Missouri Travel Guide
For travelers interested in the American frontier and westward expansion, there is no better destination than Missouri. The state of Missouri became part of the United States after a long colonial tussle between France and Spain.
The brown waters of the great Mississippi River and its small river towns, paddle steamers, the stockyards of Kansas City and the jazz and blues clubs of St Louis are other images representative of the state. Branson, the capital of live music and entertainment, boasts more than 30 theaters. Its seemingly unlimited entertainment features various shows, including rock 'n' roll, gospel, country music and dance performances. Minutes away from Branson are the peaceful wooded hills of the Ozarks, where you can enjoy outdoor activities. The threshold of this frontier was the Mississippi River, which is why the city of Saint Louis is called "the Gateway to the West." The Gateway Arch was created to commemorate this historic American location, and is the tallest man-made monument in the world, standing 630 feet tall.
For lovers of literature, Hannibal, Missouri was the place of birth of Mark Twain. There are not only a monument and a museum dedicated to the famous writer but you will also find several family attractions and activities that help young scholars experience a bit of the lifestyle portrayed in the stories of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. Visit historic communities, such as Laclede's Landing and The Hill, that offer fine restaurants, art galleries, and craft shops. Kansas City is a city of art and music and a distinctly European flavor. It features more than 40 museums and numerous galleries. Kansas City is well known for its steaks and barbecue, as well as its jazz festivals and summer music events.