Discover 30 Incredible Hidden Treasures in Missouri

Known as the “Cave State” due to its more than 6,000 recorded caves, Missouri resides in the Midwestern region of the United States. The state capital, Jefferson City, named after Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, is acknowledged as one of America’s most attractive towns.

Ranking as the 18th most populous state in the country, Missouri has served as the birthplace for numerous prominent figures in American history, including Mark Twain, Chuck Berry, Walt Disney, and Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States.

With the Mississippi River bordering its east and the Ozark Mountains to the south, Missouri has been home to human inhabitants for over 12,000 years.

The largest city, Kansas City, is renowned both nationally and internationally for its barbecue and jazz music. Often referred to as the “City of Fountains,” it boasts the fountain at Kauffman Stadium, which is the largest privately-funded fountain in the world.

The state known as the “Show Me” state boasts a rich tapestry of diverse opportunities and attractions that reflect its historical significance and cultural contributions. From indigenous tribes to contemporary literary figures, Missouri has a storied past worthy of exploration.

Let us explore some of the hidden gems in Missouri that deserve recognition and preservation for future enjoyment.

1. Welch Spring Hospital Ruins, Jadwin

Today serving as a camping location for travelers, the Welch Springs Hospital Ruins, located along the banks of the Current River in Jadwin, Missouri, once functioned as a famed healing site. It was discovered and subsequently acquired by Dr. C.H. Diehl, an Illinois-based physician, in 1913, who claimed the local waters possessed remarkable therapeutic properties.

The fresh, clear waters emerging from surrounding caves alleviated his hay fever, leading him to believe that these soothing waters could remedy chronic ailments such as tuberculosis, asthma, and emphysema. To realize this vision and attract visitors, he established a “hospital” at the cave’s entrance.

Unfortunately, access to the caves was not ideal, hindering his ambitious plans to create a natural health spa. Following Dr. Diehl’s passing, his family lost interest in the property, and it now stands as a neglected remnant of history.

2. Bonne Terre Mines, Bonne Terre

Once the world’s leading producer of lead ore, Bonne Terre Mines operated from 1870 until 1962, employing hundreds of workers and using substantial machinery throughout its underground caverns to maximize extraction efforts.

However, flooding due to a sudden influx of underground water resulted in the submersion of the chambers and the loss of millions of dollars’ worth of equipment, leading to the mine’s closure.

In a twist of fate, the submerged caves were later restored and are now recognized as the largest freshwater diving site globally.

Devoid of life due to toxic lead particles in the water, the dive site offers 24 distinct dive routes encompassing 17 miles of underground passages, featuring an impressive array of rusted mining equipment settled at the bottom of the “Billion Gallon Lake.”

If you lack professional diving skills, you may enjoy a boat tour or a hiking trail in accessible areas.

3. Glore Psychiatric Museum, St. Joseph

Although most of the original building now serves as part of the city’s correctional facility, remnants of this historic edifice house a four-story collection illustrating the progression of mental illness treatment and the accompanying 130-year history of the State Lunatic Asylum.

The Glore Psychiatric Museum in St. Joseph, Missouri is named in honor of George Glore, who invested 41 years of his career in meticulously recreating replicas of historical instruments used for the treatment of mental illness from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries.

Initially a personal project for a history enthusiast, the present museum is the culmination of Glore’s efforts, which gained significant support and respect from the Missouri Department of Mental Health, his employer.

In addition to historic apparatus such as the Wheel, lobotomy tools, and Benjamin Rush’s Tranquilizer Chair, the museum exhibits life-like replicas, dioramas, and art created by patients.

4. Devil’s Icebox, Columbia

Missouri, acclaimed for its natural caves and historical significance, houses the Devil’s Icebox within the Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. This unique cave maintains a constant temperature of 56 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.

Popular among students and visitors from Columbia, the Icebox serves as a gateway to two additional caves and contains a flowing river.

From April to May and August to October each year, the Icebox offers guided caving tours varying in difficulty from Level A for beginners to Level D for seasoned spelunkers.

During summer months, the caves become a habitat for numerous bats, while the region’s karst topography provides an idyllic escape for nature enthusiasts.

5. Lemp Mansion, St. Louis

The narrative of Lemp Mansion intertwines with the history of German immigration and the brewing industry in St. Louis, Missouri.

As one of the earliest breweries in the United States, the Western Brewery was established by Johann “Adam” Lemp, who moved to the region in 1839 and commenced beer production in 1840. The enterprise was inherited by Adam’s eldest son, William J. Lemp, under whose leadership the Western Brewery became the largest brewery in the city, surpassing even those in New York.

Despite Frederick, William’s fourth son, being designated to manage the company, it was William J. Lemp Jr., also known as Billy, who continued the family legacy, taking residence in the Lemp Mansion in 1873 and rebranding the company as the William J. Lemp Brewing Company.

Frederick’s significant health issues were unknown to the family, and after his heart attack in 1901, tragedy struck the family and their business. The family seemed cursed; William Sr. took his own life in 1904, followed by Billy’s death from suicide in 1922 amid divorce proceedings.

Elsa Lemp Wright, the youngest child, died by suicide in 1920, and the last surviving member, Charles Lemp, ended his life in 1949 after taking his dog’s life as well.

Now transformed into a restaurant and inn, the property offers guided tours exploring the mansion’s haunted history.

6. Kansas City Library’s Giant Bookshelf, Kansas City

Kansas City, celebrated for its stunning caves, also features the public library’s Central branch, renowned for its impressive façade resembling a Giant Bookshelf. With a series of books displayed 25 feet high and nine feet wide, this creatively designed parking garage was established in 2006 to address downtown parking challenges, with the “Bookshelf” façade arising from a collaborative effort of community members.

Prominent titles on display include J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man, Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching, and Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities.

7. Kansas City Workhouse, Kansas City

Commonly referred to as the “Workhouse Castle,” this imposing structure was constructed in 1897 to serve as a prison. Inmates, often individuals convicted of minor crimes, contributed labor for local public projects within the facility. The “castle” is recognized as one of the first structures built using limestone boulders quarried from the surrounding area.

The medieval European architectural style not only distinguishes the building but also adds an imposing presence to the local landscape.

After several decades of ownership changes, the Workhouse Castle permanently closed in 1972.

Following its abandonment, graffiti artists transformed the walls into a vibrant tapestry of expression. Though plans for converting the site into a community center have circulated, the walls still proudly display the artwork of those who once might have been incarcerated there.

8. Leila’s Hair Museum, Independence

If you believe you are familiar with all the unconventional museums worldwide, reconsider. Leila’s Hair Museum, the only one of its kind globally, is situated in Independence, Missouri, featuring a collection of over 600 hair wreaths and 2,000 pieces of exquisite jewelry created from human hair.

Although the exact origins of this art form are not entirely clear, it is believed to date back to the Victorian era and the 12th century when hair was transformed into keepsakes to remember loved ones (given that photography was not prevalent at that time). These captivating pieces also served as mementos of departed family members.

The museum’s oldest brooch, created in 1680, was donated in the 1800s by the last surviving member of a Swedish family.

Leila Cohoon, the curator and owner, reportedly has mastered 30 out of the 35 techniques used to craft the various jewelry pieces and offers classes to interested individuals.

9. Treasures of the Steamboat Arabia, Kansas City

On September 5, 1856, the Steamboat Arabia collided with a submerged walnut tree during its regular route along the Missouri River, resulting in its sinking alongside 200 tons of freight and a mule!

The vessel sank within a day, and despite numerous efforts, neither the boat nor its cargo could be salvaged. The shipwreck remained lost to history for over a century, until 1987 when Bob Hawley and his sons discovered the “lost” steamboat beneath a layer of mud and silt.

The Hawleys, along with a few family and friends, embarked on a quest to unearthed this historical treasure, and after a year of diligent work, they began to unveil the artifacts of the Arabia.

Today, all treasures recovered from the Arabia, which include well-preserved firearms, tools, clothing, and crates of china and food, are housed at the Treasures of the Steamboat Arabia Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, recognized as the largest collection of pre-Civil War artifacts.

10. Turtle Playground, St. Louis

You may have been advised against playing near highways during your childhood, but Turtle Playground offers more than an ordinary stopover at the intersection of Oakland Ave and Tamm Ave in St. Louis, Missouri. This themed public park, designed by Bob Cassilly, renowned for his work at the City Museum (St. Louis), showcases larger-than-life reptilian sculptures crafted from concrete, drawing inspiration from local species.

Created in the late 1990s, the park features numerous turtles and a lengthy snake structure intended as an entrance to the park.

When a threat emerged in 2007 regarding the potential demolition of the playground due to nearby highway construction, Cassilly disguised himself as a thief and removed the snake’s head, effectively asserting his authority over his work. This message resonated, and the “head” and playground were subsequently restored and reopened.

11. The Ozark Spooklight, Joplin

Also referred to as the Hornet Ghost Light, Tri-State Spook Light, and Joplin Ghost Light, the Ozark Spooklight is a mysterious orb that has appeared intermittently for over 140 years, approximately eleven miles southwest of Joplin. Although sightings have been reported since 1881, some accounts suggest earlier occurrences.

Several hypotheses regarding the phenomenon have been proposed, the most plausible being that the lights are merely reflections of passing vehicle headlights; however, this explanation has been challenged due to the light’s visibility prior to the advent of automobiles.

Various legends surround the Ozark Spooklight, with some claiming it to be the spirit of a Confederate soldier in search of his head, the ghost of a decapitated miner, or the apparition of a beheaded Osage Indian searching for his own head.

12. Taum Sauk Mountain, Ironton

The Ozarks dominate Missouri’s southern region, with Taum Sauk Mountain recognized as the oldest and highest peak within the St. Francois Mountains (a component of the Ozarks).

Legend has it that the Piankeshaw chief Sauk-Ton-Qua’s daughter fell in love with a warrior from a rival tribe. Upon discovering their relationship, Sauk violently killed the warrior by throwing him off a cliff; his daughter followed suit, leading to the wrath of the mystical Storm King, who unleashed a deadly hurricane to annihilate the chief’s tribe.

The mountain is reputedly named in honor of this chief and his tragic tale.

The summit of Taum Sauk is marked with a granite inscription by the Missouri Association of Registered Land Surveyors.

13. The Pinnacles, Sturgeon

The Pinnacles in Missouri should not be confused with California’s national park of the same name, as these formations are a geological anomaly. While river erosion typically leads to steep cliffs from large boulders, in this case, a 300-year-old limestone formation became wedged between two rivers and eroded over time, resulting in the “Pinnacles.”

This spiked formation towers 75 feet high and extends up to 1,000 feet. The Burlington Limestone formation resides between Kelley Creek and Silver Fork Creek as the streams gradually dissolve sections of the rock.

Located within the Pinnacles Youth Park, these unique formations offer an excellent venue for hiking and rock climbing.

14. Pruitt-Igoe’s Remains, St. Louis

Pruitt-Igoe, a housing complex completed in 1954, was initially envisioned as a model community in the United States. However, within a decade of occupancy, it earned notoriety as one of the country’s most infamous housing projects.

Designed by Minoru Yamasaki, best known for the World Trade Center, alongside George Hellmuth, the plan was to segregate white residents in Igoe and African American residents in Pruitt. Yet, the idea of coexistence did not sit well with white residents, resulting in the community becoming predominantly African American.

Though it is recognized as a significant failure, former residents recall their initial experience with enthusiasm, enjoying modern amenities of the time.

As crime, gang violence, and drugs plagued the project, despair took over, culminating in a shocking decision to demolish the entire complex with explosives.

What remains today is an urban wasteland, a memorial to the hopes and dreams that once inhabited its premises in St. Louis, Missouri.

15. Bothwell Lodge, Sedalia

If concerns regarding the energy consumption of air conditioning resonate with you, consider the design principles of Bothwell Lodge, a structure ingeniously built over a natural cave, allowing it to maintain a naturally pleasant environment!

Originally called Stonyridge Farm, the estate was conceived over 30 years ago by John Homer Bothwell, a prosperous attorney, as a retreat for himself and his companions. Spanning 12,000 square feet, the Lodge boasts 31 rooms and an architectural style reminiscent of medieval Europe.

While the building itself exemplifies exquisite beauty, the most intriguing aspect is the discovery of three underground caves during construction. To take advantage of this natural phenomenon, Bothwell mandated the creation of multiple access points within the structure to facilitate the circulation of fresh air throughout the entire residence.

The estate grounds invite biking and hiking, with guided tours readily available.

16. Jesse James Home Museum, St. Joseph

Missouri acknowledges both heroes and villains, exemplified by the Jesse James Home Museum in St. Joseph. Here, the legacy of a notorious outlaw endures even decades after his demise.

Jesse James, one of the most infamous outlaws in American history, initially thrived in his criminal endeavors but ultimately sought to settle down with his family in St. Joseph. Despite his fearsome reputation, he was also a devoted family man.

Sadly, upon deciding to reform, a $10,000 bounty was placed on his capture. This substantial reward incentivized Robert Ford, a former associate, to take James’s life in his own home.

While Ford faced consequences for his actions, Jesse James has become an American icon, celebrated through his former residence, which has been transformed into the Jesse James Home Museum.

17. BoatHenge, Columbia

The fascination with Stonehenge, the iconic prehistoric monument in England, resonates across America, as evidenced by various quirky interpretations, including BoatHenge in Columbia, Missouri.

An anonymous artistic endeavor, BoatHenge first garnered attention in 1993, showcasing six upright fiberglass boats arranged in a crescent formation, accessible only by canoe, bicycle, or a significant amount of walking.

Mysteriously, research shows that the dimensions of the boats underground perfectly mirror those of the original Stonehenge.

18. The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, Kansas City

Founded in 1882 as the Kansas City Toy and Miniature Museum, this facility boasts one of the largest and most impressive collections of vintage toys and miniatures in the United States. Achieving national recognition in 2015, the museum originated from the collective efforts of Mary Harris Francis and Barbara Marshall.

Since its inception, the museum has experienced substantial growth, undergoing expansions in 1985, 2004, and 2014.

During its 2004 expansion, 72,000 items were cataloged within the museum.

Visitors can expect to encounter exquisite antique dollhouses, wooden boats, vintage automobiles, tin toys, and thought-provoking miniatures that faithfully replicate their full-sized counterparts.

19. The Holy Finger of Kansas City, Kansas City

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art boasts an esteemed collection of significant Christian artifacts, among which one item stands uniquely apart—a human finger bone, specifically belonging to John the Baptist, who is recognized as the first cousin of Jesus of Nazareth.

This artifact is part of the Guelph Treasure located in Brunswick Cathedral, Germany, and was acquired by the Nelson Trust.

While the right hand of John the Baptist, with which he baptized Jesus, is preserved in the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro, other relics are dispersed across various locations worldwide, including France and Bulgaria.

20. Kirksville Devil’s Chair, Kirksville

Known officially as the “Baird Chair,” this structure was commissioned by William Baird, a prominent banker in Kirksville.

Though Baird is no longer alive, his legacy is prevalent in Kirksville, where his former home now hosts the Chamber of Commerce and his bank has been converted into Pagliai’s Pizza.

Locally referred to as the Devil’s Chair, it is said that misfortune will befall anyone who dares to sit upon it at midnight—rumored to involve an undead hand reaching from the grave to drag the sitter to hell. The legend suggests that such occurrences are more likely to transpire on occasions like Halloween.

21. Former World’s Largest Rocking Chair, Cuba

Although it has been eclipsed by the new World’s Largest Rocking Chair crafted by Jim Bolin and unveiled in Casey, Illinois, the former World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Cuba, Missouri, initially gained recognition when it was erected on April Fool’s Day in 2008.

Measuring 42 feet tall, the welded steel chair is located along Route 66 as it meanders through the town of Cuba.

Designed with the goal of setting records and gaining entry into the Guinness Book of World Records, the monumental chair soon raised safety concerns. To prevent any potential accidents, it was securely anchored to the ground.

Sitting on the chair is prohibited except for one day each year, known as “Picture on Rocker Day,” when a lift is made available for visitors.

22. World’s Largest Shuttlecocks, Kansas City

While the finger bone of John the Baptist may be the most fascinating relic in the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Kansas City Museum offers even more enthralling attractions, such as four 18-foot shuttlecocks!

These oversized badminton shuttlecocks resemble casually discarded equipment after a game played by giant players. The artworks were commissioned following a generous donation from the Sosland family to the museum.

Crafted by Claes Oldenburg and his wife Coosje Van Bruggen, these shuttlecocks are fabricated from fiberglass and aluminum and were installed at the museum grounds in July 1994.

Now part of the city’s folklore, the surrounding area has increasingly become a preferred venue for weddings and community events.

23. Cotton Belt Freight Depot, St. Louis

Originally serving as a central hub in the flourishing cotton trade linking Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri, the Cotton Belt Freight Depot features sculpted terra cotta details and a towering façade adorned with exceptional artwork, signifying its status as an abandoned yet exquisite structure in St. Louis.

Completed in 1911, this former Freight Depot serves as a quirky representation of the city’s industrial legacy.

The five-story building is notable for its slender and elongated design, measuring approximately 750 feet in length.

Resembling more of a wall than a traditional building, much of the Depot’s surface is covered in graffiti art. Among the various murals, the “Migrate” mural stands out as a significant feature of the depot’s renaissance initiative.

24. Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum, Mansfield

Laura Ingalls Wilder, a renowned American author celebrated for her “Little House on the Prairie” series, had a penchant for traveling and spent considerable time traversing the states of Kansas, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Missouri.

Numerous significant landmarks exist along her historical journey, including the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum in Mansfield, Missouri, which offers insights into her final years spent with her husband Almanzo and their daughter Rose, during which time she penned her renowned series.

Visitors can experience the writer’s former residence, her farmhouse, and the Rock House. A garden named “Laura’s Vegetable Garden,” dedicated to Laura’s love for gardening, was added later on.

Sections of the museum are also dedicated to her husband Almanzo and their daughter Rose.

25. World Chess Hall of Fame, St. Louis

The World Chess Hall of Fame (WCHOF) functions as a museum, educational center, monument, and a sought-after destination for chess enthusiasts worldwide. Established in 2011, WCHOF is the only museum of its kind in the United States, operated by the United States Chess Trust.

Among the treasured artifacts on display, a book signed by Bobby Fischer illustrating various chess openings, a Senet piece dating back 500 years, Paul Murphy’s silver chess set, and the first computer designed for playing chess, stand out as notable attractions.

The WCHOF collaborates with the local chess community to provide educational programs for chess enthusiasts of all ages and organizes some of the nation’s most competitive tournaments.

26. Boots Court Motel, Carthage

Established in 1939 at the intersection of Route 66 and U.S. 71, Boots Court Motel is a historic establishment founded by Arthur Boots, a machinery salesman.

Located at the “crossroads of America,” this iconic motel is famous for its “a radio in every room” feature and its exceptional location. Following a Streamline Moderne architectural style, the motel comprises a covered carport for nighttime visitors.

Notable celebrities such as Clark Gable have been known to have stayed at this motel.

A neon sign advertised its presence along Route 66 for years until its closure. Locals protested against a demolition attempt in 2003, and in 2011, two sisters acquired the property and have since been restoring its historical charm.

While modern amenities have been incorporated, the owners strive to preserve the motel’s original 1940s structure.

The revived Boots Court Motel offers contemporary facilities, excluding televisions, though it still prides itself on having “a radio in every room.”

27. Lyle Van Houten’s Automotive Museum, Clarence

At first glance, this structure appears to be a functioning gas station preserved in time. However, it is, in fact, a historic filling station transformed into an Automotive Museum.

Situated just off Highway 36 in Clarence, Missouri, this Automotive Museum was established by Lyle Van Houten, who, rather than selling his station after 40 years of operation, opted to display vintage cars within the classic American filling station setup.

Upon retirement, Houten dedicated his efforts to preserving the original filling pumps and signage, curating a collection of vintage vehicles alongside mannequins dressed in period costumes.

Notable exhibits include an old Clarence police car, a couple maneuvering a vintage sedan, and an unusual taxi filled with figurines of marching band monkeys.

28. Vacuum Cleaner Museum and Factory Outlet, Saint James

America’s fascination with unique collectibles is well-documented, with introductions ranging from shaker museums to hair museums, now culminating in the Vacuum Cleaner Museum. One might marvel at the significance of such machinery to humanity, warranting a dedicated museum.

Tom Gasko, the custodian of over 600 vacuum cleaners exhibited at the Vacuum Cleaner Museum and Factory Outlet in Saint James, Missouri, developed his passion for these devices at just 16 years old, shortly before starting his career as a sales associate in 1979.

As the President of the Vacuum Cleaner Club in 1995, Gasko formed collaborations with fellow enthusiasts to establish the Vacuum Collectors Association.

Eventually, in 2009, Gasko felt that he had amassed sufficient items to launch a public exhibition, now recognized as the Vacuum Cleaner Museum and Factory Outlet. Since its opening, Gasko has personally guided tours, answering any inquiries relating to vacuum technology.

29. Maxie, The World’s Largest Goose, Sumner

Sumner proudly claims the title of the World’s Wise Goose Capital, fittingly represented by Maxie, a 40-foot Canadian Goose, which stands gracefully in a public park, poised to take flight.

Much more majestic than monstrous, this 4,000-pound goose is not merely a mascot for Sumner but also the reason behind the city’s unusual reputation. Standing on slender legs, Maxie is known to sway slightly in strong winds.

Situated along a migratory path for numerous wild geese, Sumner attracts a plethora of hunters annually. Since 1955, the city has hosted an annual goose-themed celebration.

30. Missouri State Penitentiary, Jefferson City

After Missouri achieved statehood in 1821, Jefferson City was designated as the state capital. In pursuit of enhancing the city’s significance, Governor John Miller ordered the establishment of the Missouri State Penitentiary, a high-security facility for the most dreaded criminals.

The penitentiary welcomed its first inmate in 1836 and its first female inmate in 1842. The cells and nearby structures were mainly constructed by penitentiary inmates themselves. By 1932, the facility housed the largest outlaw population in the nation, with more than 5,000 prisoners.

Recurring riots in 1954, resulting in injuries and fatalities, gave the penitentiary the grim nickname of “the bloodiest 47 acres in America.”

Notably, Charles “Sonny” Lisbon discovered a talent for boxing during his time at the facility, eventually winning the 1953 National Heavyweight Championship in Chicago.

James Earl Ray, who was briefly held in the facility during 1959, escaped in 1967, later assassinating Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.

Since its closure in 2004, the Missouri State Penitentiary has been repurposed as a museum and has been the focal point of over 100 paranormal investigations.