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.
Top food tours
Guided experiences that show you Missouri through its food.
Kansas City BBQ Crawl
Includes: Visit Arthur Bryant's, a Kansas City institution serving pit-smoked BBQ since 1908 · Compare burnt ends, brisket, and pulled pork across 3–4 legendary smoke houses · Discover the African American pitmaster heritage behind Kansas City's barbecue tradition · Try a side-by-side sauce flight spanning tomato-vinegar, spicy, and sweet KC styles · Explore eastern KC neighborhoods that shaped the city's food and jazz culture
St. Louis Soulard & The Hill Food Tour
Includes: Taste Missouri-grown produce and local honey at historic Soulard Market, one of the oldest markets in the U.S. · Sample pit-smoked meats at Bogart's Smokehouse in the Soulard neighborhood · Explore The Hill, St. Louis's Italian-American neighborhood and home of the toasted ravioli · Enjoy a local craft beer pairing alongside savory tastings · Learn the French Creole, German, and Italian immigrant histories that shaped St. Louis cuisine
Hermann Missouri Wine Trail
Includes: Visit Stone Hill Winery, a National Historic Landmark with vaulted brick cellars dating to 1847 · Taste Norton, Missouri's official state grape, at multiple winery tasting flights · Pair German-American cuisine — sausage, schnitzel, and pretzels — with local wines at Hermannhof Winery · Ride the Cruise Hermann Wine Shuttle between wineries on weekend afternoons (May–October) · Experience the September grape harvest festival with barrel tastings and live music
Kansas City 18th & Vine Jazz and Soul Food Tour
Includes: Explore the American Jazz Museum, dedicated to Count Basie, Charlie Parker, and the KC jazz legacy · Eat a full soul food meal — fried catfish, collard greens, cornbread — at an 18th & Vine restaurant · Hear the story of Kansas City's jazz golden age and its deep connection to the city's food culture · Visit the Gem Theater and The Blue Room, two surviving landmarks of the district's historic entertainment strip · Conclude Friday and Saturday evening tours with live jazz at The Blue Room jazz club
Craft Brewery Hop — St. Louis
Includes: Start at Schlafly Tap Room, Missouri's pioneering craft brewery operating since 1991 in a restored 1902 building · Sample sours, IPAs, and hazy ales at 4 Hands Brewing Company in a converted warehouse taproom · Explore Urban Chestnut's 'Reverence vs. Revolution' portfolio spanning European lagers and American craft styles · Visit optional stops including Perennial Artisan Ales for pastry stouts and Civil Life Brewing for English session ales · Discover the historic beer heritage of St. Louis, once the brewing capital of the United States
Foodie tips
Get more out of every meal.
Book tours and cooking classes at least a few days in advance — small-group experiences sell out quickly.
Come hungry — most food tours include 5-8 tastings.
Bring cash for unscheduled stops the guide may recommend.