Advance MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Advance, Missouri.
1. Bollinger County Veterans Memorial Wall
HONORING LOCAL VETERANS
The Bollinger County Veterans Memorial Wall is a tribute to veterans from the Advance community from any branch and any war. This military memorial features names of local veterans and is updated twice a year. Visitors can pay their respects and learn about the community's military heritage at this meaningful site.
2. Mingo National Wildlife Refuge
NATURAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Mingo National Wildlife Refuge offers a pristine natural environment near Advance, Missouri. The refuge provides habitat for diverse wildlife species and offers recreational opportunities for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, hiking, fishing, and photography throughout the seasons.
3. The Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library
MILITARY PRESS HISTORY
The Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library preserves the history of the military newspaper that has served American armed forces since the Civil War. This educational institution houses archives, exhibits, and memorabilia related to military journalism. Visitors can explore the impact of this important publication on American military history.
4. Fusion Street Ministries
COMMUNITY FAITH CENTER
Fusion Street Ministries serves as a faith-based community center in Advance, Missouri. The ministry offers various programs and services for residents and visitors alike. It has become a gathering place for community events and spiritual activities.
5. Fox Haven Event Center
LOCAL GATHERING SPACE
Fox Haven Event Center is a versatile venue in Advance that hosts various community gatherings and special events. The center provides space for weddings, reunions, meetings, and other social functions throughout the year. It serves as an important community resource for both public and private celebrations.
6. Gateway Arch
ICONIC ST. LOUIS MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch is an iconic 630-foot stainless steel monument that symbolizes St. Louis and America's westward expansion. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top for panoramic views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. The arch is part of Gateway Arch National Park, which includes a museum with six innovative galleries that are free to explore.
7. Missouri Botanical Garden
HISTORIC URBAN OASIS
The Missouri Botanical Garden is a world-renowned 79-acre urban oasis featuring diverse plant collections and beautiful landscapes. Founded in 1859, it is the oldest continuously operating botanical garden in the United States. Visitors can explore numerous themed gardens, including a Japanese garden, Victorian district, and tropical conservatory.
8. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art houses an encyclopedic collection spanning 5,000 years of human creativity. The museum is known for its extensive Asian art collection, European paintings, and modern sculptures including the iconic giant shuttlecocks on its lawn. Visitors can enjoy both permanent collections and rotating special exhibitions in this cultural landmark.
9. Meramec Caverns
HISTORIC UNDERGROUND WONDER
Meramec Caverns is a 4.6-mile cave system formed from the erosion of limestone over millions of years. The caverns are famous for their spectacular mineral formations and for reportedly serving as a hideout for Jesse James and his gang in the 1870s. Guided tours take visitors through illuminated chambers featuring colorful stalactites, stalagmites, and flowing underground streams.
10. Ozark National Scenic Riverways
PRISTINE RIVER PARADISE
Ozark National Scenic Riverways protects 134 miles of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, creating the first national park area to protect a river system. The park features crystal-clear springs, towering bluffs, and lush forests that provide habitat for diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy floating, fishing, hiking, camping, and exploring historic mills and homesteads throughout the park.
11. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
HISTORIC MISSISSIPPI CROSSING
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is a historic mile-long pedestrian bridge spanning the Mississippi River with a distinctive 22-degree bend in the middle. Originally part of Route 66, the bridge now serves as a unique walking and cycling path with spectacular views of the river and St. Louis skyline. The structure is notable for its unique engineering and its role in American transportation history.
12. Gateway Arch Museum
FREE INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE
The Gateway Arch Museum features six innovative galleries that explore the history of westward expansion and the creation of the iconic monument. The museum is free to all visitors and incorporates universal design with interactive elements for all ages. Exhibits cover Native American history, colonial St. Louis, the Lewis and Clark expedition, and the construction of the Gateway Arch itself.
13. Riverboat Cruises
MISSISSIPPI RIVER ADVENTURES
Riverboat Cruises offer scenic journeys along the Mississippi River with panoramic views of the St. Louis skyline and Gateway Arch. Options include sightseeing tours, dinner cruises, and special themed events with live music throughout the year. These authentic riverboat experiences provide a unique perspective on the historic waterway that shaped the development of the region.
14. VR Adventures Theater
HISTORIC VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE
The VR Adventures Theater at Gateway Arch National Park transports visitors to 1850s St. Louis through immersive virtual reality technology. This award-winning attraction allows guests to experience the bustling riverfront era by simply putting on a headset. The virtual journey provides a unique perspective on the city's historical significance as a gateway to the American West.
15. Bollinger Mill State Historic Site
19TH CENTURY INDUSTRIAL HISTORY
Bollinger Mill State Historic Site features a beautifully preserved four-story stone and brick mill built in 1867 alongside Missouri's oldest covered bridge. The mill showcases 19th-century grain-processing technology and offers insights into the economic history of the region. Visitors can tour both structures and enjoy the picturesque setting along Whitewater River in nearby Bollinger County.