Hillsdale Missouri
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hillsdale, Missouri.
1. Gateway Arch
URBAN LANDMARK | ST LOUIS MO
Dominating St. Louis' skyline, the Gateway Arch is both an architectural marvel and a historical emblem of westward expansion. Guests can enjoy tram rides to its peak, engaging museum exhibits, and serene park grounds that enhance its allure. This iconic site draws millions annually for its breathtaking views and rich heritage.
2. Missouri Botanical Garden
BOTANICAL OASIS | ST LOUIS MO
Founded in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is a National Historic Landmark and one of the oldest botanical institutions in the United States. Spanning 79 acres, it features exquisite horticultural displays, including a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden and the iconic Climatron geodesic dome conservatory. Visitors can explore historic architecture, rare plant collections, and interactive exhibits 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
OUTDOOR RECREATION | VAN BUREN MO
Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park is an outdoor enthusiast's dream with activities like horseback riding, motorized boating, and fishing. Visitors can choose from primitive campsites or developed campgrounds for overnight stays. Seasonal events such as bluegrass concerts enhance the park's vibrant atmosphere.
6. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
ICONIC BEND BRIDGE | ST LOUIS MO
Known for its distinctive 30-degree turn, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is a historic marvel crossing the Mississippi River. Originally built in 1929 as a toll bridge, it now welcomes walkers and cyclists as part of the Route 66 experience. Its towering structure provides breathtaking views of the river and surrounding landscapes.
7. Missouri Great River Road
MISSISSIPPI HERITAGE | EASTERN MISSOURI
The Missouri Great River Road provides an immersive experience into the state's heritage, tracing the Mississippi River's winding path through historic towns and landmarks. Visitors can explore Hannibal's literary legacy, St. Louis's vibrant city life, and Cape Girardeau's natural wonders. This route is perfect for those seeking both adventure and reflection.
8. Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge
FAMILY OUTDOOR DESTINATION | MOUND CITY MO
Perfect for families, Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing, and educational activities in a serene setting. The auto tour loop at Loess Bluffs allows close encounters with waterfowl and other animals in their natural habitats. Seasonal events like Eagle Days celebrate its role as a winter haven for bald eagles at the refuge.
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
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN | BRANSON MO
TITANIC Museum Attraction provides an educational yet entertaining experience for families, including interactive areas for kids such as steering the ship or shoveling coal in the boiler room. Guests receive boarding passes tied to real passengers' stories, adding a personal touch to their visit. The museum combines learning with fun through its unique exhibits and activities.
11. Silver Dollar City
CRAFTSMANSHIP & FUN | BRANSON MO
Silver Dollar City celebrates American craftsmanship with over 100 artisans demonstrating timeless skills like glassblowing and blacksmithing. Silver Dollar City combines thrilling roller coasters, family-friendly attractions, and live entertainment to create unforgettable memories. Seasonal festivals at Silver Dollar City add a festive flair to the park's charming 1880s atmosphere.
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
UNPLUGGED RETREAT | SOUTHERN MO
For those looking to unplug from modern life, Mark Twain National Forest offers remote wilderness areas and quiet camping spots surrounded by nature's beauty. Its sparkling rivers and scenic vistas provide a peaceful backdrop for relaxation or adventure. A visit to Mark Twain National Forest rejuvenates both body and soul.
14. National WWI Museum and Memorial
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE | KANSAS CITY MO
The National WWI Museum and Memorial captivates guests with its comprehensive collection of artifacts and interactive exhibits. Highlights include a glass bridge above a symbolic poppy field and detailed galleries showcasing the war's timeline. Visitors can also ascend the Liberty Memorial Tower for stunning panoramic views.
15. Fantastic Caverns
UNIQUE CAVE TOUR | SPRINGFIELD MO
Fantastic Caverns stands out as one of only four ride-through caves in the world and the only one in North America. Guests enjoy a leisurely tram ride through stunning formations while learning about the cave's discovery by John Knox and its early explorers. This family-friendly attraction offers an unforgettable glimpse into Missouri's underground wonders.
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. Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
CIVIL WAR HISTORY | REPUBLIC MO
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield commemorates the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River through preserved landscapes and historical exhibits at its visitor center. Self-guided tours allow visitors to explore key sites like Bloody Hill while learning about the conflict's impact on Missouri.
18. Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum
LITERARY HERITAGE | MANSFIELD MO
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum preserves Rocky Ridge Farm where Wilder wrote her famous Little House series. Visitors can tour the farmhouse, Rock House, and museum showcasing artifacts like Pa's fiddle and handwritten manuscripts. This site offers a glimpse into the pioneer life that inspired Wilder's beloved books.
19. Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum
HISTORIC EXPEDITION REPLICAS | ST CHARLES MO
The Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum immerses visitors in the history of the famous expedition with full-scale replicas of the boats used by the Corps of Discovery. Exhibits on the Missouri River ecosystem and Native American cultures enrich the experience, complemented by dioramas and interactive displays. Located by the riverfront, this museum provides a fascinating glimpse into early American exploration.
20. Missouri Civil War Museum
HISTORIC LEGACY | ST LOUIS MO
Located in Jefferson Barracks, the Missouri Civil War Museum preserves the state's rich Civil War history through artifacts like uniforms, weapons, and medical kits. Interactive exhibits detail Missouri's divided loyalties during the war and its impact on local communities. The museum's setting in a restored historic building adds depth to its immersive storytelling.