Lilbourn Missouri
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lilbourn, Missouri.
1. Gateway Arch
STEEL CURVE | ST LOUIS MO
The Gateway Arch is an impressive stainless steel structure celebrating America's westward expansion with unparalleled elegance at 630 feet tall. Visitors can experience panoramic views from its top, learn about historical milestones in its museum exhibits, or take relaxing walks through its beautifully landscaped park grounds. It remains an iconic feature of St. Louis' cultural identity.
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 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
HISTORIC LIMESTONE CAVE | STANTON MO
Meramec Caverns is a seven-level limestone cave system that has captivated visitors since its opening in 1933. Known for its stunning formations and legendary ties to Jesse James, the caverns offer guided tours featuring light shows and historical anecdotes. Located along Route 66, this attraction also provides outdoor activities like ziplining and riverboat rides.
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
ROUTE 66 LANDMARK | ST LOUIS MO
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, once a vital link on Route 66, is now a preserved piece of history for pedestrians and cyclists. Its unique bend and proximity to water intake towers add to its allure. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride with picturesque views of the Mississippi.
7. Missouri Great River Road
RIVERFRONT BEAUTY | EASTERN MISSOURI
The Missouri Great River Road combines stunning riverfront scenery with fascinating historical sites for an unforgettable journey through the state. Attractions like St. Louis's Gateway Arch and New Madrid Historical Museum provide insight into local culture and history. This route is a must-see for travelers seeking both education and relaxation.
8. Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge
WILDLIFE OASIS | MOUND CITY MO
Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge serves as an essential stopover on the Central Flyway for waterfowl migrations. The varied habitats at Loess Bluffs attract over 300 bird species annually, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy wildlife observation, photography opportunities, and educational programs year-round at this picturesque refuge.
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
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
CRAFTSMANSHIP & FUN | BRANSON MO
Silver Dollar City celebrates American craftsmanship with over 100 artisans demonstrating timeless skills like glassblowing and blacksmithing. Silver Dollar City combines thrilling roller coasters, family-friendly attractions, and live entertainment to create unforgettable memories. Seasonal festivals at Silver Dollar City add a festive flair to the park's charming 1880s atmosphere.
12. City Museum
URBAN ADVENTURE | ST LOUIS MO
City Museum in St. Louis offers a sprawling 600,000-square-foot space packed with slides, climbing structures, and hidden tunnels. The rooftop features unique attractions like a Ferris wheel and a giant praying mantis sculpture. City Museum is an ever-evolving masterpiece that blends play with artistic ingenuity.
13. Mark Twain National Forest
SCENIC BYWAYS | SOUTHERN MO
Mark Twain National Forest is home to breathtaking drives like the Glade Top Trail and Blue Buck Knob Scenic Byway, which offer panoramic views of the Ozarks. The forest's rivers and lakes provide excellent spots for fishing and boating adventures. With its vast expanse and varied ecosystems, Mark Twain National Forest promises unforgettable exploration.
14. National WWI Museum and Memorial
HISTORICAL TREASURE | KANSAS CITY MO
As America's official World War I museum, the National WWI Museum and Memorial preserves personal stories alongside global history through its diverse exhibits. Visitors can explore trenches or admire rare items like uniforms from notable figures such as General Pershing. The Liberty Memorial Tower provides an unforgettable perspective on Kansas City's landscape while honoring wartime sacrifices.
15. Fantastic Caverns
ALL-SEASON ATTRACTION | SPRINGFIELD MO
Fantastic Caverns provides a 55-minute guided tour through a stunning underground landscape, all from the comfort of a Jeep-drawn tram. Its constant 60-degree temperature makes it an ideal destination no matter the season. Visitors can learn about the cave's rich history while enjoying its breathtaking formations and family-friendly accessibility.
16. SEA LIFE Kansas City
UNDERWATER WONDERLAND | KANSAS CITY MO
SEA LIFE Kansas City offers an immersive aquatic experience with over 5,000 marine creatures, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles. Guests can walk through a 180-degree ocean tunnel and interact with starfish in touch pools. This family-friendly aquarium emphasizes marine conservation while providing educational fun.
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. St. Francois State Park
HISTORIC REFUGE | BONNE TERRE MO
St. Francois State Park is nestled in the Pike Run Hills and features 2,735 acres of forested ridges and glades. The park offers hiking trails, equestrian paths, camping sites, and access to the Big River for swimming and canoeing. Its Civil War history and unique geology provide visitors with both recreational opportunities and a glimpse into Missouri's past.
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 Mines State Historic Site
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE | PARK HILLS MO
The Missouri Mines State Historic Site preserves the legacy of lead mining in southeast Missouri through exhibits housed in a former mine mill building. Visitors can learn about mining technology, geology, and the workers who shaped this industry's history. The site offers a unique perspective on Missouri's economic development.