Visit Missouri

The Show-Me State — world-class barbecue, the birthplace of Kansas City jazz, two great river cities, and a friendly Midwestern welcome.

In short: Missouri's two headline cities are Kansas City (barbecue, jazz, and a 2026 World Cup host) and St. Louis (the Gateway Arch). Visit in spring or fall for the best weather. Summers are hot and humid; winters are cold. A car is the practical way to get around the state.

Cities to visit

Kansas City

BBQ, jazz, fountains — and 2026 World Cup matches.

St. Louis

The Gateway Arch & more. Guide coming soon.

Branson

Ozarks entertainment town. Coming soon.

When to visit Missouri

Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are ideal: comfortable temperatures and lively festival seasons. Summers are hot and humid, and winters are cold with occasional snow. Check the Best Time to Visit tool →

Getting around the state

Fly into Kansas City (MCI) or St. Louis (STL). The two cities are about a 3.5-to-4-hour drive apart across the state on I-70. Public transit covers the city cores, but a rental car is the practical choice for a wider trip.

What Missouri is known for

Barbecue: Kansas City is one of the great BBQ capitals of America.
Jazz: the 18th & Vine district in KC is a birthplace of the genre.
The Gateway Arch: St. Louis's soaring monument to westward expansion.
Rivers & the Ozarks: the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, plus lakes and hills to the south.

Frequently asked questions

What's the best city to visit in Missouri?

Kansas City for barbecue, jazz, and (in 2026) World Cup soccer; St. Louis for the Gateway Arch and riverfront history. Many travelers pick one as a base.

When is the best time to visit Missouri?

Spring and fall. Avoid the hot, humid peak of summer and the cold of midwinter if you can.