Valley Park Missouri
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Valley Park, Missouri.
1. Gateway Arch
ICONIC MONUMENT | ST LOUIS MO
The Gateway Arch, standing 630 feet tall, is the tallest monument in the United States and a symbol of westward expansion. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from the top via a tram ride, explore interactive exhibits in the museum, and stroll through the scenic national park grounds. This architectural marvel, designed by Eero Saarinen, has become an enduring landmark of St. Louis.
2. Missouri Botanical Garden
FLORAL PARADISE | ST LOUIS MO
Renowned for its vast botanical collections, the Missouri Botanical Garden includes unique features like a pioneer village and Osage camp in its Children's Garden area. The Japanese Garden is among North America's largest strolling gardens, offering tranquility amidst lush greenery. Guided tours enhance the visitor experience with fascinating insights into plant science and history.
3. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
ARCHITECTURAL MARVELS | KANSAS CITY MO
With its classical Beaux-Arts structure and modern Bloch Building addition, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is an architectural masterpiece in Kansas City. Inside, guests can explore galleries filled with treasures from ancient Chinese artifacts to contemporary photography. Free admission makes it an accessible cultural hub.
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
PEDESTRIAN PARADISE | ST LOUIS MO
This mile-long bridge stands as a preserved relic from Route 66's golden age, now serving as a peaceful walkway over the Mississippi River. The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge's iconic bend adds intrigue to its already scenic route. It's an ideal destination for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike.
7. Missouri Great River Road
MISSISSIPPI HERITAGE | EASTERN MISSOURI
The Missouri Great River Road provides an immersive experience into the state's heritage, tracing the Mississippi River's winding path through historic towns and landmarks. Visitors can explore Hannibal's literary legacy, St. Louis's vibrant city life, and Cape Girardeau's natural wonders. This route is perfect for those seeking both adventure and reflection.
8. Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge
WILDLIFE OASIS | MOUND CITY MO
Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge serves as an essential stopover on the Central Flyway for waterfowl migrations. The varied habitats at Loess Bluffs attract over 300 bird species annually, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy wildlife observation, photography opportunities, and educational programs year-round at this picturesque refuge.
9. Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
HISTORIC LEGACY | INDEPENDENCE MO
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum offers visitors a deep dive into the life and leadership of America's 33rd president. Immersive exhibits highlight Truman's pivotal decisions, from WWII strategies to civil rights advancements. Located in Independence, Missouri, the museum also features Truman's working office and his family's final resting place.
10. TITANIC Museum Attraction
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN | BRANSON MO
TITANIC Museum Attraction provides an educational yet entertaining experience for families, including interactive areas for kids such as steering the ship or shoveling coal in the boiler room. Guests receive boarding passes tied to real passengers' stories, adding a personal touch to their visit. The museum combines learning with fun through its unique exhibits and activities.
11. Silver Dollar City
SEASONAL FESTIVALS | BRANSON MO
From springtime expos to dazzling Christmas celebrations, seasonal festivals make every visit to Silver Dollar City special. Guests at Silver Dollar City can enjoy themed entertainment, artisan crafts, and delicious festival foods throughout the year. The park's thrilling rides and historic charm complete the unforgettable experience at Silver Dollar City.
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
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
GLOBAL HISTORY | KANSAS CITY MO
The National WWI Museum and Memorial delves into global events surrounding World War I with engaging displays and films. Visitors can walk through recreated environments like trenches or admire unique artifacts such as vintage motorcycles used in the war effort. A trip to the Liberty Memorial Tower completes this historical exploration.
15. Fantastic Caverns
UNIQUE CAVE TOUR | SPRINGFIELD MO
Fantastic Caverns stands out as one of only four ride-through caves in the world and the only one in North America. Guests enjoy a leisurely tram ride through stunning formations while learning about the cave's discovery by John Knox and its early explorers. This family-friendly attraction offers an unforgettable glimpse into Missouri's underground wonders.
16. Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail
SCENIC CAVE TOUR | RIDGEDALE MO
The Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail takes visitors on a 2.5-mile golf cart tour through breathtaking Ozark landscapes featuring waterfalls, rock formations, and a four-story cave. Highlights include the Bat Bar inside the cave and panoramic views of Table Rock Lake from scenic bridges. This adventure is both relaxing and visually stunning.
17. Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins
HILLTOP RUINS | CAMDENTON MO
Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins sit atop a bluff overlooking Lake of the Ozarks with trails leading to caves and springs below. Built in the early 1900s by Robert Snyder, this stone mansion now stands as a picturesque reminder of Missouri's past amid stunning natural surroundings perfect for hiking or picnicking.
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. Jacob's Cave
UNDERGROUND WONDERS | VERSAILLES MO
Jacob's Cave invites visitors on a guided tour through its stunning underground formations like soda straws, rimstone dams, and stalactites at the Wishing Well site. Prehistoric animal bones are showcased in its museum section alongside whimsical formations resembling cartoon characters in the Children's Zoo area. Accessible pathways ensure a safe yet mesmerizing exploration of this active cave system.
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.