Discover Northwest Missouri’s Hidden Gems

We searched every corner of Missouri for hidden gems and thanks to our Missouri Life Ambassadors, we found one in each county: 114 of them! Here we explore places in northwest Missouri that you’ll want to put on your summertime travel itinerary.


Teddy Bear and suitcase waiting for train.

October 30, 1895

Sixteen children from the Orphan Train found new families in Nodaway County on this day.


Skidmore Revisited Part 3: Promising Lights

Our series on Skidmore concludes with a look at the town's present, and the future that may be possible for it.


Skidmore Revisited Part 2: Weary Memories

The town became nationally known for the murder of a bully. But the people who call it home know what it's really like.


Skidmore Revisited Part 1: The Death of Ken McElroy

Ken had a drink at the bar, left, started his truck, and lit a cigarette. And then someone shot him in the head, in broad daylight, before 45 witnesses, with Trena at his side. After decades of terror, the bully was finally gone.