Top 15 Most Interesting Facts About Missouri

1. State Motto: "Salus populi suprema lex esto" (The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law).
2. State Bird: Eastern Bluebird.
3. State Flower: Hawthorn Blossom.
4. The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is the tallest man-made monument in the U.S. at 630 feet.
5. Mark Twain, one of America’s greatest authors, was born in Florida, Missouri.
6. The Pony Express began in St. Joseph, Missouri, in 1860.
7. Missouri is nicknamed the "Show-Me State," reflecting its residents' practicality and skepticism.
8. Branson is known as the "Live Entertainment Capital of the World."
9. Missouri has more than 6,000 caves, earning it the nickname "The Cave State."
10. Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the U.S., was born in Lamar, Missouri.
11. The Missouri River is the longest river in North America, running over 2,300 miles.
12. Lake of the Ozarks has more shoreline than the state of California.
13. St. Louis was the first U.S. city to host the Olympics, in 1904.
14. Kansas City boasts more fountains than any city in the world, except Rome.
15. The St. Louis Zoo, located in Forest Park, is one of the top free zoos in the country.

Geography of Missouri

Missouri’s landscape includes rivers, rolling hills, and the Ozark Mountains. Key features include:

• Highest Point: Taum Sauk Mountain (1,772 feet).
• Lowest Point: St. Francis River (230 feet above sea level).
• Major Rivers: Missouri River and Mississippi River.

A Brief History of Missouri

Missouri played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States:

• Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Osage and Missouria.
• Became part of the U.S. with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
• Missouri was admitted as the 24th state on August 10, 1821, through the Missouri Compromise.
• St. Louis became the "Gateway to the West" as a hub for pioneers and settlers.

Top 10 Things to Do in Missouri

1. Visit the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and take a tram to the top.
2. Enjoy live shows and attractions in Branson.
3. Explore the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal.
4. Tour the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City.
5. Relax at Lake of the Ozarks with boating, fishing, and hiking.
6. Walk through Forest Park, home to the St. Louis Zoo and the Missouri History Museum.
7. Visit Silver Dollar City, a theme park in Branson that celebrates Ozark culture.
8. Sample Kansas City barbecue, famous for its sweet and tangy flavors.
9. Hike and explore caves in the Ozarks.
10. Tour the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence.

Top 10 Destinations in Missouri

1. St. Louis
2. Kansas City
3. Branson
4. Hannibal
5. Lake of the Ozarks

Plan Your Visit

For more information about Missouri, visit the state’s official tourism site: Visit Missouri