What Are The Best Tours & Things To Do In Missouri? Our Top 15 Picks

Missouri offers a surprising mix of experiences that cater to nearly every interest — whether you’re fascinated by wildlife, history, or just looking for some family fun. One of our favorites is the Awareness Tour at the National Tiger Sanctuary, where you can see some of the planet’s biggest cats up close and learn about their rescue stories.

For thrill-seekers, the Branson Off-Road Adventure Guided Trip offers an adrenaline rush through the scenic Ozarks, while history buffs might enjoy the Night Ghost Tour of Pythian Castle with its spooky tales and haunted spots. Whether you want to explore Missouri’s wild side or its historic corners, this list has a lot to offer.

Quick Overview

Our list covers a wide range of tours and activities in Missouri, from wildlife encounters like the Awareness Tour to immersive experiences such as the Disney Animation Experience in Branson.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Ozark Craft Beverage Brewery Tour and off-road adventures provide local flavor and excitement. Family-friendly options like paintball parks and scavenger hunts in Columbia offer interactive fun.

Ghost tours, murder mysteries, and historic walks round out the options for those seeking a bit of the uncanny or educational. Now, let’s break down each experience to see what makes them special.

1. Awareness Tour

Starting at number 1, the Awareness Tour brings you face-to-face with some of the most majestic creatures on Earth — big cats in rescue. This 45-minute guided walk along a quarter-mile trail gives visitors a chance to see up to 10 big cats, including tigers, lions, and leopards. What sets this tour apart is its focus on education and rescue work, making it as enriching as it is awe-inspiring.

The sanctuary is accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and electric scooters, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience.

The small group size (limited to 15) means more personalized attention and plenty of time for questions, which many visitors find especially valuable.

Tour guides, like Kayla, are praised for their knowledge, making this a memorable, heartfelt encounter with magnificent animals.

Bottom Line: Perfect for wildlife lovers and families, this tour combines education with close-up wildlife sightings at a budget-friendly price.

2. Branson: Off-Road Adventure Guided Trip

Next, for those craving off-road action, the Branson: Off-Road Adventure Guided Trip is a top pick. Covering 1.5 hours, this tour takes you into the scenic Ozarks on a Can-Am Maverick, with thrilling water crossings, ridge rides, and hill climbs. It’s a high-energy trip that highlights the rugged beauty of Missouri’s landscape, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

Guides are happy to snap pictures, making sure you capture every adrenaline-fueled moment. The tour is well-rated, with 4.9/5 from 17 reviews, and offers a great mix of adventure and scenery.

It’s ideal for outdoor lovers, adventure seekers, or anyone wanting a break from sightseeing to get their heart pounding.

Bottom Line: This is an exciting way to experience Missouri’s natural landscape, best suited for active travelers who don’t mind getting a little muddy.

3. Night Ghost Tour of Pythian Castle in Springfield Missouri

For fans of the supernatural, the Night Ghost Tour of Pythian Castle offers a spine-tingling peek into one of Springfield’s most haunted landmarks. This 1.5-hour evening tour explores the Gothic castle’s shadowy corridors, basement, POW cells, and tunnels, all while recounting its century-old history and ghostly legends.

The tour includes EVP sessions and stories of spirits seen and heard by previous visitors, making it a favorite for paranormal enthusiasts.

The guide’s enthusiasm and historical insights add depth to the spooky experience, and reviews highlight the engaging storytelling. It’s family-friendly but best suited for those comfortable with ghost stories and dark ambiance.

Bottom Line: A fun, spooky outing for those interested in Missouri’s haunted past, especially during evening hours when the castle’s atmosphere is most intense.

4. Adventure Valley Paintball Park

If you’re looking for active fun, Adventure Valley Paintball Park delivers in spades. Spread over 90 acres just outside Springfield, the park features eight different paintball fields and two zip lines stretching 1.5 miles, reaching speeds up to 50 mph.

The open-play setup means no reservations are needed on weekends, making it easy to just show up and jump into the action. Rental gear, including 500 rounds of paint, is included in the very affordable price.

It’s suitable for all experience levels and perfect for groups, families, or friends seeking a high-energy outdoor activity. The variety of fields and ziplines keeps the experience fresh, and many reviews emphasize how much fun everyone has.

Bottom Line: An adrenaline-fueled option for outdoor fun, especially good for active families or groups wanting to combine paintball with ziplining.

5. Mark Twains Hannibal Smartphone Walking Tour

For a more relaxed, literature-inspired outing, the Mark Twains Hannibal Smartphone Walking Tour offers a flexible way to explore Hannibal. This self-guided tour, costing just $7.50, uses your phone to provide a narrated experience while walking at your own pace.

It covers sites linked to Mark Twain, including his childhood home, the steamboat pilot statue, and the inspiration for characters like Huckleberry Finn. The tour is designed to be accessible and can be paused and resumed anytime.

It’s ideal for travelers who want an affordable, educational experience while wandering the charming town and learning about the author who made Hannibal famous.

Bottom Line: A budget-friendly, flexible way to discover Hannibal’s literary roots at your own pace.

6. Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Joplin MO

Up next, the Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Joplin turns ordinary sightseeing into an interactive crime-solving adventure. Over 2.5 hours, you follow the story of a murder on Joplin’s streets, visiting 10 different locations either by walking or driving. The audio story immerses you in the investigation, with the option to take pictures and explore at your own pace.

The experience is highly rated, with reviews praising its fun and engaging nature, perfect for groups or families wanting a different kind of outing. It’s a clever way to explore Joplin while testing your detective skills.

Bottom Line: Great for puzzle lovers and groups, this murder mystery offers a playful but immersive way to see Joplin.

7. History Tour of Pythian Castle in Springfield Missouri

For those interested in local landmarks, the History Tour of Pythian Castle provides a one-hour walk through this historic site. The tour covers its architectural features, wartime uses, and some ghost stories, making it a hit with history and architecture buffs alike. The guided walk includes visits to the dungeon, POW cells, and the castle’s stunning rooms.

Visitors appreciate the thorough narration and the opportunity to learn about the castle’s various roles over the decades. It’s family-friendly, with a focus on Missouri’s military and social history.

Bottom Line: An informative look at Missouri’s past, perfect for history enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.

8. Ozark Craft Beverage – Brewery Tour

The Ozark Craft Beverage Brewery Tour offers a laid-back way to experience Missouri’s craft beer scene. Over 4 to 5 hours, you visit up to six breweries, sampling a variety of local brews. Your guide takes care of transportation, so you can relax and focus on the flavors — from IPAs to stouts — and learn about the brewing process from the locals.

This tour is ideal for beer aficionados or anyone interested in discovering how Ozarks’ breweries craft their unique styles.

It’s a splurge, but at about $102.57 per person, the included tastings and personalized attention make it good value for beer lovers.

Bottom Line: A perfect choice for beer fans wanting to taste Missouri’s best craft brews with the convenience of guided transportation.

9. Branson: Immersive Disney Animation Experience

For families or Disney fans, the Immersive Disney Animation Experience in Branson is a hit. This one-hour show surrounds you with Disney songs and stories, enhanced by custom-designed features and interactive wristbands that light up. It’s a lively, sensory experience that makes you feel part of the magic, especially for kids and those young at heart.

The combination of music, visuals, and the chance to sing along makes it a memorable outing. While the price is slightly higher at $54 per person, the value lies in its engaging, family-friendly atmosphere.

Bottom Line: Ideal for Disney enthusiasts and families looking for an entertaining, interactive experience.

10. Custom Event Services and Tours for Unforgettable Experiences

If you’re planning a special event or a private tour, the Custom Event Services and Tours in Missouri can make it memorable. They offer tailored experiences such as holiday light drives, private tours, and themed activities.

For example, the Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Santa Magical Kingdom drive-through holiday lights is a spectacular display with four million lights, animated scenes, and a visit to Kringle’s Store.

These services are suited for groups wanting a personalized touch and can accommodate a variety of interests with professional planning.

Bottom Line: Best for groups seeking a customized, festive, or special occasion experience, especially during the holiday season or for large events.

11. Private Transfer Luggage Storage

For hassle-free travel logistics, the Private Transfer Luggage Storage service offers a convenient way to store your bags while exploring Missouri. This service, priced at $150 for a group of up to four, includes secure pickup and delivery of your luggage, freeing you from bulky bags during day trips or stopovers. It’s perfect for travelers with a tight schedule or those arriving early or leaving late.

While not a typical tour, this service helps you maximize time and comfort, especially if visiting multiple attractions in one day.

Bottom Line: A practical service for travelers wanting to navigate Missouri luggage-free and focus entirely on sightseeing.

12. Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Columbia MO

Another fun and interactive activity is the Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Columbia. Similar to the Joplin version, this 2.5-hour adventure guides you through 10 locations while solving a fictional crime. You can choose to walk or drive, making it flexible depending on your group’s preferences.

The audio story immerses you in the investigation, and reviews praise its entertainment factor and drive to explore the city differently. It’s ideal for puzzle lovers or groups looking for a playful challenge.

Bottom Line: A lively, engaging way to explore Columbia while testing your detective skills.

13. Participate in a Fun Scavenger Hunt in Columbia by Operation City Quest

For a casual, social activity, the Columbia Scavenger Hunt combines exploration with fun challenges. Using an app, you find objects and complete tasks around the city, earning points along the way. It’s perfect for friends, families, or team-building trips and can be started anytime on your schedule.

The remote host offers support via chat, keeping the experience smooth. It’s inexpensive at $10 per person and encourages a playful, active way to see Columbia’s sights.

Bottom Line: Best suited for casual explorers and groups wanting a relaxed, interactive challenge.

14. Shuttle Service to Forest Park Balloon Glow

If your goal is to see the spectacular Balloon Glow at Forest Park, the Shuttle Service simplifies logistics. For $40 per person, it provides reliable transportation directly to the park, so you can enjoy the colorful balloons lighting up the night sky without worry about parking or navigating traffic.

The shuttle runs for about 7 hours, making it a stress-free way to enjoy this popular event. It’s ideal for families or anyone who wants to focus on the experience rather than logistics.

Bottom Line: A practical, comfortable option to enjoy Missouri’s most photogenic balloon event.

15. St Joseph Jig Scavenger Hunt

Finally, the St Joseph Jig Scavenger Hunt offers an interactive, live-guided adventure through Missouri’s historic city. This 2-hour outdoor activity involves solving puzzles and completing challenges with the help of a remote host.

It’s designed to be engaging and social, making it perfect for groups who want a hands-on experience combined with sightseeing. The hunt emphasizes discovery and fun, with a focus on local landmarks and stories.

Bottom Line: Great for active groups looking for a personalized, participatory exploration of St. Joseph.

How to Choose the Right Tour in Missouri

Choosing among these options depends on your interests, budget, and time. Wildlife lovers will appreciate the Awareness Tour, while history buffs might prefer the Pythian Castle tours. For families and kids, the Disney Animation Experience or paintball park could be perfect. If you’re after local flavor, the Ozark craft brewery tour offers a relaxed taste of Missouri’s brewing scene.

Consider your preferred pace—self-guided tours like the Mark Twain walking tour let you explore at your leisure, while guided experiences provide deeper insight. Booking early is always advisable for popular tours, especially during peak seasons or holidays. Think about combining activities like a ghost tour with a scenic drive or a family-friendly scavenger hunt for a well-rounded trip.

Missouri offers a surprising array of activities that cater to history lovers, wildlife fans, adventure seekers, and families alike. From exploring big cats at the National Tiger Sanctuary to ziplining through the Ozarks or solving mysteries in Joplin, there truly is something for all.

If you’re planning a trip, picking a few of these unique experiences and booking early ensures you won’t miss out on the fun. Happy exploring!