Often called the “Showcase State,” Missouri combines Midwestern charm, beautiful scenery, and rich history. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or considering moving to Missouri, you may be wondering: What’s unique about Missouri?
From iconic landmarks to beloved cuisine and diverse attractions, there’s so much to explore in Missouri. Read on to learn what makes living in Missouri so appealing, whether you’re buying a home in St. Louis, renting in Kansas City, or just passing through.
Thriving economy and job opportunities
Missouri has a strong and diverse economy, with major industries including agriculture, manufacturing and health care. The state is a major producer of soybeans, corn and beef cattle, contributing significantly to the nation’s food supply. Manufacturing also plays a vital role, with Missouri known for its production of automobiles, aerospace parts and beer.
Major cities such as St. Louis and Kansas City are economic hubs and offer numerous employment opportunities in various fields. The state’s central location and extensive transport network make it a prime location for logistics and distribution.
Top Five Employers in Missouri
- Walmart
- BJC Healthcare
- boeing company
- Washington University in St. Louis
- senna co.
Must-visit tourist attractions
Missouri is home to many attractions, from natural wonders to historic sites and vibrant cultural venues.
- St. Louis Gateway Arch: This iconic monument is the tallest arch in the world and offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and the city.
- Branson: Known as the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World,” Branson is home to a variety of theaters, theme parks, and outdoor activities.
- Lake of the Ozarks: This large reservoir is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and recreation, offering numerous recreational opportunities.
- Branson Silver Dollar City: This famous 19th century themed theme park offers thrilling rides and live entertainment.
- Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, Hannibal: Explore the famous author’s early life in his hometown.
Interesting facts: The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum includes the legendary stucco fence that inspired the famous scene in “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.”
Delicious food all over the state
Missouri’s culinary scene reflects its diverse cultural influences and rich agriculture. From mouth-watering barbecue to famous local dishes, Missouri offers an array of delightful culinary experiences.
- Kansas City BBQ: Known for its slow-cooked meats and rich sauces, Kansas City is a must-visit for barbecue lovers.
- Grilled Dumplings: These breaded, fried pasta pockets are a St. Louis specialty and a favorite among locals.
- Fluffy butter cake: This rich, sweet cake is a beloved dessert that originated in St. Louis.
- fried chicken: Missouri has a reputation for cooking this classic dish, especially in the town of Sikeston.
- Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken: Springfield creates unique fusion dishes that combine Chinese and American culinary traditions.
Five famous restaurants in Missouri
Rich cultural entertainment
Missouri’s cultural landscape is vibrant and diverse, reflecting its rich history and diverse influences. The state is known for its contribution to music, especially blues and jazz, and its thriving theater and arts communities.
- Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra: One of America’s oldest symphony orchestras, delivering world-class performances.
- Kansas City Jazz District: Discover the roots of jazz in this historic area, home to many clubs and the American Jazz Museum.
- Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City: Famous for its rich collection and iconic shuttlecock sculptures.
- Missouri Historical Museum, St. Louis: Explore the state’s rich history through engaging exhibits and events.
- Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis: One of the oldest botanical institutions in the United States, with beautiful gardens and greenhouses.
Five great places to catch a show in Missouri
- Fabulous Fox Theater Located in St. Louis
- Starlight Theater in kansas city
- Mooney Located in St. Louis, America’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theater
- gilioz theater in springfield
- blue room Located in Kansas City, known for its live jazz performances
Interesting facts: St. Louis hosted the 1904 World’s Fair, which introduced the American public to many foods and innovations, including ice cream cones and Dr. Pepper.
First class higher education
Missouri is home to several prestigious universities, known for their academic excellence and research contributions. From public institutions to private universities, Missouri offers a wide range of educational opportunities.
Here are six of the top colleges in Missouri:
- Washington University in St. Louis
- University of Missouri (Missouri)
- saint louis university
- Missouri S&T
- Truman State University
- Drury University
amazing natural resources
Missouri’s natural beauty is diverse and captivating, with rolling hills, mighty rivers and picturesque lakes. The state’s parks and outdoor spaces offer countless opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Five Great State Parks in Missouri
- Haha Tonka State Park: It is famous for its European-style castle ruins and stunning karst terrain.
- Elephant Rock State Park: Famous for its massive granite boulders shaped like circus elephants.
- Melamec State Park: Enjoy views of the Meramec River and numerous caves to explore.
- Table Rock State Park: Located near Branson, it’s great for boating, fishing, and hiking.
- Roaring River State Park: This is a great place to fish for trout and enjoy the beautiful Ozark scenery.
did you know? The Missouri River is the longest river in North America, stretching more than 2,300 miles from Montana to Missouri, where it joins the Mississippi River.
Become a sports paradise
Missouri’s love for sports is reflected in its passionate fan base and successful professional teams. The state offers a wide range of sporting events and activities for all types of sports enthusiasts.
professional sports team
- St. Louis Cardinals(MLB)
- Kansas City Chiefs (NFL)
- St. Louis Blues (NHL)
- Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
- Kansas City Royals(MLB)
Interesting facts: The Kansas City Chiefs won their first Super Bowl in 1970 and most recently in 2020, cementing their place in NFL history.
Popular Missouri Phrases
- “Display status” – reflects the generally skeptical and pragmatic nature of Missourians.
- “Mizzo” – Common abbreviation for the University of Missouri, known for its athletic and academic programs.
- “Lu” – Nickname for St. Louis.
- “America’s Crossroads” – Refers to Missouri’s central location and its role as a major transportation hub.
- “Meet me in St. Louis” – a famous phrase from the iconic 1944 musical film that reflects the city’s cultural heritage.
- “KC BBQ” – refers to a unique style of barbecue from Kansas City known for its rich flavors and diverse meats.
- “Lake of the Ozarks” – a well-known phrase in the popular vacation destination of central Missouri.
More things Missouri is famous for
- health care: Missouri is home to several leading medical institutions, including Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis and St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City.
- Cave status: There are more than 6,000 caves in Missouri, many of which are open to the public, such as Meramec Caverns and Mark Twain Cave.
- Mark Twain’s Legacy: Famed author Samuel Clemens, also known as Mark Twain, was from Missouri and his works often reflected the state’s culture and landscape.
- Wine Country: Missouri’s wine industry is booming, with areas like Hermann and Augusta becoming famous for their vineyards and wine production.
- Craft breweries: Missouri is a hub for craft beer lovers, with a growing number of breweries and a rich brewing history, especially in St. Louis.
