Taylor Swift put Kansas City on the map — but there's more to Missouri

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Ahowever kansas city It’s had so much to offer UK travelers over the decades – whether it’s world-class BBQ, exclusive jazz clubs or craft breweries – it’s hard to deny that when a special spotlight was shone on the city Taylor Swift spend time together travis kels,

NFL fans may roll their eyes at the fact that Taylor had to cheer on her boyfriend from the sidelines so many of us would sit up and take notice of his take home. kansas city chief. After all, this is the team that won the Super Bowl in 2020, 2023, and 2024. Additionally, Kansas City will host six matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup; Kansas City is home to the Royals baseball team; and boasts the first stadium built specifically for a professional women’s football team. In many ways this city is a sports lover’s dream.

But beyond the city limits, missouri Is ripe for exploration. In this situation you can watch live blues performance St. LouisTrace the origins of Route 66 in Springfield, immerse yourself in the weird and wonderful in Pulaski County, and get lost in the independent bookstores, record shops and galleries of Columbia.

Or if you’re interested in the great outdoors, head to Brandon, put on your hiking boots and hike the Ozark Trail; While Table Rock Lake and Lake of the Ozarks offer kayaking, fishing, sailing, and lakeside lounging.

So although we would never say you should skip Kansas City, we would suggest continuing your Missouri adventure to see what else the state has to offer.

Kansas City offers BBQ, jazz, breweries, museums and – of course – sports ,Getty/iStock,

St. Louis

As Missouri’s second largest city, St. Louis has a lot to offer in terms of food, culture, and local history. It’s so well connected, British Airways has announced a new route direct from London Heathrow this month. When entering the city it is difficult to miss the massive stainless steel Gateway Arch rising from the Mississippi River, which was built to mark St. Louis’ status as “Gateway to America’s West.” There is a small museum at the base where you can learn about the 192-meter structure and the history of the city, and tourists can also take a tram to the top to enjoy panoramic views of the city and the river below.

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Like Kansas City, St. Louis also takes its BBQ seriously, and there are plenty of breweries there too – Anheuser-Busch is a popular choice with its Budweiser Brewery experience and the chance to meet the famous Clydesdale horses. But it’s blues music where the city really comes into its own, and you can’t visit St. Louis without seeing a live performance. BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soup; Evangeline (hold weekend jazz brunches); 1860 Salon; and the Venice Café are some of the places worth visiting, while the National Blues Museum takes you on a journey through the history of the genre.

The Gateway Arch dominates the skyline in St. Louis ,Getty/iStock,

branson

Branson is known as the gateway to Missouri’s Ozarks, but there is so much more to discover in this city. It’s known for live entertainment: rather incredibly its 50 theaters hold more seats than New York’s Broadway, ranging from musicals and comedy to magic and children’s performances.

Just outside of town, families and thrill-seekers will enjoy Silver Dollar City, a retro theme park set in an 1880s mining town. There are also white-knuckle coasters such as Outlaw Run and Time Traveller. family friendly ridesStunt shows, fireworks and drone displays, and plenty of places to eat with home-style cooking and sweet dishes.

Branson is the ideal location to access the Ozark Trail, which runs 430 miles from southern Missouri to northern Arkansas, through rolling hills, winding caves and beautiful waterfalls. Dedicated hikers can go on multi-day adventures, but there are also many shorter routes that can be enjoyed in a day or even an afternoon. A short distance from Branson you’ll find Table Rock Lake, known for watersports and sailing, with beautiful views. Big Cedar LodgeDescribed as “rustic luxury”, the lodge features private cottages and cabins, as well as six golf courses, glamping, a wide range of bars and restaurants, history tours, a spa and a nature area for concerts. back in town, Ozark Lodge A fun place to stay, with a retro feel, surrounded by Ozark Mountain views, but close to the center of Branson.

Table Rock Lake in Branson is known for watersports and lakeside lounging ,Missouri Tourism Division,

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springfield

As America’s most famous street approaches 100 years of age, there are few better places to mark the occasion than Springfield. Known as the “Birthplace of Route 66” (because Springfield is where the route’s name was decided in April 1926), the city will celebrate the historic birthday with a centennial kickoff event on April 30 in 2026. It will include a concert, car show, parade, and a “First Friday Artwalk”, followed by an ArtFest and a Telegraph Ball throughout the weekend. To learn about Springfield’s proud connection with Route 66, visitors can stop by the History Museum on the Square (or simply ask any local in town).

four star Hotel Vandivort Great place to stay in the central part of the city, and there’s also a Moxy Hotel It has recently opened and is reasonably priced, but it is actually best Western This is a unique residence in Springfield. it budget hotel There are themed rooms (see the Elvis Suite) that celebrate the history of Route 66.

Like many places on Route 66, Springfield has no shortage of quirky and quirky attractions. Just 15 minutes from downtown you’ll find Lambert’s, a classical Southern restaurant where the staff inexplicably throws bread rolls at you. Then there’s the world’s largest fork (in terms of mass not length – the latter accolade goes to a giant pot in Oregon), and about 25 minutes from downtown you’ll find Gary’s Gay Parita Gas Station at Paris Junction, which doesn’t actually sell gasoline but is a wonderful piece of Americana.

The Rail Haven Hotel in Springfield Missouri is possibly the world's most unique Best Western, with themed rooms — The Rail Haven Hotel in Springfield Missouri is possibly the world’s most unique Best Western, with themed rooms ,Courtesy of Visit Springfield, Missouri,

Colombia

This artsy college town located between Kansas City and St. Louis has a more casual feel than its larger neighbors. In Colombia, you’ll find local galleries, independent bookstores, all-night dining, quirky coffee shops, and pottery studios. The city is centered around the University of Missouri (which you’ll hear referred to as Mizzou) and has a strong focus on arts and creativity. Several exhibitions a year are held at the Columbia Art League, a gallery that supports local and national artists, and also offers art classes for both adults and children.

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Visitors can catch shows at the Ragtag Cinema, which is dedicated to championing independent films, or stop at Talking Horse Productions, a community-supported, non-profit theater company in the North Village Arts District that focuses on intimate, character-driven theater rather than elaborate shows. Colombia is also a perfect place to get on the stage itself, with various open mic sessions held throughout the city, allowing aficionados to do everything from comedy and slam poetry to jazz jams and acoustic sessions. Fretboard Coffee is a favorite among artists, while Eastside Tavern and Café Berlin are other popular spots.

The college town of Columbia is located midway between St. Louis and Kansas City. ,Getty/iStock,

American genius path

Although Route 66 is the road most often associated with Missouri Less famous but equally fascinating journey Can be found on Highway 36 which passes through the north of the state. The American Genius Trail is a little less than 200 miles long and takes about four hours to drive, but it’s worth spreading your trip over a few days as there is so much to see on this stretch from St. Joseph to Hannibal.

This path associates “talent” with characteristics and innovations that have demonstrated creativity, ingenuity, and foresight. Perhaps the most famous is the Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marcelin, where visitors can learn about the early life of the world-famous animator, who came to the town when he was a little boy. Other popular stops include the Pony Express National Museum, the Home of Sliced Bread Welcome Center, the Glorie Psychiatric Museum, and the Museum of Osteopathic Medicine.

Hannibal – which is where you’ll start or end the drive, depending on which direction you choose – is the town where Mark Twain spent much of his childhood, and it inspired several of his books, including adventures of tom sawyer And adventures of huckleberry finnIt is now home to the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, where visitors can explore the life and works of the author.

The Way of American Genius is home to many fun and quirky cities ,visit missouri,

how to get there

British Airways will operate four times a week direct flights from London to St Louis, Missouri from April 2026, with return fares starting from £529.

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