Missouri Between Nature, History and Recreation
File:Edward Duncan - The Explosion of the United States Steam Frigate Missouri.jpg
Photo: Thomas Goldsworthy Dutton / Edward Duncan / George Pechell Mends / Adam Cuerden via Source, Public domain
Missouri encompasses river landscapes, sites of American history, caves and recreational activities. The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, Katy Trail State Park, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, cave tours and Silver Dollar City are among the highlights in these areas.
History Around St. Louis and Hannibal
The Gateway Arch commemorates Thomas Jefferson's vision and St. Louis's role in the westward expansion of the United States. Admission to the Museum at the Gateway Arch is free; the museum also explores St. Louis's role in the history of the United States. Visitors can also ride to the top of the Gateway Arch.
The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum complex comprises six historically significant buildings and two interactive museums. The Mark Twain Boyhood Home is also a National Historic Landmark. A self-guided tour of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum explores Hannibal from the perspective of Samuel Clemens.
Rivers, Trails and Springs in the Ozarks
Most of Katy Trail State Park runs closely along the Missouri River. Ozark National Scenic Riverways offers various trails along the Current and Jacks Fork rivers.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways was the first national park area established to protect a river system. It is also home to some of the largest freshwater springs in the country.
Rocks and Caves as Special Nature Experiences
At Elephant Rocks State Park, the rock formations consist of 1.5-billion-year-old granite. On tours of Onondaga Cave, trained guides lead visitors along electrically lit, paved paths.
The tours of Onondaga Cave are less than one mile long and last about one hour and 15 minutes. The informative cave tour at Lake of the Ozarks State Park takes about one hour and covers half a mile round trip.
Visitors can swim in the recreation area at Johnson's Shut-Ins in Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park.
Recreation, Events and Food
Silver Dollar City is an 1880s-style theme park in the heart of the Ozark Mountains. The park has more than 40 rides and attractions. From spring through Christmas, Silver Dollar City hosts ten festivals and events.
Silver Dollar City offers slow-smoked barbecue, hearty buffets, sweet treats and festival specialties.
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Wilson's Creek National Battlefield features a 4.9-mile driving tour with eight stops.
For further regional orientation, see St Louis and Franklin County.
For the higher-level travel overview: USA.
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