Gerster Missouri
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Gerster, 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
NATURE AND HISTORY | ST LOUIS MO
This historic garden blends natural beauty with education, featuring over 4,800 trees and stunning landscapes like the English Woodland Garden. The Tower Grove House provides insight into founder Henry Shaw's legacy, while family-friendly attractions like the Children's Garden inspire curiosity about sustainability and conservation.
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
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
WATERFALLS AND TRAILS | VAN BUREN MO
Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park offers stunning natural features like Rocky Falls, a perfect spot for swimming or relaxing on gravel shores. The Ozark Trail winds through the park, connecting visitors to scenic locations such as Powder Mill and Blue Spring. These areas provide excellent opportunities for hiking and exploring nature's wonders.
6. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
ROUTE 66 LANDMARK | ST LOUIS MO
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, once a vital link on Route 66, is now a preserved piece of history for pedestrians and cyclists. Its unique bend and proximity to water intake towers add to its allure. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride with picturesque views of the Mississippi.
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
HISTORICAL INSIGHT | INDEPENDENCE MO
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum immerses guests in the dramatic chapters of U.S. history shaped by Truman's presidency. Highlights include theaters depicting the Cold War and expanded insights into civil rights leadership. Located in Independence, Missouri, it honors Truman's vision for public learning.
10. TITANIC Museum Attraction
GRAND STAIRCASE | BRANSON MO
TITANIC Museum Attraction features a stunning replica of the Grand Staircase built to exact specifications from original blueprints. Guests can immerse themselves in the luxury of first-class cabins while learning about passengers' lives. The museum's blend of historical artifacts and interactive elements creates a deeply personal connection to the Titanic's history.
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
ADVENTURE HUB | SOUTHERN MO
Mark Twain National Forest is a playground for adventure seekers with ATV trails, horseback riding areas, and rugged hiking paths like the Greer Springs Trail. Its rivers offer thrilling float trips while its campgrounds provide serene escapes under starry skies. Every corner of Mark Twain National Forest invites exploration and discovery.
14. National WWI Museum and Memorial
WAR TO REMEMBER | KANSAS CITY MO
The National WWI Museum and Memorial commemorates the sacrifices of soldiers through its vast collection of artifacts and poignant storytelling. Guests can explore trenches, design propaganda posters, or learn about lesser-known war heroes like Choctaw code talkers. Ascending the Liberty Memorial Tower is a memorable finale to any visit.
15. Fantastic Caverns
UNDERGROUND WONDERLAND | SPRINGFIELD MO
Fantastic Caverns is the only ride-through cave in North America, featuring breathtaking formations like giant columns and delicate soda straws. The guided tram tour follows a path carved by an ancient river, making it an effortless adventure for everyone. Open year-round, Fantastic Caverns combines natural beauty with fascinating stories from its discovery in 1862 to its use as a speakeasy during Prohibition.
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. 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. 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. World's Largest Fork By Mass
QUIRKY LANDMARK | SPRINGFIELD MO
The World's Largest Fork By Mass stands proudly as a whimsical roadside attraction drawing curious visitors to Springfield's quirky charm. Measuring an impressive height and weight, this oversized utensil is a fun photo opportunity for travelers passing through town or exploring local landmarks nearby. Its playful presence embodies Missouri's love for offbeat attractions that spark joy in unexpected ways.
20. America's National Churchill Museum
LEADERSHIP TRIBUTE | FULTON MO
America's National Churchill Museum honors Winston Churchill with exhibits detailing his leadership during World War II, including his famous Iron Curtain speech delivered in Fulton. The museum is housed within a restored church relocated from London after WWII bombings. Thought-provoking displays connect Churchill's legacy to global history.