La Plata MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near La Plata, Missouri.
1. Lookout Point Park
SCENIC OBSERVATION DECK
Lookout Point Park is a highly-rated attraction in La Plata featuring observation decks and beautiful park areas. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape while relaxing in this peaceful setting. The park has earned an impressive 4.9/5 rating from travelers, making it one of the most popular destinations in La Plata.
2. Exhibition of Amtrak History
RAILROAD HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Exhibition of Amtrak History showcases the rich railroad heritage that shaped La Plata and the surrounding region. This history museum offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of rail travel and Amtrak's significance to the area. With a 4.5/5 rating from travelers, it stands as one of the most educational attractions in the city.
3. La Plata Station
HISTORIC RAILWAY DEPOT
La Plata Station is an active railway depot that continues to serve as an important transportation hub in the region. The station combines historical architecture with modern functionality, allowing visitors to experience both rail history and contemporary train travel. Rated 4.6/5 by travelers, it offers a unique opportunity to see working trains while appreciating the area's railroad heritage.
4. La Plata Golf Club
SCENIC GOLF COURSE
La Plata Golf Club offers golfers of all skill levels a well-maintained course in a picturesque setting. The club provides a relaxing environment where visitors can enjoy a round of golf while taking in the natural beauty of rural Missouri. With a 4.5/5 rating from travelers, it's a favorite recreational destination for both locals and tourists.
5. Depot Inn & Suites Visitors Center
RAILWAY TOURISM HUB
The Depot Inn & Suites Visitors Center serves as the gateway to exploring Silver Rails Country and the attractions around La Plata and Kirksville. Located inside the lobby of the Depot Inn & Suites, this center provides travelers with comprehensive information about regional points of interest. Visitors can obtain maps, brochures, and personalized recommendations to enhance their exploration of northeastern Missouri.
6. La Plata Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE SHOWCASE
The La Plata Farmers Market brings together local growers and artisans offering fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and regional specialties. Visitors can browse through seasonal offerings while connecting with the agricultural heritage of the area. The market provides a genuine taste of rural Missouri's bounty and supports the local economy.
7. Silver Rails Country
REGIONAL TOURISM TRAIL
Silver Rails Country encompasses the collective attractions in and around La Plata and Kirksville, celebrating the region's railroad heritage. This tourism initiative connects visitors to historical sites, natural areas, and cultural experiences throughout northeastern Missouri. Travelers can explore multiple communities along former silver rail lines while discovering the authentic character of rural Missouri.
8. Missouri Great River Road
SCENIC RIVER ROUTE
The Missouri Great River Road is a scenic byway that showcases a rich tapestry of cultural and historical sites along the Mississippi River. This picturesque route connects numerous attractions and provides breathtaking views of America's most iconic river. Travelers can experience the diverse heritage of riverside communities while enjoying the natural beauty of the Mississippi River valley.
9. Thousand Hills State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Thousand Hills State Park offers visitors a 3,215-acre natural retreat centered around Forest Lake, just outside Kirksville. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and camping while exploring the park's diverse ecosystems. The park also features Native American petroglyphs, adding a cultural dimension to this scenic recreational area.
10. A.T. Still University Museum
MEDICAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The A.T. Still University Museum chronicles the life and work of Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathic medicine. Exhibits display historical medical instruments, personal artifacts, and educational materials that illustrate the development of this distinctive approach to healthcare. Visitors gain insight into the revolutionary medical philosophy that began in Kirksville and spread worldwide.
11. Long Branch State Park
LAKESIDE NATURE RETREAT
Long Branch State Park surrounds the 2,400-acre Long Branch Lake, offering extensive opportunities for water recreation and nature exploration. The park features sandy swimming beaches, boat ramps, fishing areas, and hiking trails through diverse habitats. Campers and day visitors alike can enjoy the peaceful setting while observing wildlife in this well-maintained state park.
12. Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site
LITERARY HERITAGE CENTER
The Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site preserves the two-room cabin where Samuel Clemens was born in 1835 before becoming the beloved author Mark Twain. The site's museum houses a treasure trove of Twain memorabilia, including first editions, personal letters, and family artifacts. Visitors can connect with the humble beginnings of America's most iconic humorist and novelist while exploring this carefully maintained historic site.
13. Maples Repertory Theatre
PROFESSIONAL STAGE PRODUCTIONS
Maples Repertory Theatre presents professional theatrical productions in the historic Royal Theatre building in downtown Macon. The company offers a diverse seasonal lineup of plays, musicals, and special events featuring talented performers from across the country. Theater-goers can enjoy high-quality entertainment in an intimate setting that combines small-town charm with professional artistic standards.
14. Mark Twain Cave Complex
LITERARY CAVE ADVENTURE
The Mark Twain Cave Complex features Missouri's oldest show cave, made famous in Mark Twain's adventures of Tom Sawyer. Tours guide visitors through the labyrinthine passages where Twain himself explored as a youth, inspiring some of literature's most memorable scenes. The complex also includes Cameron Cave, a winery, restaurant, and campground, making it a comprehensive destination for literature and nature enthusiasts.
15. Walt Disney Hometown Museum
ANIMATION PIONEER TRIBUTE
The Walt Disney Hometown Museum celebrates the early life and influences of Walt Disney in Marceline, the small town that inspired Main Street USA. Housed in the former Santa Fe Railroad Depot, the museum displays personal artifacts, family letters, and memorabilia donated by the Disney family. Visitors gain unique insights into how Disney's formative years in rural Missouri shaped the imagination that would transform global entertainment.