Missouri, known as the “Show-Me State”, is a beautiful and diverse state with a lot to offer visitors. Explore most Hidden Places in Missouri, their Natural Wonders and Historic Sites, which boast of some state parks, caves, wildernesses, and historic districts. In addition to its popular tourist destinations like St. Louis, Kansas City, and Branson, Missouri is also home to several hidden gems that are worth exploring.
Also Read 28 Hidden Places in Florida: Activity, Location, Cost (2024)
Key Takeaways
- Missouri offers a diverse range of outdoor and historical attractions.
- State parks like Bennett Spring and Meramec Caverns provide opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration.
- The Mark Twain National Forest features wilderness areas like Devil’s Backbone and Hercules Glades.
- Explore caves at Onondaga Cave State Park and Bonne Terre Mine Tour.
- The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a haven for water-related activities.
- Hike, swim, and camp at stunning locations like Taum Sauk Mountain, Elephant Rocks, and Echo Bluff State Park.
- Visit historic sites, such as Mark Twain’s birthplace and Perryville Historic District.
- Enjoy unique geological formations at locations like Jacob’s Well Natural Bridge and Roark Waterfall.
List of 40 Best Hidden Places in Missouri
Here is a list of the 40 best-hidden places to visit in Missouri:
Bennett Spring State Park
This park is located in southern Missouri and is known for its clear spring water, which is perfect for swimming, fishing, and canoeing. Several hiking trails in the park offer stunning views of the Ozark Mountains.
- Location: Southern Missouri
- Cost of Travel: $8 per vehicle for a day pass
- Things to do: Known for its clear spring water, perfect for swimming, fishing, and canoeing. Several hiking trails offer stunning views of the Ozark Mountains.
Devil’s Backbone Wilderness
This wilderness area is located in the Mark Twain National Forest and is known for its rugged terrain, towering cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. There are several hiking trails in the wilderness area, including the Devil’s Backbone Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Location: Mark Twain National Forest
- Cost of Travel: Free
- Things to do: Features rugged terrain, towering cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. Hiking trails, including the Devil’s Backbone Trail, offer stunning views of the surrounding area.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park
This park is located in Camden County and is known for its castle ruins, sinkholes, and caves. Several hiking trails in the park offer stunning views of the Missouri River Valley.
- Location: Camden County
- Cost of Travel: Free
- Things to do: Explore castle ruins, sinkholes, and caves. Hiking trails provide stunning views of the Missouri River Valley.
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
This park is located in Reynolds County and is known for its unique geology, which features giant granite boulders that have been carved into the landscape by the Black River. The park is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and rock climbing.
- Location: Reynolds County
- Cost of Travel: $8 per vehicle for a day pass
- Things to do: Unique geology with giant granite boulders carved by the Black River. Popular for swimming, fishing, and rock climbing.
Meramec Caverns
This cave system is located in Ozark County and is known for its beautiful formations, including stalagmites, stalactites, and flowstone. The caves offer guided tours that allow visitors to learn about the cave’s history and geology.
- Location: Ozark County
- Cost of Travel: $23 for adults, $14 for children for a one-hour guided tour
- Things to do: Explore beautiful cave formations, including stalagmites, stalactites, and flowstone. Learn about the cave’s history and geology.
Onondaga Cave State Park
This park is located in Crawford County and is known for its marble cave, which is one of the deepest in the United States. The cave offers guided tours that allow visitors to learn about the cave’s history and geology.
- Location: Crawford County
- Cost of Travel: $15 for adults, $10 for children for a one-hour guided tour
- Things to do: Visit one of the deepest marble caves in the United States. Learn about the cave’s history and geology.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
This park is located in the Ozark Mountains and is known for its beautiful rivers, streams, and bluffs. The park offers a variety of recreational activities, including canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and hiking.
- Location: Ozark Mountains
- Cost of Travel: Free
- Things to do: Canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and hiking in the beautiful rivers, streams, and bluffs.
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
This park is located in Reynolds County and is the highest point in Missouri. The park offers stunning views of the surrounding Ozark Mountains and is a popular spot for hiking and camping.
- Location: Reynolds County
- Cost of Travel: Free
- Things to do: Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding Ozark Mountains. Popular spot for hiking and camping.
Wappapello Lake
This lake is located in southeastern Missouri and is known for its clear water and abundant fish. The lake is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, boating, and camping.
- Location: Southeastern Missouri
- Cost of Travel: Free
- Things to do: Swimming, fishing, boating, and camping in the clear water lake.
Big Oak Tree State Park
This park is located in Iron County and is home to the largest oak tree in Missouri. The park also offers several hiking trails and a picnic area.
- Location: Iron County
- Cost of Travel: Free
- Things to do: Visit the largest oak tree in Missouri. Hiking trails and a picnic area available.
Bonne Terre Mine Tour
This mine tour is located in Bonne Terre and takes visitors underground to see the world’s largest man-made geode. The tour is a must-see for anyone interested in geology.
- Location: Bonne Terre
- Cost of Travel: $27 for adults, $15 for children for a one-hour guided tour
- Things to do: Go underground to see the world’s largest man-made geode. Learn about the mine’s history and geology.
Castlewood State Park
This park is located in Dent County and is known for its castle-like rock formations. The park also offers several hiking trails and a picnic area.
- Location: Dent County
- Cost of Travel: Free
- Things to do: Explore castle-like rock formations. Hiking trails and a picnic area available.
Cave Springs Mill
This mill is located in Howell County and is one of the few remaining working water-powered mills in Missouri. The mill offers tours and demonstrations, as well as a gift shop and restaurant.
- Location: Howell County
- Cost of Travel: Free
- Things to do: Visit one of the few remaining working water-powered mills in Missouri. Take a tour, see demonstrations, and visit the gift shop and restaurant.
Elephant Rocks State Park
This park is located in Madison County and is known for its massive granite boulders, which resemble elephants. The park also offers several hiking trails and a picnic area.
- Location: Madison County
- Cost of Travel: Free
- Things to do: See massive granite boulders that resemble elephants. Hiking trails and a picnic area available.
Gibraltar Cave
This cave is located in Miller County and is known for its beautiful formations, including stalagmites, stalactites, and flowstone. The cave offers guided tours that allow visitors to learn about the cave’s history and geology.
- Location: Miller County
- Cost of Travel: $10 for adults, $5 for children for a one-hour guided tour
- Things to do: Explore beautiful cave formations, including stalagmites, stalactites, and flowstone. Learn about the cave’s history and geology.
Hercules Glades Wilderness
This wilderness area is located in the Mark Twain National Forest and is known for its unique geology, which features giant granite boulders and waterfalls. There are several hiking trails in the wilderness area, including the Hercules Glades Trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Location: Mark Twain National Forest
- Cost of Travel: Free
- Things to do: Hiking trails with giant granite boulders and waterfalls. Hercules Glades Trail offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site
This historic site is located in Florida, Missouri, and is the birthplace of Mark Twain. The site features the Twain family home, a museum, and several hiking trails.
- Location: Florida, Missouri
- Cost of Travel: $6 for adults, $3 for children for a guided tour
- Things to do: Visit the birthplace of Mark Twain. See the Twain family home, a museum, and several hiking trails.
Miami Conservation Area
This conservation area is located in Carroll County and is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and waterfowl. The conservation area offers several hiking trails and a shooting range.
- Location: Carroll County
- Cost of Travel: Free
- Things to do: Hiking trails and a shooting range. Home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and waterfowl.
Montauk State Park
This park is located in Dent County and is known for its scenic views of the Missouri River. The park offers several hiking trails, a picnic area, and a campground.
- Location: Dent County
- Cost of Travel: $8 per vehicle for a day pass
- Things to do: Scenic views of the Missouri River. Hiking trails, a picnic area, and a campground available.
Perryville Historic District
This historic district is located in Perryville, Missouri, and features a variety of 19th-century buildings. The district is a popular spot for shopping, dining, and sightseeing.
- Location: Perryville, Missouri
- Cost of Travel: Free
- Things to do: Shopping, dining, and sightseeing in a district with 19th-century buildings.
Pilot Knob State Park
This park is located in Iron County and is known for its iron ore deposits. The park offers several hiking trails, a picnic area, and a campground.
- Location: Iron County
- Cost of Travel: Free
- Things to do: Hiking trails, a picnic area, and a campground available. Known for its iron ore deposits.
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
This park is located in Boone County and is known for its natural bridge, which is one of the largest in the world. The park also offers several hiking trails and a picnic area.
- Location: Boone County
- Cost of Travel: Free
- Things to do: Explore one of the largest natural bridges in the world. Hiking trails and a picnic area available.
Round Spring State Park
This park is located in Shannon County and is known for its spring water, which is one of the purest in the world. The park also offers several hiking trails and a picnic area.
- Location: Shannon County
- Cost of Travel: $8 per vehicle for a day pass
- Things to do: Visit a park with one of the purest spring waters in the world. Hiking trails and a picnic area available.
Sam A. Baker State Park
This park is located in Wayne County and is known for its lakes, streams, and bluffs. The park offers a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, fishing, boating, and camping.
- Location: Wayne County
- Cost of Travel: $8 per vehicle for a day pass
- Things to do: Lakes, streams, and bluffs. Swimming, fishing, boating, and camping available.
Shaw Nature Reserve
This nature reserve is located in Gray Summit, Missouri, and is home to a variety of plants and animals. The reserve offers several hiking trails, a visitor center, and a gift shop.
- Location: Gray Summit, Missouri
- Cost of Travel: $12 for adults, $6 for children for a day pass
- Things to do: Hiking trails, a visitor center, and a gift shop. Home to a variety of plants and animals.
Silver Dollar City
This theme park is located in Branson, Missouri, and features a variety of rides, shows, and attractions. The park is a popular spot for families and visitors of all ages.
- Location: Branson, Missouri
- Cost of Travel: $72
- Things to do: One of the most popular tourist attractions in the state, offering a variety of rides, shows, and attractions for all ages.
Table Rock Lake
This lake is located in southwestern Missouri and is known for its clear water and abundant fish. The lake is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, boating, and camping.
- Location: Southwestern Missouri
- Cost of Travel: Free
- Things to do: Swimming, fishing, boating, and camping in the clear water lake.
Boone’s Lick State Historic Site
This historic site is located in St. Charles County and was once a major salt production center. The site features a museum, a salt kettle, and several hiking trails.
- Location: Southwestern Missouri
- Cost of Travel: Free
- Things to do: Swimming, fishing, boating, and camping in the clear water lake.
Castle Rock State Park
This park is located in Dent County and is known for its castle-like rock formations. The park also offers several hiking trails and a picnic area.
- Location: Dent County
- Cost of Travel: Free
- Things to do: Explore castle-like rock formations. Hiking trails and a picnic area available.
Crowder State Park
This park is located in Newton County and is known for its lake, which is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and boating. The park also offers several hiking trails and a campground.
- Location: Newton County
- Cost of Travel: $8 per vehicle for a day pass
- Things to do: Swimming, fishing, and boating in the lake. Hiking trails and a campground available.
Dismal Hollow State Park
This park is located in Dent County and is known for its scenic views of the Meramec River. The park also offers several hiking trails and a campground.
- Location: Dent County
- Cost of Travel: Free
- Things to do: Scenic views of the Meramec River. Hiking trails and a campground available.
Echo Bluff State Park
This park is located in Shannon County and is known for its bluffs, which offer stunning views of the Eleven Point River. The park also offers several hiking trails and a campground.
- Location: Shannon County
- Cost of Travel: $8 per vehicle for a day pass
- Things to do: Stunning views of the Eleven Point River. Hiking trails and a campground available.
Fort Davidson State Historic Site
This historic site is located in Shannon County and was once a fort used to protect the Butterfield Overland Mail. The site features a museum and several hiking trails.
- Location: Shannon County
- Cost of Travel: Free
- Things to do: Visit a former fort used to protect the Butterfield Overland Mail. The site features a museum and several hiking trails.
Iron Mountain State Park
This park is located in St. Francois County and is known for its iron ore deposits. The park offers several hiking trails, a museum, and a campground.
- Location: St. Francois County
- Cost of Travel: Free
- Things to do: Hiking trails, a museum, and a campground available. Known for its iron ore deposits.
Katy Trail State Park
This park is located in central Missouri and is a former railroad line that has been converted into a multi-use trail. The trail is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
- Location: Central Missouri
- Cost of Travel: Free
- Things to do: Former railroad line converted into a multi-use trail. Popular spot for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Pomme de Terre Lake
This lake is located in Benton County and is known for its clear water and abundant fish. The lake is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, boating, and camping.
- Location: Benton County
- Cost of Travel: Free
- Things to do: Swimming, fishing, boating, and camping in the clear water lake.
Prairie State Park
This park is located in Vernon County and is home to a variety of prairie grasses and wildflowers. The park also offers several hiking trails and a picnic area.
- Location: Vernon County
- Cost of Travel: Free
- Things to do: Home to a variety of prairie grasses and wildflowers. Hiking trails and a picnic area available.
Ten Mile Hollow State Park
This park is located in Shannon County and is known for its waterfalls and scenic views of the Eleven Point River. The park also offers several hiking trails and a campground.
- Location: Shannon County
- Cost of Travel: $8 per vehicle for a day pass
- Things to do: Waterfalls and scenic views of the Eleven Point River. Hiking trails and a campground are available.
Jacob’s Well Natural Bridge
This natural bridge is located in Pulaski County and is one of the largest in the state. The bridge is a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and photography.
- Location: Pulaski County
- Cost of Travel: Free
- Things to do: One of the largest natural bridges in the state. Popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and photography.
Roark Waterfall
This waterfall is located in Stone County and is one of the most scenic in the state. The waterfall is a popular spot for swimming, hiking, and picnicking.
- Location: Stone County
- Cost of Travel: Free
- Things to do: One of the most scenic waterfalls in the state. Popular spot for swimming, hiking, and picnicking.
Conclusion
Missouri’s varied attractions are suitable for all categories of tourists, while beautiful scenery coupled with some legendary history guarantees memorable visits each time. Come and explore Missouri’s treasures whether it is for an adventure holiday, culture exploration or just a little of both.
FAQs
Why do tourists visit Missouri?
The attractions in Missouri which prompt tourists include its geographic wonders, rich heritage, and distinctive delicacies. This gives the state various activities and destinations such as the jungle tour or family fun, cuisine and live music. There are amazing sights such as the beautiful Ozark Mountains for the visitors, live music where people can relax, tasty meals like Missouri BBQ, and an interesting trip along historic Route 66.
What is Missouri most famous for?
Several things are associated with the state of Missouri. Its house is the University of Moss, pony express, and even Kansas Cited Rylands. It is also recognized across the world for its BBQ, Budweiser, and Gateway Arch. Missouri also boasts of great scenic features such as the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & museum.
How much does it cost to go on the Missouri?
Adult tickets are at $34.59 while children pay $17.49 to visit the USS Missouri.
Why is Missouri the show me state?
One of the well-known nicknames for Missouri is believed to have been given by its former congressman, Willard Duncan Vander. During a speech in 1899, he said: “My state breeds dogs, horses, and engineers and elevators, corn, cotton, cockleburs and Democrats. My state produces argon and coonskin caps, orators of convictions and raisers of doubts, it also raises hell.
