Stark City Missouri
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Stark City, Missouri.
1. Gateway Arch
NATIONAL PARK ICON | ST LOUIS MO
As part of Gateway Arch National Park, this towering monument offers visitors breathtaking views from above and immersive educational experiences below in its museum exhibits on westward migration history. Scenic walking trails and riverboat cruises enhance the experience around this historic landmark in downtown St. Louis.
2. Missouri Botanical Garden
SCIENTIFIC GEM | ST LOUIS MO
As a hub for botanical research and education, this garden boasts one of the largest collections of rare flora in the world. Visitors can admire its herbarium and Peter H. Raven Library, which are pivotal resources in plant taxonomy studies. Seasonal highlights include narrated tram tours that showcase its diverse gardens and sculptures.
3. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
SCULPTURE PARK | KANSAS CITY MO
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art features the iconic Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park, home to monumental outdoor sculptures like the famous badminton birdies. Inside, visitors can explore galleries showcasing ancient to contemporary art from around the world. Free admission and accessible facilities make it a welcoming space for all.
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
SPRING-FED RIVERS | VAN BUREN MO
Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park is defined by its spring-fed rivers like the Current and Jacks Fork, which offer crystal-clear waters year-round. Float trips provide serene experiences surrounded by lush landscapes teeming with wildlife. These rivers are a cornerstone of Missouri's natural heritage and a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
6. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
HISTORIC FOOTPATH | ST LOUIS MO
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge stands as a symbol of historic Route 66, connecting Illinois and Missouri over the mighty Mississippi River. Now reserved for foot traffic, it invites visitors to explore its unique architecture and scenic beauty. A walk across this bridge is both relaxing and educational.
7. Missouri Great River Road
AMERICANA EXPERIENCE | EASTERN MISSOURI
The Missouri Great River Road celebrates the spirit of Americana with its blend of cultural landmarks and natural beauty along the Mississippi River. Travelers can visit historic homes, enjoy riverboat cruises, and discover artisan studios on the 50 Miles of Art Corridor between Hannibal and Clarksville. This journey promises lasting memories for all who explore it.
8. Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge
BIRDING PARADISE | MOUND CITY MO
Known as one of the Midwest's premier birding destinations, Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge hosts impressive gatherings of snow geese numbering over one million during peak migrations each year. Early morning visits to pools like Pelican Pool and Eagle Pool at Loess Bluffs provide optimal birdwatching opportunities for enthusiasts seeking unforgettable moments in nature. Seasonal surveys track bird populations across this vibrant refuge for visitors to follow closely during their trips to Loess Bluffs.
9. Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
POLITICAL HERITAGE | INDEPENDENCE MO
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum reveals the personal and professional life of President Truman through engaging exhibits and authentic memorabilia. Highlights include his working office and burial site alongside his family members in the courtyard garden area. This Independence landmark embodies American resilience and leadership.
10. TITANIC Museum Attraction
ARTIFACTS & STORIES | BRANSON MO
TITANIC Museum Attraction houses one of the largest collections of original artifacts from the RMS Titanic, valued at millions of dollars. Visitors can learn about individual passengers through boarding passes and explore galleries filled with personal items like letters and life vests. Interactive exhibits make history tangible, creating a memorable experience for all ages.
11. Silver Dollar City
AWARD-WINNING DINING | BRANSON MO
Dining at Silver Dollar City is an adventure of its own with slow-smoked barbecue, hearty buffets, and sweet festival treats around every corner. Visitors to Silver Dollar City can savor delicious meals while enjoying live shows and artisan demonstrations throughout the park. Thrilling rides and historical attractions complete the experience at Silver Dollar City's 61-acre theme park.
12. City Museum
WHIMSICAL ESCAPE | ST LOUIS MO
City Museum is an enchanting space where visitors can lose themselves in a maze of slides, caves, and artistic creations. The rooftop offers breathtaking views along with quirky features like a bus teetering on the edge. City Museum is a celebration of creativity and exploration for all ages.
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
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE | KANSAS CITY MO
The National WWI Museum and Memorial captivates guests with its comprehensive collection of artifacts and interactive exhibits. Highlights include a glass bridge above a symbolic poppy field and detailed galleries showcasing the war's timeline. Visitors can also ascend the Liberty Memorial Tower for stunning panoramic views.
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. Missouri State Penitentiary
HISTORIC PRISON | JEFFERSON CITY MO
Missouri State Penitentiary offers guided tours through its historic prison buildings where infamous inmates once served time. Visitors can learn about its 168-year history while exploring cells and hearing stories about escapes and riots that shaped its legacy. Nighttime ghost tours add a thrilling twist to this unique attraction.
18. Discovery Center of Springfield
HANDS-ON SCIENCE | SPRINGFIELD MO
The Discovery Center of Springfield is an interactive science museum featuring exhibits on health, technology, and natural history. Visitors can explore a giant walk-through brain or engage in STEM-focused activities like virtual reality simulations. This dynamic center inspires curiosity for learners of all ages.
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. Missouri Civil War Museum
HISTORIC LEGACY | ST LOUIS MO
Located in Jefferson Barracks, the Missouri Civil War Museum preserves the state's rich Civil War history through artifacts like uniforms, weapons, and medical kits. Interactive exhibits detail Missouri's divided loyalties during the war and its impact on local communities. The museum's setting in a restored historic building adds depth to its immersive storytelling.