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Highest-rated things to do in Missouri by visitors

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Drazen Zigic // Shutterstock
Drazen Zigic // Shutterstock
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When planning your next holiday, you might feel an instinctual pull toward destinations that would take you across oceans, like Tokyo or Paris, but there are experiences closer to home that will have you thinking twice before booking a trip abroad ever again.

If you're craving a burst of adrenaline, why not reserve a spot in Michigan's famed Saugatuck Dune Rides? The activity's charmingly dated website is a great indication of its word-of-mouth notoriety and timeless appeal. Over in Arizona, you might be surprised to find that it's not just the Grand Canyon that tempts travelers to its desert landscape—it's also one-of-a-kind venues like the Musical Instrument Museum, where music enthusiasts can find over 7,500 instruments from 200 countries around the world.

Indeed, even if you've lived in Missouri your whole life, you might be surprised by just how many top-rated things you've yet to cross off your list. From architectural wonders and picturesque views to historical museums and other must-see sights, you'll find your appreciation for Missouri reignited just by reading through this list of top-rated things to do.

Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated things to do in Missouri using data from Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor ranks places using a combination of metrics, including overall rating, reviews, and number of page views. As a result, an activity with a 5 out of 5 overall rating might rank lower than one with a 4 out of 5. Data is as of Aug. 15, 2025.

Whether you're a family of five traveling in a recreational vehicle or a duo of friends looking for a quick getaway in Missouri, read on for a list of sights you could easily plan a trip around.

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#28. College of the Ozarks

Tripadvisor

3 / 30

#28. College of the Ozarks

- Rating: 4.9/5 (3,179 reviews)
- City: Point Lookout
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#27. Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium

Tripadvisor

4 / 30

#27. Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium

- Rating: 4.7/5 (1,394 reviews)
- City: Springfield Missou
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#22. Museum Of Illusions St. Louis

Tripadvisor

9 / 30

#22. Museum Of Illusions St. Louis

- Rating: 4.9/5 (393 reviews)
- City: Saint Louis
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#18. Stark Caverns

Tripadvisor

13 / 30

#18. Stark Caverns

- Rating: 4.9/5 (394 reviews)
- City: Eldon Lake of the Ozarks
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#17. Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Tripadvisor

14 / 30

#17. Ha Ha Tonka State Park

- Rating: 4.8/5 (868 reviews)
- City: Camdenton Lake of the Ozarks
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#15. Arabia Steamboat Museum

Tripadvisor

16 / 30

#15. Arabia Steamboat Museum

- Rating: 4.7/5 (2,269 reviews)
- City: not available
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#14. Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

Tripadvisor

17 / 30

#14. Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

- Rating: 4.9/5 (3,139 reviews)
- City: Saint Louis
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#12. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Tripadvisor

19 / 30

#12. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

- Rating: 4.8/5 (3,363 reviews)
- City: not available
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#9. Missouri Botanical Garden

Tripadvisor

22 / 30

#9. Missouri Botanical Garden

- Rating: 4.8/5 (4,529 reviews)
- City: Saint Louis
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#5. National WWI Museum and Memorial

Tripadvisor

26 / 30

#5. National WWI Museum and Memorial

- Rating: 4.8/5 (5,709 reviews)
- City: not available
- Read more on Tripadvisor

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