Missouri State is part of the rich water way territory that once encompassed the Louisiana Purchased for fifteen million dollars by the 3rd President Thomas Jefferson in 1803. Missouri lies in the middle of six of these states that once were part of this Purchase: Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma on its western border with the states of Iowa and Arkansas top and tailing it respectively. There are three other states that comprise the eastern border of Missouri: Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee. This acclaimed president has been endowed with the honour of the capital of Missouri being named after him - Jefferson City.

Jefferson City is home to the Missouri State Capitol which is a magnificent building that also pays homage to Thomas Jefferson, whose statue stands proudly at the southern entrance. It overlooks the bluffs of the Missouri River with a statue of Ceres, the Roman Goddess of Agriculture rising as the pinnacle of this impressive Classical Revival architectural masterpiece. Another adorning architectural masterpiece in the state capital is the Governor’s Mansion built in the Second Empire style.

Though Jefferson City is the capital it is by no means the largest, this honour falls to Kansas City which has the largest population and lies on the western border of the neighbouring state of Kansas. Though it may share the name of the neighbouring state it does fall under the jurisdiction of Missouri. This is a great city for organised tours where you can sample the local beers with the Boulevard and Flying Monkey Brewery Tours and even a Gangster Tour that shows you the old hang outs. Though for the Wild at Heart and those who are fans of the Chopper style motorcycles called Harley-Davidsons they may want to visit The Harley-Davidson Factory Tour.

St Louis is the next largest city. It lies on the eastern border of Missouri with the Mississippi River forming the boundary with that of the state of Illinois and Collinsville, a nearby town. The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site encompasses both towns and both states and beautifully recalls the history of the Native Americans that once hunted and fished along the Mississippi. The earthwork mounds are the burial mounds of revered Native American ancestors. This Historic Site is also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Finally a trip to Missouri would not be complete without visiting Silver Dollar City in Branson. This is located not so far from the southern border which houses the state of Arkansas. Silver Dollar City, Branson, lies in the Ozark Mountains. It is an entertainment centre that hosts six world-class festivals, and over thirty rides and attractions - ideal for entertaining children and grown-ups alike with some quality souvenirs available from the home-crafted arts of glass blowing, woodcarving, blacksmithing and pottery demonstrated here.

There is a wide variety of self catering vacation rentals in Missouri ranging from condos in the cities to relaxing cabins in the woods.

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