Kirkwood Missouri
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Kirkwood, Missouri.
1. Gateway Arch
ICONIC MONUMENT | ST LOUIS MO
The Gateway Arch, standing 630 feet tall, is the tallest monument in the United States and a symbol of westward expansion. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from the top via a tram ride, explore interactive exhibits in the museum, and stroll through the scenic national park grounds. This architectural marvel, designed by Eero Saarinen, has become an enduring landmark of St. Louis.
2. Missouri Botanical Garden
ECOLOGICAL LEGACY | ST LOUIS MO
This iconic garden upholds its commitment to sustainability through conservation initiatives that protect endangered plant species globally while educating visitors on ecological stewardship principles locally through hands-on activities and demonstrations at its various centers and exhibits.
3. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
ART AND COMMUNITY | KANSAS CITY MO
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art serves as a community cornerstone with its free access to world-class collections and engaging programs. Visitors can enjoy diverse artworks across multiple galleries or relax in the sculpture park's tranquil setting. Its welcoming atmosphere fosters connections through art.
4. Meramec Caverns
CAVE WONDERLAND | STANTON MO
Known as America's most famous cave, Meramec Caverns dazzles visitors with intricate limestone formations and engaging light shows. Historical displays recount its role in Civil War mining and outlaw hideouts. Family-friendly amenities include ziplining, kayaking, and riverside lodging.
5. Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park
RIVER SPRINGS | VAN BUREN MO
Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park is home to iconic springs like Alley Spring and Big Spring, each offering unique beauty and historical significance. Big Spring flows an average of 286 million gallons daily, making it a natural wonder of global importance. Trails around these springs provide easy access for visitors to explore their surroundings.
6. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
ENGINEERING MARVEL | ST LOUIS MO
Built in 1929, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is an architectural gem featuring massive concrete piers and steel trusses. It served as a key crossing on Route 66 before becoming a pedestrian walkway in 1998. The bridge's history and scenic surroundings captivate visitors year-round.
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
WINTER WILDLIFE HAVEN | MOUND CITY MO
During winter months, visitors to Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge can marvel at thousands of trumpeter swans and bald eagles gathering in its wetlands. The controlled water depths at Loess Bluffs create ideal conditions for waterfowl feeding and resting during colder seasons. Educational programs at the visitor center provide deeper insights into these seasonal spectacles at the refuge.
9. Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
GLOBAL IMPACT | INDEPENDENCE MO
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum reflects on the global influence of President Truman through interactive displays on postwar peace efforts and civil rights advancements. Visitors can enjoy role-playing games that simulate historical decisions during his tenure as president. Located in Independence, Missouri, it remains an iconic tribute to his legacy.
10. TITANIC Museum Attraction
INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS | BRANSON MO
TITANIC Museum Attraction invites guests to explore life aboard the RMS Titanic through interactive displays and historical artifacts. Visitors can experience sloping decks, touch a frigid iceberg, and view personal items from passengers. The museum's detailed recreations bring the ship's story to life in an unforgettable way.
11. Silver Dollar City
FAMILY FUN DESTINATION | BRANSON MO
Silver Dollar City is a family-friendly destination featuring attractions for all ages, from adrenaline-pumping coasters to interactive play zones. Visitors to Silver Dollar City can enjoy daily live shows, artisan demonstrations, and delicious home-style cooking. Seasonal festivals at Silver Dollar City bring unique experiences like clogging jamborees and craft fairs.
12. City Museum
ADVENTURE HAVEN | ST LOUIS MO
A visit to City Museum means discovering hidden treasures like underground caves, towering slides, and quirky rooftop features such as a vintage bus installation. This dynamic space encourages creativity through interactive exhibits designed for all ages to enjoy together. City Museum redefines what it means to explore.
13. Mark Twain National Forest
OUTDOOR PARADISE | SOUTHERN MO
Encompassing diverse ecosystems from oak hardwoods to bluestem prairies, Mark Twain National Forest offers something for every nature enthusiast. Its secluded campgrounds provide peaceful retreats while its trails cater to hikers and bikers alike. Mark Twain National Forest is a must-visit destination for anyone craving outdoor adventure.
14. National WWI Museum and Memorial
GLOBAL HISTORY | KANSAS CITY MO
The National WWI Museum and Memorial delves into global events surrounding World War I with engaging displays and films. Visitors can walk through recreated environments like trenches or admire unique artifacts such as vintage motorcycles used in the war effort. A trip to the Liberty Memorial Tower completes this historical exploration.
15. Fantastic Caverns
HISTORIC CAVE EXPERIENCE | SPRINGFIELD MO
Discovered in 1862, Fantastic Caverns is steeped in history and offers a one-of-a-kind ride-through exploration. Guests can relax in a Jeep-drawn tram as they marvel at stalagmites, cave pearls, and other natural wonders. This accessible attraction is perfect for families and history enthusiasts alike, offering stories of its early explorers and unique past uses.
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. Myseum
INTERACTIVE PLAY CENTER | ST LOUIS MO
Myseum captivates children with hands-on exhibits blending science and play, including a spaceship maze and swamp made of pool noodles. Parents can relax while kids explore bounce houses, dig for dinosaur bones, or pretend to be veterinarians in themed play areas. Perfect for rainy days or birthday parties, Myseum guarantees hours of educational fun for curious minds.
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.