Destinations

I grew up in the Missouri generation that lived dangerously. We drank directly out of water hoses because we were daredevils. Yes, a little sarcasm here, but it's a real concern with the upcoming 4th of July holiday weekend about the latest status of lakes and beaches in Missouri. The state has the latest bacteria test results available.

The internet loves declaring the best and worst of places and I prefer to focus on that first one. There is now a lake in Illinois that's been named the best in the state for a very specific type of tourist. Let's explore.

If you want to camp in one of America's best spots, you don't need to travel far in Illinois as one of the newest top 10 is in the heart of the Land of Lincoln.

I'm not saying that you should go to this adults-only pool in Missouri and I'm not saying you shouldn't either. I can confirm that the pool is really exquisite and it is adults-only at night, but there are other things you should know based on what some visitors have shared.

I think I started riding Six Flags St. Louis roller coasters before I could walk. That's probably not accurate, but it feels like it's true. My point is that I know roller coasters and I think the new one at Six Flags called "The Bobcat" looks like a winner.

I've learned the hard way that you can't please everyone and that's true even if you're an iconic American landmark. I've collected some of the best 1-star reviews of Missouri's beloved Gateway Arch.

I'm so used to seeing Lake of the Ozarks or Table Rock Lake mentioned as go-to Missouri places, I barely notice new lists that include them anymore. However, there's a recent one that claims the most 'crystal-clear lake in Missouri isn't Lake of the Ozarks or Table Rock. It's one you may have never heard of.

Normally going to jail is not something that anyone aspires to do. However, there is one jail in Missouri that is an exception. It's a historic 1930's jail that has been converted into a luxurious Airbnb that you can stay in now.

If you're a traveler who frequents the Branson, Missouri area, there's good news as one of the newer hotels in that area was just voted by readers of a major website as one of the top 10 in America.

Missouri has some iconic places, but none of the more well-known destinations were named the best place to visit in the state in 2024. I'd guess that if I gave you a thousand guesses, you probably still wouldn't be able to name it. I wasn't either at it's a very unexpected recommendation, but not wrong.