Written by Justin Mewse
April 2025
Step into the diverse heart of Missouri, where natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture come together. From the rolling Ozark hills to the bustling streets of St. Louis, Missouri offers a captivating mix of state parks, scenic trails, and storied landmarks. Follow the path of iconic Route 66 as it winds past retro diners, quirky roadside attractions, and charming small towns. Feel the pulse of American music in places where blues, jazz, and country still echo through the streets. Walk in the footsteps of literary legend Mark Twain in his hometown of Hannibal, or stand in awe beneath the towering Gateway Arch, a symbol of America’s westward spirit. Whether you’re tracing the curves of the Mississippi River or sampling local barbecue and craft brews, Missouri invites you to explore a state where every region tells a story – and every journey is uniquely rewarding.
Journey Through History: The Allure of Route 66
Follow the iconic Mother Road as it winds through Missouri, linking classic diners, neon-lit motels, and timeless small towns full of character.
Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026, and Missouri plays a pivotal role in the iconic highway’s legacy. As the birthplace of the “Mother Road,” the state is rich with historic landmarks like the Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis and the Route 66 Car Museum in Springfield. Along the way, you’ll find quirky diners like the retro-style Steak ’n Shake in Springfield, vintage motels such as the neon-lit Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon, and unforgettable roadside attractions including the world’s largest rocking chair in Fanning and the quirky Mule Trading Post near Rolla. From hand-painted murals in Cuba – dubbed “Route 66 Mural City” – to kitschy gift shops and lovingly restored gas stations, every stop adds character and charm. Stretching from Rolla to Joplin, Missouri’s segment of Route 66 captures the spirit of classic American road trips with a perfect blend of nostalgia, history, and small-town Americana.
A Tapestry of Landscapes: Exploring Missouri’s Diverse Regions
From the wooded Ozarks to the northern plains, Missouri’s regions offer a rich blend of culture, scenery, and hidden gems waiting to be uncovered.
Missouri’s five distinct regions offer a rich and varied tapestry of experiences, from urban energy to natural retreats. In Kansas City & the Northwest, visitors can explore the jazz and barbecue capital of the state, where the Crossroads Arts District, National WWI Museum, and bustling Power & Light District stand out. Venture north to St. Joseph, a historic frontier town known for the Pony Express and Jesse James’ final days.
St. Louis & the Northeast blends riverfront charm and iconic landmarks. The Gateway Arch dominates the skyline, while Forest Park is home to top attractions like the Saint Louis Art Museum and Zoo. Nearby, Hannibal offers a step back in time through Mark Twain’s boyhood home and literary heritage.
In Central Missouri, the capital city of Jefferson City showcases striking architecture and riverside trails, while Columbia buzzes with college-town culture. The Lake of the Ozarks draws visitors for boating, hiking, and lakeside relaxation.
Southwest Missouri charms with Springfield’s Route 66 nostalgia and Branson’s live entertainment and family fun. Outdoor lovers can explore the Ozark Mountains and Dogwood Canyon.
In Southeast Missouri, discover the natural wonders of the Mark Twain National Forest, Cape Girardeau’s historic riverfront, and Missouri’s only rainforest at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center.
Wild and Wonderful: Adventures in Missouri’s State Parks
Lace up your boots or hop in a kayak – state parks like Ha Ha Tonka, Elephant Rocks, and Johnson’s Shut-Ins showcase the state’s raw natural beauty.
Missouri’s state parks showcase a stunning variety of landscapes, offering something for every type of outdoor adventurer. Hike to the state’s highest point at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, where sweeping views and waterfalls await. Nearby, Elephant Rocks State Park features giant, rounded granite boulders perfect for climbing and photography. Lake of the Ozarks State Park, the largest in Missouri, is ideal for boating, fishing, and lakeside relaxation, while Ha Ha Tonka State Park captivates with its dramatic castle ruins perched above a spring-fed lake.
For a unique experience, head to Prairie State Park in the southwest, where tallgrass prairie still thrives and bison roam freely. Roaring River State Park, tucked into the Ozarks, is beloved for trout fishing and peaceful forest hikes. Cyclists and walkers can follow the scenic route of Katy Trail State Park, a 240-mile rail trail that stretches across the state, offering river views, historic towns, and shady woodland paths.
From quiet riverside campsites to dramatic rock formations and forested trails, Missouri’s state parks are a playground for nature lovers. Whether you’re kayaking, birdwatching, or simply soaking in the scenery, each park invites visitors to connect with the natural side of the Show-Me State.
Echoes of the Past: Missouri’s Historic Treasures
Wander Civil War battlefields, pioneer villages, and preserved downtowns that bring the state’s storied past to life.
Missouri’s deep and varied history comes to life through its remarkable historical sites and landmarks. In Kansas City, the National World War I Museum and Memorial offers an immersive and moving exploration of the Great War, with powerful exhibits and panoramic city views. Head south to Ste. Genevieve, the state’s oldest European settlement, where French colonial architecture and preserved buildings like the Bolduc House tell the story of 18th-century frontier life. Near Camdenton, the dramatic castle ruins of Ha Ha Tonka, built in the early 1900s, overlook a spring-fed lake and add a romantic, gothic flair to the Ozark landscape.
In St. Charles, the Lewis and Clark Boathouse and Nature Center honours the famed expedition’s Missouri River departure with full-scale boat replicas and engaging exhibits. Historic Route 66 cuts across the state, leading travellers past vintage motels, neon-lit diners, and nostalgic landmarks like the Route 66 State Park Visitor Center near Eureka. Meanwhile, Jefferson City, Missouri’s capital, invites exploration of the grand Missouri State Capitol and the haunting Missouri State Penitentiary, once dubbed “the bloodiest 47 acres in America.” From pioneers to presidents, war memorials to wild roads, Missouri’s past continues to shape its vibrant identity today.
In Twain’s Footsteps: Celebrating a Literary Legend
Explore the legacy of Mark Twain in Hannibal, where cave tours, riverboats, and local festivals honour one of America’s most beloved storytellers.
Mark Twain’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of Missouri, where the famed author was born and raised. In Hannibal, his boyhood home has been lovingly preserved as part of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, offering insight into the early life of Samuel Clemens and the real-life inspirations behind Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Visitors can stroll through the whitewashed fence, explore Becky Thatcher’s house, and take a riverboat ride on the Mississippi, echoing Twain’s tales of life on the water.
Beyond Hannibal, Mark Twain National Forest spans over 1.5 million acres of scenic Ozark wilderness, offering hiking, camping, and a sense of the natural beauty that inspired Twain’s writing. The nearby Mark Twain Cave, featured in his novels, adds a sense of adventure. His wit, wisdom, and storytelling spirit remain deeply rooted across Missouri.
Made to Be Heard: Missouri’s Musical Roots
Experience the rich musical heritage that gave rise to Kansas City jazz, St. Louis blues, and Sedalia’s ragtime rhythms.
Missouri’s musical heritage strikes a powerful chord, especially in the realms of jazz and blues. In Kansas City, the 18th and Vine Historic District is a cornerstone of American jazz history. Here, the American Jazz Museum showcases rare recordings, vibrant exhibits, and memorabilia from legends like Charlie Parker, who was born in the city. Just steps away, The Blue Room offers live performances that keep the city’s jazz spirit alive.
Meanwhile, St. Louis brings the blues to life. The National Blues Museum traces the genre’s evolution from the Mississippi Delta to today’s global stages, with interactive exhibits and live shows. Clubs like BB’s Jazz, Blues & Soups and The Broadway Oyster Bar carry on the tradition with soulful nightly sets. From smoky clubs to polished museums, Missouri celebrates its musical roots with style and soul, keeping the beat alive for new generations to discover and enjoy.
Flavours of the Heartland: Food and Drink in Missouri
Whether it’s smoky barbecue, craft beer, or vineyard tastings in the rolling hills, Missouri’s culinary scene is proudly bold and deliciously local.
Missouri serves up a rich and flavourful culinary scene that blends comfort, tradition, and a dash of indulgence. Kansas City-style BBQ is a culinary institution, famous for its slow-smoked meats and thick, sweet-and-spicy sauces – don’t miss burnt ends or saucy ribs at local legends like Joe’s KC or Arthur Bryant’s. In St. Louis, toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, and provel-topped pizza add local flair to any foodie itinerary. Beyond the cities, Missouri’s wine country flourishes in the Missouri River Valley, particularly around Hermann and Augusta, where over 120 wineries produce award-winning varietals like Norton and Vignoles. Many offer tastings paired with sweeping vineyard views and live music. For beer lovers, craft breweries in Columbia, Springfield, and beyond provide local brews with bold character. Whether it’s smoky BBQ, sweet treats, or a glass of wine at sunset, Missouri’s food and drink scene is truly satisfying.
Gateway to the West: St. Louis
Stand beneath the soaring Gateway Arch and watch barges drift by as you explore the mighty Mississippi’s influence on trade, travel, and culture.
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is a striking feat of architecture and engineering, gleaming in stainless steel as it curves gracefully against the skyline. Designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, this 630-foot monument commemorates Thomas Jefferson’s role in opening the American West. Inside, visitors can board a unique pod-like tram that ascends to the observation deck, offering sweeping views of the Mississippi River, downtown St. Louis, and even Illinois on a clear day. At its base, the Gateway Arch National Park features scenic walking paths and the Museum at the Gateway Arch, with immersive exhibits on Native American cultures, early explorers, and westward migration.
Rolling on the River: Life Along the Mississippi
Follow the mighty Mississippi as it winds past historic river towns, scenic bluffs, and cultural hubs that capture the soul of Missouri’s past and present.
The mighty Mississippi River shapes Missouri’s landscape, history, and culture, offering endless ways for visitors to explore its iconic waters. In St. Louis, classic riverboat cruises glide past the Gateway Arch, pairing scenic views with narrated tales of steamboats, pioneers, and commerce. In Hannibal, Mark Twain’s boyhood hometown, riverboat tours evoke the spirit of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, offering a nostalgic journey through literary history. Along the Great River Road, travellers can uncover charming river towns, wildlife-filled wetlands, and riverside trails perfect for cycling or photography. Fishing, kayaking, and eagle-watching are popular activities in quieter stretches, especially in northeast Missouri. Whether it’s a sunset dinner cruise, a paddle through peaceful backwaters, or simply watching the current roll by, the Mississippi offers unforgettable ways to experience Missouri’s natural beauty and timeless charm.
Explore the Best of Missouri With These Recommended Tour Itineraries
Getting to Missouri is easy, with flights from London Heathrow that go direct to nearby hubs likes Chicago or Nashville, allowing easy connections to both St Louis and Kansas City. Once there, scenic road trips enable you to explore the state’s diverse regions with ease
15-Day Marvellous Missouri
Embark on a two-week self-drive tour through the heart of Real America – Missouri. From the soaring Gateway Arch in St. Louis to the musical roots of Kansas City and Branson, this journey blends rich history, warm hospitality, and legendary culture. Explore Route 66, literary landmarks, Pony Express trails, and the soulful sounds of jazz and blues.
From £1,799pp
Including flights
Operated by Purely America
- Soar to new heights at St. Louis’s iconic Gateway Arch, then cruise the Mississippi River and explore the city’s rich musical heritage from jazz to blues in Grand Center and The Delmar Loop
- Feel the rhythm in Kansas City, where legendary jazz lives on at 18th & Vine, the Blue Room, and the American Jazz Museum – then feast on world-famous barbecue at one of 100+ smoky joints across town
- Explore American history in St. Joseph, birthplace of the Pony Express. Dive into the daring mail service’s legacy at the Pony Express Museum and tour a city full of historic homes and fascinating museums
- Step into Walt Disney’s small-town inspiration in Marceline, where Main Street USA was born
- Wander through Mark Twain’s literary world in Hannibal – tour his boyhood home, take a Mark Twain riverboat cruise, and stroll the charming downtown that inspired Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn
- Roll down Missouri’s stretch of Route 66, from St. Louis to Springfield, and stop at iconic attractions like the 66 Drive-In Theatre in Carthage, the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, and the quirky Uranus Fudge Factory in St. Robert
- Get your kicks in Springfield, the Birthplace of Route 66. Visit the Route 66 Car Museum, take in a show at the historic Gillioz Theatre, and dive into local lore at the History Museum on the Square
- Go underground at Fantastic Caverns or Talking Rocks Cavern, two of Missouri’s many accessible show caves – perfect for any season and packed with geological wonders
- Revel in Branson’s live entertainment scene, where more than 30 theatres host 60 shows daily. Don’t miss The Haygoods for a fresh take on Branson’s musical roots, or visit the Titanic Museum for a moving, immersive experience
- Soak up the beauty of the Ozarks, with time at Table Rock Lake for boating, swimming, or scenic sunset views. Hike the lakeshore trails, zipline through the canopy, or simply relax in nature
- Finish strong with a ballgame at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals in one of baseball’s most historic franchises – then grab a frozen custard at Ted Drewes like a true local
- 14 nights hotel accommodation – including stays at The Hyatt Regency at the Arch, St. Louis, The Hotel Vandivort, Springfield and The Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa, Branson
- Hotel taxes
- Car hire
- Return International flights to Kansas City via Atlanta
- ATOL protected
13-Day Meet Me In St. Louis – America’s Midwest
Discover the true spirit of America on a self-drive through Missouri and its heartland neighbours. The Midwest blends soaring cities with charming small towns, iconic music with legendary outlaws, and innovation with tradition. From cowboy country to cultural icons, it’s a road trip of contrasts – rich in history, full of character, and undeniably all-American.
From £2,995pp
Including flights
Operated by Bon Voyage
- Start your journey in Fort Worth, Texas – home of cowboy culture, rodeos, honky-tonks, and Western saloons
- Enjoy retro Americana on Route 66 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with neon-lit diners, art museums, and a night at the Admiral Twin Drive-In
- Ride the Branson Scenic Railway through the Ozark Mountains or hike, fish, and explore Mark Twain National Forest
- Unwind at Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Missouri’s largest, offering forest trails, hidden coves, and lakeside leisure in Osage Beach
- Devour world-famous barbecue and jazz in Kansas City, then catch a live jam session at the iconic 18th & Vine Jazz District
- Explore the roots of American imagination along Missouri’s Highway 36, from Walt Disney’s boyhood town of Marceline to Mark Twain’s Hannibal
- Cruise the Mississippi on a Mark Twain Riverboat
- Ride to the top of the Gateway Arch in St Louis, America’s tallest man-made monument, then dine to live blues or catch a Cardinals baseball game
- Experience St Louis’ live music legacy, from jazz at the Bistro to Chuck Berry’s Duck Room at Blueberry Hill in the Delmar Loop
- End your trip in Chicago, Illinois – ride a river cruise past architectural marvels, explore the Magnificent Mile, and walk in the footsteps of infamous gangsters
- 12 nights hotel accommodation
- Car hire – A one-way drop off charge is payable locally and charges advised at time of booking
- Train from St Louis to Chicago
- Round trip scheduled international flights into Dallas and out of Chicago
- ABTA & ATOL protected
16-Day Route 66 Explorer
This Route 66 road trip is an all-time classic that has been etched into American folklore by those migrating west along “The Mother Road” during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Starting your road trip in Chicago, you’ll cross through eight States including Missouri as you drive to Route 66’s “End of the Trail” sign in sunny Santa Monica, Los Angeles.
From £1,699pp
Including flights
Operated by The American Road Trip Company
- Commence your Route 66 adventure with three nights in Chicago, soaking up city views from Willis Tower and indulging in deep-dish pizza
- Explore Chicago’s ‘Magnificent Mile’, with stops at Navy Pier, Wrigley Field, and 360 Chicago’s observation deck
- Begin your road trip by picking up your car and heading to Jackson Blvd – the official starting point of historic Route 66
- In Illinois, stop in Pontiac for Route 66 nostalgia and visit the restored Standard Oil Gas Station in Odell
- History lovers will enjoy Springfield, IL, where you can tour Abraham Lincoln’s home, tomb, and presidential museum
- Cross into Missouri and admire St. Louis landmarks like the Gateway Arch, Missouri Botanical Gardens and Citygarden
- Tour the impressive Meramec Caverns in the Ozarks – a favourite Missouri Route 66 detour with guided cave tours
- Explore Springfield, Missouri, officially recognised as the birthplace of Route 66 and full of roadside charm
- Stop off in Joplin, Missouri before dipping briefly into Kansas and continuing on to Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Discover the quirky Cadillac Ranch in Texas, explore museums in Santa Rosa, and end the day in Albuquerque or Santa Fe
- Wrap up your epic road trip at Santa Monica Pier in California, snapping a photo by the “End of Trail” sign and enjoying Pacific views
- 15 nights hotel accommodation – including stays at Moxy Hotel Downtown, Chicago, The Hollywood Roosevelt, Los Angeles and Hotel Chaco, Albuquerque
- Car hire and detailed road trip pack
- Return International flights into Chicago and out of Los Angeles
- ATOL protected
22-Day Route 66 with a Music Twist
Beginning in Chicago, you’ll be able to explore the Windy City ahead of your journey on this historic route. Drive through Illinois farmland and cross into Missouri arriving in St. Louis and experience the nightlife. Head onto Memphis before reaching Oklahoma via the Ozark Mountains. Pass through the cowboy culture of Texas, history of New Mexico, awe of the Grand Canyon, the Strip of Las Vegas and finally discover all that California has to offer.
From £2,999pp
Including flights
Operated by Complete North America
- Start strong in Chicago, where Route 66 was born- fuel up with breakfast at Lou Mitchell’s, snap a selfie with Cloud Gate, stroll the Magnificent Mile, and enjoy blues at Buddy Guy’s Legends
- Soak up history in St. Louis, home to the towering Gateway Arch, Forest Park’s cultural gems, and iconic breweries like Anheuser-Busch – perfect after a scenic drive from Springfield, IL via the historic Chain of Rocks Bridge
- Follow in Lincoln’s footsteps in Springfield, Illinois, exploring his home, tomb, and the presidential museum before continuing your road trip through the farmlands and small towns of America’s heartland
- Trace the roots of rock ’n’ roll in Memphis – tour Elvis’s lavish Graceland estate, dive into soul history at STAX Museum, stroll Beale Street’s neon-lit bars pulsing with live music, and cruise the Mississippi for a riverfront view of the Bluff City’s deep cultural rhythm
- Step into cowboy country in Amarillo – snap pics at Cadillac Ranch, cruise historic Route 66, and soak up Old West charm in Texas’s Panhandle heart
- Wander Santa Fe’s crooked streets, browse its 300+ galleries, and admire the pueblo-style architecture that reflects a rich blend of Native, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures
- Step into the Wild West in Holbrook – snap a pic with the giant dinos, stay in a teepee at the Wigwam Motel, and explore nearby Petrified Forest National Park’s surreal landscapes
- Stand in awe at the Grand Canyon – marvel at sunrise from Mather Point, hike a stretch of the South Kaibab Trail, and soak up panoramic views along Desert View Drive
- Experience the glitz of Las Vegas by strolling along the Strip, catching a show, and trying your luck at iconic casinos like the Bellagio and Caesars Palace
- Drive into Santa Monica, where the Pacific meets the shore – take a walk along the iconic pier, enjoy the beach, and reflect on your journey at the westernmost point of the Mother Road
- Experience the vibrant energy of Los Angeles, from the Hollywood Walk of Fame to the sunny beaches of Venice, before concluding your Route 66 journey in the heart of California’s entertainment capital
- 21 nights hotel accommodation – including stays at Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis at Forest Park, Comfort Inn Downtown, Memphis and Yavapai Lodge East, Grand Canyon
- Car hire with NO one-way car rental drop off fee
- EZ-66 Route Guide
- Return International flights into Chicago and out of Los Angeles
- ABTA & ATOL protected
23-Day Route 66
One of the most renowned driving routes in the world, historic Route 66 spans across North America, from Chicago in the east to Los Angeles in the west – with Missouri’s highlights in between. Covering over 2,000 miles, it takes three weeks or longer to complete the journey in its entirety. This trip can be tailored to your needs.
Price available by request via the link below
Operated by North America Travel Service
- Kick off your Route 66 adventure at the official starting point near Chicago’s Grant Park. Explore the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods, grab a deep-dish pizza, and snap a photo under the Route 66 Begin sign
- Cross the Mississippi River on the historic (now pedestrian-only) Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. Marvel at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, take a tram ride to the top for stunning views, and explore the Museum at the Gateway Arch. Hop on a riverboat cruise down the Mississippi or visit the National Blues Museum. End the evening with classic St. Louis-style BBQ or ribs at one of the city’s beloved smokehouses
- Grab a frozen custard at Ted Drewes, a Route 66 tradition since the 1920s. Head to Jesse James Wax Museum and explore the infamous outlaw’s story. Don’t miss the Meramec Caverns, a vast seven-story cave system where Jesse James is said to have once hidden out
- Enjoy a lunch at Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que – a must for authentic, wood-smoked flavours in Cuba, Missouri
- In Springfield, Missouri, celebrate the “Birthplace of Route 66” with a visit to the Route 66 Car Museum, home to vintage classics and rare collector cars. Don’t miss exploring local diners, downtown shops, and the city’s growing arts scene
- Snap a photo at Amarillo’s Cadillac Ranch, enjoy a steak challenge at The Big Texan, and see Route 66 memorabilia at the Amarillo Museum of Art
- Discover Albuquerque’s vintage neon signs, historic diners, and the retro charm of Central Avenue, Route 66’s main drag through town
- Gateway to the Grand Canyon, the college town of Flagstaff is filled with craft breweries, Route 66 diners, and outdoor adventure
- Explore the Route 66 Mother Road Museum in Barstow, then stop at Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch for a wonderfully odd roadside attraction
- End your journey at the Santa Monica Pier, where the “End of the Trail” sign marks the end of Route 66
- 22 nights hotel accommodation – including stays at DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel, Springfield, Little America Hotel, Flagstaff and Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Santa Monica
- Intermediate 4 door car hire including insurances
- Round trip scheduled international flights into Chicago and out of Los Angeles
- ATOL protected
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