Missouri is a state brimming with unique and offbeat attractions that offer visitors a one-of-a-kind experience. From quirky museums to unconventional outdoor adventures, there is no shortage of unusual things to do in Missouri. Whether you’re exploring the mysterious caves of Meramec Caverns, marveling at the intricate architecture of the City Museum in St. Louis, or embarking on a scenic hot air balloon ride over the Ozarks, Missouri promises to surprise and delight travelers seeking out-of-the-ordinary experiences. So, if you’re looking to add a touch of the unexpected to your travel itinerary, be sure to check out these unconventional attractions and activities in the Show-Me State.
Visit the City Museum in St. Louis
Essential Information
– Address: 750 N 16th St, St. Louis, MO 63103
– Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm, Fri-Sat 9am-12am, Sun 11am-5pm
– Fee: $14.00 for ages 3 and up
– Visit Duration: 3-4 hours
– Ideal for: Families, adventure seekers
Why is it so unusual
When it comes to unconventional attractions, the City Museum in St. Louis stands out as a one-of-a-kind destination. This museum is not your typical collection of artifacts and exhibits; instead, it offers a whimsical and interactive experience that blurs the lines between art, architecture, and play.
One of the most unusual features of the City Museum is its Enchanted Caves, a network of tunnels and passageways that wind their way through the building. Visitors can crawl, climb, and slide their way through this subterranean maze, discovering hidden nooks and crannies along the way.
For those seeking a thrill, the museum’s MonstroCity is a must-visit. This outdoor playground features giant sculptures, slides, and even a school bus hanging off the edge of the building. It’s a surreal and exhilarating experience that will leave you feeling like a kid again.
Another highlight of the City Museum is its rooftop Ferris wheel, offering panoramic views of the city skyline. This unconventional vantage point provides a unique perspective on St. Louis and is a great way to cap off your visit.
Overall, the City Museum in St. Louis is a playground for the young and young at heart, where creativity knows no bounds and adventure awaits around every corner. If you’re looking for a truly unusual and unforgettable experience, this is the place to be.
Explore the Bonne Terre Mine
Essential Information
– Address: 185 Park Ave, Bonne Terre, MO 63628
– Opening Hours: Daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
– Fee: Varies based on tour package
– Visit Duration: 2-3 hours
– Ideal for: Adventure seekers, history enthusiasts
Why is it so unusual
The Bonne Terre Mine in Missouri offers a unique experience for visitors seeking something out of the ordinary. Unlike traditional tourist attractions, this mine allows you to delve deep underground into a world filled with intriguing activities. One of the standout features of the Bonne Terre Mine is the opportunity to scuba dive in its expansive underground lake. This activity is not commonly found in other tourist destinations and provides a thrilling experience for diving enthusiasts.
In addition to scuba diving, visitors can also take a guided tour of the mine’s historic shafts and tunnels. The underground boat tour is another unusual activity offered at the Bonne Terre Mine, allowing guests to explore the vast underground waterways while learning about the mine’s rich history. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the mine also offers ziplining opportunities within its cavernous chambers, adding an adrenaline-pumping element to your visit.
Overall, the Bonne Terre Mine stands out as an unusual tourist attraction due to its combination of historical significance and unique underground activities. Whether you’re a seasoned diver looking for a new challenge or simply curious about exploring a hidden world beneath the surface, this mine offers a one-of-a-kind experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Take a tour of the Pythian Castle in Springfield
Essential Information
– Address: 1451 E Pythian St, Springfield, MO 65802
– Opening Hours: Tours available on Saturdays at 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm
– Fee: $15 per person
– Visit Duration: Approximately 1 hour
– Ideal for: History enthusiasts and paranormal activity seekers
Why is it so unusual
The Pythian Castle in Springfield, Missouri, stands out as an unusual tourist attraction due to its intriguing blend of history and paranormal mysteries. Built in 1913 as a meeting place for the Knights of Pythias, this castle-like structure has a dark past that adds to its mystique.
Visitors can explore the castle’s underground tunnels, which were once used for secret meetings and rumored to have connections to the occult. The castle also offers ghost tours, where guests can learn about the reported hauntings and paranormal experiences that have been documented on the premises.
For those interested in the supernatural, the Pythian Castle provides a unique opportunity to delve into the unknown and possibly encounter unexplained phenomena. Whether you’re a history buff intrigued by the castle’s past or a thrill-seeker hoping to experience something out of the ordinary, a tour of the Pythian Castle promises an unforgettable and unconventional adventure.
Discover the Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Essential Information
– Address: 1491 Missouri D, Camdenton, MO 65020
– Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – Sunset
– Fee: Free
– Visit Duration: Half-day to full-day
– Ideal for: Nature lovers, hikers, history enthusiasts
Why is it so unusual
The Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Missouri offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. While many state parks are known for their scenic trails and picturesque landscapes, Ha Ha Tonka stands out for its unusual attractions that set it apart from the typical outdoor destination.
One of the most distinctive features of the park is the ruins of a turn-of-the-century stone castle, perched dramatically on a bluff overlooking the Lake of the Ozarks. This architectural marvel, known as the Ha Ha Tonka Castle, provides a fascinating glimpse into the past and offers a one-of-a-kind backdrop for exploration and photography.
For those seeking adventure, the park boasts a network of rugged hiking trails that lead to hidden caves, sinkholes, and natural bridges. The Devil’s Kitchen, a collapsed cave system, invites intrepid explorers to venture into its depths and uncover the mysteries of the underground world.
In addition to its geological wonders, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is home to a unique natural phenomenon known as the “Sinking Spring.” This spring-fed pond appears to mysteriously drain and refill at irregular intervals, leaving visitors in awe of nature’s unpredictable beauty.
Whether you’re drawn to the park for its historical charm, geological oddities, or scenic hiking trails, Ha Ha Tonka offers a truly unusual and unforgettable outdoor experience for all who venture to explore its hidden treasures.
Experience the Alpaca Yoga at Hummingbird Farm
Essential Information
– Address: 1234 Alpaca Way, Missouri
– Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
– Fee: $30 per session
– Visit Duration: 1 hour
– Ideal for: Yoga enthusiasts, animal lovers
Why is it so unusual
When it comes to unique experiences, Alpaca Yoga at Hummingbird Farm in Missouri stands out as a truly one-of-a-kind attraction. Picture this: you, surrounded by serene nature, practicing yoga poses alongside gentle and curious alpacas. This unconventional yoga session offers a blend of relaxation, mindfulness, and animal interaction that you won’t find in your typical studio.
As you flow through your yoga routine, the alpacas roam freely around you, adding a sense of playfulness and connection to the practice. Imagine holding a downward dog pose while an alpaca curiously sniffs at your mat or joining in a group meditation with these adorable creatures peacefully grazing nearby.
The experience of Alpaca Yoga goes beyond just the physical benefits of yoga. It fosters a unique bond between humans and animals, creating a harmonious environment where relaxation and joy intertwine. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi looking to spice up your practice or simply seeking a memorable and offbeat activity, Alpaca Yoga at Hummingbird Farm offers a refreshing twist that is sure to leave you with a smile on your face and a newfound appreciation for these charming animals.
Visit the Jesse James Home Museum in St. Joseph
Essential Information
– Address: 12th & Penn Streets, St. Joseph, Missouri
– Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm
– Fee: Adults $6, Seniors $5, Children (6-12) $4
– Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
– Ideal for: History buffs, fans of the Wild West
Why is it so unusual
The Jesse James Home Museum in St. Joseph offers a unique glimpse into the life of one of America’s most infamous outlaws. What sets this museum apart is its collection of artifacts and exhibits that shed light on the notorious Jesse James and his gang. Visitors can explore the very house where Jesse James met his demise, complete with bullet holes still visible in the walls.
One of the most unusual activities at the museum is the opportunity to see the actual death room where Jesse James was shot. This room has been preserved to look exactly as it did on that fateful day, transporting visitors back in time to a moment of Wild West history.
In addition to the historical significance of the museum, visitors can also view personal items belonging to Jesse James himself, including his guns, clothing, and other memorabilia. This up-close look at the life of a legendary outlaw provides a truly unique experience for those interested in the darker side of American history.
For a one-of-a-kind journey into the world of Jesse James and the Wild West, the Jesse James Home Museum in St. Joseph is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
Explore the Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
Essential Information
– Address: 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO 63656
– Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 1/2 hour after sunset
– Fee: $5 for adults, $2 for children (ages 6-12)
– Visit Duration: Half-day to full-day
– Ideal for: Nature lovers, hikers, adventure seekers
Why is it so unusual
The Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park in Missouri offers a unique experience for visitors seeking something out of the ordinary. One of the most unusual attractions here is the natural water park created by the shut-ins themselves. These natural rock formations create a series of chutes, pools, and waterfalls that visitors can explore and enjoy.
For the adventurous souls, cliff jumping is a popular activity at the shut-ins, providing an adrenaline rush and a thrilling way to experience the park. The rugged terrain also offers challenging hiking trails with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a bit of excitement.
Another unusual feature of the park is the opportunity for geode hunting. Visitors can search for these hidden treasures in the park’s rocky terrain, adding a fun and unique element to their visit. The geological formations in the area make it a prime spot for finding these beautiful crystals, making it a one-of-a-kind experience for those interested in earth sciences.
Overall, the Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park stands out as an unusual tourist attraction due to its combination of natural water features, adventurous activities, and geological wonders. It offers a distinctive blend of excitement and exploration that sets it apart from other parks in the region.
Discover the World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Cuba
Essential Information
– Address: 5957 Highway ZZ, Cuba, Missouri
– Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
– Fee: Free to visit
– Visit Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
– Ideal for: Families, roadside attraction enthusiasts
Why is it so unusual
When it comes to quirky roadside attractions, the World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Cuba, Missouri, stands out as a true marvel. Towering at a height of 42 feet and weighing over 27,000 pounds, this colossal rocking chair is a sight to behold. Visitors can marvel at the sheer size of this oversized chair, which holds the title of the world’s largest according to the Guinness World Records.
While traditional rocking chairs are meant for relaxation on porches or in living rooms, this giant rocking chair offers a unique photo opportunity and a chance to experience the whimsical side of travel. Imagine sitting in the oversized seat and feeling like a tiny figure in a giant’s world. The sheer novelty of this attraction makes it a must-visit for those seeking offbeat experiences.
Visitors can also explore the surrounding area, which features a gift shop and a small museum showcasing the history of the rocking chair. Whether you’re passing through Cuba or making a special trip to see this unusual attraction, the World’s Largest Rocking Chair is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who encounter it.
Visit the Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage
Essential Information
– Address: 4321 S Chapel Rd, Carthage, MO 64836
– Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sunday 11:30 am – 5:00 pm
– Fee: Free admission, donations accepted
– Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
– Ideal for: Art enthusiasts, spiritual travelers
Why is it so unusual
The Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri, stands out as an unusual tourist attraction due to its unique blend of art and spirituality. While many visitors come to admire the intricate murals and sculptures depicting the iconic teardrop-eyed characters, there are several other activities that make this chapel a one-of-a-kind destination.
One of the most unusual features of the Precious Moments Chapel is the opportunity for visitors to participate in the “Paint Your Own Precious Moments Figurine” experience. This hands-on activity allows guests to unleash their creativity and take home a personalized keepsake from their visit.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, the chapel offers guided tours that provide insights into the history and inspiration behind the artwork. Visitors can learn about the founder, Samuel J. Butcher, and the story behind the creation of the Precious Moments characters.
Additionally, the chapel hosts special events throughout the year, such as holiday celebrations and art workshops, making each visit a unique and memorable experience. Whether you are a fan of the iconic Precious Moments figurines or simply looking for a one-of-a-kind cultural experience, the Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Explore the Lemp Mansion in St. Louis
Essential Information
– Address: 3322 DeMenil Pl, St. Louis, MO 63118
– Opening Hours: Tours available by appointment only
– Fee: Varies based on tour type
– Visit Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours
– Ideal for: History buffs, paranormal enthusiasts
Why is it so unusual
The Lemp Mansion in St. Louis holds a dark and mysterious past that continues to intrigue visitors from near and far. Once home to the prominent Lemp family, known for their brewing empire, this historic mansion is now renowned for its eerie reputation. The mansion is said to be haunted by the spirits of the Lemp family members who met tragic ends within its walls.
Visitors can partake in guided tours that delve into the chilling history of the mansion, including the untimely deaths and rumored paranormal activity. Explore the dimly lit rooms where ghostly apparitions have been sighted, and listen to spine-tingling tales of the mansion’s past.
For those brave enough, the Lemp Mansion also offers overnight stays for a truly immersive experience. Spend a night in one of the haunted rooms and see if you encounter any otherworldly phenomena. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the Lemp Mansion is sure to leave you with a sense of unease and curiosity about the mysteries that lie within its walls.
