Known as the “Show-Me State,” Missouri combines Midwestern charm, breathtaking scenery, and a rich past. Whether you’ve lived in Missouri your entire life or are thinking about relocating, you may be wondering what makes the state special.

Missouri has a lot to offer visitors, including recognizable landmarks, cherished food, and a variety of attractions. Continue reading to learn why Missouri is such a desirable place to live.

Prosperous economy and employment prospects

Missouri’s economy is strong and varied, with manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture as its main sectors. The state makes a substantial contribution to the country’s food supply as a top producer of corn, soybeans, and beef cattle. Another important factor is manufacturing; Missouri is well-known for producing beer, cars, and aerospace parts.

Important cities like Kansas City and St. Louis are centers of the economy, providing a wide range of employment options. The state is ideally situated for distribution and logistics due to its vast transportation network and central location.

Missouri’s top five employers

Walmart

BJC HealthCare

Boeing

Washington University in St. Louis

Cerner Corporation

Must-see tourist destinations

Natural wonders, historical landmarks, and thriving cultural institutions are just a few of Missouri’s many attractions.

The world’s highest arch, Gateway Arch in St. Louis, is a famous landmark that provides breathtaking views of the city and the Mississippi River.

Often referred to as the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World,” Branson offers a wide range of theme parks, theaters, and outdoor entertainment.

Lake of the Ozarks: This sizable reservoir provides a variety of recreational options and is a well-liked spot for boating, fishing, and unwinding.

Silver Dollar City, Branson: This well-known theme park features live entertainment and exhilarating rides with a 19th-century theme.

Discover Mark Twain’s early years in his hometown at the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal.

The iconic whitewashed fence that served as the backdrop for the well-known scene in “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” is part of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum.

Delightful cuisine all around the state

Missouri’s rich agricultural heritage and varied cultural influences are reflected in its gastronomic scene. Missouri has a delicious variety of culinary experiences, ranging from succulent barbecue to well-known regional cuisine.

Kansas City Barbecue: For those who enjoy barbecue, Kansas City is a must-visit because of its slow-cooked meats and zesty sauces.

Toasted Ravioli: A favorite among the locals, these breaded and fried pasta pockets are a St. Louis delicacy.

A popular treat, gooey butter cake has its origins in St. Louis and is thick and sweet.

Fried chicken is a traditional dish that is famously prepared in Missouri, especially in the town of Sikeston.

Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken: A distinctive blend of American and Chinese cooking techniques made in Springfield.

Five famous restaurants in Missouri

Arthur Bryant’s Barbecue in Kansas City
Pappy’s Smokehouse in St. Louis
Annie Gunn’s in Chesterfield
Lamberts Cafe in Sikeston, famous for its “throwed rolls”
Tony’s in St. Louis

Rich entertainment and culture

Missouri’s rich history and variety of influences are reflected in the state’s lively and varied cultural scene. The state is well-known for its vibrant theater and arts scenes, as well as its contributions to music, especially jazz and blues.

World-class performances are provided by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, one of the oldest orchestras in the United States.

Discover the origins of jazz music in the Kansas City Jazz District, a historic area that is home to the American Jazz Museum and a number of clubs.

Kansas City’s Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is well-known for its vast collection and recognizable shuttlecock sculptures.

Explore the rich history of the state through interesting exhibits and programs at the Missouri History Museum in St. Louis.

One of the oldest botanical institutes in the United States, the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis is home to stunning gardens and conservatories.

Five great places to see a show in Missouri

The Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis
Starlight Theatre in Kansas City
The Muny in St. Louis, America’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theater
Gillioz Theatre in Springfield
Blue Room in Kansas City, known for live jazz performances

The 1904 World’s Fair, held in St. Louis, brought a number of new foods and inventions to the American public, such as Dr. Pepper and ice cream cones.

Excellent postsecondary education

Numerous excellent colleges in Missouri are well-known for their contributions to research and academic excellence. Missouri provides a variety of educational options, ranging from public schools to private universities.

Here are six of the top colleges in Missouri:

Washington University in St. Louis
University of Missouri (Mizzou)
Saint Louis University
Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T)
Truman State University
Drury University

Magnificent natural resources

Missouri’s varied and alluring natural beauty includes expansive rivers, gorgeous lakes, and undulating hills. Numerous chances for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing are available throughout the state’s parks and outdoor areas.

Missouri has five outstanding state parks

Ha Ha Tonka State Park: renowned for its breathtaking karst scenery and the remains of a European-style castle.

Elephant Rocks State Park is well-known for its enormous granite rocks that resemble an elephant train from a circus.

Meramec State Park has many caverns to explore and beautiful views of the Meramec River.

Near Branson, Table Rock State Park is ideal for hiking, boating, and fishing.

A popular location for trout fishing and taking in the stunning Ozark landscape is Roaring River State Park.

With a total length of 2,300 miles from Montana to Missouri, where it merges with the Mississippi River, the Missouri River is the longest river in North America.

Being a sanctuary for sports

Missouri’s fervent fan base and prosperous professional clubs demonstrate the state’s love of sports. For sports fans of all stripes, the state provides a vast array of events and activities.

Professional sports teams

St. Louis Cardinals (MLB)
Kansas City Chiefs (NFL)
St. Louis Blues (NHL)
Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
Kansas City Royals (MLB)

The Kansas City Chiefs cemented their legacy in NFL history by winning their first Super Bowl in 1970 and their most recent in 2020.

kansas city missouri skyline_getty

Popular Missouri phrases

“Show-Me State” – Reflects the skeptical and pragmatic nature often attributed to Missourians.

“Mizzou” – A common abbreviation for the University of Missouri, known for its sports and academic programs.

“The Lou” – A nickname for St. Louis.

“Crossroads of America” – Refers to Missouri’s central location and its role as a major transportation hub.

“Meet me in St. Louis” – Famous phrase from the iconic 1944 musical film, reflecting the city’s cultural heritage.

“KC BBQ” – Refers to the distinctive style of barbecue from Kansas City, known for its rich flavors and variety of meats.

“Lake of the Ozarks” – A well-known phrase for the popular vacation destination in central Missouri.

Other things that Missouri is renowned for

Healthcare: Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City and Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis are two of Missouri’s top medical facilities.

Cave state: Meramec Caverns and Mark Twain Cave are just two of the more than 6,000 caverns in Missouri that are accessible to the general public.

The legacy of Mark Twain: Missouri is the birthplace of renowned novelist Samuel Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain, whose writings frequently capture the culture and scenery of the state.

Wine country: With areas like Hermann and Augusta renowned for their vineyards and wine production, Missouri’s wine industry is thriving.

Craft breweries: With an increasing number of breweries and a long history of brewing, especially in St. Louis, Missouri is a haven for fans of craft beer.

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