Missouri Car Rental

Guide to Missouri

Geography

Missouri is bounded by not three or four, but eight other states. It shares this characteristic with only one other state, Tennessee.

The most prominent geographical feature in Missouri is the Missouri River, from which it gets its name. North of the river, the state has gentle hills, plains, and prairies. To the south lie the Ozark Mountains.

Climate in Missouri

Missouri's weather is classified as humid continental. There are four distinct seasons, of which the humid summer occurs between June and August and the freezing winter occurs between December and February. The best time to visit is in October when temperatures are most pleasant and rainfall is most scarce.

Culture

Missouri is something of a cultural crossroad. The blend of Midwestern and Southern US culture has given rise to musical genres like ragtime, Kansas City jazz, and St. Louis blues.

Things to do in Missouri

Rediscover the jazz greats

As an important center for the development of jazz, ragtime, and related genres, Missouri is proud of its musical heritage. At the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, learn more about the greatest jazz artists of all time, including the big four: Louis Armstrong, Charlie “Bird” Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, and Duke Ellington. In addition to displaying exhibits, the museum hosts performances, workshops, and community events on a regular basis.

Visit a Civil War site

The Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, in Republic, marks the site of a great 1861 battle between the Union and Confederacy. This battle was the first major conflict west of the Mississippi River, so expect to find a lot of old cannons here! If you'd like to look at war artifacts more closely, you can go to the Wilson Creek Civil War Museum.

Cool off at a lake

The Lake of the Ozarks is one of the Midwest's most popular lakes, and it's not hard to see why. The area around this reservoir, which was created by the Bagnell Dam over the Osage River, has all the water activities, resorts, and camping sites you could want. It even has golf courses. Feel free to escape the heat by going for a cool swim.

Eating out in Missouri

Have you ever heard of throwed rolls? The idea was first conceptualized at Lambert's Cafe, which has branches in Sikeston, and Ozark. Along with the rolls, be sure to try the beef liver and onions at the cafe. If you're looking for Cajun-style seafood in St Louis, go to Broadway Oyster Bar. This restaurant, situated in one of the oldest buildings in the city, makes excellent Gulf and Blue Point Oysters. Stroud';s Oak Ridge Manor, in Kansas City, is known for its pan-fried chicken. For some good old soul food, head to Sweetie Pie's, in St Louis: their their mac ‘n’ cheese makes for a very satisfying lunch. And of course, no visit to Missouri is complete without tasting the local barbecue fare.

Missouri Transport

Airports

Fly in through the St Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), which is connected to 78 destinations across the world.

Getting around

Kansas City is a major railway hub, and the entire state has a good railway system. Missouri hasn't got much in the way of local rails, though, except near St Louis. The most efficient way to get around most of its cities is by car. Enjoy Travel makes it incredibly easy for you to compare cars to find the right vehicle for you.