2022 Missouri Group Tour Guide

M I S S O UTourRGuideI 2022

UNWIND AND PLAY AT LAKE OF THE OZARKS

Group Tour Guide

There’s plenty of fun for groups of all ages

SMALL TOWN MUSEUMS WITH BIG STORIES These museums will educate and entertain you

Missouri Steps Up to the Plate

Take your group out to a ball game

Stephen Foutes Director, Missouri Division of Tourism

Welcome to Missouri!

No matter where your travels lead, the Show-Me State is the ideal place for a fun, memorable experience for your group’s big adventure. And when we say big, we mean big!

Big like the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch (the tallest national monument in the U.S.) in downtown St. Louis and the world’s largest shuttlecocks (badminton birdies) on the lawn outside the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City.

Then there’s the big, ship-shaped façade of the Titanic Museum in Branson, where an equally big depiction of King Kong is seen scaling the exterior of the Hollywood Wax Museum.

About 40 minutes to the north, the world’s largest Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World offers 500,000 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment space in the heart of Springfield.

Missouri’s small towns also offer opportunities for big fun. Hermann, which has a rich German heritage, is noted for its wineries, while Hannibal celebrates Mark Twain, whose writings were inspired by life in the historic Mississippi River town.

And speaking of famous folks, Missouri has connections to Walt Disney, Laura Ingalls Wilder, George Washington Carver and Jesse James, to name a few.

Whether your travels take you indoors, outdoors, to small towns or major metros, big adventure awaits in Missouri.

Travel safely, we look forward to seeing you soon.

Stephen Foutes Director www.VisitMO.com

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Group Tour Guide

FEATURES 6 Missouri Steps Up to the Plate Take your group out to a ball game, hall of fame and nearby attractions • By Randy Mink

10 Unwind and Play at Lake of the Ozarks There’s plenty of fun for visitors of all ages and interests • By Christopher Silbernagel

14 Treat Yourself to a Trip to Amish Country This charming community is a perfect spot to get away from it all • By Isabella Wilkes

16 Small Town Museums with Big Stories These Missouri museums will educate and entertain groups • By Dave Bodle ON THE COVER: A great view at Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals Photo courtesy of Visit KC

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Missouri Driving MISSOURI Distances

DRIVING At a glance, this handy chart DISTANCES shows distances At a glance, this handy chart in miles between shows distances in miles between popular tourist cities popular tourist cities

Branson Cape Girardeau Charleston Columbia Hannibal Hermann Independence Jefferson City Joplin Kansas City Rolla St. Charles Ste. Genevieve St. Joseph St. Louis Sedalia Springfield

Branson 0 275 256 201 275 217 205 170 107 211 144 254 286 264 251 156 43

Cape Girardeau 275 0 35 225 217 185 342 220 321 350 158 126 61 408 115 279 255

Charleston Columbia Hannibal 256 201 275 35 225 217 0 258 249 258 0 98 249 98 0 214 65 86 375 119 192 252 31 106 319 227 302 382 126 201 198 94 151 166 108 99 101 175 165 448 184 194 147 125 117 67 163 313 255 162 237

2 2 MIS S O UR I G R GUIDE O UP TO UR GU ID E 4 62 0MISSOURI TOUR

Hermann Independence Jefferson City Joplin 217 205 170 107 185 342 220 321 214 375 252 319 65 119 31 227 86 192 106 302 0 181 48 250 181 0 142 154 48 142 0 202 250 154 202 0 188 9 148 157 72 204 62 178 60 225 117 284 129 290 168 297 243 63 208 211 81 242 122 284 61 175 107 82 182 163 133 70

Kansas City Rolla St. Charles Ste. Genevieve St. Joseph St. Louis Sedalia Springfield 211 144 254 286 264 251 156 43 350 158 126 61 408 115 279 255 382 198 166 101 448 147 313 255 125 67 162 126 94 108 175 184 201 151 99 165 194 117 163 237 188 72 60 129 243 81 107 182 9 204 225 290 63 242 82 163 148 62 117 168 208 122 61 133 157 178 284 297 211 284 175 70 0 210 233 298 55 252 87 167 210 0 108 112 269 106 123 110 233 108 0 66 290 22 173 220 112 66 0 354 54 232 298 227 269 290 354 0 307 219 55 144 252 186 106 22 54 307 0 215 87 173 118 123 227 144 186 0 110 220 232 219 215 0 167 118

TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR MISSOURI TOUR Local information to get you on your way to the Show-Me State

Official Missouri Welcome CentersMissouri Official taffers at Official Missouri Welcome Centers are ready Welcome to assist youCenters with information about the surrounding area and

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the entire state. Picnic areas, vending machines and playtaffers at Official Missouri Welcome Centers are ready ground equipment are available at most Official Welcome Centers. to assist you with information about the surrounding area (industry.visitmo.com/about-the-division/welcome-centers) and the entire state. Picnic areas, vending machines and playground equipment areCenter available at most Official Welcome Conway Official Welcome Centers. (industry.visitmo.com/about-the-division/welcome-centers) 110619 Interstate 44 West Conway, MO 65632

Conway Official Missouri Welcome Center 417-589-0023 Tourism.ConwayW@ded.mo.gov 110619 Interstate 44 West, Mile Marker 110 EaglevilleMO Official Missouri Welcome Center Conway, 65632 11687 Interstate 35 South 417-589-0023 Eagleville, MO 64442 Tourism.ConwayW@ded.mo.gov 660-867-5566 Tourism.Eagleville@ded.mo.gov

Eagleville Official Missouri Welcome Center Hannibal Official Missouri Welcome Center 1700 Highway 61 South 11687 Interstate 35 South, Mile Marker 112 Hannibal, MO 63401 Eagleville, MO 64442 573-248-2420 Tourism.Hannibal@ded.mo.gov 660-867-5566 Tourism.Eagleville@ded.mo.gov Hayti Official Missouri Welcome Center Interstate 55 North, Mile Marker 20 Hayti, MO 63851 Hayti Official Missouri Welcome Center 573-359-0330 Interstate 55 North, Mile Marker 20 Tourism.Hayti@ded.mo.gov

Hayti, MO 63851 Joplin Official Missouri Welcome Center 573-359-0330 Interstate 44 East, Mile Marker 2 Rest Area Joplin, MO 64803 Tourism.Hayti@ded.mo.gov 417-629-3030 Tourism.Joplin@ded.mo.gov

Out-of-State OUT-OF-STATE DRIVING DISTANCES Driving Distances From Chicago Dallas Minneapolis Memphis

To St. Louis Kansas City Branson St. Louis

Miles 297 508 643 283

Joplin Official Missouri Welcome Center Kansas City Official Missouri Welcome Center 2481 Interstate 44 East, Mile Marker 2 4010 Bluff Ridge Cutoff Kansas City, MO 64133 Joplin, MO 64804 816-889-3330 417-629-3030 Tourism.KansasCity@ded.mo.gov Tourism.Joplin@ded.mo.gov

Rock Port Official Missouri Welcome Center 23181 Interstate 29 South Rock Port Port, MO 64482Missouri Welcome Center Rock Official 660-744-6300 23181 Interstate 29 South, Mile Marker 109 Tourism.RockPort@ded.mo.gov

Rock Port, MO 64482 St. Louis Official Missouri Welcome Center 660-744-6300 Interstate 270 at Riverview Drive Tourism.RockPort@ded.mo.gov St. Louis, MO 63138 314-869-7100 Tourism.StLouis@ded.mo.gov

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Game day Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City Photo courtesy of Jason Hanna and Visit KC

MISSOURI

STEPS UP TO THE PLATE Take your group out to a ball game, hall of fame and nearby attractions

By Randy Mink

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The Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum is housed in Cardinals Nation, a restaurant/bar in St. Louis’ Ballpark Village.

Photo courtesy of Missouri Division of Tourism

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rom the Mississippi River to the western edge of the state, Missouri has its bases covered when it comes to offering baseball experiences for sports-minded groups.

Game tickets can be a big plus when marketing a tour, but even if a team’s home-game schedule doesn’t jive with trip dates, planners can still sprinkle their line-up with baseball museums, stadium tours, and sports-themed restaurants and bars.

The St. Louis Cardinals, holder of 11 World Series titles and 19 National League pennants, is one of the most storied teams in Major League Baseball. The city’s beloved Redbirds play at Busch Stadium, whose tiers of red seats lie just blocks from the riverfront’s iconic Gateway Arch. Adjacent to the field is the Ballpark Village entertainment district, a great place to hang out before, during and after a game – or even when the team is away.

During a stadium tour guests can visit a suite, walk on the warning track (on non-game days) and view World Series trophies and souvenir scorecards displayed in the exclusive UMB Bank Champions Club. The one-hour tour, offered yearround, is wheelchair-accessible. In the plaza outside the park gates, bronze statues of Cardinal legends (Stan Musial, Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, Rogers Hornsby and others) make good photo opportunities.

The current Busch Stadium, with capacity for 46,000 fans, replaced the one that existed in the same location from 19662005. Though St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch sold the Cardinals in 1996 to concentrate on the beer business, it retains naming rights to the ballpark.

The Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum is housed in Cardinals Nation, a Ballpark Village restaurant and bar. In the museum’s “Holding History” area, you can view a World Series ring up close or slip on plastic gloves to pose with a bat that was swung by players such as Ozzie Smith and Yadier Molina.

A radio broadcast booth lets you call the play of your choice from six historic games and then listen to the recording. One exhibit recalls the Mark McGwire-Sammy Sosa home run race of 1998, and you can sit in a stadium seat to watch a video of McGwire’s 70th homer. Stadium tour tickets include admission to the museum.

Bally Sports Live!, a cavernous sports bar featuring a 40-foot-wide video screen, is a prime gathering place at Ballpark Village. Thanks to a 100-foot-long retractable glass roof, one of the largest of its kind in the country, fans can enjoy fresh air during warmer months.

Sports & Social St. Louis, also at Ballpark Village, offers a laid-back outdoor space with a huge videoboard, fireplaces, Cardinal red chairs, live music and games like Jenga and cornhole. PBR St. Louis, a country-western bar, has a mechanical bull and large dance floor.

At Anheuser-Busch Brewery, just south of downtown, 75-minute tours include the historic Brewhouse, Beechwood Aging Cellars, packaging facilities and grand stables of the Budweiser Clydesdales. Grant’s Farm, the ancestral home of the Busch family, lies 13 miles southwest of St. Louis. The free, family-friendly attraction is home to Clydesdales and a menagerie of other animals, from camels and goats to zebras 2022 MI S S OURI G ROUP TOUR G UIDE

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Uniform of the legendary Kansas City Monarchs at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Kansas City Photo courtesy of Visit KC

and bison. Warm Springs Ranch, near Boonville in the rolling hills of central Missouri, is the breeding and training farm for the Clydesdales and offers onehour walking tours.

In Kansas City, Major League action takes place at Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals. The “K,” as locals call it, is part of the Harry S. Truman Sports Complex, which includes the Kansas City Chiefs’ Arrowhead Stadium.

In Kauffman Stadium’s outfield area, the Water Spectacular features a 322-foot-wide gallery of colorful fountains that activate before and after the game and in between innings. The Outfield Experience is a family-friendly area with a carousel, playground, mini golf and music stage. It also encompasses the two-story Royals Hall of Fame, which game day guests can visit until the top of the eighth inning. The Plaque Gallery honors Royals greats like George Brett, Bret Saberhagen and Frank White. Another gallery has an impressive collection of player bobbleheads.

Artifacts in the Hall of Fame include the baseball and bat from Brett’s 3,000th hit and trophies from championship

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seasons. Items on loan from the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum in Cooperstown, New York, are on display as well. A 15-minute film in the Dugout Theatre spotlights the history of professional baseball in Kansas City. Interactive features let you design your own ballpark or call plays at an announcer’s booth.

Tours of Kauffman Stadium, available year-round, provide a behind-the-scenes look at the ballpark and may include stops at the press box, visitors’ dugout, a suite, the Outfield Plaza and Hall of Fame, depending on scheduled activities.

Fans looking for a taste of Kansas City barbecue may want to try the stadium’s classic Rookie Sandwich— smoked chopped brisket or pulled pork smothered in barbecue sauce and served on a bun with pickles. Or they can chow down on corn tortilla chips topped with brisket, BBQ baked beans, cheesy corn, coleslaw and barbecue sauce.

In Kansas City’s historic jazz district at 18th and Vine, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum tells the story of organized baseball played by AfricanAmericans during the many decades they were denied the opportunity to

compete in the majors. Exhibits feature jerseys, gloves, signed baseballs and other memorabilia. Statues pay tribute to Negro Leagues greats like catcher Josh Gibson and pitcher Satchel Paige. Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, played for the Kansas City Monarchs, the longest-running franchise in the history of the Negro Leagues. The team was a charter member of the Negro National League, which was founded in 1920 at a YMCA within walking distance of the museum.

Located in the same building, the American Jazz Museum pays tribute to Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald and others who pioneered the uniquely American music genre. The story is told through videos, listening stations and artifacts. The Blue Room, designed to look like a 1930s jazz club, offers concerts and jam sessions on select days. A combination ticket for the two museums at 18th and Vine is available.

The best place for entertainment in downtown KC is the Kansas City Power & Light District, an eight-block area packed with bars, music clubs, restaurants and shops. Called the “P&L” by locals, it’s a good place to gather after a ball game or a show at the nearby T-Mobile Center arena. A covered courtyard hosts free and ticketed summer shows by rock and country acts.

Minor league baseball offers a more intimate setting but can be just as much fun as big-league games. In Missouri’s third-largest city, the Springfield Cardinals, a Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, play at downtown’s Hammons Field, a fine venue for watching future stars. More than 100 players who’ve made it to the major leagues got their start in Springfield. Food promotions, giveaways, theme nights, on-field contests and entertainment, along with quality baseball, keep crowds engaged.

Springfield is home to Bass Pro Shops’ mammoth flagship store and the neighboring Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium. Both are wonders themselves and deserve as much time as you can give them.•

A wonderful sunset over Lake of the Ozarks Photo courtesy of Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau

UNWIND AND PLAY AT

LAKE OF THE OZARKS There’s plenty of fun for visitors of all ages and interests

By Christopher Silbernagel

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visit to Missouri’s serpentine-shaped Lake of the Ozarks is guaranteed to be a fun-filled trip that will please laid-back travelers and adventure seekers alike.

From fishing and boating to golfing and live music, there truly is something for everyone.

Recreational activities With a surface area stretching across 54,000 acres, the Lake of the Ozarks has plenty of space for fishing and water sports.

For a relaxing outing, grab a pole and cast a line to see what you can catch. Fishing guide services are available to help you find specific species such as bass, crappie and more. If you’re looking for an aquatic adventure, rent a paddleboard, kayak, personal watercraft or boat at one of the lake’s many marinas.

Any person born after 1984 must successfully pass a Missouri Boater Education class/test before operating any motorized vessel on the lakes of Missouri.

Out to hit the links? The area has golf courses designed by some of the sport’s biggest names, including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tom Weiskopf. Old Kinderhook Resort in Camdenton provides sweeping vistas and a championshiplevel layout that makes full use of the terrain for 18 unique holes. You can’t go wrong with either of the two courses at Margaritaville Lake Resort. Known for lush fairways and beautiful scenery, the courses are ideal for golfers of all skill levels. The stunning Cove Golf Course at the Lodge of Four Seasons delivers a challenge to test your skills. The serene lake makes the perfect backdrop as you focus on your game.

State parks and other natural attractions Lake of the Ozarks State Park offers groups plenty to experience. Cycling, hiking and horseback riding provides scenic lake views along paths running through shaded woodlands and sunny glades.

Visit one of Missouri’s famed caves – Stark Caverns – to witness geologic wonders. Choose from a variety of tours, including an old-fashioned lantern expedition and a modern black light display that features the cave’s fluorescent minerals. Prehistoric fossils and Native American artifacts give visitors a glimpse into the cave’s rich history. Paths through the cave are paved, making most of it wheelchair accessible.

Music and amusements Take a comfortable guided tour with Celebration Cruises.

In the afternoon, a narrated lake cruise covers the history of Bagnell Dam, Lake of the Ozarks and the surrounding landscape. The evening cruise package focuses on the gorgeous sunset, while the candlelight dinner package provides a special dining experience with an upscale menu.

After your cruise, head to the Bagnell Dam Strip to peruse gift shops, candy stores, arcades and more.

For the over-21 crowd, Ozark Distillery is a family-owned business that produces handcrafted, small-batch spirits using traditional methods. Stop by the tasting room for a sample or take a tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at the operation. If wine is more to your liking, Shawnee Bluff Winery offers tastings and panoramic views of the lake in addition to live music events.

There are plenty of music and entertainment options within a short distance of the lake. Main Street Music Hall is great for guests of all ages with performances from topnotch singers and musicians. Classics and country favorites paired with comedy and impersonations make for a feelgood show – no matter your musical tastes. The Ozarks Amphitheater hosts world-class performers such as the legendary Willie Nelson and the Christian rock band Skillet.

Start planning your trip at funlake.com. •

Lake of the Ozarks waterfront dining Photo courtesy of Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau

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ITINERARY

Perry County, Missouri

Explore Faith, Freedom and Heritage SCAN FOR INFO

Eighty miles south of St. Louis on I-55 is charming Perryville, Missouri and the surrounding county.

Visit the American Tractor Museum for an appreciation of the equipment that feeds America.

Pay respect to the veterans that defended our nation at Missouri’s National Veterans Museum.

PERRY COUNTY HERITAGE TOURISM Trish Erzfeld trish@perryvillemo.com 573-517-2069 visitperrycounty.com

Day 1:

Check in at one of Perryville’s four group-friendly hotels.

This evening is a Beer/Wine Pairing Dinner. Let Chef Matt prepare you a dinner of amazement that pairs multiple courses of your meal with the perfect craft beer or wine experience. Take a food journey customized for your group with Matt Ruesler of food locally grown and prepared.

Day 2: Continental breakfast at your hotel before departing.

American Tractor Museum: Opened in 2020, this museum celebrates the iconic machine and backbone of America. Tour this amazing collection walking you through the evolution of the machine that plowed, planted and harvested the American dream for centuries. See one of the most unique and largest collections of its kind featuring rare manufacturers such as Rumely, Waterloo Boy, Case, Illinois, Indiana, Huber, Plymouth, Avery and many more. Guided tour available.

Missouri’s National Veterans Memorial: If you have never had the opportunity to visit the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C., here is your chance. This awe-inspiring EXACT full-scale sister wall to the Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C. offers veterans, civilians and those currently serving a place in the Midwest to reflect on the sacrifices of all service men and women. A museum and gift shop are on site. Guided tour available.

Lunch- Preordered buffet lunch or bag lunch at the previous site.

The Lutheran Heritage Center & Museum

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professionally interprets and beautifully preserves the history of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod religion and the German descendants of the Altenburg and Frohna area since 1836. It highlights their quest to get here and their trials, tribulations and triumphs. The historic Log Cabin College was the first college west of the Mississippi. Tour the museum, college site and more than 100-year old Trinity Lutheran Church.

Dinner in Altenburg. Enjoy an authentic German home-cooked meal featuring several German favorites of the area. This meal is served family style with a food guide telling you about the dishes, their traditions and how they became favorites. Learn how to spread cooked cheese on homemade baked bread the way it was meant to.

Day 3: National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal & Rosary Walk: Nationally recognized, the Shrine and church have welcomed visitors since 1818. It’s designed as a 1/3-scale replica of the motherhouse in Cistrio Rome that serves as the historic seat of the American Vincentians. The shrine is decorated with beautiful paintings and intricate design work on the walls and ceiling to make it a masterpiece. Don’t miss the candle room of thousands of lighted candles in prayer.

Rosary Walk is a 35-minute walk option for visitors. Easy stroll, flower gardens, natural areas, WWI grotto, plenty of benches, shade and breathtaking marble and bronze statues from Italy.

• All meals/menus can be arranged through Trish Erzfeld, Director of the Perry County Heritage Tourism.

Jamesport downtown shopping Artwork done by Charity Trotter with Clicks By Charity Photography

TREAT YOURSELF TO A TRIP TO

AMISH COUNTRY This charming community is a perfect spot to get away from it all

By Isabella Wilkes

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ocated in northwest Missouri just 25 miles from Chillicothe, Jamesport is home to the largest Old Order Amish Settlement west of the Mississippi River. The tranquility of the town serves as the perfect backdrop for a relaxing getaway where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Spend the day strolling along the streets and visiting some of the many shops along the way – like Downhome Collectibles, Sue’s Soft Stuff and Sherwood Quilt & Craft. Gather inspiration for your next home renovation project from the Amish craftsmanship on display at Country Heritage Furniture. If you own horses, pick up beautifully crafted supplies and gear at Elmer Beechy Harness and Supplies or Abie Hostetler Running Gear – if you have room left in your suitcase.

Jamesport also boasts an abundance of good eats and sweet treats. Country Cupboard Restaurant and Jamesport Tavern are two great sit-down places for traditional American cuisine.

The town’s bakeries are a must for fresh bread and pastries made daily. Local favorites include Anna’s Bake Shop and Gingerich Dutch Bakery.

When visiting Jamesport, embarking on a tour is the best way to get to know the area. The local chamber of commerce offers guided group tours catered to your interests.

A truly unique experience is Murder Mystery Weekends, hosted at the Country Colonial Bed and Breakfast. This weekend package for six requires three couples and participants in this staged event must explore Jamesport to find clues surrounding a recent “murder.”

The event is perfect for curious, competitive groups. Murder Mystery

A Jamesport buggy is a common sight.

Artwork done by Charity Trotter with Clicks By Charity Photography

Weekends includes some meals and your stay at the B&B. The area surrounding Jamesport also provides ample activities to explore. Green Acres Riding Stables offers 17-mile guided tours though the natural beauty of Poosey Conservation Area, which is worth a visit on its own. Located southeast of downtown Jamesport, the area has numerous hiking trails. Green Hills Golf Course is only a 30-minute drive away in Chillicothe. Also in Chillicothe is the Sliced Bread Innovation Center, which is located in the historic location of the bakery that invented and sold sliced bread. It even houses one of the original bread slicers and features several interactive exhibits and a documentary on Chillicothe and sliced bread. Learn the story behind the phrase “The greatest thing since sliced bread” in the very building where sliced bread was invented in 1928.

To top it all off, Jamesport’s local population is welcoming to visitors who pass through. All of these factors make a trip to Jamesport an unparalleled experience in Missouri.•

Joplin History & Mineral Museum Historic Murphysburg

Red Oak II

Keltoi Winery Northpark Mall

800.657.2534 VisitJoplinMO

VisitJoplinMO

VisitJoplinMO

#TrekJOMO #JoplinRocks

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A few of the classics at Karlock’s Kars and Pop Culture, Hannibal Photo courtesy of Visit Missouri

SMALL TOWN MUSEUMS WITH

BIG STORIES These Missouri museums will educate and entertain groups

By Dave Bodle MI SSSOOUR U RII GGR R OOUP UP TO TOUR UR GU GUID IDEE 16 22002222 MIS

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useums in small communities often reveal significant historical or cultural tidbits about the area. It’s particularly enjoyable to discover something of special interest when visiting one of these spots. Here’s a sampling of small town museums you can find in the Show-Me State.

The National Stars and Stripes Museum and Library Located about 45 miles south of Cape Girardeau in Bloomfield, the museum is dedicated to celebrating the importance of the Stars and Stripes newspaper to the United States military and citizens. The museum documents the history of Stars and Stripes, beginning with the first issue – published during the Civil War

by Union troops in November 1861 – and continuing through the wars of the 20th and 21st centuries and into the modern era.

With more than 7,000 square feet of multimedia exhibits, the museum gives visitors the opportunity to explore America’s military history from another viewpoint. The comprehensive exhibits begin in the Civil War Room. Learn how Iowa and Illinois troops, after defeating a pro-South Missouri State Guard, set up camp in deserted Bloomfield and began an American military heritage. Entering the World War I Room via a replica trench, visitors are introduced to the publication’s editors, cartoonists and Doughboy poetry.

After the end of World War I, Stars and Stripes did not publish again until World War II. Exhibits in the World War II Room share the story of the Normandy Invasion, Battle of the Bulge and famous Stripers (former staffers of the paper). The Korean War, Vietnam War and Modern Era sections also feature former Stripers. Guided tours are available. There’s no charge to visit, but donations are appreciated. Start planning your visit at nssml.org.

A WWI replica trench at The National Stars and Stripes Museum and Library, Bloomfield Photo courtesy of The National Stars and Stripes Museum and Library

Karlock’s Kars and Pop Culture You’ll discover three museums in one at a former produce warehouse in historic downtown Hannibal. The architecture is certainly part of this interesting attraction. Built in 1860

by Robert Elliott, a native of England, the building has since undergone a major restoration. The clean lines, brickwork, arches and timber posts and beams remain as a reminder of the workmanship Elliott put into his building.

Set among the neon signs, collectibles and pictures of a bygone era are beautiful classic cars and one-of-a-kind American muscle cars. You don’t have to be a fan of antique cars or motorcycles to thoroughly enjoy the experience. However, if you do appreciate this type of exhibit, this is the place for you.

Among the vast collection of pop culture items are toys, models, classic pinball machines and arcade games. Perhaps you’ll remember stand ups from classic movies and posters from the “Golden Age” of film. Music lovers will be transported back in time by the extensive jukebox collection and posters of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and other notables. Find more information at karlockskars.net.

Missouri Meerschaum Corn Cob Pipe Museum For many men – and possibly a few women – who grew up in rural America, it’s likely the corn cob pipe crossed your path at one

Relax at the Missouri Meerschaum Corn Cob Pipe Museum, Washington Photo courtesy of Missouri Meerschaum Corn Cob Pipe Museum

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time or another. There’s a history to those corn cob pipes, but you’ll need to travel to Washington, Missouri, the “Corn Cob Capital of the World,” for the details. The town is home to the oldest and largest corn cob pipe manufacturer in the world.

It all began with a Dutch immigrant woodworker in 1869 who began making and selling corn cob pipes. He was soon producing more pipes than anything else. In 1907, he established the Missouri Meerschaum Company and developed a national distribution system. In 1925, there were a dozen corn cob pipe manufacturers in Franklin County, most located in Washington. Today, Missouri Meerschaum is the only remaining manufacturer and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2019.

Step into the past and allow your museum guide to share the unique story of how corn cob pipes came to be manufactured in Washington by local resident Henry Tibbe. You’ll see historical documents and photos of literary personalities and U.S. military leaders who enjoyed Missouri Meerschaum pipes. There are rocking chairs for relaxing and a shop to browse for memorabilia of your visit. For more information, visit corncobpipe.com.

Nicholas-Beazley Aviation Museum The sole mission of a museum located in Marshall, approximately halfway between Columbia and Kansas City, is to expand visitors’ knowledge of aviation.

That mission is accomplished through exclusive collections, temporary exhibits, custom tours and special events.

The featured exhibits begin with the NB-3, the “new day airplane.” This two-seat training aircraft was designed

by Walter Barling, manufactured by Nicholas-Beazley Airplane Company and first flown in February 1928. Only 20 of the aircraft were built. The two-seat NB-8G on display has wings that could be folded back. These private-owner planes were introduced in 1931, and only 57 were built.

The Young Aviators exhibit is an interactive setting where children can begin to learn how planes fly. The next

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Exhibits tell the story at Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum.

Photo courtesy of Visit Missouri

step is the Dream to Fly flight simulator – perfect for kids and adults. A hands-on area for students has numerous STEM opportunities. Begin your planning here: nicholasbeazley.org.

Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum About an hour’s drive east of Springfield, Missouri, on U.S. 60, you’ll discover the home where the author of the Little House on the Prairie series lived and began writing. Laura Ingalls Wilder was truly a pioneer girl who had lived the life she depicted in her books.

The museum tells her story – from her birth in 1867 in Wisconsin to her arrival at Rocky Ridge Farm in 1894, where she lived until her death in 1957. The museum inspires curiosity and promotes learning about the American pioneer experience.

Rocky Ridge Farm held a special place in Laura’s life. It was the homestead where

she wrote the books that made her a world-famous author and where she began giving back to her community.

The historic farmhouse remains as it was in 1957. Efforts to conserve Laura’s furniture began in 2018 and continue to the present. Another completed restoration is the Wilder Family Walking Trail, where you can follow in the footsteps of the Wilder family. The trail was originally the path from the farmhouse to the Rock House. Known for its custom rock masonry, the Rock House was given to Laura and her husband, Almanzo, by their only daughter, Rose Lane. Visitors can tour the house where Laura – at 65 – wrote the first four Little House on the Prairie books. Learn more at lauraingallswilderhome.com.

There are dozens of other special interest museums to be found in Missouri’s small towns. Discover more at VisitMO.com.•