10 Unimaginably Beautiful Places In Missouri That You Must See Before You Die
By Liz Oliver|Updated on June 29, 2023(Originally published June 22, 2023)
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Liz Oliver
Author
Liz is a Missouri native with a B.A. in English from Mizzou and a M.A. in Non-Profit Administration from Lindenwood University. She works for a STL metro-area community college and enjoys writing, traveling, and indoor cycling. Her true passion is forcing her encyclopedic knowledge of Missouri facts on uninterested strangers from across the globe!
We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again, Missouri is one of the most underrated states when it comes to appreciating its natural beauty. From rolling prairies to glittering underground caves, there are plenty of beautiful places in Missouri worth seeing when you’re in The Show-Me State. Even many Missourians are unaware of the scenic landmarks in other parts of the state that are devastatingly gorgeous. If you want to know more, I invite you to check out this list of ten beautiful places that are worth adding to your bucket list.
1. Prairie State Park - Mindenmines
Prairie State Park, 128 NW 150th Ln, Mindenmines, MO 64769, USA
Prairie State Park is the largest remaining tallgrass prairie in the state. This stunning park blooms with wildflowers in the summer, and its lush green grass is mesmerizing as it sways in the wind. This makes Prairie State Park one of the most beautiful places to visit in Missouri.
Blue Spring is located just outside of Eminence and is the deepest freshwater spring in the state. Located off the Jacks Fork River, this spring is reached by a short trail that is surrounded by wildflowers in spring and the changing leaves each fall. Blue Spring is 14 miles east of Eminence or 14 miles west of Ellington off State Route 106. To see why Blue Spring is one of the most scenic places in Missouri, you'll need to hike to it.
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3. Big Cedar Lodge - Ridgedale
Big Cedar Lodge, 190 Top of the Rock Rd, Ridgedale, MO 65739, USA
Big Cedar Lodge is Missouri's premier vacation resort. This beautiful place in Missouri is located in the heart of the Ozark along Table Rock Lake. Therefore, there truly isn't a bad view of the entire property. Visit any season for a memorable experience that includes breathtaking scenery.
Alley Spring and Mill is located on the Ozark Scenic Riverways. This iconic red mill is so beautiful it was even featured on the Ozark National Scenic Riverways quarter for being one of the prettiest places in Missouri. Bring a picnic and your camera for a gorgeous day at the mill. Alley Mill is located six miles west of Eminence on State Route 106.
Table Rock Lake is a popular destination and deserves to be called one of the most beautiful places in Missouri. The areas with undisturbed shorelines paired with colorful sunsets are simply breathtaking. Don't you agree?
You'll have to hike to the state's highest elevation for the most gorgeous panoramic views when you visit Taum Sauk Mountain. When you reach the summit, you'll understand why this destination is deemed one of the most beautiful places to visit in Missouri, as the forested scenery and magnificent rock formations make for a dazzling sight!
7. Meramec Caverns - Sullivan
Meramec Caverns, 1135 Hwy W, Sullivan, MO 63080, USA
Meramec Caverns has beauty below the surface. The remarkable stalagmites and stalactites make the cave extraordinarily impressive and one of the most scenic places in Missouri.
8. Hercules Glades Wilderness Area - Bradleyville
Hercules Glades Wilderness, Kissee Mills, MO 65680, USA
The Hercules Glades Wilderness Area hardly looks like a scene from Missouri, but this alluring area is located slightly northeast of Branson. The limestone glades have been carved away over the years by Long Creek. When you go to one of the prettiest places in Missouri, feel free to hike the area and check out the idyllic waterfalls and cascades along the creek's path.
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9. Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center - Kirkwood
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, 11715 Cragwold Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122, USA
Powder Valley is just minutes from the hustle and bustle of St. Louis. This nature area has a completely ADA-accessible trail and is a perfect place to spot wildlife. If you love the beauty of a wooded trail, I suggest you check out why Powder Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Missouri.
10. Forest Park - St. Louis
Forest Park, Grand Drive, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Forest Park has so many stunning areas within the 1,371-acre park. From the magnificent historical buildings to the natural areas of rolling hills and forested trails, Forest Park has a little bit of everything - making it one of the most beautiful places in Missouri.
I’d love to know how many of these places have been checked off your Missouri bucket list. What would you add to our list? Let us know in the comments below!
If you’d like to explore a lot in one day, take a look at these scenic drives in Missouri that are off-the-beaten-path too.
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