20 Top Things to Do in Missouri

The wine scene in Missouri long predates the current fad for vineyard tours. German winemakers arrived in the region around Hermann (about 80 miles west of St. Louis; population 2,700), on the banks of the Missouri River, in the 1800s.

Today, Missouri has 80-plus vineyards and wineries throughout the state. But because Hermann's wine tradition reaches back almost 175 years, its wine trail offers activities you won't find elsewhere, like being able to tour underground wine cellars that were dug by hand before the Civil War. (800) 932-8687; hermannwinetrail.com

Some of our favorites of the six wineries are Hermannhof Winery, (800) 393-0100; hermannhof.com; Stone Hill Winery, (800) 909-9463; stonehillwinery.com; and OakGlenn Vineyards and Winery, (573) 486-5057; oakglenn.com

Missouri Wines

Read about Midwest wine country getaways

Most visitors head straight for the stone ruins that overlook Lake of the Ozarks. And with good reason—no other state park has skeletal remains of a bluff-top mansion. But Ha Ha Tonka (80 miles northeast of Springfield) also has wonderfully varied nature trails, which snake along a hilltop, along a spring-fed river and under a natural bridge. (573) 346-2986; mostateparks.com

The 630-foot Gateway Arch soars above downtown St. Louis, reflecting sunlight and glowing different colors depending on the time of day. Insiders know to cross the grass and line up at the south entrance, which generally has a shorter wait at the security check because it's farther from the parking lot. Visitors can take a four-minute tram ride up the hollow arch legs to get a panoramic view from the top. Don't miss the free Museum of Westward Expansion below the arch. (877) 982-1410; gatewayarch.com

The tales of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn began in this riverfront town (population 17,500), where local son Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) grew up.

At the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, explore the Hannibal of Clemens' childhood. (573) 221-9010; marktwainmuseum.org

The Mark Twain Cave Complex lets visitors climb through the underground passages where Clemens played as a boy (and which were later immortalized in his books). (573) 221-1656; marktwaincave.com

On the Mark Twain Riverboat, cruise the Mississippi River on an old-fashioned paddle wheeler. (573) 221-3222; marktwainriverboat.com

Actor Richard Garey (left) performs his show, Mark Twain Himself, throughout the summer at Hannibal's Planters Barn Theater. (573) 231-0021; heritagestage.com

Hannibal Convention and Visitors Bureau

Waterfalls, trout streams, and large herds of buffalo and elk dot the rolling terrain at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, a 2,200-acre area straddling the Missouri-Arkansas border, about 30 minutes southwest of Branson. A covered bridge made by Amish artisans is also one of many attractions at the park. Explore by foot, bike, horseback, kayak, tram or private Jeep tours. (417) 779-5983; dogwoodcanyon.org

Neon marquees light the night sky of Branson (population 7,600), where more than 50 theaters stage 100 different splashy, family-friendly shows. Performers work hard to make sure all ages go away surprised and humming. The biggest draw on the Strip is the Shoji Tabuchi Show. (417) 334-7469; shoji.com

Shoji is a Japanese fiddler, but the music extends to polka, Broadway, Cajun, big band, gospel and beyond.

Branson Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

This addition to Kingsville, Missouri's, Powell Gardens celebrates Midwest agriculture with some 2,000 varieties of fruits and vegetables planted on 12 scenic acres outside Kansas City. It's considered the largest edible garden in the country. Visitors can sample seasonal produce at tasting stations in the garden or in salads, wraps and soups at the cafe. (816) 697-2600; powellgardens.org

Every summer, thousands of people canoe near Mark Twain National Forest on the Meramec River (left), but most never realize they've entered one of the Midwest's most diverse river ecosystems. (There are 45 varieties of freshwater mussels alone!) In addition to canoe rentals, Meramec State Park (70 miles southwest of St. Louis) has a good nature center, nicely spaced cabins and guided cave tours. (573) 468-6072; mostateparks.com

As the first university established west of the Mississippi, "Mizzou" in Columbia (population 100,000) has a distinctly historic feel, with 18 of its buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. The University of Missouri's grounds are also a designated botanic garden, with more than 6,500 trees. The gardens and buildings (including The Residence) around the David R. Francis Quadrangle should not be missed. Free, guided tours last an hour (800/856-2181; missouri.edu).

University of Missouri

Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau

This park in the St. Francois Mountains (125 miles southwest of St. Louis) stands out as much for its homey atmosphere as its verdant landscape. Friendly staff and great amenities (free sports equipment, nicely spaced cabins and campsites, a well-stocked store and a noticeably pleasant laundry room) make Sam A. Baker a camper's dream. Most people rent canoes for leisurely float trips along the St. Francois River; (573) 856-4411, mostateparks.com.