15 Marvels in Missouri That Must Be Seen To Be Believed

Can you even believe how amazing this state of ours is? From man-made stunners to natural marvels, we've got a lot of eye candy around here.

1. The Mississippi River

It's called mighty for a reason.

2. Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

The mosaics (one of the largest collections in the Western hemisphere) are awe-inspiring.

3. Mina Sauk Falls

Located in the St. Francois Mountains, this is is the highest waterfall in Missouri. Get there via the 3-mile Mina Sauk Falls Loop in Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.

4. Liberty Memorial

Located at the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, this stunning 265-foot memorial features Egyptian Revival architecture.

5. Grand Gulf State Park

Called the "Little Grand Canyon," this park's highlight is its collapsed cave system, which forms a mile-long 'Grand Gulf' with 130-foot walls.

6. Onondaga Cave

Missouri is the Cave State for a reason—we've got tons. This one especially is a beauty worth seeing.

7. Meramec Caverns

Just for good measure, here's another gorgeous cave in Missouri.

8. Grand Falls

It's not hard to wonder why this is considered one of the most scenic spots in the Ozarks. Grand Falls is the largest, continuously flowing natural waterfall in the state.

9. Kansas City's Community Bookshelf

Kansas City's Library district features a 22-meter selection of nearly two dozen books. Kansas City residents voted on which titles would be included.

10. Johnson's Shut-Ins

The Shut-Ins' smooth, erosion-resistant rocks make this area a natural water park wonderland.

11. Golden Prairie

This 630-acre tallgrass prairie, declared a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service, lets visitors see the land like it appeared to the first settlers.

12. The Gateway Arch

When you cross from Illinois to Missouri, you can't miss the Arch's 630 feet of stainless steel beauty. Not only is this monument to westward expansion the tallest arch in the world, but there's also no taller man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere.

13. The McBaine Big Oak Tree

The Big Bur Oak in McBaine is beloved by locals. And no wonder—it's the largest tree of its kind in the nation.

14. Daffodils at Shaw Nature Reserve

Visit this 2,400-acre nature reserve in late March or early April to see thousands of sunny yellow daffodils announcing spring's arrival.

15. The Fabulous Fox

Built as a move theater in the 1920s, the Fox now stages some of the best live theater and music has to offer. Its architecture blends Asian styles for a truly fabulous (hence the name), ornate effect.

Can't get enough of our beautiful state? Check out this collection of jaw-dropping photos!