Cheap flights to Missouri from £253

From the Ozark Mountains to the muddy Mississippi River, there is much to see and do in Missouri. Missouri served as the starting and return point for the Lewis and Clark Expedition and earned the nickname the “Gateway to the West” because it was the departure point for settlers heading to the west. Originally purchased from France as part of the Louisiana Purchase, Missouri gained independence as the 24th state in 1821 and has since made great strides as a land of prosperity.

Thanks to its location on the Mississippi River, Missouri was one of the first states to introduce river boats to its residents. As bootlegging and prohibition made its way throughout the US, Missouri thrived on cultural reinvention and a quest for individuality. Missouri hosted the 1904 St LouisWorld’s Fair and Louisiana Purchase Exposition, which was made famous in the 1944 movie, Meet Me in St Louis.

Today, visitors booking flights to Missouri can travel the same paths that Lewis and Clark discovered and set foot on ground that served the world’s first ice cream cone and glass of iced tea. The state’s most recognised monument, the Gateway Arch, was built in 1965 and serves as a tribute to commemorate the Louisiana Purchase. Upon completion of the Arch, Missouri earned the nickname the “Show Me State” for its purpose of “showing” settlers any opportunity of a greater life to the west of the Mississippi River. Booking flights to Missouri today offers travellers a step back in time and an opportunity to relish in one of the United States’ most pivotal states.

Missouri climate

A Great Plains state, Missouri has a continental climate with regional variations. Temperatures in Kansas City and St. Louis range from just below zero (Celsius) in January to the mid-20s in July. Snowfall averages 50cm (20 inches) in the north and 25cm (ten inches) in the southeast. Temperatures in the spring are usually about ten degrees in March and warm up April through June. April through August are the wettest months. By the middle of September things begin to cool down and autumn can be delightful. Missouri is in tornado alley and March through May is the peak tornado season.

Getting around Missouri

Peak Season:

Branson’s peak season is June and July and then Labour Day to December. Reservations are a must. The rest of the state’s peak season runs from April to mid-October, with crowds at the lakes in mid-summer.

Off Season:

Branson is popular during the off season as well, and winter in Missouri is particularly exciting around Christmas.

What is good to know if travelling to Missouri?

• Take a trip to the Elephant Rocks State Park and follow the trail to the gargantuan granite rocks which were created more than one billion years ago when hot magma cooled and formed the crystalline red granite into imposing elephant-like rocks. The biggest rock is 8 metres (27 feet) high, weighs 616 kilograms (680 tons) and is aptly named Dumbo.
• Nicknamed the “Cave State”, Missouri has around 5,500 caves beneath its surface. If you have to pick just one to visit, which is probably wise, then the Mark Twain Cave is the most interesting one to explore.
• Head to St Louis and visit its famous landmark, the Gateway Arch which was designed in 1966 by Eero Saarinen. Then take a five-minute walk to the Soulard Neighbourhood where you’ll find the city’s best blues clubs and nightlife. If you find yourself yearning for more, then head to a bar in one of the restored 19th-century warehouses at the Laclede’s Landing entertainment district.
• Beer lovers should pay a visit to the Anheuser-Busch brewery which was set up in the 1860s and offers tours of the historic 1885 Clydesdale stable, the 1892 Brew House and the packaging plant. The highlight of the tour is at the end when samples of different brews are passed around.
• Set on 79 acres of land, the Missouri Botanical Garden is well worth a visit. You can stroll the Seiwa-en Japanese garden or see the world’s first geodesic dome rainforest greenhouse. There’s also an 1882 brick conservatory with camellias and a spectacular sculpture garden designed by Carl Milles.
• Most people would think of going to the ballet in cities like New York or London, but Kansas? In recent years the Kansas City Ballet has earned a reputation as one of the best ballet organisations in the States. So be sure to catch a performance while you’re there, particularly one of their contemporary performances by local newcomers.
• Some of the greatest Jazz musicians got their start in Kansas City and the historic 18th and Vine district is a great place to enjoy some live jazz at the Blue Room, “play drums” at the interactive American Jazz Museum or visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.