I am sure you’ve heard someone say it, “There are no unique places in Missouri.” Well, folks here is an awesome list of places to go and things to do when you think you’ve tried it all! There are so many great small attractions and hidden gems in Missouri. So when you’re feeling bored or think there is nothing to do in the Show Me State, pull out this list of unique things to do in Missouri and start checking a few off:

1. Take a carriage ride through wine country.
White Mule Winery and Bed & Breakfast, 2087 US-50, Owensville, MO 65066, USA
management/TripAdvisor
If you're looking for a fun and unique way to safely visit Missouri wine country, you'll want to check out the Wine Country Wagon Ride. This 3.5-hour wagon ride through rural Gasconade County actually encourages drinking and riding! You'll love this trip and the complementary tasting at While Mule Winery.
2. Visit the tigers.
National Tiger Sanctuary, 518 State Hwy BB, Saddlebrooke, MO 65630, USA
National Tiger Sanctuary/Facebook
Get up-close and personal with exotic animals like lions, tigers, and lemurs at The National Tiger Sanctuary. The sanctuary is a non-profit, animal rescue organization that works to promote public education and awareness about exotic animals. There are multiple guided tours offered that can provide many different experiences for visitors.
3. Spend the night in a yurt.
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, USA
Missouri State Parks Website




While many people have camped in tents or cabins, few people can claim to have slept in a yurt. These yurts at Lake of the Ozarks are perfect for a novice camper or an avid camper looking for a new experience.
4. Take a gondola ride.
Kansas City, MO, USA
Ambiance On The Water/Facebook
A Gondola ride through Kansas City is perfect for a romantic night out. However, this special boat ride is only available during warmer weather. Book soon if you'd like to glide through the water before winter.
5. Visit a Cider Mill
https://www.facebook.com/dunnscidermill/
Editors note: Dunn's Cider is permanently closed.

Dunn's Cider has been a tradition for many Kansas City area families for decades. They are now open for 41st season so you can get your fix on their freshly pressed cider.
6. Learn to ride a Segway.
Branson Segway & Adventure Center/Facebook
Editors note: The Branson segway track is permanently closed

Segways are super unique and there aren't many opportunities to ride one in Missouri. This Segway track in Branson is closed off to traffic so you can learn in a totally safe environment. Your whole family will love this unique experience.

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7. Climb to the top of a century old water tower.
Compton Hill Water Tower, 1700-1898 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA
Compton Hill Water Tower Park & Preservation Society/Facebook
Do you want to see St. Louis from a whole new vantage point? Take a trip to the top of the water tower for amazing panoramic views of the city. In addition to hitting your steps you'll get a great history lesson.
8. Tour a haunted theater.
The Fabulous Fox, 527 N Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA
The Fabulous Fox/Facebook




The Fox Theater is one of Missouri's most notable theaters. It is also one of Missouri's most haunted establishments. Each October they open their doors for special ghosts tours. Be sure to get tickets in advance if you're interested in these special tours because tickets go quickly.
9. Visit the cave of orchids.
TropicalWrld/TripAdvisor
Editors note: birds botanicals is permanently closed

Underground in a nondescript warehouse is a huge shop full of stunning orchids. Find Birds Botanicals in Kansas City and take home on of these exotic blooms. This cave is every flower lover's paradise!
10. Take a ride on a hidden roller coaster.
Branson Mountain Adventure, 935 Historic Hwy 165, Branson, MO 65616, USA
The Runaway Branson Coaster at Branson Mountain Adventure Park/Facebook
Take a scenic ride through the trees on this hidden roller coaster. At Branson Mountain Adventure Park you can take this personal coaster ride and control your own speed as you zoom over the hilly terrain. You'll love this natural thrill park!
11. Tour a chocolate factory.
Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company, 5025 Pattison Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
Facebook/Chocolate Chocolate chocolate Company
If you love chocolate then you're sure to love this tour of the Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Factory in St. Louis. Watch workers prepare gourmet chocolate treats on the line. Be sure to try the samples and take some treats home for a post-tour snack.
12. Take the wine trolley tour.
Hermann Trolley Company, Corner of and, E 1st St & Schiller St, Hermann, MO 65041, USA
Hermann Trolley/Facebook
Hermann is one of the best small towns for a weekend full of fun. Visit one of Hermann's many wineries but arrive safely and in style on the Hermann Trolley. Hitch a ride to all your favorite wineries and have them drop you off at your hotel at the end of the night.
13. Visit this replica town off Route 66.
Red Oak II, 12275 Kafir Rd, Carthage, MO 64836, USA
RED OAK II/Facebook




Red Oak II is one of the most unique towns in the Show Me State. Artist Lowell Davis has created this new town from buildings and homes that he has transplanted and repaired on his large tract of land. This small town is modeled after the pre-war era Red Oak, Missouri where Davis' was raised. Take a stroll down memory lane and visit Red Oak II.

Did you know about all of these 13 Missouri attractions and activities? Which one of these unique places in Missouri are you most interested to try? Let us know in the comments below!

If you are from out of state and looking to do multiple things on this list, we recommend booking a Vrbo home to stay in. You’ll have the whole place to yourself and it’s the perfect opportunity to spread out and relax.

Looking for more of the best places to visit in Missouri? Check out these haunted attractions in the Show Me State perfect for the month of October.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Things to do in Missouri

Sara D. | July 31, 2023

What are some of the best easy hikes in Missouri? 

In order to see all that our beautiful state has to offer, you've got to lace up your boots, fill up a water bottle, and get out on the trails for one of these gorgeous and easy hikes in Missouri:

  • the Trail Through Time goes 1.9 miles through the Pickle Springs Conservation area. You can discover over 200 different types of plants along this pleasant little trek.
  • Long Trail is comedically only 1.6 miles and located at the Springfield Nature Center. As you walk you will cross over a creek and a lake.
  • The Devil's Icebox Trail is a bit longer at 3.75 miles, but its location at Rockbridge Memorial State Park is unmatched and you can expect to encounter an impressive natural tunnel along the way.

Are there any weird museums in Missouri that I can visit? 

A great way to discover a new state is by visiting its museums, and boy are there some weird museums in Missouri that are sure to entertain and amaze:

  • The American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog holds a large collection of all sorts of dog-themed art. Man's best friend may also be man's best inspiration!
  • Glore Psychiatric Museum shows the history of psychiatry on mannequins. As past practices were quite brutal and abusive this is not the cheeriest museum, but it is quite educational.
  • The Miniature Museum of St. Louis is packed wall to wall with dollhouses, dolls, and teeny tiny versions of all sorts of real-life items. you will be amazed by the scale and accuracy!

Can I dine at theme restaurants in Missouri? 

If you are looking for a meal that is a bit out of the ordinary, try dining at one of these wacky and engaging theme restaurants in Missouri:

  • Fritz's Railroad Restaurant is a trippy train-themed delight that delivers your food on a train track! You even get a conductor cap to complete the immersion.
  • Terror Tacos is a horror-themed vegan restaurant that is a dream for the goth and goth adjacent. The interior boasts dripping blood walls, cobwebs, and of course a few skeletons!
  • At Chuy's, a delightful Mexican restaurant, there isn't so much a specific theme as a whole bunch of wacky decor, like a wall of vintage cameras and another covered in framed photos of customer's dogs (you can even bring your own pic to be added to the wall!)

 

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