Lake Annette Missouri
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lake Annette, 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
FLORAL PARADISE | ST LOUIS MO
Renowned for its vast botanical collections, the Missouri Botanical Garden includes unique features like a pioneer village and Osage camp in its Children's Garden area. The Japanese Garden is among North America's largest strolling gardens, offering tranquility amidst lush greenery. Guided tours enhance the visitor experience with fascinating insights into plant science and history.
3. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
SCULPTURE PARK | KANSAS CITY MO
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art features the iconic Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park, home to monumental outdoor sculptures like the famous badminton birdies. Inside, visitors can explore galleries showcasing ancient to contemporary art from around the world. Free admission and accessible facilities make it a welcoming space for all.
4. Meramec Caverns
FAMILY DESTINATION | STANTON MO
Perfect for all ages, Meramec Caverns offers guided tours through its stunning limestone chambers alongside fun activities like gold panning and climbing walls. Historical legends of Jesse James enrich the experience with exciting stories of the past. Relaxation awaits at the campground or riverside motel.
5. Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park
SPRINGS AND CAVES | VAN BUREN MO
Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park is renowned for its impressive concentration of first-magnitude springs and over 400 caves. Highlights include Big Spring, one of the largest in the world, and Round Spring Caverns, which offers guided tours. The park's karst landscape creates stunning geological formations and unique ecosystems.
6. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
BEND IN HISTORY | ST LOUIS MO
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, with its unique curve, is an enduring symbol of early highway design on Route 66. Now catering to pedestrians and cyclists, it offers breathtaking views over the Mississippi River's wild waterscape. Its historical significance draws visitors from around the world.
7. Missouri Great River Road
HISTORIC JOURNEY | EASTERN MISSOURI
The Missouri Great River Road invites visitors to traverse its historic byway, offering glimpses into the state's cultural and natural treasures. Highlights include Hannibal's Mark Twain Museum, St. Louis's vibrant attractions, and Cape Girardeau's conservation center. This scenic drive blends storytelling with breathtaking views of the Mississippi River.
8. Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge
BIRDING PARADISE | MOUND CITY MO
Known as one of the Midwest's premier birding destinations, Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge hosts impressive gatherings of snow geese numbering over one million during peak migrations each year. Early morning visits to pools like Pelican Pool and Eagle Pool at Loess Bluffs provide optimal birdwatching opportunities for enthusiasts seeking unforgettable moments in nature. Seasonal surveys track bird populations across this vibrant refuge for visitors to follow closely during their trips to Loess Bluffs.
9. Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
PRESIDENTIAL LANDMARK | INDEPENDENCE MO
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum offers visitors a unique glimpse into the challenges faced by the 33rd president. Exhibits include sound-and-light theaters and a 14-foot interactive globe exploring post-WWII peace efforts. This landmark blends history with innovation in Independence, Missouri.
10. TITANIC Museum Attraction
IMMERSIVE HISTORY | BRANSON MO
TITANIC Museum Attraction allows guests to step into history with its detailed recreations of ship spaces like cabins and engine rooms alongside interactive exhibits such as touching an iceberg or sending an SOS signal. Visitors learn about passengers' lives through boarding passes tied to real individuals from 1912. The museum blends education with engagement for an unforgettable visit.
11. Silver Dollar City
SEASONAL FESTIVALS | BRANSON MO
From springtime expos to dazzling Christmas celebrations, seasonal festivals make every visit to Silver Dollar City special. Guests at Silver Dollar City can enjoy themed entertainment, artisan crafts, and delicious festival foods throughout the year. The park's thrilling rides and historic charm complete the unforgettable experience at Silver Dollar City.
12. City Museum
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE | ST LOUIS MO
Combining art, architecture, and play, City Museum captivates visitors with its unique exhibits crafted from repurposed materials. Highlights include the Enchanted Caves, giant slides, and rooftop adventures that offer stunning city views. City Museum delivers endless fun in an unforgettable setting.
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
UNIQUE COLLECTIONS | KANSAS CITY MO
Housing one of the world's most comprehensive collections of World War I artifacts, the National WWI Museum and Memorial offers an unparalleled glimpse into history. Highlights include trench recreations, rare vehicles, and personal keepsakes from soldiers' lives during wartime. The Liberty Memorial Tower crowns this remarkable experience with scenic views of Kansas City.
15. Fantastic Caverns
MISSOURI'S NATURAL GEM | SPRINGFIELD MO
Located near Springfield, Missouri, Fantastic Caverns invites visitors to explore its beauty on a ride-through tram tour. The cave features awe-inspiring formations and fascinating historical tales from its discovery to its role during Prohibition. With no walking required, it is an ideal destination for guests of all ages and mobility levels.
16. Missouri History Museum
ST LOUIS HERITAGE | ST LOUIS MO
Located in Forest Park, the Missouri History Museum showcases the rich history of St. Louis through interactive exhibits on topics like the 1904 World's Fair and Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis. Visitors can explore rotating displays alongside permanent collections that celebrate local culture and innovation. Admission is free, making it an accessible destination for history buffs.
17. Missouri State Penitentiary
HISTORIC PRISON | JEFFERSON CITY MO
Missouri State Penitentiary offers guided tours through its historic prison buildings where infamous inmates once served time. Visitors can learn about its 168-year history while exploring cells and hearing stories about escapes and riots that shaped its legacy. Nighttime ghost tours add a thrilling twist to this unique attraction.
18. Montauk State Park
TROUT FISHING HAVEN | SALEM MO
Montauk State Park is renowned for its trout fishing at the headwaters of the Current River, where seven springs converge. Anglers flock here during trout season, while others enjoy hiking trails, camping facilities, and tours of the historic 1896 gristmill. The park's natural beauty and serene atmosphere make it a favorite destination in the Ozarks.
19. Springfield Art Museum
LOCAL & GLOBAL ART | SPRINGFIELD MO
The Springfield Art Museum offers free admission to its well-curated collection featuring works from various eras and genres alongside exhibits from regional artists. Visitors can enjoy rotating special exhibits that highlight unique artistic perspectives while navigating its intimate yet thoughtfully designed layout. A cultural gem in Springfield, this museum is perfect for art enthusiasts seeking inspiration without crowds or fees.
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.