Downing Missouri
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Downing, 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
CULTURAL TREASURE | ST LOUIS MO
The garden's diverse attractions include cultural gems like sculptures by Dale Chihuly and Niki de Saint Phalle alongside its horticultural displays. Visitors can explore themed gardens that reflect global influences while learning about conservation efforts through interactive exhibits and workshops.
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
NATURAL TREASURE | STANTON MO
Missouri's most-visited cave, Meramec Caverns offers an immersive journey through its intricate limestone formations. Highlights include the Ballroom and stage curtain used for light shows, as well as fascinating historical displays. The surrounding area features camping, river activities, and family-friendly amenities.
5. Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park
BIODIVERSITY HAVEN | VAN BUREN MO
Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park supports a wide variety of aquatic, terrestrial, and subterranean habitats within its 80,000 acres of protected land. Its rivers are designated Outstanding National Resource Waters due to their ecological importance. Wildlife diversity is further enriched by elk reintroduction efforts within the park's boundaries.
6. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
ENGINEERING MARVEL | ST LOUIS MO
Built in 1929, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is an architectural gem featuring massive concrete piers and steel trusses. It served as a key crossing on Route 66 before becoming a pedestrian walkway in 1998. The bridge's history and scenic surroundings captivate visitors year-round.
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
NATURE'S SANCTUARY | MOUND CITY MO
Spanning over 7,400 acres, Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge serves as a critical habitat for migratory birds along the Central Flyway while supporting local biodiversity year-round. Hiking trails like the Interpretive Trail at Loess Bluffs offer moderately challenging climbs with rewarding views of the floodplain below this scenic refuge. Nature photographers are drawn to Loess Bluffs for rare wildlife encounters in pristine surroundings.
9. Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
IMMERSIVE HISTORY | INDEPENDENCE MO
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum showcases world-class exhibits detailing Truman's presidency and personal life. Highlights include interactive displays on the Cold War, recognition of Israel, and civil rights milestones. Visitors can explore artifacts, letters, and a replica of Truman's Oval Office in this historic attraction.
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
HISTORIC CHARM | BRANSON MO
Silver Dollar City combines historic charm with modern thrills in its 61-acre park inspired by an 1880s Ozarks village. Guests at Silver Dollar City can explore Marvel Cave, shop handcrafted goods, and experience record-breaking roller coasters. Live entertainment and seasonal events make every visit to Silver Dollar City a celebration of fun and tradition.
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
HISTORIC LANDSCAPES | SOUTHERN MO
Mark Twain National Forest preserves a rich history with remnants of Civilian Conservation Corps projects and old silver mines scattered throughout its lands. Visitors can explore ancient springs like Greer Spring or hike sections of the Ozark Trail winding through the forest. Mark Twain National Forest combines historical intrigue with natural splendor.
14. National WWI Museum and Memorial
CULTURAL INSIGHTS | KANSAS CITY MO
The National WWI Museum and Memorial offers cultural insights into World War I through rotating exhibitions like French fashion during wartime. Permanent galleries feature artifacts, sound booths, and interactive activities that deepen understanding of the era. The Liberty Memorial Tower provides an iconic view of Kansas City's skyline.
15. Fantastic Caverns
SCENIC RIDE-THRU CAVE | SPRINGFIELD MO
Experience the timeless beauty of Fantastic Caverns on a guided tram ride through its magnificent underground scenery near Springfield, Missouri. The tour provides close-up views of unique formations while sharing tales of discovery dating back to 1862. Open year-round with full accessibility, this attraction is perfect for adventurers seeking comfort and wonder combined!
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. Stark Caverns
UNDERGROUND WONDER | ELDON MO
Stark Caverns invites visitors to explore stunning geological formations, ancient bear beds, and Native American artifacts through guided tours. Specialty experiences like the Black Light Tour reveal fluorescent minerals, while above-ground activities include gemstone mining and picnic areas. This year-round attraction combines natural beauty with educational adventures for all ages.
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. Shaw Nature Reserve
NATURAL HAVEN | GRAY SUMMIT MO
Shaw Nature Reserve offers visitors 2,400 acres of diverse ecosystems, including reconstructed tallgrass prairies, wetlands, and woodlands. With over 18 miles of hiking trails and the Whitmire Wildflower Garden, it provides an immersive experience in Missouri's native flora and fauna. Educational programs and serene landscapes make it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts.