Hospitality and Tourism

PUBLISHED AUGUST 2025

Big-city refinement in visual and performing arts. World-class chefs, brewers, distillers and bakers. Forests laced with biking and hiking trails. Lake boating and fishing; white-tailed deer and wild turkey beckoning to hunters. Professional and college sports. Historical attractions, community festivals, and an honest-to-goodness throwback of a state fair.

If you can’t find something to draw you off the couch in Missouri, you’re not really trying now, are you?

Start with the arts. Symphonies, world-class art galleries, and Michelin-worthy dining? Absolutely—Missouri’s vibrant cities deliver sophistication in spades. St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield boast thriving cultural scenes that draw millions of tourists each year. 

But here’s the real secret: The state’s true magic lies beyond the concert halls and white-tablecloth restaurants. It’s in the rush of watercraft slicing across a sparkling lake, the quiet triumph of reeling in a trophy trout, and the burn in your calves as you conquer a rugged Ozark trail.

Missouri doesn’t just invite you to explore the great outdoors—it demands your participation. And with thousands of acres of pristine wilderness, rolling vineyards, and adrenaline-pumping adventures, this is one playground you won’t want to leave.

A Feast for the Senses (and the Stomach)

For those craving urban delights, Missouri’s cities deliver. St. Louis’s Galleria and Kansas City’s iconic Country Club Plaza offer retail therapy at its finest. Foodies, rejoice: Beyond legendary steaks and fall-off-the-bone ribs, you’ll find fresh coastal seafood, vibrant Mediterranean flavors, Nordic-inspired dishes, and a dizzying array of Asian cuisines.

And let’s talk libations. Missouri’s burgeoning wine country rivals Napa with scenic vineyard tours, while craft breweries and distilleries pour everything from hoppy IPAs to small-batch bourbon.

Play Hard, Stay Wild

Calling all adventurers: Missouri’s landscapes are your ultimate playground. Hike through ancient caves, bike the legendary Katy Trail (a 240-mile rails-to-trails gem tracing the Missouri River), or snowshoe through silent winter forests.

Sports fans can cheer on the Super Bowl regular KC Chiefs, catch a St. Louis Blues hockey game, or engage their love of major-league baseball by rooting for the Cardinals and Royals under the summer lights.

Prefer something slower-paced? More than 40 state parks cater to every camper, from back-to-nature primitive camping to tenting to luxury RV sites with all the comforts of home—including running water and hot showers.

Hook, Line, and Sinker

Fishing here isn’t just a pastime—it’s a way of life. Missouri’s four trout parks keep cold waters like Lake Taneycomo stocked, while warmer lakes teem with bass, catfish, and even prehistoric paddlefish. Best part? You don’t need to trek far—700 urban lakes dot the state, with 32 stocked for winter trout fishing.

Golfers, take note: Missouri’s courses are as challenging as they are stunning. For PGA-level play, Ozarks National at Big Cedar Lodge—brainchild of Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris—is a must.

Family Fun That Rivals the Big Names

Traveling with kids? Missouri’s got you covered there, too. Wonders of Wildlife in Springfield (a jaw-dropping aquarium and wildlife museum) will dazzle for days. Thrill-seekers can conquer Worlds of Fun (Kansas City), Silver Dollar City (Branson), or Six Flags St. Louis. And coming in 2026? A $2 billion Americana-themed mega-resort in Vinita, Oklahoma—just over the border—promising Disney-level magic.

From haute culture to heart-pounding adventure, Missouri offers more than meets the eye. So clear your calendar—because once you start exploring, you won’t want to stop.