Branson, Missouri
Most Known for Unique Attractions, Family Vacations, Live Performances
Branson, Missouri, is an action-packed adventure that offers many activities to enjoy.
Therefore, making Branson a perfect getaway for anyone.
Rather you are visiting with friends, family, or your partner. Branson offers so many activities that can meet any party’s needs.
Visiting Branson, Missouri with Family
If your family is adventurous, you may find ziplining courses, theme parks, museums, and an Amusement Park just up your alley.
One of the things that makes Branson a must-visit destination in Missouri is the unique attractions that it has to offer that you cannot find anywhere else in Missouri.
Where else in Missouri can you visit a theme park and tour an underground cave all in one facility? Yup, we are talking about Marvel Cave at Silver Dollar City.
Another unique attraction in Branson is the Titanic Museum which has hands-on exhibits that give you an idea of what being on the real Titanic was like. The museum even includes a replica of the Grand Staircase.
Then you have the Track Family Fun Parks that consists of the Heavy Metal High Rise, a 4-story go-kart ride. Talk about an intense ride.
The Heavy Metal High Rise is only one of the many different go-kart rides offered at the facilities. In addition to go-karting, the facilities also have mini-golf, arcades, thrill rides, a Ferris wheel, and so much more!
These are just a few unique attractions offered in Branson, Missouri.
Visiting Branson, Missouri as a Couple
Are you going as a couple?
You may be looking for more relaxing entertainment, such as shows. Branson offers many shows, from Country singing to musicals, comedy, and acrobat performances.
Some popular venues include Dolly’s Parton’s Stampede, Showboat Branson Belle, and Grand Country Music Hall. These are just several of the many venues that offer different performances.
Other activities to do as a couple is hiking Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, taking a relaxing helicopter ride over the city, or getting a couples massage at Spa Chateau.
Springfield, Missouri
Most Known For Family Vacations, Hiking, Gardening
Springfield, Missouri, is a perfect weekend getaway with your family!
Springfield has many fun family activities that the whole family will enjoy.
Furthermore, Springfield offers activities for every interest. In fact, Springfield, Missouri, has a large number of hiking trails, museums, gardens, and kid-oriented activities. Whatever your interest may be, Springfield, Missouri, has it.
For the Outdoor Enthusiast in Springfield, Missouri
For the outdoor enthusiast, hiking and gardens may be your primary interest. If so, you’re in luck. Springfield, Missouri, has several hiking trails and gardens that you can visit.
Some popular hiking trails are Ward Branch Greenway Trailhead, Frisco Highline Trail, Valley Water Mill Park, and the Smallin Civil War Cave.
Suppose you are looking to explore gardens around Springfield, Missouri. You must check out the Japanese Stroll Garden, Friends of the Garden, Hosta Garden, and the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center.
If your primary interest is touring Museums, there are several you must see while visiting Springfield, Missouri.
Museums are a great way to learn about the local history of Springfield, Missouri, and about the history of a particular subject.
Museums in Springfield, Missouri
If you find Cars, Sports, and Air-crafts interesting, you may want to check out the Air & Military Museum-Ozarks, NRA National Sporting Arms Museums, Route 66 Car Museum, and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.
If you are interested in learning about Springfield, Missouri, you must check out the History Museum on the Square.
If you are in awe of an artist’s design and science, check out the Springfield Art Museum and the Missouri Institute of Natural Science. These are just a few museums the city has to offer.
Attractions in Springfield, Missouri
Aside from nature and museums, Springfield offers entertainment for the whole family.
Top attractions in Springfield, Missouri, are the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, Fantastic Caverns, Dickerson Park Zoo, and the Dr. Bill Roston Native Butterfly House.
Your children may like the Itty Bitty City, a ‘city’ designed for children to play as adults in the real world for the tiny ones.
With so much to do in Springfield, it’s no wonder it made our list of the best towns in Missouri to visit.
Jefferson, Missouri
Most Known For State Capital, Tours, Museums
Jefferson is the capital of Missouri, making it a must-visit destination. In fact, while you are here, you must visit the Capital State Building.
The Capital State Building features the Missouri State Museum on the first floor. The museum is accessible to the public. In addition to having a museum, you can also sign up to take a guided tour of the Capitol Building.
Tours are available Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Self-guided tours are also available.
Make sure to stop by the visitor’s center on the first floor (next to the museum) to grab a map of the building.
Another building that is free to tour is the Missouri Governor’s Mansion.
Touring the Governor’s Mansion is a great way to learn about Missouri’s history. Check the Government website to ensure tours will be available when you visit.
They only happen during certain months of the year. Furthermore, you can only see the mansion on special days, and reservations are required a day before visiting. Learn more by visiting the Missouri Governor’s Mansions website.
Jefferson, Missouri, has so much to offer in addition to touring the state capital, the Governor’s Mansion, and the Missouri State Museum.
You can also tour the Missouri State Penitentiary, which Time Magazine named “the bloodiest 47 acres in America”. The facility no longer houses inmates and is fully dedicated to giving tours to the public.
If you are an outdoors fan, you must check out the Runge Nature Center, Clark’s Hill/Norton State Historic Site, and the Binder Southwest Trail.
The 60-foot fire tower that offers the city’s exceptional views makes the Runge Nature Center a must-see destination.
The Clark’s Hill/Norton State Historic Site has the Osage Trail that has scenic views.
The short trail is a 1.1-mile in-and-out trail that is considered easy. Then you have the Binder Southwest Trail. This trail is excellent if you want a workout while enjoying nature. The trail loops and is in total 2.9 miles and is considered moderate.
Hermann, Missouri
Most Known For Wineries
Hermann, Missouri, is a quaint town best known for its winery.
The picturesque town is filled with vineyards, wineries, and adorable shops. Making this town perfect for a couple’s getaway or a weekend out of town with gal pals.
Another great benefit of Hermann, Missouri, is it features the Hermann Wine Trail, which consists of 7 different wineries.
The wineries along the Hermann Wine Trail are as follows:
- Adam Puchta Winery
- Bias Winery
- Dierberg Star Lane Tasting Room
- Hermannhof Winery
- OakGlenn Winery
- Robller Winery
- Stone Hill Winery
If you are interested in visiting the Hermann Wine Trail, you can visit anytime on your own or during one of their 6 Wine Trail Events.
These events are the Chocolate Wine Trail, Berries and BarBQ Wine Trail, Wild Bacon Wine Trail, Farmer’s Table Wine Trail, Say Cheese Wine Trail and the Holiday Fare Wine Trail. This lineup may change. Please see the official website for more information.
Other Attractions around Hermann, Missouri
Outside of visiting wineries, there are also several notable destinations to visit that offer a unique experience.
One destination is the Wine Country Wagon Rides, which provides a scenic ride through different parts of Hermann.
Another destination in Hermann, Missouri, is the Hermann Farm.
While at the Hermann Farm, you can opt for a Tram Tour or take a self-guided walking tour. In addition to tours, they also host a variety of attractions that include but are not limited to the Husmann House, Schuetzenhalle, and the Tradesmen Barm.
Suppose you are looking for something more adventurous in Hermann, Missouri. In that case, you must check out the Zipline Tours at Eco Adventure Zipline.
Visit the Historic Downtown Hermann
In addition to the local attractions, Hermann town is also great for shopping.
The downtown area features a variety of shops and restaurants that make it worth visiting. These include Ricky’s Chocolate Box, Hermann’s Attic Antique Mall, and Espresso Laine.
Some great food choices are Vintage 1847 Restaurant, Wings A-Blazin’, and the Tin Mill Brewing Co.
If you go, be careful; there is the Tin Mill Brewing Co and the Tin Mill Steakhouse next to each other. The Tin Mill Brewing Co is more hidden adjacent to the other side of the street.
If you arrive at a cool oversized Tin Mill building, you are at the steakhouse. Both restaurants offer AMAZING food just, depending on what you are looking to eat and the budget you want to spend.
Explore Nature in Hermann, Missouri
You have a few options if you want a weekend to spend outside at Hermann, Missouri.
The Grand Bluff Conservation Area offers an overlook point of the Missouri River Valley. Then you have the Daniel Boone Conservation Area, which features a 6.9-mile trail considered easy to hike.
The Little Lost Creek Conservation Area is another great hiking destination with a 6.4-mile loop considered moderate to hike.
However, be careful during tick season as the Little Lost Creek Conservation area is known to have excessive ticks (according to online reviewers).
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Most Known For Boating, Girl’s Weekend, Partying, Family Fun
Lake of the Ozarks is the perfect weekend destination for individuals of all ages.
Therefore making it an ideal weekend getaway for families, couples, or friends looking to party. Depending on your reason for visiting will determine the activities you may be interested in.
Visiting Lake of the Ozarks with Family
If you are a family looking for a weekend getaway to make memories with the ones you love, then Lake of the Ozarks is just what you need.
Lake of the Ozarks offers various children’s activities, such as Miner Mike’s Fun Center, with tunnels, rides, go-karts, and arcades located within its facility.
If your kids love Laser Tag and arcades, check out Lazer Force Lazer Tag Zone.
Then there is Big Surf Waterpark, where your kids can spend the day outdoors. Big Surf Waterpark has several wave pools, slides, a lazy river, and a lily pad.
These are just a few of the many attractions offered at the waterpark.
Visiting Lake of the Ozarks with Friends
If you go to Lake of the Ozarks with friends to a party, you are looking for an entirely different experience.
You may be interested in Playing Hooky Water Taxi & Charters LLC, offering a bar hop cruise and water taxi service.
You may find Shady Gators, Coconuts Caribbean Beach Bar & Grill, and Boathouse Lakeside Bar & Grill. These are great places to spend time enjoying the company of friends.
Visiting Lake of the Ozarks as a Couple
If you want to visit Lake of the Ozark as a couple, you may enjoy visiting the wineries. Some wineries in the area include Seven Springs Winery, Buffalo Creek Winery, Shawnee Bluff Vineyard, and the Golden Rock Winery.
If you are looking for a lovely date night at the Lake of the Ozarks, check out JB Hook’s, it offers fine dining with a fantastic view.
Another excellent dining option is Baxter’s Lakeside Grille, another restaurant with impeccable views.
Then you have Windrose Marker 26 Lakeside Dining at Tan-Tar-A Resort. These are just a few of Lake of Ozarks’ many date night restaurants.
If you are looking for activities at the lake, you can spend the date renting a boat, going to a spa, playing golf, or catching a show.
With so much to do at the Lake of the Ozarks is the reason it made our list of Best Towns in Missouri to Visit.
Jamesport, Missouri
Most Known For Amish Community
If you are looking to escape today’s quick-paced life and return to a time when things were simpler, you must check out Jamesport, Missouri, an Amish town outside Kansas City, Missouri.
While visiting this charming city, you will witness Amish riding horse-drawn carriages and businesses lit by kerosene lamps.
Food is made with hand grinders and wood-burning appliances.
It’s a unique way to experience an entirely different lifestyle than our own.
While visiting Jamesport, Missouri, check out the different restaurants, bakeries, and shops in the area.
Restaurants and Bakeries include Country Cupboard Restaurant, Gingerich Dutch Pantry, Anna’s Amish Bake Shop, and the Countryside Bakery.
Some of the local shops you can visit are the Sherwood Quilt & Craft, Simply Primitives, Natural Differences, and FarmHouse Collections.
These are just a few of the many businesses located in Jamesport, Missouri.
Potosi, Missouri
Most Known For Nature, Family Getaway
Potosi, Missouri, is a hidden gem outside Saint Louis, Missouri.
Potosi offers the perfect weekend getaway with so many unique attractions. Potosi is home to the YMCA Trout Lodge, which offers many activities for the whole family.
During summer, they have a lake you can swim in and boating docs where you can rent SUP boards, kayaks, sailboats, and canoes.
Furthermore, they offer activities year-round that include horseback riding, hiking trails, archery, arts and crafts, plus so much more.
Another great attraction in Potosi, Missouri, is the Fourche Valley Golf Club.
Come play 9-holes of golf while enjoying the spectacular views. After playing a round of golf, be sure to stop by Edg-Clif Vineyard, Winery, and Brewery.
Enjoy the beautiful views Edg-Clif has to offer while sipping on wine and enjoying the company you are with.
If you are more into nature, then you are in luck. A short drive outside of Potosi is Washington State Park.
The park has hiking trails with scenic lookouts. You can also rent canoes, rafts, kayaks, and tubes to float down the river.
If you need more than that to attract you to the park, it even has a swimming pool during summertime.
Another great hiking destination nearby is Hughes Mountain.
Hughes Mountain offers fantastic views!
Be prepared by wearing great hiking shoes if you decide to go! The hike can be intense, depending on your level of physical strength.
Ste. Genevieve, Missouri
Most Known For Wineries
One of the great things about Ste Genevieve, Missouri, is the Route Du Vin Wine Trail. The wine trail features 6 different wineries.
The wineries along the Route Du Vin Wine Trail follow:
- Cave Vineyard Winery
- Charleville Vineyard and Microbrewery
- Chaumette Vineyards and Winery
- Sainte Genevieve Winery
- Sand Creek Vineyard
- Twin Oaks Vineyard and Winery
Each winery offers its own unique characteristics and atmosphere.
The wine trail makes visiting Ste Genevieve a perfect getaway for a girl’s weekend trip, bachelorette party, or visiting with your significant other.
Although Ste Genevieve is known for its wine trail, there is more to the town than its wineries. In fact, you can make Ste Genevieve a fun family weekend getaway.
Family Attractions in Ste Genevieve, Missouri
During the summertime, the kids will love the River Rapids Water Park.
The waterpark features a lazy river, lap pool, diving board, and zip line. These are just a few of the many features River Rapids Water Park has to offer. In addition to the waterpark, your kids will enjoy Iggy’s Pop Shop, a gaming and comics venue.
Another great attraction your family may enjoy is Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary, where you can enjoy a guided tour and learn about the rescued animals.
These are some of the many different family activities offered in Ste Genevieve.
If you are visiting for the weekend with family, stop by and enjoy a treat at Sweet Things Sweet Shop or Sara’s Ice Cream & Antiques.
Outdoor Attractions in Ste Genevieve, Missouri
Another great aspect of Ste Genevieve is the vast number of outdoor activities the whole family can enjoy.
Some of the best attractions are Master Gardeners’ Spring Garden Walk, which is available the weekend after Mother’s Day in May.
You can enjoy a Waterfall at the Hickory Canyons Natural Area. Although the waterfall can only be seen after heavy rain.
More popular parks in the area are Hawn State Park and Pickle Springs Natural Area.
So if you are looking for a fun-filled weekend getaway with friends and family, or a romantic trip with your significant other, Ste Genevieve should definitely be on your list of places to go.
Augusta, Missouri
Most Known For Wineries, Wine Trail
Augusta, Missouri, offers some of the most scenic views, which can be seen from the various wineries located in the town.
In fact, Augusta also features a wine trail for you to visit.
The Augusta Wine Trail features 4 different wineries, which are as follows:
- Augusta Winery
- Balducci Vineyard
- Blumenhof Vineyards & Winery
- Chandler Hill Vineyards.
Each winery offers its own winery, atmosphere, views, and experiences.
In addition to wineries, Augusta also has Klondike Park, a popular camping, fishing, and hiking destination. Furthermore, you can rent Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boards and Kayaks at Klondike Park.
Columbia, Missouri
Columbia, Missouri, is another great city in the state of Missouri.
One of the great things about Columbia, Missouri, is the vast amount of outdoor activities there are to do compared to other cities in Missouri.
Therefore, if you are looking for a weekend getaway that consists of nature, then you will love Columbia, Missouri.
Columbia, Missouri, features the Rock Bridge Memorial State Park.
According to Missouri State Parks, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park “contains some of the most popular hiking trails in the state.”
The park offers 10 different trails that you can hike. There are a variety of things that make the park’s trails so well-traveled.
For one, the trails will lead to multiple caves. One is the Devil’s Icebox, where you can see sleeping bats.
Another cave you can explore is Connor’s Cave. Another reason these parks’ trails are often busy is that you can hike to an old field to see sinkholes, while other trails take you through Grassland and offer scenic views.
Therefore, hiking the park’s various trails allows for various experiences, from cave exploration to seeing a sinkhole and panoramic views.
Another tremendous outdoor destination near Columbia, Missouri, is Finger Lakes State Park. What makes this park unique is that it has more than 70 miles of off-roading for motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles.
In addition to off-roading, you can go swimming, fishing, scuba diving, canoeing, and/or kayaking. Furthermore, the park offers hiking and mountain biking trails, allowing many activities to entertain the whole family.
St. Louis, Missouri
Most Known For Nightlife, City Experiences
Saint Louis, Missouri, is one of Missouri’s largest cities and hosts the Gateway Arch National Park.
The Gateway Arch is a must-see attraction in Saint Louis, Missouri. While at the Arch, you can take a tram to the Top and look out the windows to see picturesque city views.
In addition to taking a tram to the Top, you can also visit their free museum on the Arch grounds.
The Gateway Arch also oversees the Riverboat Cruise allowing you to purchase tickets for a sightseeing cruise or dinner cruise at the Arch grounds.
Check out their website for all the information you need to know to visit Saint Louis Arch and the Riverboat Cruise.
Visiting Saint Louis with Family
Another great aspect of Saint Louis, Missouri, is the wide range of activities you can do with your family!
Saint Louis has unique attractions such as the City Museum, an indoor playground with slides, caves, and ball pits for individuals of all ages.
Then there is Six Flags, a theme park that offers various rides for the whole family.
If you want an educational experience for your children, you may be interested in the Challenger Learning Center.
The Challenger Learning Center is a business that offers simulated missions to space. The facility lets your children feel what it would be like to work in the Mission Control room or be an astronaut in space.
These are just a few ideas for children’s activities in Saint Louis, Missouri.
Nightlife in Saint Louis, Missouri
Saint Louis, Missouri, is perfect if you want a fun weekend in the big city. Saint Louis, Missouri, offers a variety of nightlife destinations.
Ballpark Village is the newest addition to Saint Louis nightlife, an all-in-one location with entertainment, bars, and restaurants.
Another excellent drinking destination in Saint Louis is Soulard.
Fun Fact: Soulard hosts the 2nd largest Mardi Gras in the Country each year.
Soulard has several different bars you can visit, with most offering shuttles to the baseball and hockey game.
So if you visit Saint Louis and plan on attending a hockey or baseball game, skip the parking and head out to Soulard. You can find shuttles at Great Grizzly St Louis, Molly’s, and 1960s.
Another excellent drinking destination is the Central West End. Known to be a classier district in Saint Louis that offers several different dining establishments and clubs.
If you are outside the downtown area, Westport Plaza is a great place to attend an evening out with friends. Westport Plaza has comedy clubs, blues clubs, and several bars and restaurants that offer their own experience.
Free Attractions in Saint Louis, Missouri
One of Saint Louis, Missouri’s best aspects is the vast number of free activities around the city.
Allowing you to have a memorable time visiting even if you are vacationing on a tight budget. One of the most popular free attractions is the Saint Louis Zoo.
The Saint Louis Zoo hosts over 500 different species. In fact, the zoo is so large that you could spend an entire day exploring the different parts of it.
The Saint Louis Zoo resides at Forest Park alongside the Saint Louis Art Museum.
The Art Museum is another free attraction in Saint Louis, allowing you to view art from around the world and during different centuries.
In addition to the Saint Louis Zoo and the Art Museum, the Science Center is another free destination located at Forest Park.
The Science Center is great for your children to learn about history, space, and even dinosaurs. Although entrance to the science center is free, parking may not be.
These are just a few free things to do with your family in Saint Louis, Missouri. Please check our article, Free Things to do in Saint Louis Missouri in Saint Louis, Missouri, for a complete list of free activities in the area.
Kansas City, Missouri
Known for Nightlife, City Attractions
Kansas City, Missouri, is a wonderful place to visit with your family!
The city has so many family-friendly activities allowing you to create a memorable vacation to remember for years to come.
One main activity to enjoy with your family in Kansas City is the Money Museum, a great way to learn about the Federal Reserve Banking system.
Another great facility that offers kid-friendly activities is Crown Center in Kansas City. Crown Center offers a variety of attractions, shops, and restaurants.
Some activities within Crown Center are SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium and LEGOLAND® Discovery Center. Then there’s Kaleidoscope, a free interactive exhibit that allows kids to create art.
Then you have the Coterie Theatre, which offers a variety of family-friends performances throughout the year. During winter, check out Crown Center Ice Terrace, located outside.
These are just a few of Crown Center’s many activities. Check their website for a complete list of activities and events available at their facility.
Additionally, Crown Center offers unique dining experiences as well.
One is Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant, where you get to order your food by phone, which is placed at each booth. Once your food is ready, it is delivered by train! Making this a unique experience for the whole family.
Another great attraction located inside Crown Center is Chip’s Chocolate Factory. You can watch fudge being made right in front of you!
These are just a few of the dining options available at Crown Center. Check out their website directory for more information on dining at Crown Center.
Looking for an educational experience for your children while they are having a blast? Well, the Science Center may be just what you are looking for.
The Science Center offers exhibits that help your child explore different areas of life, such as art, food, engineering, and even trains.
It’s an excellent way for them to discover other hobbies and interests.
Another fun educational experience is the Kansas City Zoo. Featuring over 1,700 animals allows you to see some of your favorites while learning about possible unknown species, such as the Common Eland, the adorable Fennec Fox, or the Parma Wallaby.
Missouri has so many unique towns to visit with so much to do!
Suppose you live in Missouri and have yet to explore this state’s various towns. In that case, I highly encourage you to do so.
You may be surprised by the vast number of activities there are to do in this state!
Full List of Best Towns in Missouri
- Branson, Missouri
- Springfield, Missouri
- Jefferson, Missouri
- Hermann, Missouri
- Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
- Jamesport, Missouri
- Potosi, Missouri
- Ste. Genevieve, Missouri
- Augusta, Missouri
- Columbia, Missouri
- Saint Louis, Missouri
- Kansas City, Missouri
About Author, Sara Elizabeth
Writer, Amora V Lifestyle
Co-Owner of AmoraVBoutique.com
Sara is a writer for Amora V Lifestyle and is Co-Owner of Amora V Boutique. Sara previously worked as a Marketing Manager and has her Master’s from Lindenwood University.
Sara studies everything of interest, from psychology, recipes, finances, mental health, and travel, thriving to find happiness and to live a good life.
When not learning, Sara loves all things outdoors, food, and hanging around great company. Furthermore, Sara loves spending time with family, who she is blessed to have in her life.
Note from the author: Through my articles, I hope to bring you joy and peace and that you enjoy it!
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this travel blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of any organizations mentioned or affiliated with. The information provided in this blog is accurate and up-to-date to the best of the author’s knowledge, but readers are advised to do their own research and confirm any information before making travel plans or decisions. The author is not responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience sustained by readers while traveling based on the information provided in this blog. Travel at your own risk and always prioritize your safety and well-being. Any reviews or comments written are the subjective opinion of an Amora V Lifestyle member and not Amora V Lifestyle. Amora V Lifestyle performs occasional checks on commentary left by users. It’s worth mentioning that we may also use comments in our articles. By posting a comment, you are giving us permission to use it in our content. Please check out Privacy Policy and Terms of Use for full disclosure.
