Missouri
"Salus populi suprema lex esto"
Nickname
Show-Me State
Capital
Jefferson City
Statehood
August 10, 1821 (24th)
Motto
Salus populi suprema lex esto
Explore Missouri
18 of 18 articles available
Top mountains
Signature peaks and elevation highlights.
Best hikes
Trail ideas from day hikes to overnighters.
State parks
Must-see parks and natural areas.
Road trip loops
Weekend-friendly scenic drives.
Waterfronts
Lakes, rivers, and coastal stops to visit.
Waterfalls & springs
Cool-down spots and photogenic falls.
Scenic overlooks
Pull-offs and vistas for quick views.
Camping spots
Easy campgrounds and dispersed sites.
Historic towns
Main streets, museums, and landmarks.
Family weekends
Low-stress itineraries with kids in mind.
Top universities
Best-known universities and colleges.
Top biggest cities
Largest metros and fast-growing hubs.
Top places to visit
Must-see destinations and attractions.
Top high schools
High-performing public and private schools.
Top cities
Beloved cities for living and visiting.
Basic information
Quick facts, nickname, capital, and region.
Geography
Landscapes, neighbors, and natural regions.
Economy
Key industries, employers, and growth drivers.
About Missouri
Missouri borders eight other states, more than all but one state in the country, and that many neighbors shows up directly in how different its regions feel — St. Louis's river-trade history, Kansas City's rail-and-jazz roots, and the spring-fed Ozark hill country in between rarely resemble each other.
The guides below move across that internal range, from the two anchor cities to the karst geology and small towns that fill the space between them.