Missouri

The “Show Me State” aims to please with travel destinations and activities tucked away in every corner of the state. Whether you love music, history, or just a relaxing day in the country, Missouri’s got you covered.
Joplin, located in the southwest corner of the state, is the perfect place to begin your adventure, and the Joplin Museum Complex in Schifferdecker Park is the last word in all things Joplin. The complex features five different museums, with exhibits that illuminate the history of the area with an emphasis on the mining industry that gave rise to the town. Oh, and do we even need to hype the National Cookie Cutter Historical Museum? How can you possibly stay away?
Assuming you’re not to emotionally spent from your cookie cutter excursion, jump on I-44 east and cruise into Springfield. Here you can try your hand in a Cobra flight simulator at the Air and Military Museum of the Ozarks, watch the AA-league Springfield Cardinals baseball team take on their minor league foes, or observe over 225 species of wildlife at the 92,000-square-foot Wonders of Wildlife indoor facility.
It’s time to point the rig south down I-65 to one of the Midwest’s true vacation meccas, especially if live music and family entertainment wins raves from your crew. Yes, we’re talking about Branson. With more than 100 shows appearing at 40 theaters, we’re sure that finding a great dinner show won’t be a problem. With acts ranging from Andy Williams to the Baldknobbers, it’s nobody’s fault but yours if you can’t find something exciting to do and see in Branson.
While motoring back to Joplin, why not exit I-44 at Hwy 59 and check out the George Washington Carver National Monument? This 210-acre park is a tribute to the guy who invented peanut butter (hooray!!!) and about a zillion (okay, it was just 300) other uses for this humble legume.
www.visitmo.com; 800/519-2100.