Top 7 National Parks in Missouri You Must Visit in 2021

Sep 22, 2021

Last Updated on: Jul 7, 2025

Destinations

Missouri, a state located in the central-western part of the United States, is one of the most visited places in the country. People often make a stop while passing through this region to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of this place. People on vacation can have an exuberant experience visiting the national parks in Missouri. 

If you are an adventurer or an admirer of nature, then visiting Missouri is worth every of your penny. Parks have always been a source of fascination for many travelers. The Missouri map entails some of the most favored national parks in the world. Let us have a look at what beauty these parks behold. 

The Missouri map entails some of the most favored national parks in the world. Let us have a look at what beauty these Missouri national parks behold.

Most Beautiful National Parks In Missouri

The beautiful land of Missouri is gifted with some of the most mesmerizing national parks. The best parks in Missouri are among the top tourist attractions of the state. 

If you are planning on a short vacation with your family, do not forget to explore the National Parks in Missouri along with the historic trails that pass through the county. 

Are you ready to know about what national parks are in Missouri and their important details? Here is a Tour and Travel guide.

1. Gateway Arch National Park

Gateway Arch National Park

Location: St. Louis

Among the National Parks in Missouri, the Gateway Arch National Park is the most popular and iconic landmark in the state. The arch was established in 1960 in the memorial of Thomas Jefferson, Dred Scott, and others representing the spirit of western expansion in the US. 

The construction of this 630 feet tall arch called for two separate structures to be raised from the ground and then welded together. A museum, a tram ride, and beautiful landscapes are what tourists can have an experience of here.  

2. George Washington Carver

George Washington Carver

Location: Diamond 

Located just 12 miles southeast of Joplin, the George Washington Carver is a national park in Missouri that is open throughout the year. The park consists of a monumental structure, a memorial in remembrance of George Washington Carver. He was regarded as a great man because of his expertise as an educator, agronomist, and humanitarian. 

Tourists planning to visit this site can have a great hiking experience in the dense forests present all around. There is no entry fee here, and several cultural activities are held occasionally. 

3. Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail

Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail image

Location: Various

This National Historic Trail extends for about 4900 miles and passes over through sixteen states. The expedition conducted by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark from  1804-1806 led to the exploration of this trail. The trail is considered among the best national parks that pass through Missouri. 

This site can be viewed from several places in Missouri. The main motive behind the Lewis and Clark expedition was, however, to explore north-western America and a convenient water route to the Pacific Ocean. Vacationers can plan to cover the entire trail and gather historical information and learn about the impacts of the trail. 

4. Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Location: Van Buren

One of the most mesmerizing places that you can visit in Missouri is the Ozark. This site comprises the Current and Jack Forks Rivers which are the two of America’s clearest spring-fed rivers. The Ozark National Scenic Riverway was among the first national parks in  Missouri to preserve a wild river system. 

This park offers tourists a number of adventurous outdoor activities such as canoeing, hiking, swimming, and fishing. Adventurers are surely going to love it here. The summers are the best time to take a trip out over here. The presence of various shopping centers, indoor places, and natural caves makes it more enjoyable for you and your family. 

5. Oregon National Historic Trail

Oregon National Historic Trail

Location: Various

Considered one of the best national parks in Missouri, this National Historic Trail connects the Missouri rivers to the valleys in Oregon. It is a route of historical significance that involved military action, exploration, and even migration. 

This trail offers some of the most beautiful landscapes and forests that visitors can get to see. The route covers about 2,170 miles, and if travelers want to cover the entir

e path, they need to save some time for it. However, the route is accessible by car, and one can experience an exquisite journey while traveling

6. Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

Location: Republic

A national battlefield or a national park in Missouri, Wilson’s Creek is situated in the southwest region of Springfield. This memorial had been built in remembrance of the first major Civil War, which was fought west of Mississippi in 1861. 

This memorial had been built in remembrance of the first major Civil War, which was fought west of Mississippi in 1861. 

However, the Confederate Army won the battle. So, Missouri remained in the Union.

The legendary battle was, however, won by the Confederate Army, which resulted in keeping Missouri in the Union. A museum, an automobile tour, the preserved Ray House are some of the top attractions of this site. History connoisseurs must not forget to pay a visit to this place. 

7. Harry S. Truman National Historic Site

Harry S. Truman National Historic Site

Location: Independence Missouri

This national park in Missouri is one of the most visited and popular historic sites in the country. It had been established in the memory of Harry S. Truman, who was the 33rd President of the US. This national site preserves the house of President Truman that is laid over 7 acres of area. 

The house has been converted into a museum-like place. Inside, you can observe various displays of historical items and get information about the entire history of that place. It is located east of Kansas City, and travelers can take out some time and go around the places in the vicinity. 

Do You Also Want To Know About The National Parks Near Missouri?

You already know how many national parks are there in Missouri. If you are willing to travel some extra miles, you will also find many national parks near this US state. 

Missouri shares its borders with many states. It has Iowa on its north and Arkansas on its south. Furthermore, states like Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee are on its East, and the state has Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska on the west. 

Here, we will introduce you to the national park near Missouri you can visit in the neighboring states. 

US State Near Missouri National Park 
ArkansasHot Springs National Park
KentuckyMammoth Cave National ParkCumberland Gap National Historical Park
TennesseeCherokee National Forest

So, states like Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa do not have any national parks. However, you will come across many national monuments and historic sites in these states. 

1. Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park is the melting pot of history and nature. It has the most amazing geological features with natural hot springs, mountains, and other views. 

It is literally the national park that bathes the entire world. So, soak in the thermal spring fountains and cold spring fountains here. 

2. Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park

As you can see in the name, the Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the longest cave systems in the world. It is also a hub of outdoor pursuits like biking, hiking, and horseback riding. 

Stargazing is also one of the most relaxing activities at Mammoth Cave National Park. 

3. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park tells the tales of Native Americans. Further, it is the most amazing spot for nature lovers, with 14,000 acres of wilderness and 85 miles of trails. 

Moreover, if you are ready to indulge in the most relaxing activity, like stargazing, you can visit Hensley Settlement in this national park. 

4. Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest

The Cherokee National Forest houses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which divides the park into two halves. 

Further, it has many campgrounds, picnic areas, rivers, and scenic byways. Also, do you know that you can explore 700 miles of trails here? 

You can even take a relaxed walk along the backcountry trail and explore wildlife. Moreover, at night, you can enjoy some immersive stargazing experience. 

Frequently Asked Questions.

Which National Park is a must see?

The top must-see national parks in the US are
1.Grand Canyon National Park,
2.Arizona. 
3.Glacier National Park,
4.Montana. 
5.Yosemite National Park

What 5 states have no national parks?

States that are without National Parks are Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho ,Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

Name the only two U.S national parks loacted within three states?

Most of the parks of appointed wilderness is in Montana. Yellowstone is not the only national park that is in three different states.

Final Thoughts

There you go with all the information you needed to know about the national parks in Missouri. Apart from these most well-known parks, there are several other Missouri State Parks that have been quite an attraction for tourists. 

From my personal experience, I can tell you that not only these sights, but the entire city is mesmerizing and soulful. I am sure that you can already fantasize about the beauty of these places. You must keep your patience till you land your foot there! 

Read Also:

Share on Social Media

Subham Saha started his career as a professional web content writer. He has more than 4 years of experience in digital marketing. He also has a great knowledge in SEO, SMO, Website development, etc. He completed his graduation in Electrical Engineering. He is very passionate about building his career in the Digital marketing industry. Subham has a great interest in reading books about Business, Economics, Psychology, Technology, and History.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

title-img Related

READ MORE Luxury Antarctica Holidays

Luxury Antarctica Holidays | Beautiful Places In Antarctica

BY  Sibashree Jan 24, 2025

Luxury Antarctica holidays or Antarctica tourism is in focus for so many reasons! The Antarctica travel market is about to reach 3.5 Billion by 2032. If you compare it with the tourism market of 2023, it’s a steady 9% growth every year.  Diversity is one of the key factors that makes luxurious Antarctica travels unforgettable. Your next trip to Antarctica can be about exploring wildlife, enjoying a cruise ride, or getting familiar with the diverse ecosystem of Antarctica.  Further, in Antarctica, you can make the most of guided expeditions, helping you explore even the southernmost corner of the continent safely while enjoying all the amenities. So, are you ready for a trip to Antarctica and understand how it plays an important role in the global climate? Let me introduce the places to visit in Antarctica in this Tour and Travel Guide. However, as travelers and enthusiasts about unknown lands, we must find out the best time to visit Antarctica.  Luxury Antarctica Holidays At A Glance | A Year That Was In 2023-24, 43,224 people visited Antarctica for cruise-only trips. The number of landed visits was 80,251. The number of deep field visits was 787.  What Is The Best Time For Luxury Antarctica Holidays  Meeting the wildlife can be the biggest reason why you want to embark on your next adventure with luxury Antarctica holidays. So, you must plan a trip when the wildlife in Antarctica is the most active.  In other words, November to March is the best time for Antarctica holidays. It is the summer period in Antarctica. So, you can expect milder temperatures (above 0 degrees Celsius) in these months. Moreover, daylights are longer these days, making cruising and expeditions all the more fun.  Also, if you want to meet whales and penguins in Antarctica, this is the ideal season. In these months, the penguins visit the shore and they lay eggs there.  Furthermore, April to September is the coldest in Antarctica. In these months, the temperature at the South Pole hovers around -60 to -70 degrees Celsius. October onwards, there is a little hike in the temperature, with the mercury reaching around -50 degrees F.  Wonders That Await On Luxury Antarctica Holidays | Why A Trip To Antarctica Is Special  The Antarctic travel season awaits you with a lot of exciting things. From the moment you learn about Antarctica from your Geography or natural science book, this place creates a sense of intrigue and fantasy.  Antarctica almost feels like a world away or you may feel like walking on another planet.  "The first time I went there, it's like walking on another planet. It's just ice and rock - no trees, no plants, no anything else.”Gabrielle Walker, Author, and Environmental Scientist  Furthermore, Antarctica is filled with scientific wonders, with places like Paradise Bay. Paradise Bay is the place you must visit if you want to know about global climate change.  Do you need more reasons to plan a trip to Antarctica? This is what I feel as a traveler and travel writer are the biggest draws.  Are You Ready To Travel A World Away?  Imagine you have reached Antarctica in a sheep. You only have the co-travelers with you. As Antarctica does not have any indigenous population, only a vast land or a space of emptiness will lie before your eyes.  The feeling is elevating, eerie, or the way you want to put it!  A Wildlife That Is Fearless  It is difficult to imagine Antarctica without penguins. These adorable creatures are fearless, and they are unbothered by the presence of human beings.  Furthermore, you will meet the seals and whales in Antarctica. Overall, Antarctica, with its wildlife, is the biggest natural zoo or aquarium anyone can visit.  Antarctica Is The Place Of Great Scientific Wonder  Now, Antarctica is a place of excitement, discovery, and a lot of scientific wonders. Paradise Bay is, of course, the crown jewel here.  The place makes the term “climate change” visible before your eyes. Further, you get to see how the climate change impacts the entire world.  Moreover, it is a favorite spot for astronomers to keep a watch on the celestial bodies. The South Pole is devoid of light and air pollution.  So, even if you want the best stargazing experience under the darkest and cleanest sky, Antarctica will be your go-to destination.  Places You Cannot Miss On Luxury Antarctica Vacations  Visiting the South Pole, of course, will be the biggest attraction for your next Antarctica holidays. However, the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Drake Passage, and South Georgia are some other places that promise a lifetime experience.  So, let me introduce these places briefly to you.  Antarctic Peninsula The Antarctic Peninsula, the home to chinstraps, penguins, and Adelies, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Antarctica.  Further, it is a great place for spotting whales during the migration season in summer. In addition, this is the place where you will find the glaciers falling upon the towering mountains.  Exploring through the narrow passageways here is an experience you will find in your fairy tales.  Drake Passage The Drake Passage between the Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel is a little rough when compared to the other places in Antarctica.  However, it is a great place for all adventure lovers. You can cruise to the Drake Passage or enjoy a Hawkeye view from the helicopter. This is also the place to spot whales and dolphins.  South Shetland Islands It is an archipelago on the south of the Drake Passage, and it’s great for wildlife viewing. Further, it is the place that exudes the whiff of Antarctic history.  Moreover, King George Island, the largest one here, houses many scientific research stations.  South Georgia  If you want to explore the best wildlife of Antarctica, South Georgia will be your go-to destination. It is a long mountainous island, often referred to as the Alps in the mid-ocean.  Weddell Sea The Weddell Sea is probably the most beautiful part of Antarctica. The northernmost colony of Emperor Penguins lives here.  It separates the East Antarctica's Coats Land from the Antarctic Peninsula. Read Also: Astronaut Holidays: Unparalleled Experiences in Space 7 Things To Take Care Of To Ensure Peaceful Holidays Abroad

READ MORE Destination Weddings

Common Pitfalls of Destination Wedding in Italy and How to Avoid Them

BY  Abdul Aziz Apr 25, 2022

Planning a destination wedding in Italy is a popular choice among couples young and old from across the globe. For some couples, Italy stirs nostalgic memories of a previous holiday. For others, it marks a return to an ancestor’s home country. It can also be an opportunity to create a completely new and meaningful location as a pair. There is a lot to consider when preparing for the Italian destination wedding of your dreams and careful planning is key. Here are some of the common misconceptions or mistakes people can make and the ways to avoid them ensuring you have a magical day. Destination Wedding In Italy: Things You Must Avoid Destination wedding in Italy in again in focus with the dreamy wedding of Rebel Wilson and Ramona Agruma. The beautiful island of Sardinia hosted this wedding on 28th September 2024.  Another celeb couple to tie the knot in Italy this year was Ed Westwick and Amy Jackson. However, the Amalfi Coast was their chosen destination for pre-wedding shoots and weddings.  In fact, Amy Jackson and Ed Westwick chose the Castello di Rocca Cilento as their wedding venue. The 16th-century castle in the southern Italian hills was a great choice, for sure! Do you also want to have a grand destination wedding in Italy like these celebs? Before you fix the location, consider the following challenges and know the mistakes to avoid.  1. Destination Wedding In Italy Is Not Cheap Destination Wedding costs can vary greatly from country to country but it is a common misconception that tying the knot in Italy costs less. As with any wedding, you can spend as much or as little as you wish on the celebration. From the outset, discuss the budget available and plan according to what you can afford. There are obvious costs that will have to be factored in such as travel, accommodation, and shipping or extra luggage costs. Consider the fact that some guests will not travel abroad due to age, health, work, costs, or children, therefore you may be hosting a reduced number compared to getting married closer to home. Many wedding venues in Italy offer the option to book all-inclusive wedding packages which include catering, photography, florist, and music which can help couples save money.       Related Resource: The Most Unique Wedding Venues In The UK 2. Destination Wedding In Italy Will Be Logistically Different Most regions of Italy are well served by international airports making travel to your chosen destination easier and flights will be better valued when booked in advance. It is understandable that the bridal dress and groom’s suit will have to be carefully packed and carried as luggage. However, considering planning when it comes to the small things, for example, the destination wedding favors or table decorations will help to reduce spending. Rather than paying for costly shipping choose a local craft or snack to gift your guests instead. It will be a little more unique and a nice nod of appreciation to the area you are visiting. In terms of the produce available locally. If you embrace a local menu with seasonal and regional specialties it will be better valued than trying to recreate dishes typically served at home with ingredients that are difficult to source in Italy. Allow local suppliers to work with what they know. It will be a more positive experience for you and your guests. If you have a certain style of wedding in mind and would rather select specific suppliers to meet these needs than engage with wedding planners whiteemotion.eu. They will be able to work to your budget, use their experience and knowledge of what is available, and select from their network of local contacts. 3. Don’t Neglect The Paperwork And Legal Issues During The Destination Wedding In Italy Couples are often put off marrying abroad due to the perceived confusion of paperwork, legalities, and residency requirements, which in many countries is true. However, in Italy it is a fairly straightforward process for foreigners, hence its popularity. Of course, advanced planning is required and administrative deadlines need to be met. But there is no residency requirement. In general, basic documents will be requested in the case of civil ceremonies and some additional paperwork for religious ceremonies. Don’t assume the weather is always sunny The climate across Italy can vary greatly. In the north you may find snow on the hills well into spring, meanwhile, in the south, the temperatures remain pleasant for much of the year. Even when planning a summer destination wedding it is best to remember that even Italian summers bring thunderstorms. Ensure your venue can put a contingency plan in place that will not affect the atmosphere of the day even if the weather doesn’t cooperate. Do some research into the average weather for the region you desire and select your preferred month accordingly. The good thing is you will find a stunning location no matter if you want a cozy winter wedding or a boho beach vibe. Top 3 Locations For Destination Wedding In Italy The wedding tourism market in Italy is very crucial for the overall tourism landscape in the country. The year 2022 and 2023 have further announced the rise of Italy as a leading destination wedding venue.  The variety of locations is, of course, a major factor behind the boom of wedding tourism in Italy. However, here are the top 3 hotspots for your destination wedding in Italy.  1. Tuscany With rolling hills, Tuscany is the topmost spot for destination wedding in Italy. Further, the rolling hills have vineyards and olive groves. So, the landscape of Tuscany will be the best backdrop for a dreamy wedding in Italy, and you will get the best photographs.  2. Lake Como For the longest time, Lake Como has been the favorite wedding destination for Bollywood celebs like Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma.  The romantic villas and scenic landscape make Lake Como an ideal spot for destination weddings. Furthermore, Lake Como now sells “100% authentic air of Lake Como” in a can. You can collect it as the best souvenir from Italy and even present your guests as return gifts.  3. The Amalfi Coast The Amalfi Coast is the best location for an outdoor wedding in Italy. The landscape and the white and blue buildings set the best backdrop for photographs.  Further, the weather conditions at the Amalfi Coast are pleasant throughout the year.  Read Also: Reasons To Book Cottages For Your Honeymoon! 10 Best Places To Travel In March – Travel Guide 2022 7 Key Points To Remember While Planning Your Honeymoon Trip

READ MORE card-img

The Most Unique Wedding Venues in The UK

BY  Mashum Mar 5, 2020

Finding the ideal marriage venue is seldom easier stated than done. If the difficulty isn't with the size of a venue or the curfew time, a lot of them can often just feel the same. A lot of the time, venue hire fees also pose a problem for couples looking for a cost-effective solution (especially an issue if they are looking for a wedding venue in London). But, if you are looking for a unique venue for your wedding day, there are loads of different options that don't break the bank. So, you are looking for a wedding venue that is a little more unusual, then you have got to the best place. Read on to discover some of the most unique wedding venues in the UK. The Most Unique Wedding Venues in The UK: The Gherkin  If you're looking to achieve the wow factor on your big day, then this iconic landmark in the heart of London will undoubtedly deliver just that. The Gherkin can accommodate weddings on level 39 with breath-taking views of London's skyline. Carnglaze Caverns The Carnglaze Caverns in Cornwall offer four different locations to get married to your partner with one of them being on the shores of a candlelit underground lake. It is licensed to hold weddings for up to 35 guests, but there is a larger cavern that has enough space for 400 people. Hedingham Castle Hedingham Castle is a Norman Keep that was built in 1140 and located in the heart of the Essex countryside. Couples can get married in the banqueting hall then choose to have their reception outside on the lawn or keep it inside the castle. Nash Point Lighthouse If you are resembling for an unusual venue that's right by the sea, then look no very than Nash Point Lighthouse. It is located in a beautiful area of South Wales and is perfect for small intimate unique wedding ceremonies of up to twenty-five companies. The National Marine Aquarium The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth can accommodate unique wedding receptions of up to 130 guests with a beautiful backdrop of their Eddystone Reef exhibit. Your actual unique wedding ceremony cannot be hosted here, but you can have a reception that your guests will remember for a long time. Tutbury Castle Located in Staffordshire, Tutbury Castle dates all the way back to the 11th century. Within the grounds, there are some stunning views and ruins that are fantastic for your wedding photos. The Victoria Baths  Having your guests sit in a swimming pool while you get married sounds completely bonkers, but when it comes to The Victoria Baths in Manchester, one is forgiven. You can choose to have your wedding ceremony at the bottom of the Gala Pool (empty of course) while there are five different areas where you can have your reception. The Royal Navy Submarine Museum Located in Hampshire, The Royal Navy Submarine Museum gives you the unique opportunity to tie the knot on HMS Alliance. Your wedding ceremony can be onboard the submarine itself, or you can just choose to have a guided tour with your guests while there is a separate room close by John Fieldhouse building where you can have your receptions. The Aviator Hotel Also located in Hampshire is The Aviator; a boutique hotel that specializes in contemporary aeronautics designs and themes. There is a sky lounge and atrium and an in-house wedding service that can go as luxurious as you want. Castell Coch Castell Coach is located in Cardiff and is a gothic castle that is surrounded by beautiful woodland. It has a colorful interior, lavish furnishings that will make any couple feel like royalty. You can have your unique wedding ceremony in the drawing-room, but there is only enough space for 30 guests, and you will need to find another location for your reception. The Little Theatre Getting married in The Little Theatres in Bath can be a truly magical and cinematic experience. You can have truly bespoke wedding invites by using old school wedding tickets and choose to have popcorn served by ushers throughout your wedding ceremony. Read Also: 7 Key points Remember while Planning Your Honeymoon Trip