Homestead MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Homestead, Missouri.
1. Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site
PIONEER HERITAGE LANDMARK
Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site preserves the last home of the youngest son of Daniel Boone and his wife. Visitors can step back into the 1830s, tour historic structures, and explore cemeteries linked to this iconic Missouri frontier family. The site offers a glimpse into early pioneer life and the Boone family's significant contributions to Missouri's history.
2. Gateway Arch National Park
ICONIC AMERICAN MONUMENT
Gateway Arch National Park features the world-famous stainless steel arch, which commemorates America's westward expansion. Guests can ride a tram to the top for panoramic views and explore the Museum at the Gateway Arch. The park is a symbol of pioneering spirit and a must-see architectural marvel.
3. Titanic Museum
INTERACTIVE MARITIME EXHIBIT
The Titanic Museum in Branson is a unique attraction dedicated to the ill-fated ship and its passengers. With thousands of artifacts and interactive displays, visitors experience personal stories from the voyage. The museum is shaped like the Titanic and provides a hands-on, educational journey through history.
4. Grant's Farm
HISTORIC FAMILY ESTATE
Grant's Farm, once owned by Ulysses S. Grant, combines American history with animal encounters on a picturesque estate. Guests can tour historical buildings, visit the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales, and enjoy tram rides across the property. It's a family-friendly destination blending heritage and fun.
5. Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is renowned for its stunning mosaics and impressive architecture. Visitors can marvel at its grand domes, intricate glasswork, and sacred art. It stands as a spiritual and cultural landmark in the heart of the city.
6. Scott Joplin House State Historic Site
RAGTIME MUSIC LEGACY
The Scott Joplin House State Historic Site preserves the home where Joplin composed some of his most famous ragtime pieces. Visitors experience period furnishings and an antique player piano echoing the music that defined an era. The site highlights Missouri's key role in the evolution of American music.
7. Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park
COLONIAL FRENCH HERITAGE
Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park tells the story of Missouri's first permanent European settlement. The park preserves rare French colonial architecture, including the 1792 Amoureux House. Visitors can explore historic buildings and learn about early American frontier life.
8. Walt Disney Hometown Museum
DISNEY'S ROOTS REVEALED
The Walt Disney Hometown Museum in Marceline celebrates the formative years of Walt Disney's life. Housed in a historic railway station, it displays thousands of family artifacts and tells the story of Disney's inspiration for Main Street USA. The museum offers a fascinating look at the origins of an animation legend.
9. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site
MILITARY HERITAGE LANDMARK
Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site honors General John J. 'Black Jack' Pershing, the highest-ranking officer in U.S. history. The site includes his preserved home and exhibits within the historic Prairie Mound School. Tours offer insightful glimpses into Pershing's upbringing and military achievements.
10. Big Sugar Creek State Park
WILD OZARK ADVENTURE
Big Sugar Creek State Park offers miles of trails through rugged Ozark woodlands, perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing. The park is known for its crystal-clear creek, scenic bluffs, and diverse flora and fauna. It's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking tranquility and exploration.
11. Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site
ARTIST'S CREATIVE HAVEN
The Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site preserves the working home of the renowned regionalist painter. Guests can tour the house and see the artist's original studio, complete with personal items and unfinished artwork. It's an inspiring destination for art lovers and history buffs.
12. Castlewood State Park
BLUFFS AND RIVER VIEWS
Castlewood State Park features dramatic bluffs overlooking the Meramec River, making it a favorite spot for hikers and mountain bikers. The park offers scenic overlooks, diverse trails, and picnic areas in a natural riverside setting. Its rolling terrain and woodlands attract visitors year-round.
13. Bollinger Mill State Historic Site
19TH-CENTURY MILLWORKS
Bollinger Mill State Historic Site showcases a four-story stone gristmill dating back to the Civil War era. Visitors can tour the historic mill, view the covered bridge, and learn about traditional milling techniques. It's a picturesque site combining history and natural beauty along the Whitewater River.
14. Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site
CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD
The Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site preserves the location of a crucial Civil War engagement in Missouri. The site includes Fort Davidson's remnants and an interpretive center detailing the area's military history. Visitors can walk the grounds and reflect on the site's historical significance.
15. Bryant Creek State Park
SERENE NATURAL ESCAPE
Bryant Creek State Park is a peaceful retreat featuring clear streams, wildflowers, and extensive forest trails. The park is ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and connecting with nature in a remote part of the Missouri Ozarks. Its scenic beauty and quiet setting make it a hidden gem for outdoor lovers.
16. Amoureux House
FRENCH COLONIAL TREASURE
Amoureux House is one of the oldest French colonial structures in the United States, built in 1792 in Ste. Genevieve. Constructed with vertical cedar logs set directly into the ground, it's a rare example of early American architecture. The house is open for tours and offers insights into 18th-century frontier life.