Missouri is the crossroads of the American heartland, where the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers converge and eastern woodlands give way to western plains. From the gleaming Gateway Arch in St. Louis to the Ozark Mountains' ancient caves and the world-class barbecue pits of Kansas City, Missouri packs an extraordinary range of landscapes, history, and culture into a single state.
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Greet people warmly and learn a few local phrases.
- Respect religious and historic sites.
- Dress modestly when visiting places of worship.
- Ask permission before photographing individuals.
Don't
- Raise your voice in public — it's considered rude.
- Touch people on the head or point with your feet in religious settings.
- Refuse hospitality without a polite explanation.
- Wear revealing clothing in conservative areas.