Houston MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Houston, Missouri.
1. Piney River Narrows
SCENIC NATURAL FORMATION
Piney River Narrows is a remarkable geologic formation in Houston that offers visitors a glimpse of Missouri's natural beauty. The area features impressive rock formations carved by the Piney River over thousands of years. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that wind through the narrows with opportunities for photography and wildlife viewing.
2. Lynch-Tweed House
HISTORIC LOCAL LANDMARK
The Lynch-Tweed House stands as one of Houston's most significant historic sites, showcasing the architectural heritage of the region. This well-preserved structure offers visitors insight into the area's past through its period features and historical significance. Tours of the house provide a fascinating glimpse into daily life during an earlier era in Missouri's history.
3. Oakwood Golf Course
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Oakwood Golf Course provides golf enthusiasts with a picturesque setting to enjoy their favorite sport in Houston. The course features well-maintained fairways and greens nestled among the natural beauty of the Missouri landscape. Golfers of all skill levels can appreciate the challenge and serenity offered at this local recreational gem.
4. Simply Posh Day Spa
RELAXATION AND REJUVENATION
Simply Posh Day Spa offers a tranquil retreat for visitors seeking relaxation and self-care in Houston. The spa provides a variety of therapeutic treatments designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. Guests can indulge in professional services delivered in a peaceful atmosphere that promotes wellness and stress relief.
5. Houston Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center
GATEWAY TO LOCAL EXPLORATION
The Houston Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center serves as the primary resource for tourists exploring the Houston area. Visitors can obtain maps, brochures, and personalized recommendations from knowledgeable staff about local attractions and events. The center offers comprehensive information about outdoor activities including fishing, camping, and hiking trails in the surrounding region.
6. Pickle Springs Natural Area
PRISTINE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Pickle Springs Natural Area offers hikers a spectacular journey through one of Missouri's most scenic natural landscapes near Houston. The area features a moderate 2-mile trail showcasing unique rock formations, waterfalls, and diverse plant life throughout the seasons. Visitors particularly enjoy the Double Arch, Slot Canyon, and Spirit Canyon features that make this area a photographer's paradise.
7. Big Joel's Safari Petting Zoo
INTERACTIVE ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Big Joel's Safari Petting Zoo provides families with interactive animal experiences in a welcoming farm setting within driving distance of Houston. Visitors can feed and pet a variety of domestic and exotic animals including llamas, camels, and kangaroos. The zoo combines entertainment with education, teaching guests about animal conservation and care through hands-on experiences.
8. Gateway Arch
ICONIC NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch stands as Missouri's most recognizable landmark, offering spectacular views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River from its 630-foot height. Visitors can ride a unique tram system to the observation deck at the top for panoramic vistas extending up to 30 miles in each direction on clear days. The accompanying museum explores the history of westward expansion and the architectural marvel of the stainless steel monument itself.
9. Missouri Botanical Garden
WORLD-CLASS HORTICULTURAL COLLECTION
The Missouri Botanical Garden showcases one of the world's largest collections of rare flora across 79 acres of meticulously maintained grounds. Visitors can explore diverse themed gardens including the Japanese Garden, Chinese Garden, and the tropical Climatron conservatory housing thousands of exotic plants. The garden serves as both a beautiful attraction and a scientific institution committed to botanical research and conservation.
10. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
PREMIER ART COLLECTION
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art houses an internationally acclaimed collection spanning 5,000 years of human creativity from ancient to contemporary works. Visitors are greeted by the iconic giant shuttlecock sculptures on the museum's expansive lawn before exploring galleries featuring Asian art, European paintings, and American Indian artifacts. The museum offers free admission, making world-class art accessible to all who visit the Kansas City area.
11. City Museum
WHIMSICAL URBAN PLAYGROUND
City Museum transforms industrial objects into an immersive playground where visitors can climb, slide, and explore through repurposed architectural and industrial objects. The museum features miles of tunnels, slides, and climbing structures including aircraft fuselages, salvaged bridges, and a rooftop Ferris wheel with city views. This one-of-a-kind attraction combines art, architecture, and adventure in a former shoe warehouse that delights visitors of all ages.
12. Springfield Art Museum
CULTURAL ARTS HUB
The Springfield Art Museum serves as southwest Missouri's oldest cultural institution, housing over 10,000 works of art in its permanent collection. Visitors can explore diverse exhibitions ranging from American watercolors to contemporary sculptures in the museum's thoughtfully designed galleries. The museum's beautiful grounds include a sculpture garden and connect to nearby Phelps Grove Park, creating a complete cultural experience.
13. Forest Park
URBAN RECREATIONAL PARADISE
Forest Park encompasses 1,300 acres of recreational space featuring attractions including the St. Louis Zoo, Science Center, Art Museum, and History Museum. Visitors can enjoy paddleboating on the park's lakes, hiking or biking on miles of trails, or playing golf on its historic courses. The park hosted the 1904 World's Fair and continues to serve as the cultural and recreational heart of St. Louis.
14. Blueberry Hill
ICONIC MUSIC VENUE
Blueberry Hill stands as a legendary music venue and restaurant in St. Louis's Delmar Loop, famous for Chuck Berry's 200+ performances in its Duck Room. The establishment features an extraordinary collection of pop culture memorabilia covering its walls, including vintage jukeboxes, concert posters, and music artifacts. Visitors enjoy both the historical atmosphere and current entertainment offerings at this institution that celebrates American musical heritage.
15. Mark Twain Boyhood Home
LITERARY HISTORICAL SITE
The Mark Twain Boyhood Home preserves the childhood residence of America's beloved author Samuel Clemens, whose experiences in Hannibal inspired classics like 'Tom Sawyer' and 'Huckleberry Finn.' Visitors can tour multiple historic buildings including the Clemens family home, Becky Thatcher House, and interpretive center with artifacts and exhibits. The museum complex brings literary history to life while showcasing the Mississippi River town that shaped Twain's iconic stories and characters.