Lakeside Missouri
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lakeside, Missouri.
1. Gateway Arch
WESTWARD EXPANSION | ST LOUIS MO
Rising above downtown St. Louis, the Gateway Arch is a stainless steel masterpiece commemorating America's westward expansion. Guests can ride to the top for panoramic views, visit the museum to learn about pioneer history, or relax on riverboat cruises along the Mississippi River. This iconic structure is a must-see destination for history and architecture enthusiasts alike.
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
CULTURAL ICON | KANSAS CITY MO
Known for its Beaux-Arts architecture and innovative Bloch Building, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a must-visit destination in Kansas City. It houses over 40,000 works of art, including masterpieces from Africa, Asia, and Europe. Guests can enjoy curated exhibitions, self-guided tours, and serene outdoor spaces.
4. Meramec Caverns
HIDDEN BEAUTY | STANTON MO
Beneath Missouri's Ozarks lies Meramec Caverns, a breathtaking network of limestone formations shaped over millennia. Guided tours feature light shows and historical tales that captivate visitors year-round. Outdoor adventures like canoeing and ziplining make it an unforgettable destination.
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
MISSISSIPPI CROSSING | ST LOUIS MO
Stretching over the Mississippi River, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is a testament to early 20th-century engineering. This former vehicular bridge is now a serene pedestrian trail connecting Missouri and Illinois. Its historic charm and panoramic views make it a must-visit destination.
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
MIGRATION HOTSPOT | MOUND CITY MO
Designated as an Internationally Important Bird Area, Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge hosts hundreds of thousands of migratory birds each year. Flocks of snow geese create breathtaking sights and sounds at Loess Bluffs during peak migration seasons. Visitors can explore the refuge through hiking trails or the Wild Goose Auto Tour Loop for unforgettable experiences.
9. Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
CULTURAL TREASURE | INDEPENDENCE MO
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum provides a cinematic experience of pivotal moments in U.S. history under Truman's leadership. The museum features rare artifacts, immersive theaters, and engaging role-playing games. Situated on a hill overlooking Independence, it celebrates Truman's enduring legacy.
10. TITANIC Museum Attraction
NAUTICAL HISTORY | BRANSON MO
TITANIC Museum Attraction in Branson is a celebration of the ship's legacy, featuring personal stories of passengers and crew. Visitors receive boarding passes of real passengers and discover their fates through engaging exhibits. With artifacts valued at over .5 million, the museum combines history with hands-on experiences for all ages.
11. Silver Dollar City
ARTISANS & ENTERTAINMENT | BRANSON MO
Artisans at Silver Dollar City showcase timeless crafts like glassblowing and pottery while entertaining visitors with their skills. Live performances at Silver Dollar City range from signature shows to celebrity concerts during seasonal festivals. The park's 40 attractions offer fun for all ages in a charming 1880s setting.
12. City Museum
WHIMSICAL ESCAPE | ST LOUIS MO
City Museum is an enchanting space where visitors can lose themselves in a maze of slides, caves, and artistic creations. The rooftop offers breathtaking views along with quirky features like a bus teetering on the edge. City Museum is a celebration of creativity and exploration for all ages.
13. Mark Twain National Forest
RECREATION HAVEN | SOUTHERN MO
From motorized trails at Chadwick to serene fishing spots on Big Piney River, Mark Twain National Forest caters to all types of outdoor recreation. Its expansive trails provide opportunities for backpacking or mountain biking through stunning landscapes. Visitors to Mark Twain National Forest will find endless ways to enjoy the great outdoors.
14. National WWI Museum and Memorial
ICONIC MONUMENT | KANSAS CITY MO
Designated as America's official World War I museum, the National WWI Museum and Memorial combines historical depth with architectural grandeur. Exhibits include trench recreations, rare documents, and immersive films that highlight the war's impact. The Liberty Memorial Tower stands as a beacon of remembrance overlooking Kansas City.
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. The Magic House
HANDS-ON LEARNING | KIRKWOOD MO
The Magic House offers an immersive experience where children can explore creativity and problem-solving through interactive exhibits. From the iconic electrostatic generator to the imaginative Children's Village, every corner sparks curiosity and fun. This 55,000-square-foot museum is a must-visit destination for families seeking educational entertainment.
17. National Museum of Transportation
TRANSPORT HISTORY | KIRKWOOD MO
The National Museum of Transportation showcases an extensive collection of trains, cars, planes, and boats spanning 15 decades of American history. Highlights include rare locomotives like Union Pacific Big Boy #4006 and unique vehicles such as a Chrysler turbine car. Interactive exhibits and guided tours make it a family-friendly destination for learning about transportation evolution.
18. Onondaga Cave State Park
CAVE EXPLORATION | LEASBURG MO
Onondaga Cave State Park showcases stunning underground formations within its namesake cave system. Guided tours reveal stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones while surface trails offer views of the Meramec River valley. The park combines geological wonders with outdoor recreation for a unique adventure.
19. Sam A. Baker State Park
OZARK MOUNTAIN ESCAPE | PATTERSON MO
Sam A. Baker State Park spans over 5,000 acres of rugged terrain in the St. Francois Mountains, providing opportunities for hiking, camping, and fishing. Visitors can enjoy scenic views from Mudlick Mountain or relax by Big Creek's gentle waters. With its rich history and abundant wildlife, this park offers a quintessential Ozark outdoor experience for families and adventurers alike.
20. Route 66 Museum
MOTHER ROAD HISTORY | LEBANON MO
The Route 66 Museum celebrates the iconic highway with exhibits featuring vintage cars, neon signs, and nostalgic memorabilia. Visitors can explore interactive displays that highlight the cultural significance of Route 66. The museum's engaging atmosphere evokes the spirit of America's road trip era.