Missouri

Missouri is a midwestern U.S. state covered by grassy plains and the forested Ozark Mountains. Kansas City, on the Kansas border, has jazz clubs, the National World War I Museum and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, with giant shuttlecock sculptures on its lawn. St. Louis, on the Illinois border, is known for its 630-ft. Gateway Arch overlooking the Mississippi River.

Fine cuisine, bustling cities and miles of outdoor beauty to explore, the Midwest state of Missouri is a popular vacation spot for visitors of all ages. Whether you choose the bright lights and bustle of Kansas City and St. Louis, or you prefer to head for the spectacular scenery of the Ozark Mountain Region, you’ll find a great range of activities to keep you entertained.

Author Samuel Clemens is memorialized at the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum in Hannibal. Independence is the hometown of another noted Missourian, president Harry S. Truman, whose Victorian mansion is there. Branson, a theater town near the Ozarks, is famous for revue-style shows and the 1880s-themed Silver Dollar City park.

Missouri’s waterways include the Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio rivers, which offer fishing and rafting. Table Rock Lake is popular for boating and camping, while the serpentine Lake of the Ozarks is surrounded by golf courses, beaches and hiking trails.

In both the busy cities and the countryside, shoppers can find a unique selection of Missouri flea markets, with antiques, collectables and hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.

Here is our pick of the best flea markets in Missouri:

1. Super Flea, Kansas City

Super Flea, Kansas City

A weekend trip to Kansas City wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Super Flea, on the corner of Belmont Blvd. and St. John.

Voted the No.1 Thrift Store in the city by Pitch Magazine, this busy flea market has a huge selection of vendors and goods, with both new and used goods, antiques, memorabilia, household supplies, electrical items, clothing, health and beauty products and more. Shoppers experiencing PC technical issues can also use the flea market’s on-site computer repair shop.

Open every Saturday and Sunday from 8.30am, the market costs just $1 to browse and features a $100 cash draw prize. Source: superfleakc.com

2. Rutledge Flea Market

Rutledge Flea Market

Situated on 85 acres of land in scenic Knox County, the Rutledge Flea Market is one of Missouri’s best loved markets.

Running since the late 1940’s, this popular market is open on the second Friday and Saturday of the month between March and October, and the first weekend of the month in November.

Hundreds of vendors arrive to sell their wares each month, with merchants from Wisconsin, Kansas and Minnesota. Whether you are looking for new or used goods, antiques, clothing, live animals or guns, the Rutledge Flea Market has something for everyone. Source: facebook.com, www.rutledge-fleamarket.com

3. Nate’s Swap Shop 63rd Street Drive-In

Nate’s Swap Shop

One of Missouri’s largest flea markets, Nate’s Swap Shop 63rd Street Drive-In is open every Saturday and Sunday, year-round.

The open-air market starts early for serious bargain and antiques dealers, with selling kicking off from 5am. A popular and budget-friendly family day out, around 3000 people descend on the Kansas City flea market every weekend.

Entry costs just $1.50 and with free parking, a huge selection of goods, delicious food and events, this is a Downtown Kansas shopping destination you don’t want to miss. Browse the many stalls for bargains, with new and used goods, bric-a-brac, household items and more, and keep your eyes peeled for hidden treasures amongst the “junk”. Source: facebook.com,

natesswapshop.com

4. Valley Park Resale and Flea Market

Valley Park Resale And Flea Market

St. Louis County’s only indoor flea market, Valley Park Resale and Flea Market is a popular spot for year-round, all-weather bargain hunting.

Opened in 2010, the flea is located in the heart of West St. Louis County on Highway 141, and features over 130 vendors, with many new merchants arriving each week.

Visitors to the Valley Park Flea will find a huge range of products, including home décor, furniture, antiques, tools, equipment, electronics, clothing and books, as well as collectibles and sports memorabilia.

The market also has a great selection of kids’ toys, games, clothing and books, making this a perfect shopping destination for the whole family.

http://vpfleamarket.com

5. Springfield Flea Market

Springfield Flea Market

Open daily from 10am, the Springfield Flea Market is one of Missouri’s best indoor markets. Located in Springfield, the large, climate-controlled building is packed with over 180 vendors, with new merchants and stock arriving every week.

Alongside the usual bric-a-brac, antiques and collectibles, the popular flea market has a great selection of new and used furniture and clothing. Whether you are looking for a new look for your home, or just a new look for yourself, you’ll find incredible prices and plenty of bargains at the Springfield Flea.

Shoppers can feel even better about finding a cheap deal, thanks to the Springfield Flea Market’s ongoing support of the Christian Honduras mission. Source: facebook.com

6. Itchy’s Flea Market

Itchy’s Flea Market

Running for more than 20 years, Itchy’s Flea Market in Columbia, Missouri, is one for those who like to rake around for a bargain.

The indoor flea market has more than 10,000 sq.ft. of merchant selling space, with new items being added daily.

Itchy’s is popular for its low prices and great savings on new and used items, so whether you are looking for a new rug for your home, vintage piece of furniture or a priceless antique, you’re guaranteed to find everything you need at Itchy’s.

There is also a selection of handmade goods and gifts, making this an ideal place to pick up a unique present for any occasion. Source: facebook.com,

https://sites.google.com/a/hauptmanns.com/itchys/

7. Wentzville Community Club Flea Market

Wentzville Community Club Flea Market

If spending the day rummaging around a traditional flea market is your idea of the perfect Sunday, head for the Wentzville Community Club Flea.

Open every Sunday from 6am, this countryside flea market has both indoor and outdoor vendors for all-weather shopping and hosts up to 400 merchants from all over the state and beyond.

Shoppers looking for a bargain will love the range of new and used clothing, furniture, books, toys and home décor, and for those who arrive early, there are often rare antiques, collectables and unique memorabilia to be found.

The market also has delicious food and drink vendors, making this a great day trip for the whole family to enjoy. Source: facebook.com,

www.wentzvillecommunityclub.com

8. Grand Slam Market Place

Grand Slam Market Place

St. Louis’s only indoor, climate-controlled flea, the Grand Slam Market Place is a one-stop shop for all your home, garden and gift needs.

Open every Wednesday to Sunday, the large flea market has more than 150 vendor booths, selling everything from antiques to car accessories, new and used clothing, pet supplies, home décor, beauty products, collectibles, computer and electrical items, toys, CD’s, DVD’s and much more.

Located in the North County area, the Grand Slam Market Place also has a tasty selection of food vendors, with fresh local produce, snacks and foodie gift items. Source: facebook.com, www.grandslamstoragecenter.com

9. The Old Time Flea Market

The Old Time Flea Market

Opened in 2011, The Old Time Flea Market, in scenic Farmington is a huge flea with one of Missouri’s best selections of discounted new and used goods. The market does have vendors specialising in antiques and collectibles, but it is also popular because of its large range of non-antique related items.

In addition to regular flea market items, visitors can also find lighting, electrical and plumbing supplies, hardware tools, painting supplies, work clothes, cleaning and janitorial supplies and storage units.

Open seven days a week, vendors regularly rotate, with new products being added daily. The market has also recently turned the basement into a 10,000 sq.ft. showroom, with industrial supplies and discounted items for both home and business use.

Source: www.theoldtimefleamarket.com

10. F & L Flea Market

F & L Flea Market

One of Missouri’s best small fleas, the F & L Flea Market in Centralia is home to just 30 vendors but each offers a unique shopping experience and the chance to pick up some great bargains or gift ideas.

The flea market, which is open daily except Mondays, is full of unusual home décor, vintage pieces, antiques, collectibles, jewellery, artwork and more, with new items being added each week.

Family owned and operated, the F & L Flea Market has a small town, homely feel and if you’re looking for a special gift, or simply to get inspiration for a decorating project, this is one Missouri flea market you can’t afford to miss. Source: facebook.com, www.fandlfleamarket.com

11. Joplin Flea Market

Joplin Flea Market

Running for over 36 years, the Joplin Flea Market on Virginia Avenue is one of Missouri’s most popular fleas.

With over 200 vendors selling their wares each weekend, from 8am to 5pm, the Joplin Flea is a great stop for anyone looking to find hidden treasure or get a big discount off the retail price.

Alongside delicious, local fresh produce, the busy flea market has antiques, collectibles, clothing, electrical items, home décor, cleaning supplies, pet supplies, tools and more.

There is also a wide selection of toys, games and musical instruments, meaning you can bring the kids and keep them entertained for hours. Source: facebook.com,  https://www.facebook.com/Joplin-Flea-Market-485823534816911/

12. Flea Mart

Flea Mart

Open daily, Flea Mart in Independence, Missouri, is one of the state’s best indoor shopping destinations.

With year-round vendors, low prices and a huge range of products to choose from, whatever you need, you’re guaranteed to find it at Flea Mart.

Visitors can pick up some tasty local fresh fruit and veg, grab a bargain piece of second hand clothing, find that finishing touch for a home decorating project or rummage for a truly one-off vintage item.

With over 200 vendors to choose from, and snack and drink stalls to keep you fuelled up, no matter what day of the week you visit, you’ll leave with a bargain. Source: kcfleamart.com, www.kcfleamart.com

13. Relics Antique Mall of Mount Vernon

Relics Antique Mall Of Mount Vernon

If you are serious about antiques, you can’t miss a trip to Missouri’s Relics Antique Mall of Mount Vernon.

Located in Springfield, this flea market and antiques mall is the largest of its kind in the entire state, and offers over 90,000 sq.ft. of antiques, collectables and rare items for shoppers to browse through.

Alongside endless shopping, the Relics Antique Mall also has a retro-style tea room, serving up delicious, fresh-baked goods and thirst-quenching drinks.

Open every Monday to Saturday from 10am, and Sundays from 12pm, this popular flea has furniture, ornaments, glassware, crockery and even sells local Missouri wine. Source: facebook.com, www.relicsantiquemall.com

14. Vendor’s Mart South

Vendor’s Mart South

Looking for a unique shopping experience in Springfield, Missouri? Head to the Vendor’s Mart South, where fashion and antique lovers alike will adore the mix of second hand and vintage wares.

A less traditional and more upmarket flea, the Vendor’s Mart South, on located on the corner of Sunshine and Campbell, is open seven days a week, from 9am Monday to Saturday and 11am on Sundays.

Visitors will find a little of everything here – with books, comics, chinaware, home décor and more – but it’s especially popular for its great range of vintage and second-hand clothing. Pick up a stylish new look, without breaking the bank, or accessories with some vintage jewellery. Source: facebook.com, www.facebook.com/Vendors-Mart-South-508900079187354/

15. Fenton Flea Market

Fenton Flea Market

Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from March until November, the Fenton Flea Market in Murphy, Missouri, is the ideal place to spend a sunny day raking around for bargain.

A traditional flea, you won’t find much in the way of fancy goods or facilities, but you are guaranteed to find some incredible bargains.

There are the usual flea market items, including antiques, toys, clothing, tools, electronics and more, as well as some unique homemade gifts and fresh produce.

The family flea market is pet friendly and free to wander around, making this the perfect day out for all ages. Source: facebook.com,  www.facebook.com/fentonfleamarket/

Missouri is a midwestern U.S. state covered by grassy plains and the forested Ozark Mountains. Kansas City, on the Kansas border, has jazz clubs, the National World War I Museum and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, with giant shuttlecock sculptures on its lawn.

There are certain things Missouri is famous for. Like being the home of Mark Twain. A barbecue nirvana, it has been called. With some of the best frozen custard in the world. And a red-hot real estate market.

The loudest stadium in the world sits here. So does one of the highest turkey populations you will find anywhere, a ratio that dwarfs the number of people.

However, Missouri is also known for some unsavoury things.

Like high pollution levels, especially regarding air quality. And high crime rates. And poor health. And lack of inclusiveness. These negatives have seen Missouri land on many “Worst States to Live in” lists.

But it is not a hell hole as some would have you believe.

For example, did you know Missouri boasts a larger shoreline than California? True story. This most American of states has a natural beauty that would put most states to shame.

The coastline aside, this Midwest state is also known for its waterways; the Missouri and Mississippi rivers weave their way across the state. There is also a hilly forested terrain, which you may know as the Ozarks. And endless miles of striking plains. And caves.

Beyond the natural appeal, a thriving economy and low cost of living are more reason to pack up and make a move to America’s Heartland.

Folks in Missouri are a skeptical bunch, hence the reason the state is nicknamed The Show-Me State.

It is thus imperative that we gathered hard data based on five key factors – education, income, quality of life, crime rate and outdoor activities – as we compiled our list of best places to live in Missouri.

And this is what we came up with.

1. Creve Coeur

Creve Coeur

Creve Coeur is a suburb in St. Louis County famous for its numerous number of parks and recreation options that keep its 18,000 residents happy.

And the good thing is, these folks have enough cash to spare and channel towards their recreation because they enjoy a high median household income of $96,061.

This is one of the most affluent places in Missouri, and the housing prices a reflection of that, averaging $354,500.

Creve Coeur has some of the best performing high schools in the state, with an enviable graduation rate of 97%.

What’s more, the cost of living may be six per cent higher than the national average, but the unemployment rate is impressively low at 3.9 per cent.

2. Clayton

Clayton

When Niche drew up its 2017 Best Places to Live in Missouri list, occupying top spot was Clayton, a suburb of St. Louis that is home to 15,900 people.

The area has the third-highest home value in the state, averaging $597,700. Fortunately, the residents can be able to afford it what with their fat purses whose annual average stands at $93,009.

Clayton has a cultural panache that is hard not to miss. The St. Louis Art Fair is held here, and the area homes a multitude of galleries among other art attractions.

Grabbing the top spot on Niche’s list means the school system is one of the best you’re likely to find anywhere in the state, and the 96% graduation rate is sufficient testament to that.

3. Wildwood

Wildwood

Wildwood is flat out one of the best places to live in Missouri. Six-figure household incomes are all the norm here, not the exception, with the area average sitting at a tidy $121,026.

It would be crazy not to mention the laundry list of outdoor amenities available in Wildwood, given the town’s numerous state parks, reserves and trails; a ski resort even.

Crime rate in this area is virtually non-existent, with outstanding schools that boast a high school graduation rate of 97%, tying with Creve Coeur for the state’s highest.

For all the perks, though, you have to cough for it as Wildwood has one of the highest cost of living in Missouri. Monthly rent averages $1,130, and property value stands at $354,300.

But the 35,800 residents couldn’t wish for a better place to live in The Show-Me State.

4. Glendale

Glendale

Glendale is one of the smallest towns to live on our list, with a population of 6,000 residents. Expectedly, the town fosters a deep sense of community and as a matter of fact, its motto is to place the welfare of its residents above all else.

So how does Glendale stack up against the other affluent areas in this list?

Cost of living is high alright – rent is $1,750, almost double the national average, while median home value is $334,500.

But what’s also high is the quality of life in Glendale. Families take home $120, 653 on average, one of the highest incomes in the state.

Recreational opportunities abound in the area, and while small, nightlife in little Glendale is bustling.

If you are looking to move with family, you will be delighted to know this area, as its three aforementioned counterparts, has some of the best schools in the state.

5. Kirkwood

Kirkwood

Kirkwood perfectly lives up to its billing as the “Queen of the St. Louis Suburbs” what with its excellent schools, high salaries and safe neighbourhoods.

Its downtown area, steeped in history, has one of the best dining and shopping scenes in St. Louis, with a farmers market to boot. Downtown is particularly buzzing in summer when people from all over congregate here for the annual Peach Festival.

But it’s not like life ceases to be after that. The winter is the perfect time to enjoy a dazzling fireworks display which actually tend to be a pretty common feature during the holiday season.

House prices are lower compared to its predecessors, averaging $249,100, much to the delight of the more than 27,600 residents. But you will also find properties that fetch at well over a million dollars, if you are in a position to splash on what would be a near-perfect home.

6. Chesterfield

Chesterfield

The 47,700 residents of Chesterfield are always keen to let the world know that the longest strip mall in the world is located in their neck of the woods. It goes by the name Chesterfield Commons.

The city came about as a merger involving several different communities that sprang up in the 19th century. It has done well for itself as today, it is recognised as one of the premier suburban communities around the St. Louis area.

Homes are bit pricey compared to a good deal of cities in Missouri ($338,900) but the residents also take home some of the highest incomes ($93,270).

Crime is relatively low, ditto the unemployment rate which stands at a paltry 3.2 per cent. And the public school system is A+.

7. Ballwin

Ballwin

Next up our list of 15 best places to live in Missouri is Ballwin, a town in St. Louis County that is home to 30,500 residents.

The cost of living here is lower compared to some of the areas on this list, with the low housing prices of $240,400 one of the reasons people are continually drawn to this town.

Households in Ballwin enjoy high incomes that average $87,373, with a failry low unemployment rate of 4.8 per cent.

The town is home to 17 Missouri Gold Star Schools and 14 National Blue Ribbon Schools, with four state parks under its name.

All these factors combined explain why Ballwin has appeared three times on Money Magazine’s best places to live in the United States in a span of just one decade.

8. Webster Groves

Webster Groves

Webster Groves stands in an area that was originally part of the Louisiana Territory. It came up in the late 19th century as an alternative community for residents of St. Louis who were searching for a more peaceful, safer place to live.

At present, Webster Groves remains one of the most affluent and desirable suburbs of the metro area. This is thanks to affordable housing and high-income opportunities that see households take home $88,388 on average.

It is a magnet for both families and retirees, but the town also draws in plenty of students due to the presence of Webster University in the area. In total, it is home to about 23,120 people.

Old Webster is an area the residents like to hang out, but who wouldn’t when there is a town centre bursting with historic charm and quaint shops just minutes from their home, right?

The Old Orchard area, for its part, is characterised by a budding dining and entertainment scene, providing a perfect balance of old and new.

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9. Ozark

Ozark

Ozark is a town in Christian County, some 19 miles south of Springfield, the third-largest city in the Midwest state.

The town gets its name from the famous Ozark Mountains, and the 18,600 residents who are lucky enough to call this place home enjoy a smorgasbord of recreational activities.

These include some of Missouri’s most gorgeous golf courses, fishing, canoeing, boating, kayaking, bird watching, biking, caving – pretty much every mountain activity there is. And then some.

Cost of living is reasonable – rent averages $1,050 and homes have a median price of $167,000.

The period between 2000 and 2010 saw Ozark record a tremendous amount of growth, but the management of its budget lately has been so tight so much so that the credit-rating agency, Standard & Poor’s, gave it top marks.

10. Columbia

Columbia

There is a Columbia in almost every state, and the Missourian version happens to be one of the best places to live in The Show-Me State.

With a population of 115,400, this Boone County city is one of the largest in the Midwest state, but housing prices remain low at $176,900.

It is the best college town in the state, hands down, homing the prestigious University of Missouri, an entity with a big influence on both the local economy and culture.

Columbia is brimming with fabulous shops, restaurants and music venues. If you would rather go for some natural fun instead, the MKT Trail, considered one of the best urban trails in the USA, is found here.

These reasons explain why Columbia has enjoyed repeated appearances on many Top 100 best places to live lists.

11. Lee’s Summit

Lee’s Summit

If you consider yourself the quintessential city slicker and a home just outside of the big city strikes your fancy, life in Lee’s Summit, a suburb of Kansas City, is sure to appeal to you.

Lee’s Summit is located in Jackson County and is home to 93,618 people. This essentially makes it the fifth largest city in the state in terms of population. And despite its proximity to the biggest city in the land, Lee’s Summit is an attraction in its own right.

What residents love most about their hometown is the low cost of living, with rent swinging just about the $1,000 mark, and properties priced affordably at $191,300 on average.

Lee’s Summit has a downtown where you will find the city’s specialty shops, eclectic restaurants and local businesses.

It is a wonderful place to call home.

12. Liberty

Liberty

You remember Jesse James, right?

Standing at Liberty’s historic square is the Jesse James Bank Museum, the site of the first peaceful bank robbery in the United States that was credited to none other than the famous local boy’s gang.

Liberty traces its roots as a frontier trading post, but it has since grown into a booming town of more than 60,550 residents.

It is located in Clay County and is considered a Kansas City suburb, with just 20 miles separating it from the greater metro.

It is apt to say the peaceful bank robbery set a certain crime pattern in Liberty because today, the town is one of the safest places in the state, with virtually no crime reported in the area.

Its residents enjoy some top-level amenities and activities you would mostly associate with a larger city. The restaurant scene is well represented, with a number of recognisable chains pitching tent in the area to complement the snug local spots already in the area.

When you look at the cost of living versus quality of life, the town of Liberty offers a darn big bang for buck.

13. Town and Country

Town And Country

Town and Country is an affluent suburb of St. Louis with a population of 11,000. If you are a keen follower of the PGA Tour or US Open, the name of the town might ring bells because it has played host to both.

Median home value is one of the highest in Missouri, averaging $649,700. Conversely, the residents also enjoy one of the highest incomes in the state, banking an average of $161,477 each year per household.

Its public schools are right up there with the very best, and Town and Country also enjoys a low unemployment rate of 3.3 per cent.

14. St. Charles

St. Charles

The town of St. Charles is located near St. Louis in a county that also goes by the same name.

It is here that the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition set off in 1804, so this is a city steeped in history, although it does a great job of marrying that old appeal with modern-day charm.

St. Charles has you covered when it comes to outdoor attractions, while also guaranteeing lots of places to shop.

There are multiple spots where you can chomp on the famous St. Louis-style ribs, and the nightlife is truly alive, with the likes of Ameristar Casino one of the biggest draws in town.

St. Charles has one of the lowest crime rates in the state, and the population of 67,500 enjoys an attractively low cost of living as well.

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15. Maryland Heights

Maryland Heights

If you fancy a small-town feel while living just minutes away from the Gateway City, Maryland Heights is an excellent choice.

Maryland Heights has it pretty much made, if you ask us. Located less than 20 miles northwest of St. Louis, it is one of the largest suburbs in the metro.

Education and manufacturing make up the foundations of the local economy. The public school system is one of the reasons the state ranks favourably in the education category, and the nightlife scene is more alive than most of the areas on this list.

Then again, with the likes of Hollywood Casino around, this comes as no surprise.

Indeed, it is attractions like these that have led to the burgeoning hospitality industry in Maryland Heights, and that can only be good news to the almost 28,000 who call this place home.

Surprisingly, housing in this town remains low, with three-bedroom mansions going for as low as $151,800.

Missouri is a lush forest state with plenty of large cities.

The cliffs, bluffs, and rocky terrain create a plethora of great hiking spots.

With the Missouri River running through it and several creeks, the state is home to at least 14 amazing waterfalls that hikers will not want to miss.

They plunge, cascade, or slowly meander over the rocks.

1. Mina Sauk Falls

Mina Sauk Falls

Mina Sauk Falls is on the Taum Sauk Ozark Trail in Missouri.

The trail is 35 miles long and takes hikers through the St. Francois Mountains.

The section of Taum Sauk that includes the Mina Sauk Falls is 14.5 miles – winding between Taum Sauk Mountain State Park and Johnson’s State Park.

There are some easy and other more difficult sections to the trail.

Hikers will wander past oak, hickory and pine trees, and many rocky outcrops.

Mina Sauk Falls Trail is the beginning of the state park hike, where rocky terrain with rock steps will bring hikers to the highest waterfall in the state – 132 feet; it cascades and plunges down into Taum Sauk Creek.

2. City Garden Falls

City Garden Falls

City Garden Falls are manmade and located in St. Louis, Missouri.

They are part of the sculpture park that can be found downtown.

Art, gardens, and fountains are other features of the park, including a path featuring 24 sculptures.

The waterfall was constructed near the children’s area and combined with a 180-foot pool.

The height of the falls is only six feet, making it a modest feature, but it is still a charming and peaceful place for visitors.

The path is flat and easy to walk around, and there are seats near the waterfall to take a load of and enjoy the picturesque scene.

3. Cotton Rocks Fall

Cotton Rocks Fall is close to Branson, Missouri.

Visitors can enjoy this entertaining town or get away from it all by taking the 2.3-mile trail through town up Roark Valley Road.

The trail’s entrance is at Westgate Resorts.

The path takes visitors parallel to the resort for a while before leading into the rocky, wooded area.

Hikers will walk alongside Roark Creek, up a few bluffs, and arrive at the falls.

Cotton Rocks Fall has a circulating pump installed to keep the water flow constant, even in dry season.

The trail is pet-friendly.

4. Marble Creek Falls

Marble Creek Falls is part of the Marble Creek Recreation Area and Mark Twain National Forest.

The creek is 20 miles long, rushing through most of the park area, which also includes camping and picnic tables.

Marble Creek Trail is ten miles long and great for hiking or mountain biking.

The trail connects to Taum Sauk in Ketcherside Mountain and is maintained by the state.

Visitors can begin on Crane Lake Loop and take the trail further along to see Marble Creek Falls.

The elevation gain is between 700 and 900, depending on where you start on the trail.

Close to the dam are the rock formations that create the falls.

5. Waterfall Park

Source: eodellphoto

Waterfall Park, Independence

Waterfall Park is a manmade park space in Independence, Missouri.

The waterfall is over ten feet high, with rocks stacked by people to create the river feature.

The water comes down over a little bridge that also allows the majority of the water to flow underneath.

Waterfall Park was designed for locals to enjoy a green space and includes walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground.

The walking trail is easy – mostly flat – while the waterfall feature makes for some charming photographs.

Further along the river is a tiny waterfall created by a natural rock dam; this smaller dam happens to be in Merriam, Kansas.

6. Dogwood Canyon Falls

Source: Kirsten Thompson

Dogwood Canyon Falls

Dogwood Canyon Falls is in Dogwood Canyon Park.

There is a park admission fee required for visitors, plus additional fees, depending on the activities you want to try out.

If you want to bring your dog along, there’s a $4 charge.

Hikers will need to purchase a walking pass to go along the 6.5 miles of walking trails.

The fees are used for the upkeep of the paved path and the guides who take visitors around the Dogwood Canyon Waterfall, the Amish bridge.

7. Big Piney Falls

Big Piney Falls offers rocky terrain with a waterfall, as part of Piney Falls State Natural Area.

Piney Falls has an upper and lower cascade that is fairly short for each.

The elevation gain is 383 feet.

The hike is two miles and it is not a loop-style trail.

Visitors can reach the waterfall from either Missouri or Tennessee; in fact, it is closer to Grandview, Tennessee, but well worth the hike across the state line to see the falls.

8. Rocky Waterfall

Source: Fitzthum Photography

Rocky Falls

Rocky Falls has a long history – perhaps the most extensive one in the Ozarks.

The rhyolite porphyry – which is the reddish-brown rock – stains the waters an interesting color, but also helps date the surface to 1.5 billion years ago.

The rock erosion has brought the soil and old lava to the surface.

The stream has a quick flow, most would consider it a river, but it is known as a creek to the locals.

Rain makes the water even more rapid magnificent; there is even a little pool that forms at the bottom of the gently sloping waterfall.

9. Forest Park Falls

Source: Weidman Photography

Forest Park Waterfall in St. Louis

Forest Park waterfall is in Forest Park, which is a manmade area near St. Louis, Missouri’s Children’s Hospital and Art Museum.

Forest Park is a historic park space, with the river running through it, plenty of hiking trails, and even Pagoda Circle.

Some call the waterfall ‘Forest Park Falls’, while others call it ‘Flegel Falls.

’ The Flegel Falls were built in 1937 and were meant to mimic the World’s Fair Cascades that were once on Art Hill.

The waterfall is short but beautiful in terms of landscaping and the pool beneath.

Visit the park and take the long hike around to find the falls.

10. Crooked Creek Falls

Imagine a natural landscape that makes you feel instantly relaxed when you see it and you might have an idea of what Crooked Creek Falls is all about.

The waterfall is 16 feet high, rushing down a stair-like rock pattern to smash into a larger boulder crop at the bottom; this splits the water in two, with a slow flow on one side and a gushing plunge on the other.

The waterfall ends in a shallow pool that eventually flows downriver.

The falls are part of Big Fork River and it is possible to view them from the road.

Visitors can also hike down to the water on an easy trail.

See Ouachita National Forest to begin your drive towards Crooked Creek Falls.

The region is part of the Arkansas River Valley and Ouachita Mountains.

The verdant forest surrounding the waterfall makes it feel peaceful.

11. Hickory Canyons

Hickory Canyons is on the Hickory Canyons Natural Area Trail.

The waterfall is at its most beautiful after rain.

Hikers will be led to the end of a 0.5-mile track to arrive at the waterfall.

There are a few rocky bluffs as hikers continue along the path.

The rock cliff is in a step style, which keeps the cascades from being a direct plunge.

12. Meramec Falls

Meramec Falls in Meramec State Park occur on the Meramec River.

The flow of the river helps it go over bluffs to pools beneath.

The state park has caves and verdant forest land, making it a great place for a day-long visit.

Guests can enjoy more than 13 miles of hiking trails that range in difficulty from easy to moderate.

Whether one is interested in walking or not, there are also swimming, fishing, rafting, and boating activities available.

Meramec Spring is the 5th largest in the state – close to St. James.

The James Foundation runs the springs, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim after hiking around the waterfall and various other trails.

13. Grand Falls

Grand Falls

Grand Falls are near Joplin, Missouri.

The falls run along Shoal Creek.

Although the word ‘creek’ implies a small area of water, the creek is extremely wide.

A natural dam helps the water slow down over a smooth surface before it returns to rockier terrain and falls again down a shorter outcrop of limestone.

The wide expanse creates an interesting flow, with swirling pools of water.

14. Hodgson Mill Waterfall

Source: Keiki

Hodgson Mill Waterfall

The Hodgson Mill Waterfall is part of the Old Hodgson Mill in Dora, Missouri.

The waterfall is a natural element that helped the sawmill transport the milled wood down the creek.

Visitors can take Missouri Highway 181 to Hodgson Mill, a 19th century mill.

The waterfall is less than five feet high, but the smooth rock surface keeps it flowing smoothly.

It is easy to reach the waterfall from the mill parking area.

There is also a great photo opportunity with the mill nestled prettily behind the falls.

A natural pool lies at the top of the falls, which then flows into a rockier surface below, churning up a little water spray.