For an overview of the state, see: National Geographic Kids. Missouri
Highlights
Let’s learn more about some fascinating places worth seeing in Missouri.
Gateway Arch (St. Louis): This iconic 630-foot monument is the tallest man-made structure in the U.S. and symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top for stunning views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River.
Silver Dollar City (Branson): A popular 1880s-themed amusement park, Silver Dollar City is known for its thrilling rides, live shows, and artisan crafts. It’s a top family destination in Missouri, offering a mix of entertainment and history.
Lake of the Ozarks (Central Missouri): A large, scenic reservoir famous for its recreational activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking. The area also features waterfront restaurants, resorts, and caves for exploration.
Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum (Hannibal): The childhood home of famous author Mark Twain, this museum celebrates his life and works, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Visitors can explore the house and learn about the town that inspired his stories.
Kansas City’s National World War I Museum and Memorial (Kansas City): This museum houses one of the most comprehensive World War I collections in the world. It provides visitors with an in-depth look at the history and global impact of the war through exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays.
Meramec Caverns (Stanton): A stunning series of limestone caves, Meramec Caverns is known for its impressive formations and as a hideout for outlaw Jesse James. Guided tours take visitors through the fascinating underground landscape.
Forest Park (St. Louis): Covering over 1,300 acres, Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. It features top attractions like the St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, Science Center, and The Muny, making it a cultural and recreational hub for locals and visitors.
Anheuser-Busch Brewery (St. Louis): One of the oldest and largest breweries in the United States, Anheuser-Busch offers tours that show the brewing process, the history of the company, and a chance to see the famous Budweiser Clydesdales.
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum (Independence): Dedicated to the 33rd U.S. president, this museum highlights the life and presidency of Harry S. Truman. Visitors can explore his personal papers, exhibits, and learn about key events like the end of World War II and the Cold War.
Fantastic Caverns (Springfield): America’s only ride-through cave, Fantastic Caverns offers a unique underground adventure. Visitors can explore the beautiful cave formations from the comfort of a tram, making it accessible to all ages.
Intriguing mysteries and weird facts
Discover these little-known facts about Missouri.
Missouri is home to the “Cave State”: With more than 6,000 known caves, Missouri has earned the nickname “The Cave State.” Some of the most famous ones, like Meramec Caverns, are open for exploration and were even rumored to have been used by outlaws like Jesse James.
Missouri has a county with no people: Worth County, Missouri, once had a town called Corning, which now has a population of zero. It was abandoned after frequent flooding, making it one of the only counties in the U.S. with no residents.
There’s a museum for hair art in Missouri: Leila’s Hair Museum in Independence is dedicated to the Victorian-era art of creating intricate designs and jewelry from human hair. It’s the only museum of its kind in the world, with thousands of pieces on display.
Missouri’s Ozarks were home to the first U.S. Wild West shows: Before Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show became famous, small traveling shows in Missouri were already popular. These shows featured trick shooting, roping, and reenactments of famous Wild West events.
Missouri once tried to have a war with Iowa: Known as the “Honey War,” this strange border dispute between Missouri and Iowa in the 1830s almost led to an actual war. It started over a disagreement about boundary lines and involved cutting down beehives for honey!
St. Louis had the first ever Olympic Games in the U.S.: The 1904 Summer Olympics were held in St. Louis, making it the first American city to host the games. The event was part of the larger World’s Fair but is remembered for its low international attendance and quirky competitions.
The “Missouri Monster” legend lives on: Known as “Momo,” Missouri’s own version of Bigfoot was reportedly sighted in the 1970s near the town of Louisiana, Missouri. Momo is described as a large, hairy creature with a pumpkin-shaped head, inspiring local legends and searches.
Missouri has a giant chess piece: St. Louis is known as the chess capital of the U.S., and the city boasts the world’s largest chess piece, standing over 20 feet tall. It’s located outside the Saint Louis Chess Club, which hosts national and international chess tournaments.
Mark Twain named a crater on Mercury: Author Mark Twain, who grew up in Missouri, has a crater on the planet Mercury named after him. This honor was given because his stories about travel and adventure continue to inspire people across the world.
There’s a festival for throwing cow chips: In the town of South Gifford, Missouri, there’s an annual Cow Chip Throwing Contest where participants compete by throwing dried cow dung (called “chips”) as far as they can. It’s a quirky local tradition that draws curious onlookers each year!
Notable People
Here are 10 famous men and women from Missouri.
Famous Men
Mark Twain (1835–1910): Born in Florida, Missouri, and raised in Hannibal, Mark Twain is one of the most famous American authors. His works, such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, are literary classics that capture life along the Mississippi River.
Harry S. Truman (1884–1972): Born in Lamar, Missouri, and raised in Independence, Harry S. Truman became the 33rd President of the United States. He is best known for making the decision to drop the atomic bombs on Japan during World War II and for leading the country through the early Cold War.
Chuck Berry (1926–2017): Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Chuck Berry is often referred to as the Father of Rock and Roll. His songs like Johnny B. Goode and Roll Over Beethoven shaped the early sound of rock music, influencing generations of musicians.
Walter Cronkite (1916–2009): Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, Walter Cronkite was a legendary news anchor for CBS Evening News. He was known for his trustworthy reporting during significant events like the moon landing and the Vietnam War, earning the nickname “the most trusted man in America.”
Brad Pitt (1963–): Born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, but raised in Springfield, Missouri, Brad Pitt is a world-famous actor and film producer. He has starred in many blockbuster films, including Fight Club, Ocean’s Eleven, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, for which he won an Academy Award.
Famous Women
Maya Angelou (1928–2014): Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Maya Angelou was an acclaimed author, poet, and civil rights activist. Her autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is a seminal work in American literature, and she is widely celebrated for her contributions to art and social justice.
Sheryl Crow (1962–): Born in Kennett, Missouri, Sheryl Crow is a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter known for hits like All I Wanna Do and If It Makes You Happy. She has enjoyed a long career blending rock, pop, and country music.
Ginger Rogers (1911–1995): Born in Independence, Missouri, Ginger Rogers was a beloved actress and dancer, best known for her performances with Fred Astaire in iconic films like Top Hat and Swing Time. She won an Academy Award for her role in Kitty Foyle.
Nellie Tayloe Ross (1876–1977): Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, Nellie Tayloe Ross was the first woman to serve as governor of a U.S. state. She became the Governor of Wyoming in 1925 and later directed the U.S. Mint, breaking barriers for women in politics.
Sara Teasdale (1884–1933): Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Sara Teasdale was a lyrical poet known for her delicate and emotional poetry. She won the first Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1918 for her collection Love Songs, which solidified her legacy in American literature.
Date of Ratification of the Articles of Confederation/ Admission to the Union