USA > Missouri

Central Region

Westcentral Missouri, the Osage Lakes area, is a world of water. Truman, Stockton and Pomme de Terre lakes comprise numerous marinas and more than 1,300 miles of shoreline. The Harry S. Truman Visitor Center boasts a panoramic view of Truman Lake, itself encompassing 55,600 acres. Walleye, crappie, small and largemouth bass are popular sportfish here.

Sedalia, once a cattle drive trailhead, is where Scott Joplin House State Historic Site became well-known for his ragtime sound. In Butler's historic downtown the Bates County Museum is notable. Lamar is the home of Harry S Truman Birthplace SHS's birthplace.

In the center of the state, the Lake of the Ozarks offers more water diversions. In addition to typical water sports, caves, country shows and golf courses are part of the area's appeal. Jefferson City, the state capital, is north of the lake. Fulton is home to "Breakthrough," a sculpture crafted with Berlin Wall fragments. Also in Fulton is the Churchill Memorial; the prime minister gave his epochal "Iron Curtain" address here in 1946. Hermann is the area's "Little Germany," where wines and foods may be enjoyed at a number of wineries.

In the St Louis area, the famous 630-foot Gateway Arch http://www.ohwy.com/mo/g/gatewyar.htm symbolizes the city's involvement in westward expansion. Forest Park contains the St Louis Science Center, which has animated dinosaur exhibits; and the St. Louis Art Museum. St Charles is replete with historic attractions, including the First Missouri State Capitol SHS, Lewis & Clark Center, restored riverfront district and an authentic showboat. The Katy Trail State Park begins here as well. Near Defiance is the Historic Daniel Boone Home dating to the 1790s.

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