We’ve all heard of the Arch in St. Louis, but there are so many other great things to see in the great state of Missouri. In fact, there are tons of hidden gems in Missouri. From hidden gem museums to secret accommodations, there’s no shortage of hidden gems in Missouri!

1. Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene & Close Memorial Parks, Springfield
2400 S Scenic Ave, Springfield, MO 65807, USA
Facebook/ Springfield Botanical Gardens
Spending all day walking around these gorgeous gardens is sure to make for a wonderful day. They have demonstration gardens, a butterfly house, a farmstead, and a playground, as well as access to the South Creek Greenway Trail. For more information, click here.
2. National Churchill Museum and Berlin Wall, Fulton
America's National Churchill Museum, 501 Westminster Ave, Fulton, MO 65251, USA
Flickr/ Ann McCormack
The sculpture, "Breakthrough" was created by Edwina Sandys, who happens to be Winston Churchill's granddaughter, to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall. It was dedicated by President Ronald Reagan in 1990, and was sculpted from actual pieces from the Berlin Wall. At 11 feet high and 32 feet long, it resides next to the National Churchill Museum, located on the campus of Westminster College...the site of Churchill's famous "Iron Curtain" speech. For more information about the college, the museum, or the sculpture, click here.
3. Stone Water Cove Resort, Shell Knob
Stonewater Cove, 1257 Sunset Timbers Trail, Shell Knob, MO 65747, USA
Facebook/ Stonewater Cove
Stone Water calls itself an adventure resort, with zip lining, ATV's, horses, and trails, as well as water skiing, kayaking, and wake-boarding. They even have an evening cruise nightly and a restaurant. For more information, click here.
4. Caboose Junction Resort, Lampe
Caboose Junction Resort, 162 Caboose Ln, Lampe, MO 65681, USA
www.caboosejunctionresort.com

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Facebook/ Caboose Junction Resort
At Table Rock Lake in a natural setting, there is a place where you can stay in cabins that were made from train cabooses. With paddle boating, kayaking, fishing, pontoon boat rentals, rope swinging, and deck diving, there will be plenty to keep you busy during your stay. For more information, click here.
5. Laumeier Sculpture Park, Sunset Hills
Laumeier Sculpture Park, 12580 Rott Rd, Sappington, MO 63127, USA
Facebook/ Laumeier Sculpture Park
Located at 12580 Rott Road in Sunset Hills, this site was donated by Matilda Laumeier in memory of her late husband. The park itself was incorporated in 1977. There are approximately 60+ sculptures scattered throughout the property as well as the 1917 Estate House and its newest addition - Adam Aronson Fine Arts Center. They also have a yearly art fair during Mother's Day weekend, featuring art vendors, food, and live music. For more information, click here.
6. World Chess Hall of Fame, St. Louis
World Chess Hall of Fame, 4652 Maryland Ave #1, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
Facebook/ World Chess HOF
Whether a pro or a beginner chess player, there is something for everyone at this unique attraction. It features artistic pieces and boards, special exhibits, and performances and concerts as well as exhibits featuring chess champions. They have been in St. Louis since 2011 and are located across from the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of St. Louis on 4652 Maryland Avenue. For more information, click here.
7. Mutual Musicians Foundation, Kansas City
Mutual Musicians Foundation, 1823 Highland Ave, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
Facebook/ Mutual Musicians Foundation International
Located in the heart of Kansas City's historic jazz district, this foundation celebrating the history of jazz music still hosts fun, music-related events, such as jazz jam sessions and jazz "rush hour." They are housed in a national historic landmark and offer food and a full bar. Find them at 1823 Highland Avenue. For more information, click here.
8. First Fridays, Crossroads Arts District, Kansas City
Crossroads, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
Flickr/ Scutter
On the first Friday of every month, more than 10,000 people gather here to celebrate art in all its forms. They feature artists from all over and the event is free of charge. For more information, click here.

So, have you visited all of the places mentioned above? What are some other places not listed here that you would consider hidden gems in Missouri?  Tell us in the comments!

These aren’t the only hidden gems in Missouri. Click here to read about 11 waterfalls hidden in the state.

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More to Explore

Hidden Gems In Missouri

Daniella DiRienzo | September 08, 2021

Are there any hidden gem museums in Missouri?

No list of hidden gem museums in Missouri would be complete without a mention of the Glore Psychiatric Museum in St. Joseph. Incredibly informative – and a little creepy – the 4-story museum houses an array of artifacts, which tells the story of the evolution of mental illness cures and medicines, as well as highlights the 130+-year history of the State Lunatic Asylum. The massive collection includes everything from antiquated equipment, such as lobotomy instruments, to life-like replicas and dioramas featuring artwork crafted by patients. The Glore Psychiatric Museum is just one of the hidden gem museums in Missouri. Another, which is also located in St. Joseph, is the Jesse James Home Museum. As the name implies, the building that houses the museum was once the residence of the infamous outlaw Jesse James. Not only was it his home, but it’s actually where he met his demise – he was gunned down in the home on April 3, 1882.

What’s a hidden oasis in Missouri?

If you’re seeking a hidden oasis in Missouri, you won’t be disappointed with a visit to Hickory Canyons Natural Area. Located in Ste. Genevieve, the 280-acre natural area boasts sandstone box canyons, which were formed by millions of years of erosion. The area’s beauty changes with the seasons. In the winter, the canyon’s hallmark bluffs feature an icy sheen. In the spring and summer, the botanically rich area is brimming with vibrant greenery, and in the fall, there’s colorful foliage. Visit after a rainfall, and you’ll be in for an extra special treat – a waterfall, which is situated at the end of a ¼-mile trail. Another hidden oasis in Missouri that shouldn’t be missed is Rocky Falls near Winona. Not only stunning, the waterfall provides a unique glimpse of earth’s turbulent past. Easily accessible, the fall is located along the 0.1-mile Rocky Falls Shut-In Trail.

Are there any hidden caves in Missouri?

Missouri is home to more than 6,000 known caves, and many more are being mapped and discovered, so there are lots of hidden caves in Missouri. One of the more recently discovered caves is Riverbluff Cave. Located in Springfield, it was discovered on September 11, 2001, by a construction crew performing roadwork. A pretty big find, the cave is about 2,000 feet long! Dubbed an “ice age time capsule” and “treasure trove of prehistoric wonders,” Riverbluff Cave is an active research site, so it’s not open to the public at this time. Learn more about the cave by visiting the Missouri Institute of Natural Science.

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