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Located just south of the point where the Missouri empties into the Mississippi River, St. Louis has been one of the country's most active crossroads. Founded in 1764, it soon established itself as the "Gateway to the West" as steamboats chugged up the Missouri River into nearby territories. Completed in 1965 and 630 ft tall, the Gateway Arch symbolizes the city's role as a commercial and cultural gateway between the settled eastern US and the wide-open lands to the west. The excellent Museum of Westward expansion at the base of the arch features several detailed exhibits on various expeditions from the 19th century.
A delightful study in contrast, Kansas City is a rife with imagery associated with the Wild West. This vibrant city now contains beautifully landscaped parks, sophisticated museums, fine public architecture, and high-end urban retail districts. On the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River, just north of downtown, the City Market sits on the site of the town's original Westport Landing business district. Northeast of the City Market, the Kansas City Museum is housed in a 50-room mansion in one of the city's most exclusive 19th century neighborhoods. Its collections trace the city's evolution from a fur trading post into a powerful railroad and agricultural center.
With its mix of landscapes and geography, Missouri has many opportunities for outdoor recreation on its wide system of trails. With campgrounds galore, Missouri is great for all kinds of travel, whether scenic driving, road biking, mountain biking, or hiking. The southern half of the state is marked by the Ozark Mountains, where great hiking trails await in Mark Twain National Forest, Bell Mountain Wilderness Area, and Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, which houses Missouri's highest point and its largest waterfall.
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Better yet, all of these destinations lie within an easy day trip of Saint Louis, Cape Girardeau, and Springfield. Great mountain biking trails are available in the region as well, including the Berryman Trail, Blue River Parkway, and Krug Park. The adventurous will enjoy following in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, who paddled on the Missouri River. Nowadays, the KATY Trail runs on essentially the same path, a converted rail-trail that crosses the center of the state from east to west through Jefferson City. Regardless of whether they are following the entire length of the route or just making a quick day trip, both mountain bikers and hikers will find the trail to their liking with many great destinations along.
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