Media Center

You’ve probably heard of Route 66, but did you know this historic highway got its famous name in Missouri? In addition to the Mother Road, there are many more routes perfect for road trips. Highway 19 and 21 take you deep into the Ozarks for outdoor adventures filled with fresh air and scenic views. Highway 36, the Way of American Genius, runs across the northern part of the state, highlighting creativity, ingenuity and innovation — from Mark Twain to Walt Disney, and sliced bread to the Pony Express.

Experience nature at its finest across the Show-Me State. More than a thousand miles of trails offer hiking, cycling, mountain biking, bird watching, and ATV and horseback riding. There are rivers for floating and lakes for boating, fishing, swimming and water sports. The pristine Ozark National Scenic Riverways is the first river system in the country to be protected by the National Park Service. The Katy Trail is the longest developed rail-to-trail project in the country. Missouri is also home to some of the best state parks and conservation areas in the country, beautiful botanical gardens and impressive caves.

Great art, legendary music and world-class theater take center stage throughout Missouri. Art museums, including the acclaimed Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City and the Saint Louis Art Museum, display works from around the world. You’ll find an eclectic mix of music across the state as well as museums and events that showcase Missouri’s contributions to jazz, the blues, ragtime, bluegrass, rock and roll, country, and more. You can catch a Broadway show at the opulent Fabulous Fox Theatre or The Muny, the country’s largest and oldest outdoor musical theater, both located in St. Louis. The stunning Kauffman Center in Kansas City presents an array of music and dance performances.

Missouri has certainly seen its share of history — events that have changed the course of our nation and the world. Lewis and Clark launched their westward expedition from the historic town of St. Charles. Dred Scott’s fight for freedom began at the Old Courthouse in St. Louis. Civil War sites recount Missouri’s vital role in the War Between the States. President Harry Truman hailed from the town of Independence. Relics and remembrances from the War to End All Wars are preserved at the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City. Learn about all this and more at historic sites, monuments and museums throughout Missouri.

The state’s award-winning theme parks, aquariums and zoos are perfect places for visitors of all ages to make memories sure to last a lifetime. Silver Dollar City in Branson, Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station, and Worlds of Fun in Kansas City are just a few of the family-friendly attractions you’ll find in the Show-Me State. No trip to St. Louis is complete without a visit to the Gateway Arch – now a national park. Zoos in Kansas City, St. Louis and Springfield are sure to appeal to animal lovers. Thrill seekers can find roller coasters, zip lining and other action-packed activities across the state.

Satisfy your appetite with some of Missouri’s world-famous barbecue. Kansas City even has an app to help you sample your way through the city. Try the toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake — tasty treats invented and perfected in St. Louis. From gourmet burgers and succulent steaks to specialties prepared by awarding-winning chefs, Missouri’s culinary offerings will keep you coming back for more. Dozens of wineries, breweries and distilleries, make it easy to discover a favorite Missouri-made beverage, too.