Holts Summit Missouri
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Holts Summit, Missouri.
1. Gateway Arch
GATEWAY TO WEST | ST LOUIS MO
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is a towering tribute to America's exploration and expansion. Its observation deck offers views spanning up to 30 miles, while its museum immerses visitors in historical narratives of pioneers and settlers. Surrounded by lush park grounds and scenic riverfront trails, it provides a perfect blend of history and leisure.
2. Missouri Botanical Garden
EDUCATIONAL ESCAPE | ST LOUIS MO
With resources like the William T. Kemper Center for Home Gardening, this garden is an invaluable educational hub for aspiring horticulturists. Guided walking tours reveal seasonal highlights while fostering appreciation for global gardening traditions and sustainable practices.
3. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
ART AND HISTORY | KANSAS CITY MO
Combining historical significance with artistic innovation, the Nelson-Atkins Museum offers galleries filled with treasures like Whistler's Portrait of the Artist's Mother and Ming dynasty screens. The museum's architecture reflects Kansas City's cultural heritage while inviting visitors year-round with free admission.
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
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
SCENIC FOOTBRIDGE | ST LOUIS MO
This historic bridge, spanning the Mississippi River, offers a peaceful retreat for walkers and bikers along its mile-long path. The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is famous for its rare 30-degree bend and connection to Route 66 history. It provides an ideal spot for photography and reflection.
7. Missouri Great River Road
MISSOURI SCENES | EASTERN MISSOURI
The Missouri Great River Road takes visitors on a scenic tour of the state's diverse attractions along the Mississippi River corridor. From Hannibal's literary landmarks to Cape Girardeau's conservation areas, this route offers something for everyone to enjoy. Rich in history, nature, and culture, it is a quintessential American road trip.
8. Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge
SCENIC AUTO TOUR | MOUND CITY MO
The Wild Goose Auto Tour Loop at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge provides a convenient way to explore its wetlands while observing abundant wildlife up close. Key attractions at Loess Bluffs include Snow Goose Pool and Eagle Pool, where large flocks congregate during migration seasons. Observation decks along the route offer excellent vantage points for photography and birdwatching at this refuge.
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
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
OZARK ADVENTURE | BRANSON MO
Silver Dollar City offers a unique adventure in the heart of the Ozarks with thrilling rides, historical attractions, and live performances. Visitors to Silver Dollar City can enjoy interactive play areas, scenic train rides, and fascinating cave tours. Dining at Silver Dollar City includes award-winning barbecue and festival specialties that delight every palate.
12. City Museum
FAMILY FUN HUB | ST LOUIS MO
City Museum provides an interactive experience where families can explore repurposed industrial artifacts turned into playful exhibits. From the ten-story slide to the rooftop adventures, there is something for everyone to enjoy. City Museum's vibrant atmosphere ensures hours of entertainment for both kids and adults.
13. Mark Twain National Forest
RUGGED OZARKS | SOUTHERN MO
Mark Twain National Forest showcases Missouri's natural beauty with its rocky glades, volcanic mountains, and over 5,000 caves. Visitors can enjoy activities like floating on pristine rivers, camping in secluded spots, or exploring historic sites scattered throughout the forest. Its diverse terrain makes Mark Twain National Forest a unique destination for adventure and relaxation.
14. National WWI Museum and Memorial
EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY | KANSAS CITY MO
The National WWI Museum and Memorial provides an educational journey through the Great War with expertly curated exhibits. Guests can explore replica trenches, rare artifacts, and multimedia presentations that bring history to life. The Liberty Memorial Tower adds a unique vantage point to this enriching experience.
15. Fantastic Caverns
OZARKS UNDERGROUND BEAUTY | SPRINGFIELD MO
Nestled beneath the rolling hills near Springfield, Missouri, Fantastic Caverns offers a relaxing yet awe-inspiring journey through its underground marvels. The guided tram tour reveals breathtaking sights like crystal-clear pools and towering stalagmites while preserving the delicate ecosystem within the cave. With its rich history and unique features, this attraction is a highlight of any visit to the Ozarks region.
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. Cuivre River State Park
NATURAL ESCAPE | TROY MO
Cuivre River State Park offers over 6,400 acres of rugged landscapes, including native grasslands, limestone bluffs, and forested hills. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, and camping, with trails leading to scenic overlooks and wildlife observation areas. The park's rich biodiversity and historical features make it a serene retreat for nature lovers.
19. Glore Psychiatric Museum
MENTAL HEALTH HISTORY | ST JOSEPH MO
The Glore Psychiatric Museum explores centuries of mental health treatment through thought-provoking exhibits featuring artifacts, patient artwork, and life-size models of historical devices. Housed in a former mental hospital building, the museum provides a sobering yet fascinating look at the evolution of psychiatric care. Recognized as one of the nation's most unusual museums, it offers a unique educational experience for visitors.
20. Missouri Down Under Adventure Zoo
WILDLIFE ESCAPE | BRANSON WEST MO
Missouri Down Under Adventure Zoo combines animal encounters with cave exploration for an unforgettable experience. Guests can interact with kangaroos, emus, and other exotic animals while learning about their habitats. The zoo's underground tours add an adventurous twist to wildlife appreciation.