Nelson MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Nelson, Missouri.
1. Sappington Cemetery State Historic Site
HISTORIC PIONEER CEMETERY
Sappington Cemetery State Historic Site houses the grave of prominent area doctor, Dr. John Sappington. The historic cemetery preserves an important piece of Missouri's pioneer heritage. Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about the impact Dr. Sappington had on early Missouri medicine.
2. West End Theatre
LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
West End Theatre offers entertainment options for residents and visitors in Nelson. The venue hosts a variety of performances throughout the year. It has earned a perfect 5.0 rating from visitors who appreciate its contribution to the local cultural scene.
3. Mid-Missouri Museum of Independent Telephone Pioneers
VINTAGE TELECOMMUNICATIONS MUSEUM
The Mid-Missouri Museum of Independent Telephone Pioneers showcases the evolution of telecommunications in the region. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring vintage telephone equipment and learn about the pioneers who developed these technologies. The museum provides a fascinating glimpse into how communication systems have changed over time.
4. Arrow Rock State Historic Site
PRESERVED 19TH CENTURY VILLAGE
Arrow Rock State Historic Site preserves a 19th-century village that was once a thriving Missouri River port. The site features numerous historic buildings, including the J. Huston Tavern, which dates back to 1834 and is the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about Missouri's westward expansion and the Santa Fe Trail.
5. Missouri Folk Art Shop
LOCAL CRAFTS AND ARTWORK
The Missouri Folk Art Shop showcases handcrafted items created by local artisans. The shop offers a wide selection of unique crafts, artwork, and souvenirs representative of Missouri's cultural heritage. Visitors can purchase authentic folk art pieces while supporting local artists and craftspeople.
6. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art houses a comprehensive collection spanning 5,000 years of human creativity. The museum was founded through the combined dreams of William Rockhill Nelson and Mary McAfee Atkins, who envisioned a fine art gallery for Kansas City. Visitors can enjoy free admission to explore the extensive exhibits, beautiful architecture, and iconic giant shuttlecock sculptures on the lawn.
7. Rozzelle Court Restaurant
HISTORIC MUSEUM DINING
Rozzelle Court Restaurant offers dining in a beautiful 90-foot-square courtyard within the Nelson-Atkins Museum. The space features columns and arches reminiscent of fifteenth-century Italy blended with walls, floors, and columns of Mankato stone. At the center of the courtyard sits a huge green marble bowl taken from the Roman baths, adding to the restaurant's historic ambiance.
8. Giant Shuttlecocks
ICONIC OUTDOOR SCULPTURES
The Giant Shuttlecocks at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art are among Kansas City's most recognizable landmarks. These nineteen-foot tall structures transform the museum's lawn into a whimsical badminton court on a massive scale. The sculptures have become beloved photo opportunities for visitors and symbols of Kansas City's artistic spirit.
9. Bloch Building
MODERN ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL
The Bloch Building is a striking modern addition to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, designed by Steven Holl. The elongated structure features five translucent glass 'lenses' that refract sunlight during the day and glow from within at night. Named after Henry W. and Marion H. Bloch, the building was unveiled in 2007 and provides a dramatic contrast to the heavy stone of the original museum.
10. World's Largest Pecan
QUIRKY ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
The World's Largest Pecan in Brunswick weighs twelve thousand pounds and measures twelve feet long by seven feet in diameter. Created in 1982, this massive nut was modeled after the Starky Harding Giant, a pecan variety discovered by local farmer George James in 1947. The giant pecan was relocated from the James farm to downtown Brunswick in 2013, where it continues to delight visitors to the self-proclaimed 'Pecan Capital of Missouri'.
11. Annual Pecan Festival
NUTTY COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
Brunswick's Annual Pecan Festival celebrates the town's status as the pecan capital of Missouri each October. The three-day event includes pecan-themed contests, a parade, and various community activities. Visitors can experience small-town charm while learning about the agricultural heritage that has made pecans important to the region.
12. Maxie the Goose
TOWERING WATERFOWL MONUMENT
Maxie the Goose is a massive statue built to celebrate Sumner being designated the capital of wild geese by Governor Christopher 'Kit' Bond in 1974. The town raised sixteen thousand dollars to construct the monument and has repainted it three times throughout its existence. Visitors can find Maxie at the Sumner Community Park near the corner of Elm Street and Park Drive.
13. Sumner Goose Festival
ANNUAL WILDLIFE CELEBRATION
The Sumner Goose Festival is an annual event celebrating the town's connection to wild geese and their giant goose statue, Maxie. The festival brings together community members and visitors for goose-themed activities and entertainment. It serves as a unique cultural celebration that highlights the region's wildlife heritage.
14. Giant Vess Bottle
CLASSIC SODA MONUMENT
The Giant Vess Bottle stands as a nostalgic monument to a classic Missouri soda brand. This oversized replica has become a beloved roadside attraction for visitors and locals alike. The bottle represents a piece of Missouri's commercial food and beverage history.
15. Thou Mayest Coffee Roasters
MUSEUM CAFÉ EXPERIENCE
Thou Mayest Coffee Roasters offers a quality coffee experience for visitors to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The café serves freshly roasted coffee and other beverages to museum-goers looking for refreshment during their cultural explorations. Patrons can enjoy their drinks while taking a break from viewing the extensive art collections housed in the museum.