Missourians know all about Missouri…but what do people in the rest of the country think of us? Some things in Missouri are so iconic that they immediately come to mind. Whether it’s sports, food, culture or history, these are just 14 things Missouri is known for; can you think of any others? (Let us know in the comments!)

1. The University of Missouri
CameliaTWU/flickr
Mizzou is where it’s at. We’re loyal, unwavering Tigers fans, always - even if we didn’t attend. If you want to know what Missouri is famous for, The University of Missouri tops the list.
2. The Pony Express
jae bueno/flickr
Anyone who knows the history of the Pony Express knows that riders left from St. Joseph, Missouri and Sacramento, California at the same time on April 3, 1860. Just one of the many interesting facts about Missouri that some may not know.
3. BBQ
Derek Meyer/flickr
We know how to do barbeque right. It’s world famous in Kansas City, but pretty much anywhere you go in Missouri, you’re bound to get amazing ribs. Another of the more interesting facts about Missouri when it comes to barbecue: burnt ends were invented in Kansas City, too.
4. Budweiser
Sean/flickr
Missouri is the home of Anheuser-Busch. Their tagline is, "The Great American Lager," and that’s fitting - it’s probably the most American beer in the country. Check out this Missouri road trip that includes a stop at the Budweiser brewery.
5. Kansas City Royals
Andy Phelan/flickr
When you win the World Series, everyone knows who you are. Of course, we do have that "other" team, the St. Louis Cardinals. I’m sure plenty of people think of them, too.
6. Tornadoes
Vincent Parsons/flickr
Tornadoes are a frequent occurrence in Missouri. While we luckily don’t suffer deadly tornadoes often, when deaths occur from these natural disasters, our state makes the national news
7. Mark Twain
Karen/flickr
Missouri is perhaps most famous for some of its writers. When one of America’s favorite writers is from your home state, everyone immediately thinks of your state when they hear his name. Learn more interesting facts about Missouri and Mark Twain's most famous characters Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn by reading a previous article.

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8. Gateway Arch
Charles Barrileaux/flickr
It’s the most iconic, most-photographed attraction in the state. Yes, we’re so much more than just St. Louis...but when people hear "Missouri," they picture our Arch. Here are a few more interesting Missouri facts - the Arch is the world's tallest arch, and it is just as tall as it is wide. Did you know the Arch sits in a national park? Plan your visit to Gateway Arch National Park by reading our previous article.
9. Farmland
Mizzou CAFNR/flickr
Missouri is much more than just St. Louis and Kansas City - much of the state is rural farmland. Seeing tractors at work in the fields (or just slowing down traffic on rural streets) is commonplace.
10. Crazy Good Pizza
Amy Meredith/flickr
The pizza in Missouri is so good that it’s earned its reputation.
11. The Civil War
Danielle Kellogg/flickr
Missouri was the site of more than 1,000 battles during the Civil War, so history students all over the country are accustomed to reading about our state.
12. Methamphetamine
Drew Stephens/flickr
For many, many years, Missouri was number one in the nation for meth busts. Since 2014, it’s dropped a few spots, but sadly, our state still ranks high in this area, one of those unfortunate facts about Missouri that many might not know.
13. Branson
Branson Convention and Visitor's Bureau/flickr
Sure, it’s touristy, but it's also perhaps the town Missouri is known for when it comes to fun things to do. It’s the home to some pretty good shows, music and entertainment. We can’t help it that we built something so good that out-of-staters flock to see it. They come; they drop their money; they leave. We’re ok with that.
14. Harry S. Truman
Frank Gatteri, United States Army Signal Corps/Public Domain
Born and raised in Missouri, America’s 33rd President made our state proud.

If you’ve been wondering what is Missouri famous for, you’ve found 14 fascinating things. What else is Missouri known for? Join the conversation in the comments! Then see if you agree that these are some iconic Missouri foods every Missourian craves.

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Things Missouri Is Known For

Beth Price-Williams | May 11, 2022

What are some things Missouri is known for?

When you think of Missouri, you might think of a few things – like the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. An engineering marvel, the Missouri landmark draws visitors from all over. Visit the museum at the base of the Arch before heading to the top for absolutely jaw-dropping views of the city and of the Mississippi River. If you’re a baseball fan, you undoubtedly are familiar with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Royals. For some of the best the state has to offer, drive along Historic Route 66 in Missouri. It will lead you to a ton of must-visit Missouri destinations, including Meramec Caverns in Sullivan and Boots Motel in Carthage. The historic byway travels from St. Louis to Joplin. Literature fans will know Missouri for being the boyhood home of Mark Twain and where Laura Ingalls Wilder lived during adulthood. For a getaway that offers a little bit of everything, visit Branson, where you’ll find amusement parks, restaurants, parks, and entertainment for the whole family.

What are some interesting Missouri facts?

There are quite a few things Missouri is known for, although some might actually come as a surprise. Did you know, for example, that Missouri is the home of the ice cream cone? Yep, it dates back to the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. Cheese lovers will know Missouri for provel cheese; it was created in Costa Grocery in St. Louis. Any Missourian will know that the world owes St. Louis a whole lot of thanks for gooey butter cake. Can you think of a better pairing with gooey butter cake than a tall, cold glass of iced tea? Yep, it too was invented right here in Missouri. If you like going to monster truck rallies, give a round of applause for Missourian Bob Chandler, who invented monster trucks, while fire escape suspenders are all thanks to George C. Hale.

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