These may not be the top recommended spots for out-of-state tourists, but sometimes the hidden gems you find off the beaten path are more exciting to experience.
1. The Pinnacles - Sturgeon
Take a hike through this unique Ozarkian geological formation. You may even come across some fossils!
2. Glore Psychiatric Museum - St. Joseph
This psychiatric museum is not for the faint of heart. At one point in the exhibit, you'll come across hundreds of safety pins found in the stomach of a past patient.
3. Kauffman Memorial Garden - Kansas City
The Kauffmans donated more to Kansas City than just the Royals. This beautiful garden is a short walk from the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum and both are free and open to the public.
4. The Space Museum - Bonne Terre
The NASA headquarters in D.C. isn't the only place you can go to learn about our country's exploration of outer space. Just head on over to The Space Museum in Bonne Terre to view their world class collection of space suits, rocks and more.
5. Meramec Spring - St. James
We're lucky to live in a state that is home to so many beautiful springs. Meramec is the fifth largest spring in the state, so it is often overlooked in favor of other larger springs.
6. The Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure - Branson
Butterflies are beautiful, but often rare to find and even more rare to catch. The Butterfly Palace & Rainforest is home to butterfly species from all over the world for guests to see and interact with.
7. Prairie State Park - Mindenmines
This state park offers easy trails to hike and see wild buffalo.
8. Leila's Hair Museum - Independence
A museum dedicated to wreaths crafted by human hair? A bit strange, but it could make for an interesting day trip.
9. Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Columbia
Take a peek into Missouri's underworld by exploring the underground caves and springs and sinkholes found in this Columbia state park.
10. Cotton Belt Freight Depot - St. Louis
Recently listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, this train depot now features beautiful murals and graffiti thoughout its walls. It also plays host to Artica, an annual outdoor arts festival.
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