Things to see and do in Missouri

Attractions in Missouri

Arabia Steamboat Museum

Explore the Arabia Steamboat Museum (www.1856.com) in Kansas City. Displayed are artifacts recovered from a steamboat that sank in the Mississippi with cargo in 1856.

Bennett Spring State Park

Visit Bennett Spring State Park (www.mostateparks.com/bennett.htm), popular for its scenic trails, canoeing, camping and trout fishing. Ha Ha Tonka State Park (www.mostateparks.com/hahatonka.htm) is a geological wonderland of caves, sinkholes, steep bluffs and famous castle ruins.

Branson

Experience Branson (www.explorebranson.com). A live entertainment capital offering pop, swing, rock and roll, country and gospel music performances at around 52 theatres, it attracts major artists and entertainment legends. Also famous are its three picturesque lakes, Lake Taneycomo, Table Rock Lake and Bull Shoals Lake, perfect for fishing and water activities.

Country Club Plaza

Shop the Country Club Plaza (www.countryclubplaza.com) in Kansas City, the nation's oldest shopping centre established in 1922. Covering a 15-block district, the plaza has over 150 shops and dozens of restaurants.

Gateway Arch

Ride to the top of the landmark Gateway Arch (www.stlouisarch.com) on St Louis's riverfront. At 192m (630ft) it is the nation's tallest memorial. It honours St Louis as the starting point for settlers who began their trek to the western frontier from the city and contains an observation deck and exhibits on the American West.

Hannibal

Tour Hannibal, Mark Twain's hometown during the 19th century. Many museums and shows celebrate the author's life and works, including the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and the New Mark Twain Museum (www.marktwainmuseum.org).

Hurricane Harbor waterpark

Get soaked in Hurricane Harbor waterpark, or go for head-over-heels thrills on the Cape Crusader looping super-coaster, among the many rides and attractions at Six Flags St Louis theme park (www.sixflags.com).

Jesse James Bank Museum

,See the site of the nation's first daylight bank robbery, the Jesse James Bank Museum, in Liberty.

Lake of the Ozarks

Enjoy the pristine beauty of the Lake of the Ozarks (www.lakelinks.com) in central Missouri. The lake is 148km (92 miles) in length, has more than 1,850km (1,150 miles) of forested shoreline, and offers watersports, canoeing, golfing, tennis, caves, shows and museums, as well as the Timber Falls Indoor Water Park (www.timberridgeresort.com).

Silver Dollar City

Spend the day at Branson's best-known attraction, Silver Dollar City (www.silverdollarcity.com). Explore the turn-of-the-century crafts village with daily music shows and rides like the Thunderation Rollercoaster, the Fire-in-the-Hole and the Powderkeg.

St Louis Zoo

Explore the St Louis Zoo (www.stlzoo.org), home to over 5,000 animals from 700 species. Exhibits included are The Insectarium, Sea Lion Show and 3-D Movie.

Worlds of Fun

Take the family to the Worlds of Fun (www.worldsoffun.com) entertainment complex in Kansas City. It has more than 120 rides, rollercoasters and live entertainment.

Tourist offices

Missouri Division of Tourism