Emma MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Emma, Missouri.
1. Saint Paul's Lutheran Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
Saint Paul's Lutheran Church is a historic religious landmark in Emma with a 4.5 rating from visitors. The church features traditional architecture and serves as a spiritual center for the local community. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and historical significance of this well-preserved building.
2. Central Park
COMMUNITY GREEN SPACE
Central Park is a public recreational area in Emma with a 4.0 visitor rating. The park offers open green spaces for picnics, community gatherings, and outdoor activities for residents and visitors. It serves as the heart of Emma's community life and outdoor recreation.
3. Hasselbring's Harmony Alpaca Ranch
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ALPACA FARM
Hasselbring's Harmony Alpaca Ranch is a highly-rated farm attraction in Emma with a perfect 5.0 visitor rating. Visitors can interact with alpacas and learn about alpaca farming and fiber production. The ranch offers a unique rural experience that appeals to families and animal lovers alike.
4. Black River
CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS
The Black River is a natural attraction near Emma featuring crystal clear waters for swimming and recreation. Visitors can enjoy the unique natural playground formed by prehistoric cooled molten lava formations along the river. The river provides a refreshing escape during warm weather months with opportunities for water activities and exploration.
5. Gateway Arch
ICONIC MISSOURI MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch is Missouri's most iconic monument standing 630 feet tall on the banks of the Mississippi River. This stainless steel architectural marvel symbolizes St. Louis's role as the gateway to the American West. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top for spectacular views of the city and surrounding landscape.
6. Missouri Botanical Garden
HISTORIC BOTANICAL PARADISE
The Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the oldest botanical institutions in the United States, founded in 1859. The 79-acre garden features diverse collections including a Japanese garden, Victorian district, and a climatron tropical rainforest dome. Visitors can explore beautiful seasonal displays and participate in educational programs throughout the year.
7. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art houses an impressive collection spanning 5,000 years of human creativity. The museum is particularly known for its extensive Asian art collection, European paintings, and the outdoor sculpture garden featuring giant shuttlecocks. Admission to the main collections is free, making world-class art accessible to all visitors.
8. Meramec Caverns
UNDERGROUND WONDER WORLD
Meramec Caverns is one of Missouri's most famous cave systems, featuring spectacular formations developed over millions of years. The caverns once served as a hideout for Jesse James and his outlaw gang during the 1870s. Guided tours take visitors through illuminated chambers showcasing colorful stalactites, stalagmites, and a rare underground waterfall.
9. Ozark National Scenic Riverways
NATURAL WATER PLAYGROUND
Ozark National Scenic Riverways was America's first federally protected river system, established to preserve the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. The park features over 300 caves, clear springs, and opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and hiking in a pristine natural setting. Visitors can explore historic mills, homesteads, and unique geological formations throughout the park.
10. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
HISTORIC MISSISSIPPI CROSSING
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is a historic Route 66 landmark spanning the Mississippi River with its distinctive 30-degree bend in the middle. Now converted to a pedestrian and cycling bridge, it offers spectacular views of the river and St. Louis skyline. The mile-long bridge connects Missouri and Illinois, making it a popular spot for outdoor recreation and photography.
11. Emma's Castle Ruins
MYSTERIOUS HISTORIC REMNANTS
Emma's Castle Ruins are the remnants of a historic structure that draws curious visitors to explore its mysterious past. The weathered stone walls tell stories of a bygone era in Missouri's rural landscape. Visitors can wander through the ruins and imagine the building's original grandeur while learning about local history.
12. Emma's Museum of Junk
QUIRKY TREASURE TROVE
Emma's Museum of Junk is a wonderfully eccentric shop filled with an ever-changing collection of unique items and curiosities. Visitors can browse through a fascinating array of old, new, and funky merchandise that changes daily. The museum/shop has become a beloved regional attraction for those seeking unusual souvenirs and conversation pieces.
13. Kansas City Zoo
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER
The Kansas City Zoo spans over 200 acres and houses more than 1,700 animals representing species from around the world. Highlights include the Helzberg Penguin Plaza, African elephants, and an Australia section featuring kangaroos and lorikeets. The zoo participates in numerous conservation efforts and offers interactive experiences like feeding giraffes and riding the African Sky Safari.
14. Silver Dollar City
1880S THEME PARK
Silver Dollar City is an 1880s-themed amusement park featuring over 40 rides and attractions, including world-class roller coasters and water adventures. The park is renowned for its craftsmanship demonstrations with over 100 resident craftspeople showcasing traditional skills like glassblowing, blacksmithing, and candy making. Throughout the year, the park hosts various festivals celebrating Ozark culture, music, and seasonal celebrations like the spectacular Christmas lighting event.
15. Ha Ha Tonka State Park
CASTLE RUINS OVERLOOK
Ha Ha Tonka State Park features the stone ruins of a 1905 European-style castle perched dramatically on a bluff overlooking the Lake of the Ozarks. The park encompasses over 3,700 acres with natural bridges, sinkholes, caves, and a massive spring pumping 48 million gallons of water daily. Visitors can explore 15 miles of trails through oak woodlands and glades while enjoying spectacular views of the lake and geological formations.