Missouri

Missouri sits squarely at the geographic heart of the contiguous United States, a Midwestern state where rolling Ozark highlands meet wide river corridors, fertile plains, and dense hardwood forests. The state is divided into several distinct landscapes: the rugged Ozark Plateau in the south-central region, the flat to gently rolling plains of the north, the Missouri and Mississippi river floodplains that define its borders, and the bootheel lowlands in the far southeast corner that dip into the Gulf Coastal Plain.

Missouri borders eight states, a total it shares with Tennessee as the most of any state in the nation. Iowa lies to the north, Nebraska and Kansas to the west, Oklahoma and Arkansas to the south, and Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee to the east. This crossroads position made Missouri a historic gateway to the American West and today gives it a diverse blend of regional cultures, cuisines, and landscapes.

While Missouri has no ocean coastline, it is rich in freshwater. The Missouri River bisects the state from west to east before joining the Mississippi at St. Louis, and the Ozarks are laced with spring-fed rivers and streams. Lake of the Ozarks, a massive reservoir in the center of the state, offers roughly 1,150 miles of shoreline and is one of the most visited inland lakes in the country. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways protects the clear-running Current and Jacks Fork rivers, cherished by canoeists and swimmers alike.

Major travel draws span the state from east to west. St. Louis anchors the east with the iconic Gateway Arch, a world-class botanical garden, and acclaimed dining and arts scenes. Kansas City anchors the west with legendary barbecue, jazz heritage, and vibrant neighborhoods. Between them, the Ozarks draw visitors to caves, hiking trails, Civil War battlefields, and float trips. Branson in the southwest is a family entertainment hub, while Hannibal in the northeast preserves the literary legacy of Mark Twain.

Spring and fall are the finest seasons to visit Missouri. April through early June brings mild temperatures, wildflowers, and full rivers ideal for paddling. Mid-September through November delivers crisp air, brilliant Ozark foliage, and uncrowded trails. Summers are warm and humid but lively, especially around the lakes and rivers. Winters are relatively mild, and year-round attractions like caves, museums, and urban destinations keep Missouri accessible in every season.

Featured State Parks in Missouri

See all Missouri state parks →