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.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
KC BBQ sauce
Where: Arthur Bryant's Original Sauce ($8 at the restaurant; or Kansas City airport shops)
St. Louis Cardinals gear
Where: Busch Stadium team store (700 Clark Ave), or any Target or Walmart across eastern Missouri
Missouri wine
Where: Stone Hill Winery shop (601 B Winery Dr, Hermann, MO 65041), or local wine shops throughout St. Louis
Mark Twain-related books and gifts
Where: Mark Twain Boyhood Home Museum shop (120 N Main St, Hannibal)
Provel cheese
Where: Imo's Pizza locations, or Schnucks supermarkets across St. Louis
Ozark handcraft pottery
Where: Branson Landing shops, or The Workshop (5312 Gravois Ave, St. Louis)
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Soulard Farmers Market
Missouri's oldest farmers market, continuously operating since 1779. Fresh produce, meats, cheese, baked goods, and seasonal specialties.
Where: St. Louis (Soulard)
Hours: Wed–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat 7am–5pm
City Farmers Market
Producer-only farmers market with 60+ vendors. Local honey, specialty preserves, artisan bread, and Missouri wine.
Where: St. Louis (Downtown)
Hours: Saturdays 8am–1pm (May–October)
Kansas City River Market
Kansas City's largest public market with 150+ vendors. Fresh produce, plants, local crafts, and international food vendors.
Where: Kansas City (River Market District)
Hours: Saturdays 6am–3pm, Sundays 8am–3pm (May–October)