Union MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Union, Missouri.
1. Veterans Memorial Park
HONORING AMERICAN HEROES
Veterans Memorial Park is a dedicated space in Union that pays tribute to those who served in the armed forces. The park offers a peaceful environment for reflection and remembrance with its monuments and landscaped grounds. Visitors can experience a sense of patriotism while exploring the various memorials that honor different branches of military service.
2. Old Ozarkian Distillery
TRADITIONAL SPIRITS CRAFTING
Old Ozarkian Distillery offers visitors a taste of traditional Missouri spirit-making in Union. The distillery produces handcrafted spirits using time-honored methods and locally sourced ingredients. Guests can tour the facility, learn about the distillation process, and sample various spirits produced on-site.
3. Union City Park
RECREATION FOR ALL AGES
Union City Park is part of the 122 acres of municipal parkland offering recreational activities for residents and visitors. The park features sports facilities, playgrounds, and green spaces perfect for family outings and community events. Year-round programming provided by the professional parks and recreation department ensures exciting indoor and outdoor activities for all ages.
4. Franklin County Historical Society
PRESERVING LOCAL HERITAGE
The Franklin County Historical Society maintains the history and cultural heritage of Union and surrounding areas. Through exhibits, archives, and educational programs, the society offers insights into the region's past and development. Visitors can explore historical artifacts, documents, and photographs that tell the story of Franklin County's rich history.
5. Indian Harvest
CULTURAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Indian Harvest is a unique shopping destination in Union featuring Native American-inspired crafts, jewelry, and decor. The store offers authentic and handcrafted items that celebrate indigenous art and culture. Visitors can browse and purchase distinctive souvenirs and gifts while learning about Native American traditions.
6. Longmeadow Rescue Ranch
ANIMAL SANCTUARY AND EDUCATION
Longmeadow Rescue Ranch provides shelter and care for abused and neglected farm animals in the Union area. The ranch offers educational programs about animal welfare and responsible pet ownership for visitors of all ages. Guests can interact with rescued animals and learn about the ranch's mission to prevent animal cruelty.
7. Six Flags St. Louis
THRILLING AMUSEMENT PARK
Six Flags St. Louis is a premier amusement park located near Union offering thrilling rides and entertainment for all ages. The park features numerous roller coasters, water attractions, and live shows throughout its operating season. Visitors can enjoy a full day of excitement with various dining options and themed areas within the park.
8. Purina Farms
INTERACTIVE ANIMAL EXPERIENCES
Purina Farms provides visitors with interactive experiences featuring various domestic animals near Union. The facility includes a pet center, demonstration area, and opportunities to watch dog agility competitions and other animal performances. Families can enjoy hands-on activities with farm animals and learn about proper pet care and nutrition.
9. Meramec Caverns
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Meramec Caverns is a spectacular cave system near Union featuring stunning formations that have developed over millions of years. The caverns are famous for their history as a hideout for Jesse James and their unique underground features including the Stage Curtain formation. Guided tours take visitors through illuminated chambers showcasing stalactites, stalagmites, and other dramatic cave formations.
10. Missouri Botanical Garden
HISTORIC PLANT COLLECTION
The Missouri Botanical Garden, founded in 1859, is one of the oldest botanical institutions in the United States and accessible from Union. Spanning 79 acres, the garden features diverse plant collections, themed gardens, and conservatories housing species from around the world. As a National Historic Landmark, it combines scientific research with beautiful displays that change with the seasons.
11. Gateway Arch
ICONIC NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch is the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere, standing at 630 feet over the Mississippi River and accessible as a day trip from Union. Constructed between 1963-1965, it serves as a memorial to America's western expansion and offers rides to its observation deck for panoramic views of St. Louis. The site is operated as Gateway Arch National Park and includes a museum detailing America's history and development.
12. Anheuser Busch Brewery
HISTORIC BEER PRODUCTION
The Anheuser Busch Brewery in St. Louis offers tours of one of America's most famous beer production facilities, worth the drive from Union. Visitors can see the historic brewing process, visit the iconic Clydesdale horses, and learn about the company's long history in American culture. The tour concludes with sampling opportunities for adults and a gift shop featuring brewery memorabilia.
13. Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site preserves White Haven, the family estate where President Grant and his wife Julia lived before the Civil War. The site includes the restored main house, outbuildings, and exhibits chronicling Grant's life as a farmer, general, and president. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about Grant's personal life and the historical context of his presidency.
14. Graham Cave State Park
ANCIENT HUMAN SETTLEMENT
Graham Cave State Park protects an important archaeological site where evidence of human occupation dates back 10,000 years. The main cave, where artifacts from the ancient Dalton and Archaic periods were discovered, offers visitors a glimpse into prehistoric life in Missouri. The park also features hiking trails, picnic areas, and interpretive displays about both the natural and human history of the region.
15. Mark Twain Boyhood Home
LITERARY AMERICAN HERITAGE
The Mark Twain Boyhood Home in Hannibal preserves the early environment that shaped one of America's greatest authors, accessible as a day trip from Union. The historic house museum and interpretive center provide insights into Samuel Clemens' formative years and the real-life inspirations for characters like Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Visitors can tour several buildings including the Twain home, Becky Thatcher house, and the Huckleberry Finn house to experience the setting that influenced Twain's literary classics.