Missouri holidays

Located in the middle of the US, the ‘Show Me State’ has plenty to flaunt. Urban holidays to Missouri are all about touring museums and dining at some of the country’s best barbecue restaurants. But with hiking trails, swimming lakes and ancient caves at your fingertips, there are epic outdoor adventures to be had all across the state. And nothing says Americana like cruising along the iconic Route 66.

Top destinations in Missouri

Branson

With the region’s biggest live entertainment scene and a sprawling landscape of lakes and mountains, this Midwest city is an adventure waiting to happen.

Kansas City

There’s more to Kansas City than barbecue and ball games. Missouri’s biggest city boasts glittering skyscrapers, thought-provoking museums and one of the best beer scenes in the Midwest.

St Louis

Welcome to America’s ‘Gateway to the West’, home to some of the country’s best beer, baseball and sizzlin’ barbecue. Say hello to St Louis.

Missouri: fast facts

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

St. Louis - UTC−6 (CST) and UTC−5 (CDT)

High season

May – September; October

Low season

December – February

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Missouri holiday highlights

Missouri
Missouri Tourism

Drive Route 66

Home to more than 480 kilometres of the ‘Mother Road’, Missouri claims some of Route 66’s most iconic attractions. Stop by the Meramec Caverns near Sullivan — these ancient limestone caves were once used as a hideout by famed outlaw Jesse James. And admire the colourful murals in the town of Cuba before visiting its Wagon Wheel Motel, which dates back to 1935.

Sample the barbecue

One of the best things to do in Missouri is to sample the state’s legendary barbecue. Take your pick from over 100 barbecue restaurants in Kansas City, the birthplace of brisket burnt ends. In St Louis, tuck into the city’s signature ribs. If you’re here in autumn, don’t miss the American Royal World Series of Barbecue in Kansas City, the world’s largest barbecue competition.

Go wine tasting

Missouri’s winemaking dates back to the 19th century when German and Italian immigrants first began producing wine. Today, the state is home to more than 125 wineries across eight official wine trails. Head to Hermann in the Missouri River Valley to tour some of the state’s oldest cellars. You can also try mead made by local beekeepers along the scenic Ozark Mountain Wine Trail.

Things to do in Missouri

Missouri
Missouri Tourism

Top attractions

Take the tram up St Louis’ Gateway Arch for panoramic views over the Mississippi River. In Branson, Silver Dollar City is where theme park rides meet Ozark folk traditions — arrive early to see artisans at work before the crowds arrive. For a quieter escape, follow the Ha Ha Tonka State Park’s Colosseum Trail past sinkholes, stone bridges and castle ruins.

Beaches

Despite being landlocked, Missouri has a wide choice of sandy spots around its lakes. Families love Fugitive Beach in Rolla for its sandy shores, inflatable waterslides and cliff jumps. And Grand Glaize Beach in the Lake of the Ozarks State Park offers swimming, boating and hiking. If you’re into scuba diving, check out Moonshine Beach at Table Rock Lake or Stockton Lake State Park.

Nature

Enjoy a day of hiking and biking in Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, surrounded by the rugged Ozark Mountains. You’ll find some of the state’s best water sports in Table Rock State Park. Looking to combine nature and culture? Schedule a stop at Ha Ha Tonka State Park to see its sinkholes, caves and stone castle ruins overlooking the Lake of the Ozarks.

Cuisine

Beyond its famous barbecue, Missouri has plenty of homegrown foods to try, including toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake. Look out for restaurants in Missouri serving St Louis–style pizza, which features a cracker-like crust and Provel cheese. If you’re looking for a sweet pick-me-up, Missouri’s official dessert is the ice cream cone. It was invented here in 1904 for the St Louis World’s Fair.

Culture and museums

Learn about early explorers and other local history at the Missouri History Museum in St Louis. Or step into a world of music at the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City. And if you’re a fan of classic literature, one of the best museums in Missouri is The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum in Hannibal, located on the Mississippi River.

Nightlife

Some of the best nightlife in Missouri is in Kansas City’s 18th and Vine district, famous for its jazz bars and live music venues. And in Columbia, the University District comes alive with a mix of college bars and comedy nights. Heading to St Louis? Drop by Cherokee Street, home to dive bars, taquerias and a strong punk and indie scene.

Find the best time to visit Missouri

Weather in Missouri through the year

March – May: Spring sees mild temperatures and blossoming dogwoods throughout the Ozarks. Pack layers and an umbrella for the unpredictable weather. Thunderstorms are common, especially in May.

June – August: Expect hot, humid days with highs around 32°C. Sudden thunderstorms and occasional heat warnings can impact outdoor activities, so plan for museum days if the weather turns.

September – November: Dry and comfortable, autumn is one of the best times to visit Missouri. Crisp mornings and colourful foliage make it ideal for road trips and exploring state parks.

December – February: Winters are cold, with occasional snowfall and a risk of ice storms. While storms can disrupt travel, clear days are perfect for festive events like the Kansas City Plaza Lights.

Events in Missouri

Soulard Mardi Gras (January to March): One of the biggest Mardi Gras celebrations outside New Orleans, St Louis’ multi-week event peaks with a huge parade through Soulard. Expect floats, beads and elaborate costumes.

True/False Film Fest (February or March): This documentary film festival brings cutting-edge nonfiction movies, pop-up performances and interactive art installations to downtown Columbia.

Missouri State Fair (August): A classic Midwestern state fair in Sedalia with tractor pulls, food stalls and fireworks. Nightly concerts draw big-name acts, while the historic fairgrounds host everything from quilting contests to carnival rides.

Big Muddy Blues Festival (September): Held on Laclede’s Landing in downtown St Louis, this riverside music festival celebrates the city’s blues heritage with local acts and national headliners.

Know before you go

Budget

Costs can fluctuate depending on where you visit, but overall, cheap holidays to Missouri are doable with a little bit of planning. A meal in a casual restaurant should cost less than 25 US dollars ($), and a local beer will usually be under $6. Catching a taxi? Expect to pay under $12 for a short journey.

Health and safety

Stay hydrated and use sun protection during Missouri’s hot, humid summers. Be aware of mosquitoes and ticks, especially near wooded or wet areas, as they can carry infections like West Nile virus and Lyme disease. Winter often brings icy roads and sudden weather changes. Take extra care when driving, particularly in rural areas.

Free things to do

In Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District, the first Friday of the month brings free gallery openings, street performers and food trucks. Wander the trails and explore the caves of Columbia’s Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. Or stroll St Charles’ historic Main Street, where 19th-century buildings and river views recall the days of Lewis and Clark.

Family friendly

St Louis’ Forest Park is packed with family fun, from pedalos on the Grand Basin to interacting with engaging exhibits at the Missouri History Museum. In Kansas City, Union Station houses Science City’s planetarium and model train exhibits. For full-throttle fun, head to Branson’s Silver Dollar City, an 1880s-themed park with rollercoasters and live shows.

Getting around Missouri

Missouri
Missouri Tourism

Public transport

Buses: Intercity services like Greyhound and Jefferson Lines connect Missouri’s major hubs, including St Louis, Kansas City, Columbia and Springfield. Local transit networks operate in urban areas, with St Louis’ Metro Transit and RideKC in Kansas City offering reliable city routes.

Trains: Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner links St Louis and Kansas City with scenic stops in towns like Hermann and Jefferson City. For longer distances, the Southwest Chief and Texas Eagle lines connect Missouri to major cities nationwide.

Boats: While there are no regular passenger ferries in Missouri, river cruises along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers offer seasonal sightseeing trips.

Domestic flights

Major airports in St Louis and Kansas City provide frequent domestic flights to dozens of US cities. Smaller regional airports like those in Springfield and Columbia offer additional connections within the Midwest.

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Driving and car hire

Driving in Missouri is generally straightforward, with highways like I-70 and I-44 linking major cities like St Louis, Kansas City, Columbia and Springfield. Roads are well maintained, though rural routes can be winding and sparsely lit. Sections of old Route 66 cross the state, dotted with vintage diners and quirky roadside stops. For scenic views, the Great River Road passes through historic river towns like Hannibal, Mark Twain’s boyhood home.

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FAQs about Missouri holidays

First time in Missouri? Base yourself in St Louis for baseball at Busch Stadium, views from the Gateway Arch and live blues music in Soulard. For art walks, barbecue joints and jazz clubs, Kansas City delivers, especially in its walkable Crossroads and Country Club Plaza districts.
You’ll want to spend at least two days each in Kansas City and St Louis to enjoy their museums, attractions and restaurant scenes. If detours to Branson and the Ozarks are a priority, extend your trip to a week or longer.
With Missouri’s hot, humid summers and cold winters, the best time to visit is in spring or autumn. Aim for April and May or September and October for pleasant weather that’s perfect for enjoying outdoor activities like hiking, swimming and boating. Fancy yourself a sports fanatic? Time your visit with a St Louis Cardinals baseball or Kansas City Chiefs NFL game.
While some cities have a higher crime rate than elsewhere in the country, Missouri is generally a safe tourist destination. As always, stay aware of your surroundings and use common sense. Never flash your valuables in public, and avoid walking alone at night in quiet places.
English is Missouri’s official and most widely used language. You’ll also find small pockets of Spanish-speaking communities in the state, mostly around major cities, as well as residents who speak German, French and Chinese.
You’ll use US dollars ($) in Missouri, where credit cards are accepted just about everywhere. ATMs are easy to find in cities, but it’s smart to carry cash in rural areas. Tipping is expected — 20% is standard in restaurants, and a few dollars for hotel staff or taxi drivers is appreciated.