Missouri covers a total area of 69,697 sq mi (180,516 sq km), of which land comprises 68,945 sq mi (178,568 sq km) and inland water 752 sq mi (1,948 sq km). Missouri is located in the western north-central US and is surrounded by by Iowa on the North, by Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee on the East, by Arkansas on the South and by Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska on the West. Missouri is ranked 19th in size among the 50 states.

The state's geographic center is in Miller County, 20 mi (32 km) SW of Jefferson City.

Golf getaways, wineries, scenic countryside, entertainment in Branson or nightlife at Saint Louis or the fascinating history of the Pony Express in St Joseph – Missouri has a wide choice of activities and tourist places to experience and enjoy. Some of the popular destinations are listed below:

Gateway Arch - St Louis This stainless steel arch stands is 630 feet tall standing on the St. Louis riverfront. It was completed in 1965 at a cost of less than $15 million. A museum below the Arch has an extensive collection of mounted animal specimens, American Indian artifacts and Lewis and Clark exhibits.