Make Missouri Your Spring Break Destination
Missouri’s central location near the middle of the United States makes the Show-Me-State accessible to students from almost any college or university in the nation. Missouri can be reached by major highways, by bus, by plane, and even by train. Major highways include Interstate 70 that runs from east to west across the state, Interstate 55 that travels south from St. Louis to the Bootheel region, Interstate 44 that runs from the southwest corner of the state to St. Louis, and Highway 71 than runs from the northern border to the southern along the Kansas City side of Missouri.
Most spring breaks take place in March or April. Missouri’s weather is capricious – an old folk adage says if you don’t like the weather in Missouri, just wait – it will change. During spring, weather in Missouri can be a balmy 80 degrees or a late short-lived snow may fall on the blooming daffodils!
Missouri offers something for every taste. Students who want to experience urban life during spring break will find that amusements and attractions abound in Missouri’s largest city of St. Louis. The city’s best known attraction, the Gateway Arch, is celebrating its’ 40th anniversary with special events. Tour the Arch from the ground up and ride to the top for a fantastic view over downtown St. Louis and well into Illinois over the waters of the mighty Mississippi River. Students who are over the legal gambling age can wander down to one of several riverfront gambling casinos and try their luck.
The St. Louis Zoo is one of the nation’s most extensive and is free to the public. Local Museums include the Missouri History Museum, the Old Cathedral, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, the Holocaust Museum and Learning Center, and the St. Louis Art Museum.
Laclede’s Landing near the base of the Arch is the site of the city’s original settlement and offers a nine block square area of history, nightclubs, dining, and unique shopping. Walk the cobblestone streets beneath the Eads Bridge and enjoy. Another venue is Union Station, the city’s former train depot transformed into an eclectic shopping, dining, and lodging experience.
Other local attractions include Grant’s Farm, former home site of Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant. Now owned by Anheuser-Busch, Grant’s Farm is home to a mini-zoo, the famed Clydesdale horses, elephants and more. Students may also enjoy a tour of the Anheuser-Busch beer brewery while in town.
St. Louis cuisine ranges from Italian classics in the area around “the Hill”, French cuisine, German favorites, many ethnic varieties, and the classic Crown’s Candy Kitchen, a St. Louis favorite for generations. Crown’s Candy Kitchen serves candy, ice cream, salads, and sandwiches. Diner style restaurants are in still in vogue in St. Louis – some have been in the family for generations.
If St. Louis seems a little too big, head across the state via Interstate 70 to Kansas City. Often called a cow town, Kansas City today is a major metropolitan city with many suburbs and surrounding communities. Barbecue and steaks are the top local cuisine although many ethnic foods can also be found throughout the city. Tempt taste buds with Kansas City style barbecue at old-time famous restaurants like Gates Barbecue or sink your teeth into a Kansas City strip.
Kansas City abounds with history and museums. Some of the more unusual include the Arabia Steamboat Museum where a steam ship that was shipwrecked a century ago is preserved. The Arabia was found in a farmer’s field a few decades ago and relics from the once luxurious steamer can be viewed at the museum. In nearby Independence, the Harry Truman Presidential Library and Truman home draw visitors from around the world.
Kansas City’s history as a jumping off point for frontier explorers and settlers can be discovered at the Kansas City Museum.
Spring break wouldn’t be complete without a tour of the Harley-Davidson Factory in Kansas City or visit the headquarters of greeting card giant Hallmark.
Crown Center, Country Club Plaza, and many major malls offer world class shopping or dining. Look for other areas of interest like the new Zona Rosa, KC’s newest destination or Riverside where gamblers can get into a game at the Argosy, listen to the Northland Symphony Orchestra, or enjoy down home cooking. Parkville and Weston offer old-fashioned flavor on the fringes of modern Kansas City.
The jazz scene is alive and well around 18th and Vine streets. Trace the history of local jazz at the American Jazz Museum and don’t miss the adjacent Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, a proud preservation of early African-American baseball players.
History buffs might want to visit the older city of St. Joseph, north of Kansas City on the banks of the Missouri River. The Pony Express began its’ short lived romantic runs here and the stables where riders set out for Sacramento with the mail can be toured. Nearby, the Pattee House Museum is housed the former World Hotel and includes the Jesse James Home where the famous outlaw was shot to death by a comrade in 1882.
Outdoor enthusiasts might want to take to the Katy Trail for an unforgettable spring break experience. The Katy Trail is the nation’s largest rails-to-trails conversion with 225 miles of former railroad track turned into a hiking/biking trail. The Katy stretches from historic St. Charles to Clinton. Biking and hiking are permitted along the route and one section allows horseback riding as well. The route is just across the river from Missouri’s Rhineland and the German city of Hermann, home to many wineries including Stone Hill Winery and Hermannhof.
Hermann is another spring break destination that students who are at least 21 will enjoy. This European style small city has Old World architecture, wineries, a rich history, and continental charm.
Spring break may be just the time to get your kicks along legendary Route 66, America’s highway. Travel the old route from St. Louis to Joplin. Along the way enjoy Ted Drewes’ Frozen Custard, stop to see Woodhenge on the campus of the University of Missouri at Rolla, visit the Precious Moments Chapel near Carthage, and explore Joplin’s mining history. Students with a taste for barbecue and burgers may want to eat at Jim Bob’s, a local landmark with great barbecue and huge burgers. Another burger favorite in Joplin is Babe’s with old-fashioned burgers, spaghetti red, and much more.
Another spring break destination in Missouri is Branson, the live music capital of the world. Branson’s streets are lined with theaters that headline entertainers from every era and style of music. Branson amusement park Silver Dollar City opens in March and will add ten new family rides in the largest expansion in decades. The small town is packed with other amusements that range from go-kart tracks to a historic train and Ozark history at the Ralph Foster Museum often dubbed the Smithsonian of the Ozarks. There’s even a showboat – the Showboat Branson Belle and much, much more.
Visit the ancient French Settlement of Ste. Genevieve, watch the annual spring snake migration as snakes leave their winter dens at Missouri’s sole remaining swamp, Mingo Swamp, float Missouri’s many rivers, go trout fishing at Roaring River State Park, or visit one of the 6,000 caves that can be found in the Show-Me State.
Other cities like author Samuel Clemens’ (Mark Twain) hometown of Hannibal, actor Brad Pitt’s hometown of Springfield, and state capitol Jefferson City all offer many attractions.
Forget the beach – spend spring break in Missouri where the rivers run and the fun never ends!
