Shelbina Missouri
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Shelbina, 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 HISTORY | KANSAS CITY MO
Combining historical significance with artistic innovation, the Nelson-Atkins Museum offers galleries filled with treasures like Whistler's Portrait of the Artist's Mother and Ming dynasty screens. The museum's architecture reflects Kansas City's cultural heritage while inviting visitors year-round with free admission.
4. Meramec Caverns
FAMILY DESTINATION | STANTON MO
Perfect for all ages, Meramec Caverns offers guided tours through its stunning limestone chambers alongside fun activities like gold panning and climbing walls. Historical legends of Jesse James enrich the experience with exciting stories of the past. Relaxation awaits at the campground or riverside motel.
5. Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park
HISTORIC LANDMARKS | VAN BUREN MO
Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park preserves historic landmarks like Alley Mill and Welch Hospital, which showcase Missouri's cultural heritage. Alley Spring offers a picturesque setting with trails surrounding its turquoise waters. The park also features structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps that add charm to its rich history.
6. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
ICONIC BEND BRIDGE | ST LOUIS MO
Known for its distinctive 30-degree turn, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is a historic marvel crossing the Mississippi River. Originally built in 1929 as a toll bridge, it now welcomes walkers and cyclists as part of the Route 66 experience. Its towering structure provides breathtaking views of the river and surrounding landscapes.
7. Missouri Great River Road
RIVER ROAD ADVENTURE | EASTERN MISSOURI
The Missouri Great River Road delivers a captivating exploration of the Mississippi River's legacy through scenic drives and enriching stops. From sampling local cuisine in Ste. Genevieve to learning about seismic history in New Madrid, this route is a gateway to Missouri's unique charm. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities, museums, and festivals along this iconic byway.
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
EDUCATIONAL HUB | INDEPENDENCE MO
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum is a premier destination for learning about one of America's most transformative leaders. Visitors can engage with exhibits on the atomic bomb decision, NATO formation, and desegregation policies. Its recent renovation ensures an unforgettable experience for all ages.
10. TITANIC Museum Attraction
A TRIBUTE TO TITANIC | BRANSON MO
TITANIC Museum Attraction commemorates the iconic ship's legacy with its immersive exhibits and personal storytelling approach. Visitors receive boarding passes linked to real passengers, making their exploration deeply meaningful as they uncover individual fates at tour's end. With interactive features like icy water challenges, this museum connects guests to history in unforgettable ways.
11. Silver Dollar City
THEME PARK THRILLS | BRANSON MO
Silver Dollar City is an 1880s-themed park nestled in the picturesque Ozark Mountains, offering visitors a unique blend of history and entertainment. Silver Dollar City features over 40 rides, live shows, and artisan demonstrations, creating an immersive experience for all ages. Guests at Silver Dollar City can also explore Marvel Cave and enjoy award-winning dining and seasonal festivals.
12. City Museum
PLAYFUL LABYRINTH | ST LOUIS MO
At City Museum, guests can navigate through interconnected tunnels, spiral slides, and imaginative sculptures crafted from reclaimed materials. The museum's rooftop adds another layer of excitement with its Ferris wheel and climbing structures. City Museum turns curiosity into adventure in downtown St. Louis.
13. Mark Twain National Forest
UNPLUGGED RETREAT | SOUTHERN MO
For those looking to unplug from modern life, Mark Twain National Forest offers remote wilderness areas and quiet camping spots surrounded by nature's beauty. Its sparkling rivers and scenic vistas provide a peaceful backdrop for relaxation or adventure. A visit to Mark Twain National Forest rejuvenates both body and soul.
14. National WWI Museum and Memorial
UNIQUE COLLECTIONS | KANSAS CITY MO
Housing one of the world's most comprehensive collections of World War I artifacts, the National WWI Museum and Memorial offers an unparalleled glimpse into history. Highlights include trench recreations, rare vehicles, and personal keepsakes from soldiers' lives during wartime. The Liberty Memorial Tower crowns this remarkable experience with scenic views of Kansas City.
15. Fantastic Caverns
MISSOURI'S NATURAL GEM | SPRINGFIELD MO
Located near Springfield, Missouri, Fantastic Caverns invites visitors to explore its beauty on a ride-through tram tour. The cave features awe-inspiring formations and fascinating historical tales from its discovery to its role during Prohibition. With no walking required, it is an ideal destination for guests of all ages and mobility levels.
16. Uranus Missouri Towne Center
QUIRKY ROADSTOP | ST ROBERT MO
Uranus Missouri Towne Center is a playful Route 66 attraction known for its humor-filled shops and the famous Uranus Fudge Factory. Visitors can explore unique attractions like the Sideshow Museum, escape rooms, and the world's largest belt buckle. This lighthearted stop offers plenty of laughs, photo ops, and delicious fudge for travelers.
17. Meramec State Park
RIVER RETREAT | SULLIVAN MO
Meramec State Park offers diverse ecosystems with over 40 caves and scenic trails along the Meramec River's bluffs and forests. Activities include floating, fishing, hiking to Fisher Cave's calcite formations, or relaxing at modern campgrounds with cabins and motels. The visitor center provides educational exhibits about the park's natural treasures.
18. Hidden Valley Ski Resort
WINTER THRILLS | WILDWOOD MO
Hidden Valley Ski Resort provides skiing and snowboarding fun across well-maintained slopes near St. Louis. Guests can enjoy night skiing under lights or relax at the lodge after conquering challenging terrain parks. With lessons available for beginners, it's an ideal winter destination for all skill levels.
19. Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum
HISTORIC EXPEDITION REPLICAS | ST CHARLES MO
The Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum immerses visitors in the history of the famous expedition with full-scale replicas of the boats used by the Corps of Discovery. Exhibits on the Missouri River ecosystem and Native American cultures enrich the experience, complemented by dioramas and interactive displays. Located by the riverfront, this museum provides a fascinating glimpse into early American exploration.
20. America's National Churchill Museum
LEADERSHIP TRIBUTE | FULTON MO
America's National Churchill Museum honors Winston Churchill with exhibits detailing his leadership during World War II, including his famous Iron Curtain speech delivered in Fulton. The museum is housed within a restored church relocated from London after WWII bombings. Thought-provoking displays connect Churchill's legacy to global history.