6 Most Beautiful Cities in Missouri
Aside from the Ozark Mountain and the Mississippi River, it's challenging to narrow Missouri's cities to just a few. There are so many charming metropolises in this state! Some, however, stand out from the crowd. Visiting the cities of Missouri is a must if you're planning a trip there.
These cities, scattered across the state, are full of history and things to see and do. It is known for its wide-open spaces, famous mountain range, a vast plain, meandering rivers, parks, caves, and many more beautiful hidden gems. Not to mention that the state is also the inspiration and backdrop for the legendary 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.'
Missouri is a great place to visit. It has a lot to offer to everyone, such as beautiful mountains, exciting museums, lively capital cities, and many historical landmarks. It is a unique state with mountains, forests, lakes, and waterfalls all around it.
No matter what you do in Missouri, you'll have a great time, and you'll want to go back again and again! You will be amazed by the beautiful landscapes, fascinating history, and incredible cities.
These six picturesque cities showcase the best of Missouri's natural splendor. A few of the best cities are listed here, along with a brief description of what you can expect to find in each.
1. St. Louis
St. Louis is a beautiful and laid-back city dominated and defined by the Gateway Arch, which towers over the city. It is named after King Louis IX of France and is situated on the Illinois-Mississippi border.
The Gateway Arch, the world's tallest man-made structure, has long been a nickname for the city. In addition to this jaw-dropping sight, the city is lovely and a joy to explore. Amid the city's many distinct districts and neighborhoods, you'll find plenty of green space.
Laclede's Landing and Lafayette Square, two of the city's most historic neighborhoods, are located in the heart of the city's business district. In addition, St. Louis has a plethora of museums and a vibrant nightlife, dining, and live music scene.
2. Branson
Branson, located in southwest Missouri, is known as a "family-friendly Las Vegas" because of its lively atmosphere and plethora of attractions. The neon-lit strip is home to more than a hundred theaters hosting a wide range of captivating magic, music, and comedy performances.
In addition to the many hotels and restaurants in the area, the Titanic Museum, Ripley's Odditorium, and the Hollywood Wax Museum are just a few attractions. It is also home to many family-friendly attractions, including theme parks, go-kart tracks, mini-golf, and ziplining.
While the city's neon lights and blaring music draw most visitors, the Ozarks' pristine beauty and stunning scenery are just a short drive away. Locals and visitors to Table Rock Lake can take advantage of the lake's scenic shoreline for hiking and other watersports.
3. Kansas City
Despite mainly being overlooked by travelers, Kansas City has a lot to offer and is one of the Midwest's biggest and liveliest metro areas. It lies on the Missouri River's banks, bordering the Kansas-Missouri state line, and is surrounded by the much smaller Kansas City, Kansas (KCK). More than 200 fountains dot the city's scenic streets, making it the "City of Fountains" and the "Boulevard City"—the only city with more boulevards than Paris.
With world-class museums and theaters tucked into the heart of the city, wandering the streets is a real treat. In addition to jazz and live music, the city is also known for its Southern cuisine and Kansas City-style barbecue. There are hundreds of BBQ restaurants in the city, so no visit is complete without a sizzling strip steak.
4. Jefferson City
The state's capital, Jefferson City, is situated on the banks of the Missouri River amidst a picturesque landscape of tree-lined bluffs. The Missouri State Capitol, Supreme Court Building, and Governor's Mansion are all located in the historic downtown area. As a result of its historic government buildings and museums, the city exudes a sense of grandeur and sophistication.
The Cole County Historical Museum is an excellent resource for learning about the city's past. The state capitol building, the Governor's Mansion, the Missouri State Penitentiary, and the Missouri State Museum are some of the must-see attractions in the state. One of the most beautiful sculptures in town is the Lewis & Clark Monument at the Lewis & Clark Trailhead Plaza, located next to the state capitol building.
5. Springfield
Springfield, Missouri, is well-known as the "Birthplace of Route 66." Springfield is the third-largest city in the state. There are a variety of attractions based on the famous and historic highway, including themed restaurants and motels, an antique mall, and a vintage car museum.
Some of the city's best tourist attractions are also interactive and educational. Wilson's Creek National Battlefield and its excellent Discovery Center attract many visitors. Fantastic Caverns, a vast cave system accessible by jeep tram, is the area's most notable feature.
All of Springfield's parks, green space, and other attractions make it a great place to live and visit. Because of the abundance of forests, mountains, and other natural splendor in the surrounding area, Springfield is also as attractive as the "Queen City of the Ozarks." Hiking and cycling are popular activities for visitors to the city, surrounded by beautiful scenery and landscapes.
6. Saint Charles
Saint Charles is located on the Missouri River, and it is a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri. When Lewis and Clark's expedition passed through in 1804, they considered it "the last civilized stop" on their westward journey.
St. Charles is one of Missouri's oldest cities and is frequently ranked as one of the best small towns in the state. It was founded in 1979 by a French-Canadian fur trader in the 18th century and served as the state's first capital.
In the present day, Main Street in St. Charles is lined with several beautifully restored historic buildings that have been transformed into boutiques and restaurants. You can also walk the Katy Trail or visit Historic Missouri Wine Country, where you can sample award-winning wines, admire breathtaking vineyard views, and dine on delectable cuisine.
The St. Louis Zoo, the Art Museum, the Science Center, and the Missouri History Museum are all located in Forest Park, which hosted the 1904 World's Fair. You can also attend a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium and visit the Missouri Botanical Garden, which is lush and well-known to tourists.