10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Missouri That You Shouldn't Miss

The Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Saint Louis, the superstructure of the Cathedral was built between 1907 and 1914. The Cathedral's 100th Anniversary is being celebrated in 2014. It is known for its' beautiful interior mosaics, which took nearly 80 years to create using more than 41 million pieces of glass tesserae. The Cathedral is known for having one of the largest mosaic collections in the Western Hemisphere.

Imposing architecture and breathtaking scenery combine to make Ha Ha Tonka State Park one of Missouri’s most treasured spots. Located on the Lake of the Ozarks, the park features the stone ruins of a turn-of-the-20th-century castle built by a prominent Kansas City businessman high atop a bluff. More than 15 miles of trails traverse the park, leading visitors to sinkholes, natural bridges, caves and down to the lake.

Scenic spring and picturesque mill dating to 1894.

Rockcliffe Mansion is an amazing Thirteen Thousand Five Hundred SF, Thirty room, Grand Residence built to overlook the Mighty Mississippi between 1898 and 1900 by Lumber Baron John J Cruikshank, Jr. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Most of the original antique furnishings and fixtures are preserved. The Mansion is filled with rich Mahogany, Oak and Walnut appointments, magnificent Palladian windows and the finest interior decorations from Europe and America. Guided Tours are available daily. In addition to Guided Tours, the Mansion offers 4 Bed & Breakfast accommodations. Open March 15th through November 15th. Please visit our Website for Tour hours and further information.

Family-owned and operated since 1978, the Pirtle Winery produces superior, quality wines with a great deal of character and individuality. Our winery is a popular destination for visitors to historic Weston, Missouri and provides a unique escape from everyday distractions. Drop by for a tasting and following your tasting enjoy one of your selections on our new deck, vine covered wine garden, or in The Cellar.

The 112-acre Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park contains a number of garden attractions including the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden and Dr. Roston Native Butterfly House; the historic Gray-Campbell Farmstead; picnic pavilions; access to the South Creek Greenway. The park is open sunrise to sunset. The Botanical Center/ welcome center is open Monday-Saturday 8 am - 8 pm and Sunday 11 am - 6pm April - October. The building closes at 5 pm November - March. The majority of the park is free.

Ozark Distillery is a small family owned and operated craft distillery offering hand crafted spirits. We produce Corn Whiskey Moonshine, Bourbon Whiskey, Premium Vodka, Apple Pie Moonshine, Blackberry Moonshine, Vanilla Bean Moonshine and Butterscotch Moonshine. We offer tastings Tuesday thru Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday. Tours on Saturdays. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. Tour fee is $10 per person for anyone over 12 yrs old. Kids under 12 are free. Ozark Brewery is our newest addition. Craft brewed beers on tap including our bourbon barrel stout. Several varieties of craft brew to sample. We also offer Pizza and cocktails.

We are proud to present the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, built by Johnny Morris, to share the rich history of the Ozarks and the animals and people who came before us. Featured items in the museum include a woolly mammoth, a saber toothed cat, giant ground sloth skeletons and prehistoric cave bears. Through artifacts, images, text and video you’ll learn about the Ozarks and the people and animals that lived here over 12,000 years ago up through the Civil War era. Nowhere else can outdoor enthusiasts, families and history buffs experience, in chronological order, the history of the Ozarks documented so thoroughly.