century village with authentic buildings and costumed interpreters demonstrating pioneer life. Visitors can engage in hands-on activities like blacksmithing or farming while exploring historical homes and shops. Seasonal events bring history to life in this immersive setting.