Green City MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Green City, Missouri.
1. Green City Presbyterian Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
Green City Presbyterian Church is a historic landmark that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The church represents an important piece of Green City's cultural heritage and religious history. Visitors can admire its architectural features and learn about its significance to the local community.
2. Green City Railroad Depot
HISTORIC TRANSPORTATION HUB
The Green City Railroad Depot stands as a testament to the city's railroad history and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This historic structure once served as a vital transportation hub connecting Green City to the broader region. Today, the depot offers visitors a glimpse into the transportation methods that helped develop this northeast Missouri community.
3. Thousand Hills State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Thousand Hills State Park offers 3,215 acres of stunning natural beauty near Kirksville, Missouri. Visitors can enjoy the 573-acre Forest Lake for fishing, boating, and swimming, along with hiking trails that showcase the park's diverse ecosystems. The park also features ancient petroglyphs carved by native peoples between 1,500 and 1,000 years ago.
4. West Winery at Jackson Stables
WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
West Winery at Jackson Stables offers visitors a unique wine tasting experience in a converted historic stable setting. Guests can sample a variety of locally produced wines while enjoying the rustic ambiance and architectural details of the renovated structure. The winery regularly hosts events and provides an excellent opportunity to taste Missouri's growing wine culture.
5. The Gateway Arch
ICONIC MISSOURI MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch stands as an iconic 630-foot stainless steel monument symbolizing St. Louis' role as the gateway to the American West. Visitors can take a tram to the top for panoramic views spanning up to 30 miles on clear days across the Mississippi River and surrounding landscapes. The arch is part of the Gateway Arch National Park, which includes the Museum at the Gateway Arch chronicling westward expansion.
6. Branson Landing Fountain Show
WATER FIRE MUSIC SPECTACLE
The Branson Landing Fountain Show presents a spectacular $7.5 million water attraction featuring synchronized water, fire, light, and music displays. Shows run hourly at the waterfront promenade, creating a mesmerizing experience for visitors shopping and dining at this popular destination. The 120-foot geysers and fire columns choreographed to music make this a must-see attraction when visiting the Branson area.
7. Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum
LITERARY HISTORY SITE
The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum preserves the childhood residence of Samuel Clemens, who would later become the famous author Mark Twain. This National Historic Landmark includes several buildings that allow visitors to step into the environment that inspired classics like 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' and 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.' The museum complex features interactive exhibits that bring to life the author's works and the Mississippi River culture that influenced his writing.
8. Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY CENTER
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum chronicles the life and presidency of America's 33rd president through extensive exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore galleries featuring Truman's famous 'The Buck Stops Here' sign, his Oval Office replica, and exhibits on major decisions like dropping the atomic bomb and the Marshall Plan. The library also houses Truman's final resting place in the courtyard, along with research facilities containing millions of historical documents.
9. Lake of the Ozarks
PREMIER VACATION DESTINATION
Lake of the Ozarks offers over 1,150 miles of shoreline and 54,000 acres of water for boating, fishing, and water recreation in central Missouri. The man-made lake features numerous resorts, restaurants, golf courses, and shopping opportunities spread across its serpentine shoreline. Visitors can also enjoy two state parks, caverns, and various entertainment venues that make this one of Missouri's most beloved vacation destinations.
10. National World War I Museum and Memorial
MILITARY HISTORY TRIBUTE
The National World War I Museum and Memorial stands as America's official tribute to those who served in the Great War, housing one of the world's most comprehensive collections of WWI artifacts. Visitors walk over a glass bridge above a symbolic field of 9,000 poppies, each representing 1,000 combatant deaths, before exploring interactive exhibits, life-sized trenches, and powerful testimonies. The Liberty Memorial tower provides panoramic views of Kansas City while honoring the sacrifice of those who served in the conflict that changed the world.
11. Silver Dollar City
THRILLING THEME PARK
Silver Dollar City combines thrilling rides with 1880s Ozark culture in a unique theme park experience that attracts visitors from across the country. The park features over 40 rides and attractions, including world-class roller coasters like Time Traveler and Outlaw Run, alongside demonstrations of traditional crafts like glassblowing and blacksmithing. Seasonal festivals throughout the year offer special entertainment, foods, and decorations that transform the park for Christmas, harvest time, and summer celebrations.
12. Saint Louis Zoo
WORLD-CLASS WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
The Saint Louis Zoo houses over 12,000 animals representing 500 species in beautifully designed habitats across 90 acres in Forest Park. Visitors can explore diverse areas including the River's Edge, Penguin & Puffin Coast, and the immersive 1.5-acre McDonnell Polar Bear Point. This consistently top-ranked zoo offers free admission while providing world-class conservation programs and engaging educational experiences for millions of visitors each year.
13. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
PREMIER ART COLLECTION
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art houses an extensive collection spanning 5,000 years of human creativity, from ancient artifacts to contemporary works. The museum is especially renowned for its Asian art collection, European paintings, and the outdoor Sculpture Park featuring giant Shuttlecock sculptures by Claes Oldenburg. Visitors can enjoy free admission to explore its 40 galleries housed within both the original neoclassical building and the modern Bloch Building addition with its distinctive glass architecture.
14. Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield preserves the site of the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River on August 10, 1861. Visitors can explore the 2,000-acre park through a self-guided driving tour with eight interpretive stops highlighting key positions during the bloody conflict. The visitor center features a comprehensive museum with artifacts, weapons, and uniforms that tell the story of this pivotal battle where Union General Nathaniel Lyon became the first Union general killed in action.
15. Missouri Botanical Garden
HORTICULTURAL PARADISE
The Missouri Botanical Garden spans 79 acres with diverse horticultural displays including a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden, a historic 1850s home, and the Climatron geodesic dome conservatory housing tropical plants. Founded in 1859, it stands as the nation's oldest continuously operating botanical garden and a National Historic Landmark known for its scientific research and conservation efforts. Visitors can enjoy seasonal displays, special exhibitions, and educational programs throughout the year in this urban oasis.