Kansas City from the Missouri River

Kansas City, Branson, Springfield and Western Missouri - Whether a Road Trip, Vacation or Business, stop and let the Show-Me State show you some fun. Always convenient, a flight into Kansas City International Airport gets travelers off right. Regardless of your arrival time, the Kansas City Power & Light District is hopping with fun and entertainment. The new Sprint Center in downtown Kansas City is sure to have an event, and if you are on business, the downtown Kansas City Convention Center is close to both. Kansas City is Missouri’s largest city, but it is only the beginning of what the state's western region has to offer.

Branson, well known for its live shows and entertainment, is always a big draw. Just 40 minutes south of Springfield in the Ozark Mountains, Branson is the gem of southwest Missouri. The Smoky Mountain Palace Theater is hosting the New Shanghai Circus, Always Patsy Cline is on stage at God and Country Theatre, the Grand Jubilee is showing at Grand Country Music Hall - and the list of wonderful entertainment and shows goes on.

In summer, cool off at White Water, Branson’s premier water park, or Silver Dollar City, Branson’s theme park - it is open almost all year. Bring the family to Branson – there is a good time for all. No need to return to downtown Branson when you visit Silver Dollar City, you can stay next door at the Best Western hotel. Conveniently located for those booking a Branson hotel or Branson West hotel, Best Western offers a shuttle to the park and is only five miles from all the excitement of Branson.

North of Branson on Highway 65 is Springfield, Missouri’s third largest city. A wonderful mix of big city and small town heart, Springfield is home to Missouri State University and headquarters of outdoor retailer, Bass Pro Shops. The weather varies by season, but it is a constant 60 degrees at Fantastic Caverns. Located north of Springfield on Farm Road, this is the only ride-through cave in America, plus it's a comfortable and easy adventure. Families visiting Springfield enjoy the Discover Center located on St Louis Street – a fun interactive museum of learning, and also a great location for a business event.

For small town fun and American traditions head north of Kansas City. Saint Joseph, west of Interstate 29, was the eastern home of the Pony Express, which is celebrated in St Joseph’s Pony Express Museum. Cameron, east on Highway 36 at the intersection with Interstate 35, celebrates summer with the Cameron Rodeo Roundup, Cameron Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament and Crossroads BBQ Cook-Off. Cameron is also home to the Western Missouri Correctional Center and Crossroads Correctional Center. Brookfield, further east calls itself ”A Great Place to land!”. Brookfield is near General John J Pershing State Park and hosts the nationally known Pershing Balloon Derby on Labor Day.

Gateway Arch - St. Louis, Missouri

Saint Louis, the Gateway City to Missouri and Missouri’s Eastern region. The iconic Gateway Arch welcomes visitors to St Louis Riverfront Park and the city. Stop at the park for a tram ride up 630 feet to the top of the arch or a visit to the Museum of Westward Expansion. For spectacular sightseeing, take a Mississippi Riverboat cruise aboard the Tom Sawyer or Becky Thatcher. Head to 12th and Lynch Street for a look at the Budweiser Clydesdale horses and stable. See them at Anheuser-Busch and the St Louis Budweiser Tour Center. This is only the beginning of St Louis and Eastern Missouri attractions and fun.

Sports fans visiting St Louis in spring and summer, don’t miss an MLB Cardinals game at Busch Stadium, or in fall and winter see the NHL St Louis Blues on the ice at Scottrade Center. The STL Symphony is a treat for Music fans, don’t miss a show at their home at Powell Hall. Itzak Perlman plays the Gala Concert in October; visit Powell Hall during the holidays for Gospel Christmas, Michael W Smith’s Christmas or the Symphony Holiday Celebration; and Conductor David Robinson hosts the 2011 New Years Eve Symphony Celebration.

Jefferson City, in the heart of Missouri, is the state capital. The capital building dominates Jefferson City’s skyline, located on a bluff on the Missouri River’s southern banks. History buffs enjoy Jefferson City’s museums and historic sites - The Missouri State Museum, the Missouri Vietnam Memorial and the Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial are located at the state capital for starters. The Cole County Historical Museum is located on Madison Street along with the Governor’s Mansion, which is open for public tours. The Missouri State Penitentiary was decommissioned in 2004 and is now open for tours – a rare opportunity to see the inside workings of a prison.

Active visitors find Katy Trail State Park inviting. Built on the former rail bed, the miles of trail are ideal for biking, hiking, walking or running. The Katy Trailhead Plaza is at Capitol Avenue and Jefferson Street and is home of the Lewis and Clark Monument. Jefferson City also offers five public golf courses including Turkey Creek, Railwood Golf Club or Oak Hills Golf Center at Hough Park. Binder Park is the largest park in the region and features Binder Lake – an excellent location for outdoor recreation and activities.

Rolla and Saint Robert south of Jefferson City are gateways to Mark Twain National Forest and the Missouri Ozarks. Located off Interstate 44, Rolla and Saint Robert are convenient for travelers to Fort Leonard Wood and Missouri University of Science and Technology. Be sure to enjoy the small town American hospitality of Rolla and Saint Robert at Ozark Actor’s Theatre, Rolla's Phelps County Fair or Pulaski County Fair.