Your Top 20 Missouri Adventure Destinations For 2020- Pt. 1
- Roger Jones
- Jan 3, 2020
- 15 min read
More times than not, people find themselves in a situation where they want to get out and do something to break up the monotony of life. Video games and TV can be a relaxing way to spend your time, however, it is easy to burn out doing the same exact thing with every ounce of your down time. Once you hit the point of wanting to break up the normal rhythm of your weekend or downtime, you begin searching for things to do that are outside of your normal boundaries. If you live in a state like Missouri, you may find it quite difficult to find anything really good and fulfilling to do to be adventurous. Well, I am here to help you out with that problem. You see, my wife and I LOVE to travel, see the sights, and try to live our lives to the fullest. We have been exploring from one end of the state, to the other, and we have come across some pretty amazing places. Some places we have discovered were through word-of-mouth from the locals, some were discovered by doing extensive Google searches, and some were discovered purely by accident. As such, I have compiled a list of 20 destinations you should DEFINITELY visit in 2020 (see a numeric theme here?) in the state of Missouri. While there are a lot more locations that the one's I'll be listing today for you to explore, these are 20 of my favorite places to visit, whether it is for a couple of hours, or for a couple of days. All of the places listed are relatively cheap to visit, and you biggest expense may be gas money or meals.
Union Station, Kansas City
Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri, is so much more than just a train station. Union Station is a historic monument in Kansas City, that first opened its doors in 1914, and it was built as a replacement for a small Union Depot from 1878. The train station saw it’s peak passenger count in 1945 (at the end of World War II), transporting over 670,000 people. That passenger count quickly declined in the 1950’s, and the station finally closed in 1985. In 1996, restoration began on the station, which cost around $250 million. By 1999, Union Station reopened as a series of museum exhibits and public attractions, all of which were housed inside the building which was once used as a central hub for transit. Finally, in 2002, the first trains began arriving back to Union Station, as Amtrak began offering public transportation services. Today, the station is still a transportation hub, but still houses many exhibits, a higher class restaurant, and movie theaters. Kansas City Union Station is the third largest train station in the United States. All history aside, my wife and I first visited this place in November of 2019. We arrived to the station after a long road trip from Springfield, Missouri, and noticed that the parking lot was relatively empty; however, we lucked out, and the station was still open. The first feature we fell in love with was the architecture, which is nearly exactly how it could have been imagined in the early 1900’s. The main hall has ceilings which are approximately 95 feet high, and they support three chandeliers (each one weighing approximately 3500 lbs). The Grand Hall Clock is a sight of beauty as well and has a face that is 6 feet in diameter. When we visited, all of the exhibits were closed, however, we were able to see what exhibits were currently being offered. At the time, there was a full historical exhibit based on Genghis Khan, and other exhibits included:”Science City”, The Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, The Regnier Extreme Screen Theater, and The City Stage Theater. Attraction admittance fees range from $7.00-17.95 per ticket, but admittance to Union Station itself is free, and offers plenty of opportunities for photography. Parking does have a fee of $5 for two hours, with a max fee of $15, but it is well worth it.
St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis
The St. Louis Zoo is located in Forest Park, in St. Louis, Missouri, and is recognized as a leading zoological park in the field of animal management, research, conservation, and education. The St. Louis World’s Fair of 1904 is credited for the birth of the St. Louis Zoo, as it brought attention from around the world to Forest Park, including attention from The Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian constructed a walk-through bird habitat for the purpose of the World’s Fair, and 10 days after the end of the fair, the St. Louis municipal government chose to purchase the bird habitat from the Smithsonian Institute for $3,500, rather than deconstructing it. By 1910, interest was in building a full zoo around the bird habitat was increasing, and more habitats were built. Initially, the zoo held: 51 deer and antelope, 11 buffaloes, a “sacred cow” (also known as a Dwarf Zebu in India), a sandhill crane, 20 prariedogs, a hump-back camel, eagles, ducks, elk, foxes, geese, swans, rabbits, a raccoon, a “china sheep” (name produced by historical records; what this animal actually is, I have no idea), opossums, a buzzard, owls, and peafowl. The St. Louis Zoo expanded in 1921, when the addition of bear pits was made. In 1923, a primate house was added, and in 1927, a reptilian house was built inside the zoo. A new bird habitat was built in 1930, an antelope exhibit was built in 1935, and in 1939, the zoo acquired two giant pandas (named “Happy” and “Pao Pei”). The St. Louis Zoo continued to expand and grow from there. When I was a child, my mom used to take me to the St. Louis Zoo every summer, so the zoo holds a special meaning to me. This is the largest, and in my opinion, the best zoo in Missouri. There are tons of interactive exhibits in the St. Louis Zoo, a train that drives through the park and stops at some of the more popular exhibits, and best of all: admission to the St. Louis Zoo is FREE. Yes, free. Parking can be a bit of a nightmare; if you get to the zoo early enough in the day, you can park in a street side spot for free, however, there are paid parking lots that cost $10 for cars, and $20 for over-sized parking (RVs, etc). Make sure to bring plenty of extra money for side exhibits, souvenirs, food, and drinks.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Camdenton
Ha Ha Tonka State Park is one of the best examples of natural beauty in the state of Missouri, and encompasses 3,700 acres on the Niangua arm of the Lake of the Ozarks. This park is mostly known for the ruins of Ha Ha Tonka Castle, it’s “natural bridges”, caves, and approximately 15 miles of hiking trails. There are tons of bluffs overlooking the lake, and there are just as many opportunities for nature photography as there are potential adventures in this park. Ha Ha Tonka loosely translates to smiling waters. Construction of the Ha Ha Tonka castle was started in 1905 by Robert McClure Snyder Sr. Snyder was a prominent businessman from Kansas City, who did not live to see the end of it’s construction, as he died in a car accident in 1906. After Snyder Sr. passed away, his sons, Robert Jr., LeRoy, and Kenneth, inherited the property, and completed construction of the castle in 1922. In 1942, sparks ignited inside of the castle, and burned the entire structure to the ground, with the exception of the stone structure and foundation. In 1978, the state of Missouri purchased the property, including the castle and grounds, for the purpose of opening it to the public for use as a state park. In the 1980’s, the walls of the castle were stabilized to help preserve the structure, however, in 2016, a new survey determined that portions of the ruins were seeing mortar and stone failure, which increases the likelihood that the walls may collapse. The water tower, located on the property, was repaired in 2004. My wife and I first visited this park in the summer of 2019, and we fell in love with the natural beauty. We hiked approximately 3 miles of trails, took some fantastic photos of the property, and, overall, just enjoyed an entire day at the park. There are tons of opportunities for nature photography, hiking, mountain biking, and picnics. While you cannot venture inside the castle ruins, the view from the outside is just as stunning as any view inside could be. As with any other Missouri state park, parking is free, and admission is free. If you are on a budget, this is one of our most highly recommended places to visit this year.
Branson Landing, Branson
Branson Landing is a relatively new, lakeside, and largest property development in Branson, Missouri. While that very brief description doesn’t sound like much in terms of adventure, this place has a certain vibe that can’t quite be described. Branson Landing is a large, lakefront shopping center, with restaurants, larger brand name stores, smaller businesses, and hotels. The greenlight was given to begin construction on Branson Landing in 2004, and construction completed in 2006. The full construction, at the time of the groundbreaking, was estimated to be a $300 million project, and was set on 95 acres of downtown waterfront land. The Branson Landing occupies 1-½ miles of property on Lake Taneycomo, and is within walking distance from the edge of Branson’s entertainment district. There are over 100 retail spaces, including a Bass Pro Shop, Chico’s, rue21, Victoria’s Secret, Buster’s Old Time Photo, The Mirror Maze, Parakeet Pete’s Steampunk Balloon (a hot air balloon ride), Parakeet Pete’s Waterfront Zipline, Orchid MAssage, NV Nails, and Color Nails & Spa. There is even a Hilton Convention Center Motel, as well as the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing, which overlooks the lake, and most of Branson Landing. It wasn’t until 2018 that my wife and I discovered Branson Landing, and we try to go back as often as possible. My personal favorite store on Branson Landing is Smith Creek Moonshine (go figure); at this store restaurant/distillery/store, you can sample every flavor of moonshine they offer (for free), then enjoy an amazing dinner, and on your way out the door, you can purchase any of their 12 flavors of moonshine (straight, sweet tea, peach, apple pie, chocolate silk, coffee, orange cream, lemon lime, vodka, butter cake, salted caramel, and cinnamon). Speaking of restaurants, Joe’s Crab Shack and Waxy O’Shea’s Irish Pub are always great options. P.S. By the end of the moonshine sample session at Smith Creek, you end up getting about 6 ounces of free moonshine; it is pretty stout, so make sure to bring a designated driver.
Elephant Rock State Park, Belleview
Elephant Rock State Park is a state-owned geologic reserve and public recreation area, located in Belleview, Missouri. Elephant Rock encompasses an outcropping of giant granite boulders, located in the Saint Francois Mountains in the north eastern part of the state, and is named for a string of boulders, which is said to resemble a train of pink circus elephants (I’ve been to this park dozens of times, and even though the park is quite impressive, I still fail to see “pink circus elephant” shaped rocks). The park is primarily used for picnicking, rock climbing, and trail exploration. The park initially formed through the use of a granite quarry, which began it’s work in 1869, and was designated to provide stone for the Eads Bridge piers standing on the Mississippi River levee in St. Louis. From 1880 to 1900, millions of paving blocks for the St. Louis levee and downtown streets came from this quarry. The granite blocks were transported from the quarry via the Iron Mountain and Southern Railroad, and the ruins of the old engine house that was used to repair train cars can still be accessed today, via the Engine House Ruins Trail. I first visited this location when I was about four years old, traveling on road trips with my mom to areas she had grown up near. We almost always hit a small gas station in the town of Bixby, picked up a picnic meal, drove to Elephant Rock State Park, and ate our lunch before hiking the trails of the park. Nowadays, my wife and I travel to the park maybe once a year, and we follow a similar pattern: stop in Bixby, continue to Elephant Rock, eat a delicious meal under the shade of the trees surrounding the parking lot, then hike the park's trails for the remainder of the day. Rock climbing is a newfound love of mine, and Elephant Rock State Park is a terrific place to do just that.
Devil's Well, Salem
Devil’s Well is an unusual and unique “karst window” that allows for a view into a beautiful, underground, springfed lake. This geological feature was formed when the roof of a cave, which contained the underground lake, collapsed. The resulting product was a large “crater” which funnels down to a limestone hole, which offers a view into a unique ecological system. Throughout the years, a spiral staircase was built around the sink hole, leading down to the “well”. Once you reach the bottom of the staircase, you can step into the opening of the karst, and as you enter, motion sensors activate a lighting system inside the cave; thanks to this artificial lighting, you can see clearly, 100 feet below, to the underground lake. Devil’s Well drains out into the Current River, via a location called Cave Springs, which can be accessed by a 4.6 mile hiking trail close to Devil’s Well. While Devil’s Well has existed for a VERY long time, the very first recorded exploration was in 1954, and was conducted by the property’s owner, Bill Wallace, and his brother Bob. Bill lowered Bob into the cavern with a hand powered winch, a steel cable, and a chair. As Bob entered the cavern, he saw a large room that was approximately 400 feet long and 100 feet wide. Even though some waterfalls were leading into the lake from heights of up to 75 feet, the water looked calm and still. During our first visit to Devil’s Well, the first thing we noticed was the very rough gravel road leading back to the site. Certain areas of the road had washed out, and our SUV shook quite a bit while traveling back to the site. There are certain areas of the road that are quite steep, so if you are traveling by bus or RV, it is recommended that you do not take this road. During the time of year we went, we were surrounded by lush greenery, and the area was fairly desolate; we were the only people there. The grounds are fairly well maintained, and the site even has a small parking area and restrooms. The sheer beauty, as well as the peace and quiet, are the biggest factors for this location being one of my favorite places to visit in Missouri. Admittance to this site is free, and parking is free. There is no camping allowed at this site, as the site is only open from sunrise to sundown.
Downtown Square, Springfield
Springfield’s historic Downtown Square encompasses 17.5 acres, and is seen as the city’s central business district. Surrounding the square is government buildings, theaters, restaurants, and shops, which offers a good source of local nightlife in the area. The architecture of the Downtown Square is reminiscent of Early Commercialism, and offers a quaint view as you walk the city sidewalks in search of activities. The Downtown Square developed between 1890 and 1959, and is the home of The Franklin Springfield Motor Company Building, Gillioz Theatre, The Heer’s Department Store Building, The Netter-Ullman Building, and The Marx-Hurlburt Building. Other sites close to the Downtown Square include The Discovery Center of Springfield, The Hammons Tower, The Springfield Civic Center, and The Shrine Mosque Theater. No matter your interests, there is always something to do on the Downtown Square in Springfield. Typically, my wife and I will go to the square on a Friday or Saturday night, and walk up and down the narrow streets and alleyways leading to the square. Once there, we will spend a bit of time walking our dogs, and window shopping, before we go to one of our two favorite restaurants: Civil Kitchen, or Dublin’s Pass Irish Pub. If we decide to leave our dogs at home, and go out for a date, we have a much larger list of dining options on the square, such as Kai Japanese Restaurant, or Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes. Parking is a little difficult to find at times, but there is public parking in the area; both free and at an hourly rate. In the area, there is a couple of multi-level parking garages, which are fairly affordable. Make sure to bring plenty of money for food, souvenirs, and a possible show at one of the many theaters on the square.
Alley Spring, Eminence
Alley Spring, which is located in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, operates as a terrific outdoor destination for hiking, exploring, and learning a bit about the history of the Ozarks. The Alley Mill is situated on a large spring, which feeds into the Jacks Fork River, and serves as a history museum, displaying many of the original tools used when the mill was in operation. A small one-room school house still stands on the property, and during certain times of the year, is open for tours. The area was originally named Mammoth Spring, and later, Barksdale Spring; however, after a post office was established at the site in 1884, the name was considered too long, so the name was finally, permanently, changed to Alley Spring. The name was derived from the owner of the town site, John Alley. In 1893, a man named George Washington McCaskill began construction of the primary site of the area: the Alley Mill; construction was completed in 1894. In 1902, John Knotts purchased the site, and added a store and a blacksmith’s shop. I have been visiting this site since I was in 1st grade, and I try to return anytime I want to get away from it all. I make it a point to hike as many of the trails as possible in the park, including the Spring Side Trail (which is lined with miniature caves, which you can enter for a short distance), and the Overlook Trail. When the school house and mill are open to the public, I definitely make every attempt to tour both buildings. The old store is still open, and operates as a visitor’s information center. During the fall, there is a festival at the mill called “The Haunting in The Hills”, which showcases many folkway crafting demonstrations, storytelling, reenactments, food vendors, and a folk music festival, and I highly recommend this event.
Onondaga Cave State Park, Leasburg
Onondaga Cave State Park is located in the central eastern section of Missouri, and was established in 1982. The cave is a National Natural Landmark, and clearly shows why Missouri is known as “The Cave State”. The park is situated near the Meramec River, which is a terrific place to canoe, fish, hike, and explore. In 1850, the area was settled by George and Statirah Cresswell, who moved to the region from Washington County in Missouri. The family built a mill on the Meramec River, near Saranac Springs. In 1881, a flood destroyed the Cresswell’s mill, and the property was then purchased by William Henry Rollison Davis. Davis rebuilt the mill further away from the river at Davis Springs. In 1886, a researcher and explorer named Charles Christopher discovered Onondaga Cave behind the spring, and with a borrowed boat and two friends (John Eaton and Mitis Horine), they spent a full day exploring the cave system. Christopher and Eaton obtained the land above the cave, and began marketing it as the “mammoth cave of Missouri”, which led to a large property dispute with Davis that would last more than 50 years. The cave changed hands several times over the years, and, eventually, became one of the state’s parks and historic sites. Today, the park offers cave tours, camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and swimming areas. The amenities are very nice, as the is one of Missouri’s most profitable state parks. The cave maintains a constant temperature throughout the year, however, tours may cease throughout the fall and winter months, to account for hibernation periods for the cave’s native wildlife.
Montauk State Park, Salem
Montauk State Park is one of Missouri’s nine Blue Ribbon Trout Streams, and also houses one of the state’s trout hatcheries. The park is situated on 2,920 acres of property, and was established in 1926, and is at the headway of the Current River. This park is primarily known for rainbow trout and brown trout fishing, but there is so much more to do here, if fishing really isn’t your thing. Settlers from New York were attracted to the valley surrounding the springs in the early 1800’s. The post office, and thus the settlement, was named after Montauk in Suffolk County, located in Long Island. The settlement proved to be a terrific spot for milling, and four mills were initially built. The final mill was built in 1896, and it still stands today as a tourist attraction. In 1926, the village was transformed into a state park, and it wasn’t until the 1930’s that amenities were added. Today, many of the original buildings still stand. While Montauk State Park is primarily known for trout fishing, there is so much more to do here. There is a fairly large and extensive campground, which is set near the Montauk Lodge. Montauk Lodge has a fantastic restaurant located inside, as well as a general store, where you can buy some delicious desserts from the snack bar. If camping isn’t your thing, but you still want to stay for a night, Montauk State Park has cabins or hotel rooms set up in the park. In terms of other activities, there are enough hiking trails in the park to keep you occupied for a full day, picnic spots, and plenty of opportunities for nature photography.
While this article was meant to be a single post, initially, it was finally determined that it would be better suited to be separated into two; as it turns out, writing detailed personal accounts, brief histories, and visual descriptions of 20 locations takes a lot of space. It is for this reason, I now conclude Part 1 of “Your Top 20 Missouri Adventure Destinations for 2020”.
Remember, try to take the time to go out and explore your local areas, and create your own adventures. The locations mentioned in this article, and the following article, are only recommendations that I can offer; however, you may discover locations that you prefer for adventure. All that this article should do is give you a nudge in the right direction, as no two people’s adventures or experiences are exactly the same.
The most important thing to do is get out, go someplace new, and make some memories. You only have one life. Go out and live it.
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