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If you’re planning a road trip through Missouri, you won’t want to miss the state’s many unique roadside attractions. From giant sculptures to quirky museums, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Missouri is home to some of the most interesting and unusual attractions in the country, and you’ll find them all along the state’s highways and byways.
One of the most famous roadside attractions in Missouri is the City Museum in St. Louis. This former warehouse has been transformed into a 10-story wonderland of slides, tunnels, and other interactive exhibits. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves adventure and exploration.
Another popular attraction is the Glore Psychiatric Museum in St. Joseph, which offers a fascinating look at the history of mental health treatment in the United States.
Whether you’re interested in history, art, or just plain fun, there are plenty of roadside attractions in Missouri that have something to offer the entire family. With so many unique and unusual sights to see, you’re sure to find something that will make your road trip unforgettable. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to discover the best of Missouri’s roadside attractions.
Historical Roadside Attractions in Missouri
Missouri is home to numerous roadside attractions that offer a glimpse into the state’s rich history. From Route 66 landmarks to Civil War monuments, these attractions are a must-visit for history buffs and travelers alike.
Route 66 Landmarks
Route 66, also known as the “Mother Road,” was one of the original highways in the United States highway system. It was established in 1926 and ran from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. Missouri was an important stop along the way, and many of the original landmarks from the highway’s heyday still stand today.
One of the most iconic Route 66 landmarks in Missouri is the World’s Largest Rocking Chair, located in Fanning. This giant chair stands 42 feet tall and is a popular spot for photos. Other notable landmarks include the Route 66 Red Rocker in Fanning and the restored 1930s-era Phillips 66 Gas Station in Springfield.
Civil War Monuments
Missouri played a significant role in the Civil War, with battles and skirmishes fought throughout the state. Today, visitors can explore the many monuments and historical sites that commemorate this tumultuous time in American history.
One of the most significant Civil War monuments in Missouri is the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, located near Springfield. This site was the site of the first major battle of the Civil War west of the Mississippi River and is now a National Park. Other notable Civil War monuments include the Confederate Memorial State Historic Site in Higginsville and the Missouri Civil War Museum in St. Louis.
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a unique roadside attraction, Missouri’s historical landmarks are a must-visit. From Route 66 to the Civil War, these sites offer a glimpse into the state’s rich past.
Natural Roadside Attractions in Missouri
If you’re looking to explore the natural beauty of Missouri, there are plenty of roadside attractions that will take your breath away. Here are a couple of must-see spots that you won’t want to miss.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a beautiful park that features two of Missouri’s most scenic rivers: the Current River and the Jacks Fork River. This park is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing.
One of the most popular activities in the park is floating down the river on a tube or raft. The crystal-clear waters of the Current River make for a refreshing and relaxing float. The park also features several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the river and the surrounding forest.
Elephant Rocks State Park
Elephant Rocks State Park is a unique geological formation that features giant boulders that resemble elephants. These rocks are made of granite and are over a billion years old. Visitors can explore the park by hiking on the trails that wind through the boulders.
One of the most popular trails is the Braille Trail, which is designed for visitors with visual impairments. This trail features interpretive signs in Braille that describe the park’s geology and wildlife. The park also has picnic areas and a playground, making it a great spot for a family outing.
Both of these natural roadside attractions are worth a visit if you’re in Missouri. They offer a chance to explore the state’s natural beauty and enjoy some outdoor recreation.
Quirky Roadside Attractions in Missouri
If you’re looking for some fun and unique stops on your road trip through Missouri, be sure to check out these quirky roadside attractions. From the world’s largest rocking chair to a fudge factory with a funny name, these attractions are sure to make your trip memorable.
World’s Largest Rocking Chair
Located in Fanning, Missouri, the World’s Largest Rocking Chair is a must-see for anyone passing through the area. Standing at 42 feet tall, this giant rocking chair is sure to make you feel like a kid again. You can even climb up to the top for a great view of the surrounding countryside.
Uranus Fudge Factory
Yes, you read that right. Uranus, Missouri is home to a fudge factory with a funny name. The Uranus Fudge Factory is a family-friendly attraction that offers delicious fudge, ice cream, and other treats. The factory also has a gift shop with a wide variety of souvenirs and memorabilia.
Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, these quirky roadside attractions in Missouri are sure to make your trip more fun and interesting. Don’t forget to snap some photos and share them on social media to show off your unique finds.
Artistic Roadside Attractions in Missouri
If you’re a fan of art, Missouri has plenty of artistic roadside attractions to offer. Here are two must-see attractions for art lovers.
City Museum
Located in St. Louis, the City Museum is a unique and fascinating attraction that combines art with play. This museum is not your typical museum, as it features a variety of interactive exhibits and installations that encourage visitors to climb, crawl, and slide their way through the space.
The museum is housed in a former shoe factory, and the exhibits are made from recycled materials, such as old airplanes, salvaged bridges, and even a school bus hanging off the roof.
One of the most popular exhibits at the City Museum is the Enchanted Caves, a series of tunnels and caves that are covered in mosaics, mirrors, and other artistic touches. Visitors can climb through the caves, which are lit with colorful lights, and explore the hidden passageways.
Laumeier Sculpture Park
Located in Sunset Hills, just outside of St. Louis, Laumeier Sculpture Park is a unique outdoor museum that features more than 60 large-scale sculptures and installations. The sculptures are spread out across the park’s 105 acres, and visitors can explore the park on foot or by bike.
One of the most popular sculptures at Laumeier is “The Way,” a massive steel sculpture that resembles a giant wave. The sculpture is 100 feet long and 20 feet tall, and it’s located on a hilltop, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Other notable sculptures at Laumeier include “The Monolith,” a 22-ton granite sculpture, and “The Eye,” a giant steel sculpture that looks like a human eye.
| Name | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| City Museum | St. Louis | Interactive museum housed in a former shoe factory with recycled materials and unique exhibits |
| Laumeier Sculpture Park | Sunset Hills | Outdoor museum with over 60 large-scale sculptures and installations spread across 105 acres |
Missouri’s artistic roadside attractions are sure to delight and inspire visitors of all ages.
Culinary Roadside Attractions in Missouri
If you are a foodie and love to explore new culinary experiences, Missouri has a lot to offer. From delicious BBQ pit stops to world-renowned wineries, Missouri has something for everyone. Here are some of the must-visit culinary roadside attractions in Missouri.
BBQ Pit Stops
Missouri is known for its mouth-watering BBQ, and there are several BBQ pit stops that you should not miss. Here are some of the best.
| BBQ Pit Stop | Location | Must-Try Dish |
|---|---|---|
| Pappy’s Smokehouse | St. Louis | Ribs |
| Arthur Bryant’s | Kansas City | Burnt Ends |
| Sugarfire Smoke House | St. Louis | Brisket |
Pappy’s Smokehouse is a must-visit for anyone who loves BBQ. They are known for their succulent ribs and delicious pulled pork. Arthur Bryant’s is another iconic BBQ joint in Kansas City, famous for its burnt ends. Sugarfire Smoke House is a popular spot in St. Louis, known for its delicious brisket and unique sides like smoked corn on the cob.
Missouri Wineries
Missouri is home to some of the best wineries in the country, and a visit to these wineries is a must for any wine lover. Here are some of the best wineries in Missouri:
| Winery | Location | Must-Try Wine |
|---|---|---|
| Augusta Winery | Augusta | Norton |
| Stone Hill Winery | Hermann | Vignoles |
| Les Bourgeois Vineyards | Rocheport | Norton |
Augusta Winery is a beautiful winery located in the heart of Augusta Wine Country. They are known for their Norton wine, a bold and complex red wine.
Stone Hill Winery in Hermann is another popular winery, known for its Vignoles wine, a sweet and fruity white wine.
Les Bourgeois Vineyards is a stunning winery located on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River. They are known for their Norton wine, which has won several awards.
Whether you are a BBQ lover or a wine enthusiast, Missouri has something for everyone. So, hit the road and explore the delicious culinary roadside attractions Missouri has to offer.
Final Thoughts
You have explored some of the best roadside attractions in Missouri. From the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum to the City Museum in St. Louis, Missouri has a lot to offer to tourists and locals alike.
Whether you are looking for a unique photo opportunity or a fun family outing, Missouri’s roadside attractions won’t disappoint. Some of the most popular attractions include the Elephant Rocks State Park, a unique rock display that resembles elephants in a circus train, and the Bonne Terre Mine, which features a billion-gallon lake.
If you’re planning a road trip in Missouri, make sure to add some of these attractions to your itinerary. You won’t regret it!
Here are some key takeaways from our exploration of Missouri’s roadside attractions.
- Missouri offers a wide variety of roadside attractions, from museums to unique rock formations.
- Some of the most popular attractions include the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, the City Museum in St. Louis, and the Elephant Rocks State Park.
- Missouri’s roadside attractions are perfect for a fun family outing or a unique photo opportunity.
- If you’re planning a road trip in Missouri, make sure to add some of these attractions to your itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the weirdest roadside attractions in Missouri?
Missouri is home to many unique and quirky roadside attractions. One of the weirdest is the World’s Largest Fork, located in Springfield.
Another odd attraction is the Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, which features giant statues of the popular Precious Moments characters. The Giant Chess Pieces in Marceline and the Fanning 66 Outpost in Cuba are also worth checking out.
What are some notable roadside attractions near Springfield, Missouri?
If you’re in the Springfield area, you won’t want to miss the Fantastic Caverns, a unique cave system that you can explore by jeep-drawn tram. The Route 66 Car Museum in nearby Lebanon is also a popular attraction, featuring a collection of classic cars and memorabilia.
Another must-see is the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum in Mansfield, which celebrates the life and legacy of the beloved author.
What are some popular tourist attractions in Missouri?
Missouri is home to many popular tourist attractions, including the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, which offers stunning views of the city. The Silver Dollar City amusement park in Branson is also a favorite, featuring thrilling rides, live entertainment, and delicious food.
The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal is another popular destination, allowing visitors to explore the childhood home of the famous author.
What are some interesting roadside attractions along Route 44 in Missouri?
If you’re traveling along Route 44 in Missouri, be sure to check out the Meramec Caverns, a stunning cave system that offers tours and other activities. The Route 66 State Park in Eureka is also worth a visit, featuring a museum and hiking trails. The World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Fanning is also unique attractions along this route.
What are some must-see roadside attractions in St. Louis?
St. Louis is home to many must-see roadside attractions, including the aforementioned Gateway Arch. The City Museum is another popular destination, featuring a unique collection of art and interactive exhibits.
The Missouri Botanical Garden is also worth a visit, offering beautiful gardens and stunning architecture. And don’t forget to check out the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, where you can take a tour and sample some of the famous beer.
What are some unique roadside attractions in Missouri that are featured on the Roadside America website?
Roadside America features many unique and quirky roadside attractions in Missouri, including the World’s Largest Pecan in Brunswick, the World’s Largest Gift Store in Kansas City, and the World’s Largest Amoco Sign in Springfield.
