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Travel Missouri: An Overview
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway with your family or long vacation to relax and enjoy your life for a well-deserving rest, the state of Missouri is one of the best locations to visit. Also known as the Show Me state, Missouri literally has lots to show (though the “Show Me” tag has other story).
Named after the Missouri Siouan Indian tribe which means “canoe”, the state of Missouri is located in the Midwest part of the United States. It is surrounded by several states including the state of Iowa at the north, Illinois and a portion of Kentucky at the east, Tennessee at the southeast, Arkansas at the south, Oklahoma at the southwest, Kansas at the west, and the state of Nebraska at the northwest. Missouri covers 180,693 km² (21st in the nation) of territory, 98% of which is land. Jefferson City is its capital and Kansas City as the largest. Missouri has an estimated population of 5,754,618 in 2004 which is divided in several races. Majority of the state is composed of White (84.9% in 2000). The rest of the population is divided into Black, Asian, and Native Americans, mixed races, Hispanics and others. White is subdivided into five major ancestries: German (23.5%), Irish (12.7%), American (10.5%), English (9.5%), and French (3.5%). Christians dominate majority of the people. In August 10, 1821, Missouri was the 24th state to be admitted in the Union.
With diverse people, Missouri offers a diverse attraction across the state. Culturally inclined people who want to discover the Missouri’s culture can take a stop at the Governor’s mansion. The 134-year-old Mansion is located at the Jefferson City which features antique structure that says what you need to know about Missouri’s past.
Adventure seekers are complimented with several nature sites across Missouri. Missouri river offers a wide array of opportunities from fishing, boating, kayaking, and canoeing. Encounter one of the most beautiful sceneries in the country Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Missouri which is often called the “cave state” offers more than 5,500 caves. With 114 Missouri counties, 78 have caves for adventurers to explore. Several caves offer underground scene showcasing the majesty of the underworld. Table Rock, Taneycomo and Lake of the Ozarks are some of the Missouri lakes that offer different activities ranging from motor boating, jet- and water-skiing, sailing, houseboating, swimming, parasailing and scuba diving. They are also surrounded by several popular tourist areas that offer numerous attractions, such as amusement parks, music shows and several shopping and dining areas.
An escape to the world and an entry to paradise can be offered by the Missouri Bull Shoals Lake. The lake showcases a stunning view of nature enjoying the silence of the world with a breeze of clean air without traveling far from the metro. Katy Trail State Park, one of the most popular parks in Missouri offers hiking and biking trails. The Ozark Trail with 300 miles of trail stretching from St. Louis through southeast Missouri to the Arkansas border is a great place for hiking and biking adventurers.
Night life and night light are offered by the state’s cities. Jefferson, Kansas, and St. Louis entertains the people with an overnight filled of shopping, dining, music and life.
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