Mexico MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mexico, Missouri.
1. Audrain County Historical Museum
HISTORIC ANTEBELLUM ESTATE
The Audrain County Historical Museum is located within the 11-acre Robert S. Green Park in central Mexico, Missouri. The museum features the antebellum Graceland Museum built in 1857, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Throughout the year, the museum hosts a variety of events and programs designed to engage the community and bring history to life.
2. American Saddle Horse Museum
EQUESTRIAN HERITAGE SITE
The American Saddle Horse Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of this iconic American horse breed. Established in 1970, the museum is located on the grounds of the Audrain County Historical Society in Mexico, Missouri. Visitors can explore exhibits that showcase the important role the Saddlebred horse has played in the region's cultural heritage.
3. Hummingbird Vineyard and Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Hummingbird Vineyard and Winery offers visitors a taste of locally produced wines in Mexico, Missouri. The vineyard provides a picturesque setting for wine enthusiasts to sample various vintages while enjoying the rural Missouri landscape. Visitors can tour the facilities to learn about the winemaking process from grape to bottle.
4. Green Estate Park
HISTORIC PUBLIC GROUNDS
Green Estate Park, also known as Robert S. Green Park, encompasses 11 acres in the heart of Mexico, Missouri. The park houses several historical buildings including the Audrain County Historical Museum complex. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful grounds while learning about local history through the various preserved structures on site.
5. Graceland
PRESERVED 1857 MANSION
Graceland is an antebellum mansion built in 1857 that now serves as the main building of the Audrain County Historical Museum. The historic home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and showcases period furnishings and artifacts. Visitors can step back in time as they tour this well-preserved example of pre-Civil War architecture.
6. Presser Arts Center
CULTURAL PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Presser Arts Center is centrally located in Mexico, Missouri, serving the region with quality cultural performing arts. The center hosts various performances, exhibitions, and educational programs throughout the year. As a hub for artistic expression in mid-Missouri, the Presser Arts Center contributes significantly to the cultural vibrancy of the community.
7. Missouri Military Academy
HISTORIC MILITARY SCHOOL
The Missouri Military Academy is a 100-year-old institution that offers tours of its historic campus in Mexico, Missouri. Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about the academy's long tradition of educational excellence and leadership development. The academy's architecture and history provide insight into military education in America.
8. Mexico Village Square
CHARMING DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
Mexico Village Square offers a blend of small-town charm and urban style in the heart of Mexico, Missouri. The downtown area features artsy boutiques, local businesses, and cultural offerings that give the town a sophisticated yet family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors can experience the entrepreneurial spirit of the community while exploring the various shops and eateries.
9. Country School Museum
EDUCATIONAL HISTORY EXHIBIT
The Country School Museum is part of the Audrain County Historical Society complex in Mexico, Missouri. This preserved one-room schoolhouse offers visitors a glimpse into rural education from bygone days. The authentic setting and artifacts help illustrate how children learned in small, rural communities throughout Missouri's history.
10. Fire Brick Museum
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE DISPLAY
The Fire Brick Museum showcases Mexico, Missouri's important role in the fire brick manufacturing industry. Located on the grounds of the Audrain County Historical Society, the museum contains exhibits detailing the production process and significance of this once-thriving local industry. Visitors can learn about the economic impact fire brick manufacturing had on the development of the region.
11. Mexico Memorial Airport
LOCAL AVIATION CENTER
Mexico Memorial Airport serves as the main aviation facility for Mexico, Missouri. The airport offers services for private pilots and aircraft enthusiasts in the region. Visitors interested in aviation can observe small aircraft operations and learn about the airport's role in connecting the community to the wider world.
12. Miss Missouri Pageant Venue
STATE BEAUTY COMPETITION
Mexico, Missouri has been the permanent home of the Miss Missouri Pageant for over 36 years. The annual event draws contestants and spectators from across the state to compete for the title and the chance to represent Missouri in the Miss America competition. Visitors can attend the pageant when it is in session or learn about its history and impact on the community.
13. Country Church Museum
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS BUILDING
The Country Church Museum is a preserved historical church located within the Audrain County Historical Society grounds in Mexico, Missouri. The structure provides visitors with insight into the religious practices and architectural styles of rural Missouri's past. Inside, period furnishings and religious artifacts help tell the story of faith communities in the region's history.
14. A.P. Green House
HISTORIC BRICK MAGNATE RESIDENCE
The A.P. Green House was the residence of Allen Percy Green, founder of A.P. Green Refractories, which made Mexico famous for fire brick production. This historic home showcases the architectural style and affluence of early 20th century industrial leaders in small-town Missouri. Visitors can appreciate the craftsmanship and design elements that reflect the prosperity brought to Mexico by the fire brick industry.
15. Mark Twain Lake
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Mark Twain Lake is a scenic reservoir located approximately 30 miles from Mexico in northeast Missouri. The 18,600-acre lake offers numerous recreational activities including boating, fishing, swimming, and camping. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the area while exploring the lake that was named after Missouri's famous author who was born nearby.