From the Ozark Mountains to the muddy Mississippi River, there is much to see and do in Missouri. Missouri served as the starting and return point for the Lewis and Clark Expedition and earned the nickname the “Gateway to the West” because it was the departure point for settlers heading to the west. Originally purchased from France as part of the Louisiana Purchase, Missouri gained independence as the 24th state in 1821 and has since made great strides as a land of prosperity.
Thanks to its location on the Mississippi River, Missouri was one of the first states to introduce river boats to its residents. As bootlegging and prohibition made its way throughout the U.S., Missouri thrived on cultural reinvention and a quest for individuality. Missouri hosted the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair and Louisiana Purchase Exposition, which was made famous in the 1944 movie, Meet Me in St. Louis.
Today, visitors booking flights to Missouri can travel the same paths that Lewis and Clark discovered and set foot on ground that served the world’s first ice cream cone and glass of iced tea. The state’s most recognized monument, the Gateway Arch, was built in 1965 and serves as a tribute to commemorate the Louisiana Purchase. Upon completion of the Arch, Missouri earned the nickname the “Show Me State” for its purpose of “showing” settlers any opportunity of a greater life to the west of the Mississippi River. Booking flights to Missouri today offers travelers a step back in time and an opportunity to relish in one of the United States’ most pivotal states.
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A Great Plains state, Missouri has a continental climate with regional variations. Temperatures in Kansas City and St. Louis range from the mid-20s (F) in January to 80 in July. Snowfall averages 20 inches in the north and 10 inches in the southeast. Temperatures in the spring are usually in the 50s in March and warm up April through June. April through August are the wettest months. By mid-September things begin to cool down and fall can be delightful. Missouri is in tornado alley and March through May is the peak tornado season.
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Peak Season
Summer is hot in Missouri, but it's also peak tourist season as school is out and families are vacationing. Missouri flights and accommodations book up fast during the summer months, but many of the top attractions hold summer hours and are open longer for tourists. Spring is also a high travel season in Missouri and is sometimes host to the NCAA Basketball tournament.
Off Season
Winters are cold in the midwest, but cheap flights to Missouri can easily be found during this time. Many tourist attractions keep shorter hours during the winter months.
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Missouri is easy to get around. Local Missouri flights are available from St. Louis to other cities and counties in the state. Travelers booking flights to Missouri should consider renting a car for travel throughout the state. The highway systems are easy to navigate and parking is easy to come by in the city.
Those tourists staying in St. Louis can take the newly developed Tram around the city to the main tourist attractions.
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- Take a trip to the Elephant Rocks State Park and follow the trail to the gargantuan granite rocks which were created over a billion years ago when hot magma cooled and formed the crystalline red granite into imposing elephant-like rocks. The biggest rock is 27 feet high, weighs 680 tons and is aptly named Dumbo.
- Nicknamed the “Cave State”, Missouri has around 5,500 caves beneath its surface. If you have to pick just one to visit, which is probably wise, then the Mark Twain Cave is the most interesting one to explore.
- Head to St Louis and visit its famous landmark, the Gateway Arch which was designed in 1966 by Eero Saarinen. Then take a five-minute walk to the Soulard Neighborhood where you’ll find the city’s best blues clubs and nightlife. If you find yourself yearning for more then head to a bar in one of the restored 19th-century warehouses at the Laclede’s Landing entertainment district.
- Beer lovers should pay a visit to the Anheuser-Busch brewery which was set up in the in the 1860s and offers tours of the historic 1885 Clydesdale stable, the 1892 Brew House and the packaging plant. The highlight of the tour is at the end when samples of different brews are passed around.
- Set on 79 acres of land, the Missouri Botanical Garden is well worth a visit. You can stroll the Seiwa-en Japanese garden or see the world's first geodesic dome rainforest-greenhouse. There’s also an 1882 brick conservatory with camellias and a spectacular sculpture garden designed by Carl Milles.
- Most people would think of going to the ballet in cities like New York or London, but Kansas? In recent years the Kansas City Ballet has earned a reputation as one of the best ballet organizations in the nation. So be sure to catch a performance while you’re there, particularly one of their contemporary performances by local newcomers.
- Some of the greatest Jazz musicians got their start in Kansas City and the historic 18th and Vine district is a great place to enjoy some live jazz at the Blue Room, "play drums" at the interactive American Jazz Museum or visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
- While in Kansas City, visit any kitchen for some of the best barbecue in the nation.
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