Pineville Missouri
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Pineville, Missouri.
1. Gateway Arch
MISSISSIPPI VIEWS | ST LOUIS MO
The Gateway Arch offers visitors a unique vantage point over St. Louis and the mighty Mississippi River from its observation deck at 630 feet high. Its museum features artifacts from America's westward expansion, complemented by walking trails and riverboat cruises nearby. This landmark combines historical depth with modern-day adventure.
2. Missouri Botanical Garden
HORTICULTURAL HAVEN | ST LOUIS MO
The Missouri Botanical Garden offers a serene escape with its meticulously designed gardens, such as the Victorian District and Ottoman Garden. Its Climatron conservatory houses a vibrant tropical rainforest, while the Temperate House showcases Mediterranean flora. Seasonal events and educational tours make it a year-round destination for nature enthusiasts.
3. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
ARTISTIC MASTERPIECES | KANSAS CITY MO
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is internationally recognized for its exceptional collection ranging from Ming dynasty porcelains to American Indian dioramas. Its iconic badminton birdie sculptures are a highlight for visitors exploring the grounds. Free admission ensures accessibility to this cultural treasure.
4. Meramec Caverns
NATURAL TREASURE | STANTON MO
Missouri's most-visited cave, Meramec Caverns offers an immersive journey through its intricate limestone formations. Highlights include the Ballroom and stage curtain used for light shows, as well as fascinating historical displays. The surrounding area features camping, river activities, and family-friendly amenities.
5. Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park
RIVER SPRINGS | VAN BUREN MO
Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park is home to iconic springs like Alley Spring and Big Spring, each offering unique beauty and historical significance. Big Spring flows an average of 286 million gallons daily, making it a natural wonder of global importance. Trails around these springs provide easy access for visitors to explore their surroundings.
6. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
MISSOURI ILLINOIS LINK | ST LOUIS MO
Spanning one mile across the Mississippi River, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge connects two states with its historic charm. Once bustling with cars on Route 66, it now offers a tranquil path for pedestrians and cyclists. Its iconic bend remains a highlight for visitors.
7. Missouri Great River Road
RIVER ROAD ESCAPE | EASTERN MISSOURI
The Missouri Great River Road delivers an escape into scenic beauty and historical richness along its winding path beside the Mississippi River. Visitors can enjoy iconic sites like the Gateway Arch while discovering hidden gems such as Crystal City Underground kayaking tours or artisan galleries in Clarksville. It is a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration for any traveler seeking adventure in Missouri.
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
LEGACY PRESERVED | INDEPENDENCE MO
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum preserves the life and legacy of President Truman through innovative storytelling techniques and historical artifacts. Visitors can explore his personal belongings, political memorabilia, and groundbreaking decisions on global issues. Nestled in Independence, Missouri, it serves as a beacon of education.
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
MARVEL CAVE EXPERIENCE | BRANSON MO
Marvel Cave is the heart of Silver Dollar City's history, offering guided tours through its awe-inspiring underground formations. Above ground, Silver Dollar City delights visitors with thrilling rides, artisan crafts, and live performances. Seasonal events at Silver Dollar City create magical experiences from spring through Christmas.
12. City Museum
HISTORICAL PLAYGROUND | ST LOUIS MO
Housed in a former shoe factory, City Museum combines history with fun through its imaginative use of salvaged materials. Visitors can climb through treehouses, crawl through tunnels, and marvel at mosaics and sculptures throughout the museum. City Museum's innovative design makes it a must-see attraction in St. Louis.
13. Mark Twain National Forest
RUGGED OZARKS | SOUTHERN MO
Mark Twain National Forest showcases Missouri's natural beauty with its rocky glades, volcanic mountains, and over 5,000 caves. Visitors can enjoy activities like floating on pristine rivers, camping in secluded spots, or exploring historic sites scattered throughout the forest. Its diverse terrain makes Mark Twain National Forest a unique destination for adventure and relaxation.
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
OZARKS UNDERGROUND BEAUTY | SPRINGFIELD MO
Nestled beneath the rolling hills near Springfield, Missouri, Fantastic Caverns offers a relaxing yet awe-inspiring journey through its underground marvels. The guided tram tour reveals breathtaking sights like crystal-clear pools and towering stalagmites while preserving the delicate ecosystem within the cave. With its rich history and unique features, this attraction is a highlight of any visit to the Ozarks region.
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. Stark Caverns
UNDERGROUND WONDER | ELDON MO
Stark Caverns invites visitors to explore stunning geological formations, ancient bear beds, and Native American artifacts through guided tours. Specialty experiences like the Black Light Tour reveal fluorescent minerals, while above-ground activities include gemstone mining and picnic areas. This year-round attraction combines natural beauty with educational adventures for all ages.
18. Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum
LITERARY HERITAGE | MANSFIELD MO
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum preserves Rocky Ridge Farm where Wilder wrote her famous Little House series. Visitors can tour the farmhouse, Rock House, and museum showcasing artifacts like Pa's fiddle and handwritten manuscripts. This site offers a glimpse into the pioneer life that inspired Wilder's beloved books.
19. Myseum
INTERACTIVE PLAY CENTER | ST LOUIS MO
Myseum captivates children with hands-on exhibits blending science and play, including a spaceship maze and swamp made of pool noodles. Parents can relax while kids explore bounce houses, dig for dinosaur bones, or pretend to be veterinarians in themed play areas. Perfect for rainy days or birthday parties, Myseum guarantees hours of educational fun for curious minds.
20. Missouri Institute of Natural Science
PREHISTORIC DISCOVERY | SPRINGFIELD MO
The Missouri Institute of Natural Science captivates visitors with its extensive fossil collection, including dinosaur remains and Ice Age specimens. Interactive exhibits and educational programs make science accessible to all ages. Fossil-hunting activities on-site provide hands-on exploration for budding paleontologists.