Honeymoons in Missouri

Curated by Jim Campbell

Whether you want to celebrate your honeymoon with an Americana-filled road trip, a hiking, caving, parasailing or boating adventure, or just want to enjoy music and entertainment, Missouri has lots to offer. From the stunning beauty of the Ozarks to the lure of the legendary Route 66, the state of Missouri is as central to the story of the US as its location on the map. This is where the two great rivers – the Mississippi and the Missouri – meet to continue their never-ending journey to the sea.

The gateway to the west and the Great Plains, Missouri has major cities like St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield and the capital, Jefferson City, as well as extensive farmlands and forests. The informal nickname of Missouri is the ‘Show-me State’, recalling a skepticism worthy of its best-known native, Mark Twain. Other famous Missouri natives include gunslinger Calamity Jane (yes, she was a real person), authors William S. Burroughs and Maya Angelou, President Harry S. Truman, scientist and environmentalist George Washington Carver, and musician Chuck Berry.

You can explore historic St. Louis, try some of the famous BBQ in Kansas City, join in the quirky fun at Branson, visit wineries, and enjoy the magnificent natural beauty of the Ozarks. The historic Route 66 ran through the heart of Missouri and while most of it has been taken over by other highways, you can still follow traces of the route through historic sites, museums, motels and theaters.

You’ll find a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels and resort spas to rustic cabins and yurts, and everything in between. This is a year-round destination, to enjoy every season to the fullest.

Honeymoon Destinations in Missouri

Discover the best honeymoon regions in Missouri.

Branson

Branson
Lake of the Ozarks

Lake of the Ozarks

About Honeymooning in Missouri

At a Glance

  • Missouri is rich in history and culture. It’s also a destination for entertainment, sports and agrotourism.
  • The Famous Gateway Arch in St. Louis is 192 meters tall and symbolizes the city’s status as the Gateway to the West. You can actually stand at the top of this landmark and get a fabulous view of the city and beyond.
  • The legendary Route 66 which connected Chicago with Los Angeles ran right through the state of Missouri. You can still find traces of the old highway, such as signs, old gas stations, motels, bridges. The Route 66 Museum and Research Center in Lebanon captures the history and feel of the highway and interstate travel in the 1950s.
  • The Katy Trail runs 240 miles right across the state, and is the longest rails to trials conversion in the US. It follows the old Kansas-Missouri-Texas or KT railway line. The crushed limestone path is developing its own legendary status with walkers, bikers and runners.
  • The Ozark Mountains, with their rugged terrain, oak forests and crystal clear streams are a perfect place to reconnect with nature and each other. Numerous lakes make this region a favorite summer playground and the fall colors are spectacular.
  • Hannibal, Missouri was the hometown of one of America’s favorite authors. The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum here includes two side by side homes, one in which Samuel Clemens grew up and the other where Laura Hawkins, who was the real life inspiration for the character of Becky Thatcher, lived. The museum also has a collection of Norman Rockwell paintings of characters from the Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn stories.

Honeymoon Hints

  • Getting there. Given its central location on the map, Missouri is within driving distance of around a third of the US. Major cities and tourist destinations are also well connected by air.
  • Plan on driving. With scenic drives, legendary highways, mountains and oak forests, Missouri is a beautiful state, and there’s a lot of it. You’ll need a car to get around. If you’re arriving by plane, you can get a rental at the airport.
  • Unusual adventures. Try out some unusual outdoors adventures like caving and parasailing.
  • Agrotourism is growing in popularity across the state. Get in touch with nature with farm and ranch visits and farmers markets. Take a romantic stroll through fields of lavender or help bring in the apple harvest.
  • Get away from it all. When you’ve had enough of the fun and excitement of the cities, sports and entertainment, you can turn your back on civilization and hit the Ozark Trail. About 390 miles have been developed so far, in sections, taking you through breathtaking mountain and forest scenery.
  • Drink responsibly. A visit to a winery is an essential part of a honeymoon trip, but be sure to make alternative transportation arrangements so you don’t have to get behind the wheel even slightly buzzed.