Towns

With thousands of visitors converging for the total solar eclipse—and temporarily boosting the population by 120% to 2000%—this little river town is ready for the big show. A weekend of events highlights the area's culture, history, and natural beauty.

The pandemic spawned many “in-your-car” drive-by holiday light displays. And while many of these “drive-by” displays still happen each season, there’s one that will drive by you instead! Check out this unusual and fun event, in its second year.

Even before the Thanksgiving feast’s finished, visions of sugar plums begin dancing in our heads. From trimming the tree to baking Christmas confections, the holiday season holds lots of joy and wonder … especially in one Missouri town!

Where there were cows, now there are fish. Farmhouses gave way to marinas. Fifty years ago, Missouri Life reported on the in-progress construction of the Harry S. Truman Dam & Reservoir. Despite early misgivings from locals in the region that stretches from Warsaw to Clinton to Osceola, Truman Lake has proven to be a boon for business and a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Lemp Mansion Restaurant & Inn, 21c Museum Hotel Kansas City, and The Elms Hotel & Spa have all found a successful formula by combining fine accommodations with a touch of spooky lore. Learn how you can do a haunted stay at these hotels, plus several more from around the state.

Missouri Life’s inaugural year was 1973. We wrote an article on roadside stands back then and we revisited them again in the September 2023 issue. Roadside stands are seeing a comeback. Find out where these stands are and visit one near you.

Do you enjoy perusing paintings and photos? Seeing ceramics and sculptures? Browsing booth after booth of beautiful, creative creations? If ambling about an art-filled festival is right up your alley, then this event is picture perfect for you.

Staying in sustainable lodging is more than just a place to land while out traveling. These two places have embraced “green” hospitality. From solar panels to reusable products, to the dome built from Missouri-dug clay, you will rejoice in your visit.

We are celebrating 50 years of Missouri Life. Our first story about fairs was in the July/August 1973 issue. Our writer revisited fairs from around the state to see what has changed and what has stayed the same. Find out which fair is famous for fish sandwiches.

If you appreciate history, architecture, preservation, and restoration, you won’t want to miss a special guided tour of two of the grandest houses in mid-Missouri. Both of these significant historical structures were brought back to life. Where are they?