From the world’s largest ball of twine to European castle ruins, Missouri is home to quite a few quirky attractions. Whether you’re checking out the wild exhibits at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! or exploring ancient caves, these weird (and wonderful) attractions are a must-visit!
World’s Largest Ball of Twine (Branson)
Housed in Ripley’s Believe it or Not!, the World’s Largest Ball of Twine (out of four claimed) stands at more than 13 feet tall and a whopping 41 feet around. The ball was rolled by a retired brick mason who dreamt of taking home a Guinness World Record – which he earned in 1993. See it for yourself while exploring hundreds of other unbelievable artifacts, from combat vehicles used in World War II to a life-sized dog made of mops.
Graham Cave State Park (Danville)
Combine your outdoor escapades with a dash of historic charm at Graham Cave State Park. Go back 10,000 years as you roam through 386 acres of dolomite glades and limestone caves. Explore the ancient alcove of Graham Cave (once the home of hunters and gatherers), decode the secrets of early civilizations along Graham Cave Trail, and toast marshmallows under starry skies at the campground. Bring a fishing rod for a chance at catching bluegill or catfish in the Loutre River.
Titanic Museum Attraction (Branson)
Dive into maritime lore at Branson’s Titanic Museum Attraction. Step into the shoes of former passengers as you stroll through authentic replicas of the ship’s halls, parlors, and cabins, surrounded by over 400 artifacts salvaged from the Titanic. Feel the chill of a real iceberg and dip your hands in 28-degree water, brave the sloping decks, listen to harrowing passenger stories, and learn to send an SOS signal. This self-guided journey through time is as captivating as it is chilling. Make sure to reserve tickets; this attraction sells out on most days!
The Soda Museum (St. Charles)
Embark on a nostalgic adventure at The Soda Museum, where vintage soda culture comes to life. Discover one-of-a-kind soft drink memorabilia spanning from the 1880s to the 1980s, from classic Coke bottles and retro vending machines to branded toys and games. Don’t leave without heading downstairs to unleash your inner child with a game of pinball in the old-school arcade.
Fantastic Caverns: Ride-Thru Cave (Springfield)
Buckle up for an underground adventure unlike any other at one of Springfield’s top family attractions. Hop aboard a Jeep-drawn tram for a 55-minute ride-through cave tour, the only one of its kind in North America. Glide along the ancient underground riverbed and marvel at stunning cave formations. Open all year long, the cave maintains a constant 60-degree temperature, ensuring a comfortable journey in any season. Fantastic Caverns is also dog-friendly, so bring along your furry friends!
Ruins of Ha Ha Tonka (Camdenton)
You wouldn’t expect to find the ruins of a European-style castle in Missouri, of all places, but that’s exactly what you’ll find in Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Built by a Kansas City businessman in 1905, the castle would eventually go on to be a hotel in the 1940s before succumbing to a fire. Today, the ruins stand perched on towering bluffs with panoramic views of the Lake of the Ozarks and Ha Ha Tonka Spring. While visiting the park, take some time to explore the caves, hiking trails and the natural bridge.
The Hall of Waters (Excelsior Springs)
At The Hall of Waters, history and geology collide in a truly unique experience. As the site where the first spring water was discovered in 1880, this historic building was constructed in Art Deco style to pay homage to the Mayan water gods. Marvel at the architecture before quenching your curiosity at the world’s longest water bar. Learn all about the mineral waters found in Excelsior Springs at the on-site museum before checking out the vintage bathing equipment on display.
Glore Psychiatric Museum (St. Joseph)
Delve into the fascinating history of mental health treatments at the award-winning Glore Psychiatric Museum. From the jaw-dropping exhibit featuring 453 nails swallowed by a single patient to the meticulously recreated 17th to 19th-century treatment devices, every corner of this museum offers a detailed look at the evolution of psychiatric care. Step into the shoes of patients and staff alike as you peruse unique artifacts like medical equipment, patient artwork, photographs, and period uniforms.
Laclede’s Landing Wax Museum (St. Louis)
Prepare for a hilariously uncanny tour of famous figures, real and fictional, at Laclede’s Landing Wax Museum. Step into a circa-1885 former warehouse and encounter over 250 life-size wax replicas, spanning from movie stars and musicians to religious leaders and even war heroes (you haven’t lived until you’ve seen their version of Marilyn Monroe and Bill Clinton). Check out Feeling bold? Dare to explore the Chamber of Horrors for a spine-tingling encounter with movie monsters and torture animatronics. Don’t forget to indulge in a sweet treat at the on-site ice cream shop before you leave.
