Urbana Missouri
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Urbana, 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
HISTORIC BEAUTY | ST LOUIS MO
Established by philanthropist Henry Shaw, this landmark garden showcases timeless elegance through attractions like the Gladney Rose Garden and Magnolia Grove. Its Sachs Museum features botanical art and artifacts that celebrate the intersection of science and creativity throughout history.
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
CAVE EXPLORATION | VAN BUREN MO
Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park features fascinating karst formations like Devils Well, an underground lake visible through a sinkhole, and Cave Spring, where subterranean rivers emerge into the Current River. These geological wonders highlight the park's complexity and beauty. Visitors can explore caves or admire their features from above ground.
6. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
BEND IN HISTORY | ST LOUIS MO
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, with its unique curve, is an enduring symbol of early highway design on Route 66. Now catering to pedestrians and cyclists, it offers breathtaking views over the Mississippi River's wild waterscape. Its historical significance draws visitors from around the world.
7. Missouri Great River Road
RIVERFRONT BEAUTY | EASTERN MISSOURI
The Missouri Great River Road combines stunning riverfront scenery with fascinating historical sites for an unforgettable journey through the state. Attractions like St. Louis's Gateway Arch and New Madrid Historical Museum provide insight into local culture and history. This route is a must-see for travelers seeking both education and relaxation.
8. Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge
CONSERVATION HUB | MOUND CITY MO
A cornerstone of conservation efforts since 1935, Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge balances habitat preservation with public recreation opportunities in northwest Missouri's natural landscapes. Diverse ecosystems at Loess Bluffs support endangered species like massasauga rattlesnakes alongside thriving bird populations throughout the year at this refuge site. Visitors can learn about ongoing conservation initiatives through interactive exhibits or guided tours during migration seasons at Loess Bluffs.
9. Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
HISTORICAL INSIGHT | INDEPENDENCE MO
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum immerses guests in the dramatic chapters of U.S. history shaped by Truman's presidency. Highlights include theaters depicting the Cold War and expanded insights into civil rights leadership. Located in Independence, Missouri, it honors Truman's vision for public learning.
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
ROLLER COASTER HAVEN | BRANSON MO
Thrill-seekers flock to Silver Dollar City for its record-breaking roller coasters like Outlaw Run and PowderKeg. Beyond the rides, Silver Dollar City offers live entertainment, artisan demonstrations, and historical attractions like Marvel Cave. Dining at Silver Dollar City features award-winning barbecue and festival treats that keep guests coming back for more.
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
ADVENTURE HUB | SOUTHERN MO
Mark Twain National Forest is a playground for adventure seekers with ATV trails, horseback riding areas, and rugged hiking paths like the Greer Springs Trail. Its rivers offer thrilling float trips while its campgrounds provide serene escapes under starry skies. Every corner of Mark Twain National Forest invites exploration and discovery.
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
ACCESSIBLE ADVENTURE | SPRINGFIELD MO
Fantastic Caverns offers an accessible way to experience the beauty of Missouri's underground with its Jeep-drawn tram tours. The hour-long journey highlights breathtaking formations like stalagmites and soda straws while sharing the cave's rich history. Its year-round availability makes it a must-see destination for all visitors to Springfield.
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. Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
CIVIL WAR HISTORY | REPUBLIC MO
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield commemorates the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River through preserved landscapes and historical exhibits at its visitor center. Self-guided tours allow visitors to explore key sites like Bloody Hill while learning about the conflict's impact on Missouri.
18. Miner Mike's Inc
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT | OSAGE BEACH MO
Miner Mike's Inc is a family-friendly indoor amusement center offering arcade games, rides, and interactive attractions themed around mining adventures. Kids love exploring tunnels on Miner Mike's Train or challenging friends at bumper cars or laser tag arenas. It's a perfect spot for fun-filled family outings in Osage Beach!
19. The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
WORLD'S LARGEST MINIATURE COLLECTION | KANSAS CITY MO
The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures showcases the world's largest collection of fine-scale miniatures alongside an impressive array of historic toys. Visitors can marvel at intricate dollhouses, furniture, and other handcrafted miniatures while reminiscing about toys from decades past. This museum offers a unique blend of artistry and nostalgia, making it a must-see for families and collectors alike.
20. Jesse James Wax Museum
OUTLAW HISTORY | STANTON MO
Located near Meramec Caverns, the Jesse James Wax Museum invites visitors to explore the life of America's infamous outlaw through lifelike wax figures and captivating exhibits. The museum features artifacts belonging to Jesse James and his gang, alongside vintage firearms and historical displays that delve into his exploits during the Wild West era. This roadside attraction provides an engaging mix of folklore and history, perfect for families and history buffs alike.