11 Things That Belong On Everyone’s Missouri Summer Bucket List

Missouri has been my home for my entire life. Having lived near St. Louis, Columbia, and Springfield, I’ve experienced the state’s diverse regions firsthand. Inspired by these experiences, I created a Summer Bucket List for Missouri, highlighting the top eleven quintessentially Missourian activities. I once met a woman from Los Angeles who marveled at how “green everything was” here. Our abundance of natural resources makes Missouri a beautiful place to live and vacation.

1. Swim in a Quarry at Fugitive Beach

Limestone is Missouri’s most abundant quarried stone and is a huge contributor to the state’s economy. Many retired quarries are in picturesque settings, fed by natural underground springs, making waters cool and clear. Recreational quarries dot the state, but the most action-packed is The Fugitive Beach. With cliff jumping, gigantic water slides, beaches, yard games, and cabanas for rent, this place has it all! Conveniently located in Rolla, midway between St. Louis and Springfield, it is a great addition to any summer vaca.

2. Go Flower Picking at Gooseberry Bridge Farm

Missouri has a long growing season from April through October, making it an ideal location for seasonal flower farms scattered across the state. One such farm is Gooseberry Bridge Farm, which offers a “you-pick” style of harvesting for guests. Typically, these farms have a spring and a summer season, showcasing blooms like tulips, sunflowers, zinnias, and probably some unique varieties you’ve never seen before! Flower farmers love to experiment with fun, new varieties.

Goose Berry Bridge is particularly adorable with its charming addition of cute farm animals visitors can enjoy. As a Missouri Master Gardener, I can attest to the seasonality of growing fresh flowers, which often bloom in waves. When visiting flower farms, you will want to check websites and social media pages for picking times and seasons. Note that some farms may require reservations.

3. Eat Your Heart Out at Columbia Farmers Market

When you picture the Midwest, do you visualize expansive cornfields and rolling plains? That's what you’re likely to see driving along Highway 70 from St. Louis to Kansas City, but the community around Columbia also has a thriving local farming scene. In 2021, the Columbia Farmers Market was voted best in the nation! The vendors are mostly small family farmers.

Columbia is Missouri’s fourth-largest city, and thanks to the presence of the University of Missouri (Mizzou), it boasts more progressive views and growing practices. Most growers offer organic produce; animals are usually pasture-raised and fed a superior diet. Many small businesses using local ingredients also vend at the market. I like grabbing a cappuccino and fueling up with a piping-hot breakfast burrito from one of the scrumptious food vendors, then start shopping. Get all the supplies you need for the week including veggies, herbs, meat, bread, soap, flowers, cannabis, sweets, jams, fresh pasta, pickles, cured meats, cheese, honey, and so much more!

4. Go Camping in the Largest State Park at Lake of the Ozarks

Bigger is better in this case. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is packed with activities! Enjoy swimming at one of two beaches, take a cave tour, hike near small springs, get on the water in a kayak, rent a boat at one of two marinas, or picnic overlooking the lake. Lake of the Ozarks is one of the state's most popular outdoor tourist destinations; the park is conveniently located near the main restaurant, shopping, and entertainment areas. While lodging can be pricey during the peak summer season, you can find affordable options at the park’s campground outpost cabins and yurts. The park also offers basic and electric campsites if you want to bring your own gear.

5. Experience the Might of the Mississippi on a Riverboat Cruise

Toot, toot! I can hear the whistle on the Mark Twain Riverboat now. Hannibal, one of Missouri’s oldest towns, is rich in history and charm. The town boasts many historical sites and small museums. Dinner or sightseeing cruises depart from the riverfront, offering expansive views of this historic town. Hannibal is best known as the childhood home of Mark Twain, who drew inspiration from the town for many settings in his famous book, “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” On your cruise, you’ll hear fascinating stories about the town’s characters and history. It's a wonderful way to get out on the water and experience the might of the Mississippi. You’ll find other sightseeing cruises in places like St. Louis and Branson.

6. Chow Down on the Best BBQ in the State

St. Louis and Kansas City rival each other for the best BBQ in Missouri, but I’m playing Switzerland and showcasing a mid-state favorite. Located on historic Route 66, Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que in Cuba is renowned for its meats smoked for over 12 hours-yum! Serving the community for nearly 20 years, the restaurant is owned by a master BBQer, Dennis Meiser. A visit to Missouri Hick Bar-B-Que feels like a trip to Hillbilly Heaven (as Dennis would say), where you can enjoy your barbecue in a rustic, log cabin-like setting adorned with antique metal signs and cow hides decorating the walls. What's more "summer" than BBQ?

7. Visit the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival & Car Show

Spanning two-thirds of our continent, the Route 66 Highway is a significant part of American history. With its construction beginning nearly a century ago, it spurred tourism in the United States and helped small towns prosper by creating better connections between towns. Springfield, Missouri, is considered the birthplace of Route 66 because the name was proposed from an official there, and later accepted by the Secretary of Agriculture 1926.

The Birthplace of Route 66 Car Show in Springfield is a major event, taking over the entire downtown area of Missouri’s third-largest city and attracting nearly 100,000 visitors. Held annually in the second week of August, this three-day extravaganza features concerts, food vendors, and a parade, making it a must-see celebration of automotive culture and history.

8. Tour the State Capitol

I often marvel at our country’s historical buildings and ponder the astronomical cost of constructing such grand buildings today. That’s why I deeply appreciate the architecture and grandiose building materials of landmarks like the State Capitol building in Jefferson City. During your tour, you’ll explore the Capitol's public spaces, which continue to serve as the home of the Missouri General Assembly and state officials' offices.

If you’re interested in architecture, art, and history, the Capital Touris perfect for you! The tour also provides access to the Missouri State Museum, which offers fascinating insights into the Show-Me State’s rich history.

You’ll have a better chance of viewing Thomas Hart Benton’s renowned artwork “A Social History of the State of Missouri” during the summer months, as the legislative session runs from January through May. Weekends offer an even better opportunity. Keep in mind that tour subjects may vary depending on the building's activities. Be sure to reserve your spot at least 24 hours in advance to secure your place.

9. Visit the City of Fountains

Kansas City’s nickname, “City of Fountains” reflects its collection of more than 200 fountains! This is a great way to get outside and explore the city. You can take a tour by street car, walk, or roll the windows down and take self-guided driving tour.

10. Meet the World in St. Louis

I'm going to go ahead and say it: the Festival of Nations is one of the coolest festivals I've ever experienced. As a food lover, I relish the opportunity to try new dishes, and this festival offers one of the most diverse culinary experiences imaginable, featuring cuisine from over 80 nations. But even if food isn't your main thang, you can still immerse yourself in multiculturalism through live music, dance, art, shopping, and experiencing traditions from around the world. The International Institute's Festival of Nations typically takes place in late August at Tower Grove Park in St. Louis.

11. See What’s in Bloom at the Missouri Botanical Garden

Experience native Missouri flora at the Missouri Botanical Garden, including wildflowers and plants. Different plants bloom at various times of the summer, so you never know what you’ll see! Experience special exhibitions, live music, lectures, and classes. Permanent exhibitions, like the Butterfly House attraction, feature species native to Missouri and highlight their role in the local ecosystem. The park does offer an evening schedule in the cooler months and evening activities if you want to beat the summer heat.

What do you think of my top 11 quintessentially Missourian summer bucket list items? Missouri is the 21st largest state, so there are probably some fun things I missed. Check out some other seasonal activities and attractions in the Show-Me State. If you are going to hit the road this summer, check out our ultimate road trip packing list so you don’t forget any essentials.