These 15 Unique Attractions in Missouri Are an Absolute Must-Visit
When thinking of things to do and see in Missouri, take a turn off the more traveled road and discover some places you just won’t see anywhere else. Some creepy, some historical, some just plain odd, cross each one of these off your must-see checklist and you won’t be disappointed.
This rocking chair is over 42 feet tall and was built in 2008 for the sole purpose of breaking the Guinness World Record for such a thing. It used to rock but that was considered dangerous and scary to the tourists, so it is now strongly secured to the ground. You can only sit in it one day per year, on "Picture on Rocker Day". It is located near, and was commissioned by, the Route 66 Fanning Outpost.
This unassuming little home became famous when Robert Ford shot and killed Jesse James within its walls. You can even see the hole where the bullet hit the wall.
Once a lead mine, and now one of the largest fresh water dive locations, the mines are also referred to as the "Billion Gallon Lake". It's not just for divers, however, there are also walking and boat tours.
Located in Ha Ha Tonka State Park, this once grand castle began construction in 1905 by a wealthy businessman from Kansas City named Robert Snyder. The project was passed on to Robert's sons after his death in a car accident in 1906. The castle was finally completed in 1920 and one of the son's moved in only to eventually lose all his money due to lawsuits over land rights. Later, the castle was opened as a hotel and lodge, but sadly, in 1942, it was completely destroyed by fire. Now the park maintains the site as one of its attractions and people come from all over to wander the once grand castle.
Located in downtown Missouri, this facade in front of the parking garage near the library appears to be a giant shelf filled with books. When the structure was created, locals were asked to vote on which titles would be included. Each book stands 25 feet high and 9 feet wide.
What a great place to visit during these hot summer days! This cave is called the Devil's Icebox because it stays a cool 56 degrees all year. For the brave or adventurous, tours are available from April to May and August to October, but be prepared to get dirty and use your muscles.
A total of four 18-foot shuttlecocks (3 on one side and 1 on the other) adorn the grounds of the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City. Created in 1994 by husband and wife Claes Oldenburg and Coosje Van Bruggen, the structures are made of aluminum and fiberglass.
Ever wondered about the history of psychiatric hospitals and their methods? Glare is just the place to find out. With replicas of equipment from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Creepy.
The displays at Leila's Hair Museum are wreaths and pieces of jewelry made from actual human hair, some dating back to the 17th century!
The City Museum in St. Louis is difficult to describe. It's not much like a museum at all, really, but rather some crazy 600,000 square feet funhouse, complete with a ten story spiral slide, caves, theme rooms and exhibits, climbing structures inside and out, and oh, a bus hanging off the roof. You really have to see it to believe such a place exists. You definitely won't be bored. Find out more at www.citymuseum.org.
Housed at the Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum in Branson you will find the World's Largest Ball of Twine. The building was actually built around the ball of twine, which Ripley's bought and moved there in 1993.
Where else but Chesterfield can you see a 70 foot giant clawing its way out of the ground?
35 feet tall!
There was once a dog named Jim who had magical powers. Whether you believe that or not, there is a park memorializing him in Marshall.
Madame Tussaud's this is not. Also known as Laclede's Landing Wax Museum, this museum is like nothing you have seen before. Taking up the entire 3 story building with even more to see in the basement and sub-basement (the creepy stuff is down there), there is plenty to see and experience.
What are some other unique attractions in Missouri that you have heard of or seen? Share them below, and they might make our next list.
