Situated right in the heart of America, Missouri is a must-see destination for clients looking for authentic American experiences. From the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis and Kansas City’s legendary jazz scene to the welcoming charm of small towns dotted through the state, Missouri delivers rich cultural attractions alongside stunning natural beauty.
The must-see cities
British Airways’ newest U.S. destination, St Louis, is dominated by Gateway Arch – the tallest monument in the U.S. and the tallest arch in the world; ride aboard an enclosed tram to reach the top for sensational views of the Mississippi River and the city below. St Louis has a notable role in the story of the blues and you can also find the National Blues Museum here.
Across the state, Kansas City’s two great claims to fame are its jazz heritage – visit the American Jazz Museum in the historic 18th & Vine district – and its barbecue tradition (look for the signature dish of ‘burnt ends’). A major sporting destination, next year sees Kansas City playing host to six football World Cup games.
The Ozarks
The rolling hills of the Ozarks provide breathtaking hiking, kayaking and canoeing, while museums and historic sites highlight a vibrant heritage. Don’t miss Springfield’s History Museum on the Square – located on the very square where the first recorded Wild West quick-draw shoot-out took place in 1865! Nearby Branson offers every kind of accommodation, but the real draws are its world-class live entertainment and the 1880s-themed Silver Dollar City amusement park.
Hit the road!
America’s most famous highway, Route 66, runs right through Missouri, taking travellers on an unforgettable road trip through the nostalgic, neon-illuminated past. Begin outside St Louis with the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge over the Mississippi, then continue south-west through historic small towns where classic diners, 1950s-style motels and quirky attractions capture the charm of an era. Springfield, Missouri is recognised as the birthplace of Route 66 and will kick-off the celebrations as the Mother Road celebrates its centennial in 2026.
Less well-known but equally fascinating, the Way of American Genius runs east to west across northern Missouri and celebrates some of the state’s highest achievers: visit Mark Twain’s boyhood home in Hannibal which inspired the novels Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn; drop by Marceline, former home of Walt Disney and the model for Main Street USA in every Disney theme park; stop for a bite in Chillicothe, where sliced bread was introduced to the world in 1928; and explore the history of the legendary Pony Express in St Joseph.
Must-try foods
- Barbecue – Kansas City style: Often brisket, typically basted with a heavy, tomato-based sauce, then cooked low and slow.
- Barbecue – St Louis style: Typically uses baby back ribs and is less about the sauce, instead relying on dry rub and neutral smoke to impart flavour.
- Cashew chicken – Springfield’s own unique fusion of Chinese and American culinary traditions.
- Frozen custard – dense, smooth ice cream-like dessert.
- Toasted ravioli – breaded, deep-fried ravioli, typically accompanied by marinara sauce.
