Let's Talk Missouri: Why The Ozarks Aren't The Only Thing Worth Visiting In This State

Missouri got its title as the "Show Me" state after one of its state representatives refused to be swayed by fancy rhetoric, demanding common sense over all else. The sentiment echoes the adage that actions speak louder than words, and the same can be said to those who'd too quickly dismiss Missouri's unique offerings in favor of a more popular vacation state. The truth is that the 24th state in the union has way more to give than its legendary Ozarks.

8 Missouri Botanical Garden

Henry Shaw founded the Missouri Botanical Garden over 150 years ago to preserve the diversity of plant life through scientific study, education, and admiration. The attraction is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the country, and the team's continued dedication to conservation is as beautiful as the displays of plant life both inside and outside the building's walls.

The botanical garden features the Climatron, a visually perplexing structure with no interior supports. The dome allows maximum sunlight to penetrate through glass and aluminum walls to the 2,800 plants thriving inside. Visitors enter a half-acre rainforest paradise equipped with waterfalls, an aquarium, and a footbridge overlooking the forest canopy.

Address: 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM
Admission: $14

7 Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis

People have long admired the architecture of world churches despite their religious affiliations. The devotion put into creating a place of worship often inspires believers to build monumental works of art, and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is a testament to that fact. The Roman Catholic house of worship features revival architecture, its ornate exterior paralleling the beauty of some of the most visited churches in the world.

There is no lack of embellishment inside. Over a dozen artists and architects collaborated to create a harmonized space with colorful mosaics, sculptures, and illuminating windows. Known lovingly as the "Rome of the West," Cathedral Basilica guarantees to inspire visitors with its grandeur.

Address: 4431 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108
Hours: Daily 7 AM to 5 PM
Admission: Free

6 Glore Psychiatric Museum

Named as one of America's "50 Most Unusual Museums," the Glore Psychiatric museum will leave a lasting impression on anyone interested in the fascinating (and sometimes alarming) evolution of mental health care. George Glore helped put together an exhibit of reconstructed hospital equipment documenting historical treatment devices for Mental Health Awareness Week in 1963.

His work inspired the hospital officials so much they decided to make an entire museum out of it. Today, a multitude of fascinating exhibits highlight the struggles of patients through art. One popular piece contains the artfully arranged stomach contents of a patient who swallowed over 400 nails, probing guests to confront their misunderstandings about mental health through education and empathy.

Address: 3406 Frederick Ave, St Joseph, MO 64506
Hours: Daily 10 AM to 5 PM
Admission: $7

5 Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum

Mark Twain is the king of common sense, so it's unsurprising he grew up in Missouri. His childhood home is now a museum, and visitors can explore the space that shaped the celebrated American writer during his formative years. The house is on the west bank of the Mississippi River, proof that writers often gain inspiration from their surroundings. Outside, Tom Sawyer's white fence stands next to the home and delights literature lovers.

The entire complex consists of nine attractions. The Huck Finn House explores the area's history with slavery, and the recently restored "Becky House" exhibits the home of Twain's childhood girlfriend. Several first editions of Twain's works are on display, as well as the writer's iconic white suit coat. The museum also features seasonal performances by a talented Mark Twain impersonator.

Address: 120 N Main St, Hannibal, MO 63401
Hours: Daily 9 AM to 5 PM
Admission: $12

4 Gateway Arch

Much like Chicago's "Bean," the Gateway Arch in St. Louis is an ideal way to get a taste of what Missouri is all about. The 630-foot tall stainless steel arch is the largest in the world and the tallest monument in the United States. The steel catches the sunlight to create a magnificent, shining display of the state's claim to fame as the "Gateway to the West." A tram takes visitors to the top, providing epic views of the city. People often underestimate the size of the arch and are pleasantly surprised to be confronted with such an enormous work of architecture.

Address: 11 N 4th St #1810, St. Louis, MO 63102
Hours: Daily 9 AM to 6 PM
Admission: Starting at $12

3 Anheuser-Busch St. Louis Brewery

Enjoying a cold one is an American pastime, and what better way to celebrate than by visiting a historic brewery responsibly creating some of the country's most popular beers for over 150 years? The St. Louis brewhouse is the Anheuser-Busch headquarters, and they have pulled out all the stops to ensure visitors will have a memorable experience.

The Brewmaster Tour takes guests on a behind-the-scenes adventure for a close look at the historically reliable brew process. Visitors can also take The Finisher Tour, which ends at the lager cellars and a reward of fresh beer right from the finishing tank. People can also get up close and personal with the famous Budweiser Clydesdale horses!

Address: 1200 Lynch St, St. Louis, MO 63118
Hours: Monday through Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM, Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM
Admission: Starting at $12

2 Titanic Museum

Branson's Titanic Museum is the biggest Titanic attraction in the world and one of two themed museums owned by retired Hollywood director John Joslyn. To enter the museum, visitors have to walk through the infamous iceberg that led to the demise of the "Unsinkable Ship."

Guests receive their very own boarding pass containing the name of an actual passenger and make their way through remarkable replicas of the Grand Staircase, cabins, and luxuriously decorated hallways. Over 400 artifacts from the ship bring the museum to life. At the end of every tour, visitors discover whether the person on their boarding pass survived by examining the wall of the Memorial Room.

Address: 3235 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616
Hours: Sunday through Thursday 9 AM to 6 PM, Friday and Saturday 9 AM to 7 PM
Admission: Adults 13 and up $31, Children 6-12 $15

1 Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure

Even some of the staunchest bug haters have a soft spot for butterflies. Thousands of butterflies from all over the globe flutter freely at the Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure. Both children and adults are mesmerized by the variety of colors floating around the butterfly aviary. The friendly insects frequently land atop the nectar flowers given to guests. The Living Rainforest Science Center features live amphibians and reptiles, and the Emerald Forest Maze takes visitors through the twists and turns of a rainforest canopy.