Maplewood Missouri
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Maplewood, 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
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
CREATIVE HAVEN | KANSAS CITY MO
From ancient bronze vessels to modern photography exhibits, the Nelson-Atkins Museum provides a haven for creativity and exploration in Kansas City. Its sculpture park and architectural beauty complement indoor galleries filled with global masterpieces. Free admission makes it an inviting destination for all ages.
4. Meramec Caverns
ROUTE 66 GEM | STANTON MO
A favorite stop on Route 66, Meramec Caverns combines natural beauty with rich history, including legends of its use as a hideout by Jesse James. The guided tours showcase breathtaking formations and interactive light displays. Additional attractions include ziplining, gold panning, and riverside camping.
5. Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park
BIODIVERSITY HAVEN | VAN BUREN MO
Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park supports a wide variety of aquatic, terrestrial, and subterranean habitats within its 80,000 acres of protected land. Its rivers are designated Outstanding National Resource Waters due to their ecological importance. Wildlife diversity is further enriched by elk reintroduction efforts within the park's boundaries.
6. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
PEDESTRIAN PARADISE | ST LOUIS MO
This mile-long bridge stands as a preserved relic from Route 66's golden age, now serving as a peaceful walkway over the Mississippi River. The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge's iconic bend adds intrigue to its already scenic route. It's an ideal destination for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike.
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
FAMILY OUTDOOR DESTINATION | MOUND CITY MO
Perfect for families, Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing, and educational activities in a serene setting. The auto tour loop at Loess Bluffs allows close encounters with waterfowl and other animals in their natural habitats. Seasonal events like Eagle Days celebrate its role as a winter haven for bald eagles at the 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
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
FUN FOR ALL | ST LOUIS MO
With its mix of artistic installations and playful attractions like spiral chutes and climbing towers, City Museum delights visitors young and old alike. The museum's rooftop offers additional thrills with unique sculptures and panoramic views of St. Louis. City Museum is an iconic destination that fosters joy through discovery and playfulness.
13. Mark Twain National Forest
HISTORIC LANDSCAPES | SOUTHERN MO
Mark Twain National Forest preserves a rich history with remnants of Civilian Conservation Corps projects and old silver mines scattered throughout its lands. Visitors can explore ancient springs like Greer Spring or hike sections of the Ozark Trail winding through the forest. Mark Twain National Forest combines historical intrigue with natural splendor.
14. National WWI Museum and Memorial
EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY | KANSAS CITY MO
The National WWI Museum and Memorial provides an educational journey through the Great War with expertly curated exhibits. Guests can explore replica trenches, rare artifacts, and multimedia presentations that bring history to life. The Liberty Memorial Tower adds a unique vantage point to this enriching experience.
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. Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
SPORTS HISTORY | KANSAS CITY MO
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum celebrates the history of African American baseball players who paved the way for integration in professional sports. Through exhibits featuring memorabilia, photographs, and interactive displays, visitors gain insight into this important chapter of American history. It's a must-visit for baseball fans and history enthusiasts alike.
17. Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins
HILLTOP RUINS | CAMDENTON MO
Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins sit atop a bluff overlooking Lake of the Ozarks with trails leading to caves and springs below. Built in the early 1900s by Robert Snyder, this stone mansion now stands as a picturesque reminder of Missouri's past amid stunning natural surroundings perfect for hiking or picnicking.
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. Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park Headquarters
RIVER ADVENTURES & SPRINGS | VAN BUREN MO
Ozark National Scenic Riverways protects two pristine rivers, the Current and Jacks Fork, offering visitors opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and swimming in spring-fed waters. The park also features historic sites like Alley Mill and numerous trails that showcase caves, waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes. A haven for nature enthusiasts, this park is ideal for exploring Missouri's natural beauty.
20. Shaw Nature Reserve
NATURAL HAVEN | GRAY SUMMIT MO
Shaw Nature Reserve offers visitors 2,400 acres of diverse ecosystems, including reconstructed tallgrass prairies, wetlands, and woodlands. With over 18 miles of hiking trails and the Whitmire Wildflower Garden, it provides an immersive experience in Missouri's native flora and fauna. Educational programs and serene landscapes make it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts.