2020 Discover the Best of Missouri Life Awards

The 2020 reader’s choice awards are here.


Plan Your Getaway in Jefferson City

Take a ghost tour of the historic prison, explore a vibrant downtown, and visit the Missouri Museum at our storied Capitol.


From our Archive: The Missouri Murals

Explore Thomas Hart Benton's Missouri Murals.


Old Missouri State Penitentiary

January 16, 1833

Money was appropriated for the new state penitentiary in Jefferson City.


MR340 Canoe Race

Dodging Barges, Hallucinating, and Lost on the Big Muddy: Inside the MR340

Hundreds of paddlers from around the world will undertake the MR340 next year, a grueling 340-mile race on the Missouri River from Kansas City to St. Charles. Get a taste for the adventure from these veteran competitors, and pick a point along the river to watch.


Aerial view of Missouri State Capitol Building in Jefferson City Missouri

November 15, 1837

Missouri's new capitol building in Jefferson City caught fire. The fire was not extinguished for two days. It may have been caused by a cigar smoker in the building's library. Read more about this in Tales From Missouri and the Heartland.


World State Fair in Missouri

2019 Discover the Best of Missouri Life Awards

You voted. We counted. Now you can discover some best-kept secrets and surprises around the state in eight different categories, such as culture, destinations, food, lore and legend, and more.


Landscape of Germany in Missouris German Heritage Festival Flyer

Missouri’s German Heritage

Geh und erforschel (go and explore) Missouri's German Heritage with a new book by W. Arthur Mehrhoff and published by Missouri Life Inc.


Drawing of Missouri River Steamboat

August 26, 1854

The steamship Timour exploded at Jefferson City killing almost everyone on board.


Missouri Flooding, Great Burr Oak

Notley Hawkins Documents the Flooding in Mid-Missouri

Photographer Notley Hawkins captured images of the historic flooding in mid-Missouri with his camera and drone. Plus, learn how you can assist in relief efforts.