The 10 Best Historical & Heritage Tours in Missouri, United States

January 16, 2022 Sheron Bogner

From the riverboat casinos, breweries and historical neighborhoods in St. Louis and fabulous fountains and barbeque in Kansas City to the “Live Music Show Capital of the World, Branson, to the awesome outdoor lifestyle in the Lake of the Ozarks region, the state offers visitors a seemingly endless line-up of unique vacation experiences. You’re never far from a state park or historic site as there are 85 of them throughout the state. There are 840 miles of trail for hikers, backpackers, bicycle riders, off-road vehicle users and horseback riders. Some of the state’s top attractions include the Gateway Arch and St. Louis Zoo in St. Louis, Cameron Cave in Hannibal, and the American Jazz Museum and Worlds of Fun amusement park in Kansas City. Wine lovers will be pleased to know there are 96 wineries in the state where you can sample wines and take tours. For golfers, the picturesque Lake Ozark region offers play on gems like the Tan-Tar-A Resort Oaks Course and Old Kinderhook. Why not introduce your children to the real world of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn? Visit Hannibal, where your kids can immerse themselves in the world of Mark Twain with a tour of the author’s home, a cruise on the Mississippi River, an exploration excursion of the caves in his books and visits to various historic homes. Other great family-oriented activities throughout the state include hiking the Ozark Trail, splashing at a water park in Branson and visiting the Harry S. Truman home and presidential library in Independence.
Restaurants in Missouri

1. Crossroads Art District & Westside Urban Hike- Morning

National WWI Museum and Memorial, 2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA Urban Hikes Kansas City
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5.0 based on 12 reviews

This early morning 5 mile adventure starts with an amazing overlook at Liberty Memorial, then trekking down the hill past Union Station. We’ll stop at a local Mexican shop for refreshing fruit juice as we explore the architecturally and culturally diverse neighborhood of the Westside. We learn about the historical West Bottoms, as well as the Pendergast era in addition to experiencing alleyways lined with street art. This hike is full of Instagramable spots and hidden Kansas City gems. This won’t be a leisurely stroll in flip flops, as we go up steep hills and staircases and sometimes walk in direct sun. You'll need good walking or running shoes and your water bottle! We also offer tours in Spanish! ¡También ofrecemos el recorrido completamente en español!

Inclusions: We always make a stop at a local place to get a drink or snack. Please bring a little spending money for that.

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Reviewed By amberg462

My family and I are moving away from KC. As my going away party, a group of friends and I went with Lisa on a hike of Strawberry Hill in KCK. This is the second hike I've been on with her. I can't say enough about them. They are so fun. So informative. We were able to go down to Kaw Point which was so cool. Amazing views, amazing weather and such a bittersweet send off for me!

2. St.Louis True Crime Stories Tour

International Tap House, Soulard, 1711 S 9th St, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA Missouri Tour Company
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Unsolved murders, bootleggers and colorful characters. Learn about the seedy side of St. Louis & Soulard with our expert local guide during this history tour. St. Louis is known as a welcoming, friendly city, but there's always been a tougher side to the town. This exclusive tour takes you past buildings that share local stories about notorious crimes and famous bank robbers. Join our friendly knowledgeable host to uncover the criminal side of town in this lively one-hour tour.

Inclusions: Historic photos

Exclusions: Gratuity for your Host

Reviewed By karennG2179TP

Tim was very flexible with the group. We were going to do a step on tour and switched to a combination of walking and going on the motorcoach. I had one parent who said she lived in St. Louis previously for over 10 years and was not aware of all the history that Tim shared on our tour.

3. Discover Branson History and Scenic Beauty Tour

3027 State Hwy 76, Branson, MO 65616, USA VIP Tours of Branson
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5.0 based on 42 reviews

Discover Branson and see the sights, hear the history, and laugh as you ride around in our luxury, Mercedes Benz Sprinter Bus. You and and as many as 13 other guests will visit important sites in the area like Table Rock Dam and the College of the Ozarks. Your professional guide is also the driver, filling you in on the history and humorous anecdotes of the area, We sincerely believe that every visitor to Branson should start their visit with this enlightening and entertaining tour.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Local taxes, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Gratuities (10% to 15% is recommended., Food and drinks available for purchase, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By SJS1500

We went on the Discover Branson tour again on April 16, 2021 and had a great time. Michael was our tour guide and did an excellent job. We learned a lot even though we’ve been to Branson many times.

4. Shared 1 Hour and 30 Minutes Lemp Haunted Neighborhood Walking Tour

1820 Cherokee St, St. Louis, MO 63118, USA St. Louis Paranormal Research Society
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4.9 based on 36 reviews

Join the St. Louis Paranormal Research Society and take a walk through one of "America's Most Haunted Neighborhoods." Join Dr. Mark Farley, an actual paranormal investigator, as he shares the lesser-known history of the Lemp Mansion and Brewery. ​Our tour includes: >You will learn the haunted history of the cursed Lemp Family. >You will hear the history of the forgotten Marion Hospital and its connection to the Lemp Mansion's most famous ghost. >You will also visit 3 of the Lemp Brewery's most haunted and creepiest basements and learn of the horrific events that happened within its dark and secluded spaces. Tours depart on time. As a courtesy to our other guests, we will not delay the start of the tour. We suggest you arrive 15 minutes before start time.

Inclusions: Walking tour

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages

Reviewed By Mackenzie S

My boyfriend and I took the haunted lempe neighborhood walking tour while in town visiting for the weekend of 10/25. I have done others so I expected it to be fun but It exceeded our expectations. The male tour guide was funny and had interesting stories as well as additional commentary outside of the stories of lempe neighborhood. Well worth the money. There is quite a secret history in St. Louis and I definitely recommend adding this tour to your list of things to do while visiting. Going inside the Lempe Brewery was very cool. There were children on our tour as well so it is family friendly. Super fun!!

5. Lafayette Square Walking History Tour

1919 Park Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA Missouri Tour Company
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4.7 based on 3 reviews

Travel through time with our expert local guide and discover the rich history of Lafayette Square. The neighborhood is one of the oldest and most beautiful in St. Louis which was one of the most fashionable places to live. It surrounds Lafayette Park, which is the city's oldest public park Your friendly knowledgeable host with share the local stories of this gem of the Midwest while highlighting the stories and secrets that this noteworthy district has to offer. ​ Learn the history about the vibrant past of this area of St. Louis Experience personal service by our local professional tour host View historic photos from the past on your mobile device

Inclusions: Access to historic photos

Exclusions: Tips for your guide

Reviewed By karennG2179TP

Tim was very flexible with the group. We were going to do a step on tour and switched to a combination of walking and going on the motorcoach. I had one parent who said she lived in St. Louis previously for over 10 years and was not aware of all the history that Tim shared on our tour.

6. History Tour of Pythian Castle in Springfield Missouri

1451 E Pythian St, Springfield, MO 65802, USA Pythian Castle
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4.5 based on 17 reviews

Discover a classic castle right in the heart of Springfield, built by the Knights of Pythias. A 1-hour guided stroll through the ballroom, dungeon, and tower room complete this experience, all while learning about the history of this 1913 gem.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Local taxes

Exclusions: Transportation to/from attractions

Reviewed By Gravybasket

This escape room has some cool parts. The castle it is in is beautiful and the room itself could have been a really fun experience. However it was vaguely hellish instead. The woman running the deal comes in the room with you, and then proceeds to be the only thing standing between you and having a fun time. She berates you loudly and basically does every puzzle for you, completely defeating the point of an escape room. Your patience and manners will be strained to the breaking point and your eyes will start to bug out of your head, but still there is more to come. If you start to do anything slightly wrong, her strident voice will cut across your mental processes like a rusty saw through hot butter and leave your hands shaking like Bell’s palsy. At the end it was basically us trying to escape from that room as fast and painlessly as possible. Thank goodness it’s over.

7. Downtown Walking History Tour

209 Walnut St, St. Louis, MO 63102, USA Missouri Tour Company
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4.4 based on 7 reviews

Downtown St. Louis is known for the Gateway Arch, an iconic city symbol soaring over the Mississippi shore. Historic buildings surround the St. Louis Gateway Mall greenspace. Your friendly knowledgeable host will share the local stories and secrets of this area; as well as, pointing out some of the best spots today. Get to know St. Louis better, in the Downtown district. Learn the history about the vibrant past of this area of St. Louis Experience personal service by our local professional tour host View historic photos from the past on your mobile device

Inclusions: Access to historic photos

Exclusions: Tips for your guide

Reviewed By pharmwench2006

Had a great time with Tim learning about some of the history overall of St Louis, but also some of the more notorious people and events. The walk was pleasant and unhurried and there were shady spots to stand and listen to the stories. He even had pictures from old newspapers that helped you envision the people and events. Tour was just at/over an hour and moving into summer, definitely bring a hat/ shade and sunscreen. Husband and I had a great time and would recommend to everyone!

8. Downtown Saint Louis Ghost Stories Walking Tour

Morgan Street Brewery, 721 N 2nd St, St. Louis, MO 63102, USA Missouri Tour Company
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3.0 based on 1 reviews

Travel through time with our expert local guide and discover the rich haunted history of the Downtown Riverfront and Laclede's Landing district. This exciting district highlights the best of the past, from the historic streets to the beautiful architecture. Hear the ghost stories of the resident haunts, horrific happenings and paranormal activity from our expert local tour host.

Inclusions: Historic photos on your mobile device, Expert local guide

Exclusions: Gratuities for your Tour Host

Reviewed By karennG2179TP

Tim was very flexible with the group. We were going to do a step on tour and switched to a combination of walking and going on the motorcoach. I had one parent who said she lived in St. Louis previously for over 10 years and was not aware of all the history that Tim shared on our tour.

9. Myths and facts of Rome

Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy Malkov Alexandr
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1.0 based on 1 reviews

It was not in vain that Rome received the title of “Eternal City”: at such a venerable age, both proven historical facts and folklore plots are interesting, sometimes explaining more than chronicles. I will gladly tell you about both, I will become a guide to hidden places and advise delicious taverns. Together we will walk around the famous and not very sights of Rome (there will be surprises during the walk) and look at them from different angles.

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10. Interstate 55: St. Louis, MO to Springfield, IL Driving Audio Tour by VoiceMap

1001 S Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA VoiceMap Saint Louis, Missouri

This self-guided GPS audio tour brings to life the land, the towns, the people, and history to the places and sights you pass as you travel along Interstate 55 from St. Louis, MO to Springfield, IL. It transforms a monotonous ride into an stimulating, enjoyable, and no longer boring journey. A safety note: Always focus on the road, drive safely, and obey all traffic laws. Nothing on this tour requires your immediate or prolonged attention. If something you hear inspires you to explore an attraction further, turn off at the next exit and take local roads to where the attraction is located. Your best view of every attraction is NOT from the Interstate, so do not pull over or slow down because of the tour. The audio plays automatically at the right time and place using your phone's GPS and the VoiceMap app.

Inclusions: Lifetime access to Interstate 55: St. Louis, MO to Springfield, IL tour, VoiceMap Application, Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Exclusions: Smartphone, Transportation, Food/Drink, Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

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