Missouri

The Show Me State

Missouri is at the heart of Real America, partly because of its location and the major gateway of St Louis, but mainly because it offers so much history, culture and warmth. The city of St Louis is located on the banks of the Mississippi River and offers a unique blend of East and West. Its most famous symbol is the Gateway Arch, the tallest monument in the United States. The old Route 66 runs through part of the city. Two hours north, and you"re in Mark Twain country – see his boyhood home and other literary sites. St Joseph on the Missouri River is forever associated with the famous Pony Express which started here in 1860. See where outlaw Jesse James hung out with his gang. Then visit Kansas City, renowned for its beautiful fountains, parks and jazz clubs.

Few destinations across the world have as much to offer the music lover as Missouri. Jazz became famous in Kansas City, which still has a thriving jazz culture. In St Louis, you can still visit the authentic blues clubs where Chuck Berry, Scott Joplin and Miles Davis all began their careers. Branson, in the South of Missouri, is considered the ‘Music Capital of America’ with over 30 theatres hosting 60 shows a day.