Millard MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Millard, Missouri.
1. Gateway Arch
TALLEST MONUMENT IN USA
The Gateway Arch stands as a majestic 630-foot tall monument in St. Louis, making it the tallest monument in the United States and a symbol of westward expansion. Visitors can take an elevator to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River. The arch commemorates Thomas Jefferson's role in expanding the United States and serves as an iconic representation of the gateway to the American West.
2. Missouri State Capitol
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Missouri State Capitol is an impressive historic government building featuring guided tours that reveal state history and stunning artwork, including Thomas Hart Benton murals. Visitors gain access to legislative chambers and can explore the state museum housed within the building. The Capitol's architecture and beautifully landscaped grounds make it a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in Missouri's political heritage.
3. Runge Conservation Nature Center
URBAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The Runge Conservation Nature Center offers well-marked trails through a natural sanctuary conveniently located close to the heart of Jefferson City. This nature and wildlife area provides an accessible escape into Missouri's natural environments without having to travel far from urban amenities. Visitors can observe local wildlife, learn about conservation efforts, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings year-round.
4. Lake of the Ozarks
MASSIVE MANMADE LAKE
Lake of the Ozarks was created by the construction of the Bagnell Dam, completed in April 1931, and was once the largest manmade lake in the United States with a surface area of 54,000 acres. The lake offers extensive recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports throughout its many coves and inlets. Surrounding the lake are numerous resorts, restaurants, shopping areas, and entertainment venues that make it one of Missouri's premier vacation destinations.
5. Mark Twain Birthplace
FAMOUS AUTHOR'S HOME
The Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site preserves the modest two-room cabin where Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, was born in 1835. The site houses first editions of many of Twain's works along with family artifacts and furniture from his childhood. Visitors can learn about the early influences that shaped one of America's most beloved writers, known for classics like 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' and 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.'
6. Missouri State Museum
SHOW-ME STATE HISTORY
The Missouri State Museum is located within the State Capitol building and houses an impressive collection of exhibits portraying the rich history of the Show-Me State. Visitors can explore displays covering Missouri's natural history, cultural heritage, and significant historical events that shaped the state. The museum offers an educational journey through time with artifacts, interactive displays, and informative presentations for all ages.
7. Museum of Missouri Military History
HONORING MILITARY SERVICE
The Museum of Missouri Military History showcases exhibits that honor and preserve the military heritage of Missouri citizens. One notable display is the Lost 52 exhibit, which pays tribute to the 52 submarines lost during World War II. The museum features military artifacts, vehicles, uniforms, and personal stories that span from the early frontier days to modern conflicts.
8. Governor's Mansion
HISTORIC EXECUTIVE RESIDENCE
The Missouri Governor's Mansion serves as the official residence of the state's governor and stands as one of the oldest continuously occupied governor's homes in the United States. The Renaissance Revival-style mansion, built in 1871, features period furnishings, stunning architecture, and beautiful gardens that visitors can tour. Guided tours provide insights into the history of Missouri's governors and the important events that have taken place within these historic walls.
9. Crystal Ball Cave
UNDERGROUND CRYSTAL WONDER
Crystal Ball Cave offers visitors a fascinating underground adventure through chambers adorned with unique crystal formations. The cave maintains a constant temperature year-round, providing a cool escape during hot summer months and a warm refuge in winter. Guided tours explain the geological processes that created these natural wonders over thousands of years.
10. Warm Springs
NATURAL THERMAL WATERS
The Warm Springs area features natural thermal waters that have attracted visitors seeking their reputed healing properties for generations. These springs maintain a consistent temperature throughout the year, creating unique aquatic ecosystems in the surrounding areas. Visitors can enjoy soaking in designated areas while taking in the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape.
11. Wild Horse Area
FREE-ROAMING WILD MUSTANGS
The Wild Horse Area provides a protected habitat where visitors can observe free-roaming wild mustangs in their natural environment. These magnificent animals are descendants of horses that escaped or were released by Spanish explorers, settlers, and Native Americans throughout the region's history. Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers can witness these symbols of American freedom and resilience from designated viewing areas while learning about conservation efforts to protect these historic herds.
12. Notch Peak
DRAMATIC VERTICAL CLIFF
Notch Peak features one of the highest vertical drops in North America, with a dramatic cliff face that attracts hikers and mountain climbers from around the world. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges, making the challenging ascent worthwhile for outdoor enthusiasts. The area's unique geology and plant life create numerous opportunities for nature study and photography throughout the changing seasons.
13. Joy Ghost Town
PRESERVED MINING HISTORY
Joy Ghost Town preserves the remnants of a once-thriving mining community that boomed in the late 19th century before being abandoned as mineral resources were depleted. Visitors can explore the weathered wooden structures, mining equipment, and other artifacts that tell the story of frontier life during Missouri's mining era. The ghost town offers a haunting glimpse into the boom-and-bust cycle that characterized many western settlements during America's expansion.
14. Pahvant Heritage Trail
CULTURAL HISTORY PATH
The Pahvant Heritage Trail guides visitors through significant cultural and historical sites that tell the story of the region's Native American heritage and early settlement. Along the trail, interpretive signs provide information about the Pahvant people, their traditions, and their interaction with European settlers and explorers. The path traverses varied terrain offering scenic views while connecting visitors to the rich cultural tapestry of the area.
15. Pershing Boyhood Home
MILITARY LEADER'S ORIGINS
The Pershing Boyhood Home preserves the early residence of General John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. The site features beautifully landscaped grounds, including a small memorial garden and a walking trail that meanders through the surrounding countryside. Visitors can gain insight into the formative years and environments that shaped one of America's most significant military leaders while enjoying the tranquil rural setting.