Missouri

Encircle Missouri: Interstate 70 is the fastest way across Missouri from St. Louis in the east to Kansas City in the west. Consider slight detours to see Jefferson City and Independence. For fun, family entertainment, go the extra miles south to Branson.

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1 Gateway Arch at Night in St. Louis, Missouri

The symbol of St. Louis, Missouri, is the Gateway Arch. The landmark is a 630 foot tall, shining ribbon of steel. The world’s tallest arch has 1,076 steps. It is easier to take the tram to the top. Although Franklin D. Roosevelt approved partial funding in 1934, the keystone was not placed until 1965. When it was finished in 1968, Vice President Hubert Humphrey had the honors of dedicating it during an opening ceremony. The $13.5 million project gets its name from the Mississippi River’s location as the gateway to the west.

50 N Leonor K Sullivan Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63102

2 Mosaics Inside Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis in Saint Louis, Missouri

It took 76 years to install the 41.5 million pieces of glass into the mosaics adorning the 83,000 square feet of the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. The world’s largest mosaic contains more than 7,000 colors. The word “impressive” is an understatement. The arches supporting the domes have religious scenes ranging from Adam and Eve to the Ascension of Jesus, plus images of American saints.

4431 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108

3 Budweiser Delivery Truck in Clydesdale Stable at Anheuser-Busch in St. Louis, Missouri

Americans drink 20 gallons of beer per capita. The best-selling is pale lager and the top brewery is Anheuser-Busch. No wonder the Clydesdale horses became iconic. They began as a gift to the co-founder to celebrate the repeal of prohibition with the passage of the Twenty-first Amendment. Almost immediately after the new law was passed on December 5, 1933, the horses were hitched to a wagon and delivered free, legal beer to politicians in major cities. Now the team has grown to 250 horses. The Dalmatians were added in 1950. You can see these wonderful animals in their stables during a tour of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis, Missouri.

1200 Lynch St, St. Louis, MO 63118

4 Missouri State Capitol Building in Jefferson City, Missouri

Missouri has the second most farms in the country. Therefore, it is appropriate the statue of Ceres stands on top of their state capitol. She was the Roman goddess of agriculture. Her name is the origin of the word “cereal.” This Classic Revival structure was finished in 1917. On this south façade are eight majestic columns surrounding enormous bronze doors. A sculpture of Thomas Jefferson is positioned in the middle of the grand staircase. Missouri became the 24th state on August 10, 1821.

201 W Capitol Ave, Jefferson City, MO 65101

5 Missouri State Capitol Rotunda Dome in Jefferson City, Missouri

The Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City is adorned with exquisite, regionalism murals. The paintings by Thomas Benton portray early Midwestern life. They make even hardships seem romantic. Throughout the building is a treasure of carvings, statues, stained glass, flags, artifacts and other murals. Together they show you the history of the “Show Me State.”

201 W Capitol Ave, Jefferson City, MO 65101

6 King Kong on Hollywood Wax Museum in Branson, Missouri

Branson, Missouri, is a small town of about 11,000 people. Yet countless families converge to the 50+ attractions, theaters, museums, novelty restaurants and rides along “The Strip” (76 Country Boulevard) for wholesome fun. The list of stars that have performed in the “Live Music Capital of the World” reads like a who’s who of entertainers. Speaking of celebrities, check out the wax versions of your favorite stars at the Hollywood Wax Museum. The attraction opened in 1985 with King Kong standing on the iconic Hollywood sign.

3030 MO-76, Branson, MO 65616

Home Damaged by EF2 Tornado in 2012 in Branson, Missouri

On February 29, 2012, Branson, Missouri, was blasted by an EF-2 tornado. The estimated 113 – 157 mph winds damaged homes, theaters and blew out over 200 windows in the Hilton Convention Center. Notice the 2x4s and debris lodged into this siding. The home looks like it was hit by a giant shotgun blast.

7 Harry S Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri

The Harry S Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence, Missouri, does an excellent job of portraying American history from 1900 to 1953. In addition to the highlights of Truman’s early political career, it focuses on the end of WWI, the Truman and Marshall plans, the Korean conflict, the McCarthy communism accusations and his Fair Deal program. Truman worked at the library from 1957 until his death in 1972. Then the former president was buried in the courtyard.

500 W US Hwy 24, Independence, MO 64050

8 Harry S Truman Summer White House in Independence, Missouri

In 1867, the grandfather of Bess Walker purchased land in Independence, Missouri. He converted a small house into this 14 room, Victorian mansion. Bess was living here when she met Harry S Truman in 1890 at the age of six in a local elementary school. When they married in 1919, he moved in with her mother and brother. This is where he was a clothing retailer and a judge. It became a summer home during his Washington, D.C. career as senator and vice president. Then, it was the Summer White House while he was the 33rd president. In 1953, he retired here until he died at 88 in 1972.

219 N Delaware St, Independence, MO 64050

Kansas City, Missouri Composite of Two Photos

Two photos of Kansas City, Missouri are: The welcome sign over the River Market. This is a historic neighborhood called City Market when it opened in 1857 as a farmers’ market. The composite also shows the skyline of downtown Kansas City including the Hotel President. This landmark was built in 1926, closed for 25 years and then became a Hilton in 2005.

9 North Waiting Room of Kansas City Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri

Trains were the premier way to travel during the Golden Age of Railroading (1900 -1950). The Pullman company made elaborate sleeper, dining, parlor and passenger cars. This fifty year period also witnessed the building of grand-scale stations such as NYC’s Grand Central Terminal. In 1914, the country’s second largest opened with lots of marble, ornate detail and three chandeliers weighing 3,000 pounds each: Kansas City Union Station. After WWII, railroading declined and so did the K.C. station until it closed in 1985. After a $250 million renovation, the former Union Station now houses museums, theaters and restaurants. Locals use the polished floors as a walking track for exercise during inclement weather.

30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108
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