A Few Exciting Things to Do in Missouri

Missouri is a state in the Midwest, which is a region often forgotten when considering fun vacation spots. However, those who neglect this region of the United States are missing out on beautiful sights, calming retreats, and much more.

The following are just a few of the most exciting and fun things to experience in Missouri alone. Maybe, if you have enough fun on your trip, you’ll even consider looking at Lake of the Ozarks homes.

Lake of the Ozarks State Park

State parks are known for being beautiful locations with lots of fun activities to enjoy, and Lake of the Ozarks State Park is no exception. This park’s focal point is one of Missouri’s largest lakes.

There are beaches to relax on, ramps to start your boating adventure from, spots for fishing and relaxing and more, and that only covers the lake itself. The shore is covered in greenery and has many trails. You could hike on foot or bring your bike to explore them, or you could bring your horse along and go for a ride if you’re equine inclined.

As you relax in your own preferred way, keep an eye out. You may be able to identify the different types of plants or spot many types of birds. Insects and mammals are abundant as well. You might see deer skittishly running away or hear a squirrel barking at you as you disturb its territory.

Missouri is a gorgeous and relaxing state, and few places showcase that better than Lake of the Ozarks State Park.

St. Louis Zoo

Whether you like to see cool animals or are excited to learn about not only animals but also conservation efforts, you’ll be excited to visit the Saint Louis Zoo. The zoo is broken down into six zones with each one containing different animals.

For those who enjoy apes or bears, consider stopping by the Wild Zone. There are indoor and outdoor enclosures for chimpanzees, orangutans, and gorillas as well as a tank for polar bears. Don’t forget to stop by the penguin and puffin coast.

Historic Hill is one of the oldest parts of the zoo. You’ll find houses for birds, snakes, a swamp and more here. Keep going and you’ll end up in Red Rocks, which houses both antelope and big cats like leopards. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. There’s more areas to explore and various attractions to enjoy from restaurants to a small train ride. You won’t regret stopping by the St. Louis Zoo.

Silver Dollar City

The whole point of theme parks is for every restaurant, mascot and ride to be designed around a central theme.

At Silver Dollar City, the theme is the 1880s, making it a unique experience for both theme park lovers and history enthusiasts. This thrilling theme park can be broken down into three sections: the main theme park, the water park, and the dinner cruise.

The theme park hosts many events and has many restaurants to enjoy, but these can’t compare to the rides on offer.

A few of the rides include the Fire Spotter, where you ride in a hot air balloon-shaped seat and watch for fires as your balloon goes up, down and around; a steam train where you may or may not be ambushed by train robbers; and the disorienting Grandfather’s Mansions, whose rooms slant, sit upside-down or even have mirrored walls. Try not to get too dizzy!

When the sun is bright and the air is warm, change into your bathing suit and head down to the water park. How you start our day should be up to how you feel. If you’re raring for excitement, grab a tube and wait in line for one of the many water slides.

If relaxation is your goal then head on over to the Aloha River and let the gentle stream carry you along. The wave pool provides a bit of both for those who can’t decide which they want to try first.

Enjoying What Missouri Has to Offer

While you may not initially guess it, Missouri is full of surprises for travelers seeking excitement, relaxation, and memorable experiences to cherish forever.

From exploring the natural beauty of Lake of the Ozarks State Park, encountering fascinating wildlife at the St. Louis Zoo, to stepping back in time at Silver Dollar City, there’s simply something here for everyone to enjoy.

The Midwest may not always be the first destination that comes to mind, but Missouri proves that it certainly shouldn’t be overlooked. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, a bit of history, or just a fun-filled getaway, Missouri has it all waiting for you.

Last Updated: October 2024