Take a Trip to Missouri and Experience What’s NEW in 2012
The Peabody, St. Louis
Jefferson City, Mo. — You’ve heard it many times, especially when you encounter someone you haven’t seen for a while. “Hey, what’s new?” The response is usually, “Aw, not much.” But, if you ask the Missouri Division of Tourism that question, the answer is a bit longer. There are new attractions and shows opening all the time, plus new exhibits, anniversaries, and new first-time events. You notice a pattern here—the operative word is, new. Although there are a lot of interesting, fun attractions and events throughout the year in Missouri, we would like to introduce you to a sampling of new (there’s that word again) places and happenings designed to entertain visitors to and in the Show-Me State.
New Attractions to Visit
Places to go and things to see just keep expanding in Missouri. No matter what region of the state you visit, there is always something to keep you busy. Here are some attractions you can try for the first time.
In May 2011, the Missouri Division of Tourism opened the Hayti Official Welcome Center, located beside northbound I-55, at mile marker 20.2, in southeast Missouri near Hayti. It replaced the New Madrid Welcome Center. Facilities include restrooms, picnic areas, a playground, benches, shade trees, landscaped lawns and walking trails. The site offers easy access, with large parking areas for passenger cars and motorcycles, and a separate parking lot for RVs, buses and trucks.
The World Chess Hall of Fame opened September 9, 2011, in a historic 15,900 square-foot residence-turned-museum in St. Louis. The facility features the U.S. and World Chess Halls of Fame; displays of artifacts from the permanent collection; and temporary exhibitions highlighting the great players, historic games, and rich cultural history of chess.
In September 2011, Kansas City welcomed the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. The Kauffman Center is a mega-modern, state-of-the-art facility, encompassing two awe-inspiring performance venues: The 1,800-seat Muriel Kauffman Theatre and the 1,600-seat Helzberg Hall. These theatres host Broadway production companies, renowned orchestras and bands, top national and international entertainers, artists and performance troupes. Also, the Kauffman Center serves as the home performance venue for the Kansas City Ballet, the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, and the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra.
In downtown St. Louis, the Peabody Opera House has been restored to its original splendor; the historic building originally opened in 1934 as the Municipal Auditorium. It reopened October 1, 2011, as The Peabody. This downtown performing arts and cultural center, with a 3,200-seat main theater, hosts special events, touring shows and concerts headlining mega-stars.
The Old Dutch Hotel and Tavern, in Washington, features a 14-guestroom hotel on the two floors above street-level; and The Tavern on the ground floor, offering a full menu. The completely renovated facilities are in a historical building.
Viandel Vineyard is a new winery in Mountain View, where you can relax in the quiet of Missouri’s Ozark mountain woodlands. The farmstead, which was once an apple orchard, has been developed into a sophisticated winery with a comfortable farmhouse tasting room.
Springfield has a new IMAX screen, at the Springfield 11 Theatres. The IMAX screen is four stories high and 70 feet wide; the theatre seats 300.
In south-central Missouri, various activities, fun events and tours are held at the restored 1886 Summersville Mill, on the east side of Summersville. Because Summersville did not have access to a spring, a steam engine originally powered the plant; water came from a pond that still exists behind the mill. The mill still has its machinery.
Serenity Valley Winery, Fulton
Serenity Valley Winery, in Callaway County, west of Fulton, is micro-winery providing a touch of Tuscany with a relaxed, casual atmosphere. At Serenity Valley, you can make your own wine in a fun, innovative manner; when completed, you will have about two cases.
The Pulaski County Tourism Bureau has added a downloadable Route 66 Audio Tour. The original “Mother Road” stretched 2,400 miles, through eight states, from Chicago to Santa Monica, California—300-miles of the ribbon of pavement race through 10 counties in Missouri.
In St. Robert, the Tiger Typhoon Aquatics Center is a great place to take the family for water fun. During warm weather, the large outdoor area offers many exciting water-related activities; they have an indoor pool for those cooler days.
At the Lake of the Ozarks, Golden Rock Winery, in Camdenton, will personalize your wine selection with your own label, customized just for you while you wait: sample at the tasting bar; make your selection; design your label. They have more than 30 wines from which to choose. Their restaurant serves a full menu and Sunday brunch.
Pony Express National Museum, St. Joseph
By the end of February 2012, the Pony Express National Museum, in St. Joseph, is scheduled to open its newest addition: the Pony Schoolhouse. This 1860s era one-room schoolhouse is furnished with period artifacts and replicas. Special tours can be scheduled for school groups. A children’s exhibit, “Family Life on the Frontier,” allows kids to dress-up as pioneers and experience life as it was in the 1800s.
The new Dewey Short Visitor Center, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is scheduled to open in April. Located near Table Rock Dam, in Branson, the 15,000-square-foot visitor center features an auditorium, gift shop and an educational area for exhibits and conference rooms. Table Rock Lake itself will be part of the new exhibit experience.
Two major attractions open their doors in Kansas City’s Crown Center this spring. Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium transports you into an amazing underwater world where you come nose to nose with sharks and have astonishingly close views of everything from humble starfish and seahorses to graceful rays. More than 5,000 sea creatures inhabit 30 incredible displays, in more than 260,000 gallons of water. Legoland Discovery Center makes you feel as though you’ve jumped in to the world’s biggest box of Lego bricks—more than 2 million under one roof equals a fun, highly interactive and educational experience for children aged 3-10. Combo tickets will be offered.
In Cape Girardeau, Melaina’s Magical Playland is scheduled to open mid-2012. This playground was inspired by Melaina Cunningham, who was a vibrant and spunky 3-year-old who didn’t let a disease like Nemaline Myopathy diminish her spirit. The playground has integrated activities for all ages and ability levels including: easy access for wheelchairs, walkers, those who are mobility challenged; swings with extra back and arm supports; a variety of activity play-panels, utilizing Braille or other sensory components; shade structures/awnings throughout; metal slides for users of cochlear implant devices; handicapped accessible restrooms and parking; and safety fencing.
The Missouri Civil War Museum and Missouri Civil War Studies Center, located at the historic Jefferson Barracks military post, St. Louis, is slated to open in 2012. Exhibits will chronicle the American Civil War, with emphasis on Missouri’s involvement. The facilities are housed in a restored 1920s Post Exchange and gymnasium building which is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. It was actively utilized prior to World War I until sometime after World War II. The museum facility is 16,000 square-feet; the library and research portion are an additional 6,000 square-feet.
The Isle Casino Cape Girardeau, Missouri’s newest casino, is scheduled to open in late 2012. Isle Casino is a full-service casino, with restaurants, lodging, an event center, live entertainment and other activities.
Special Exhibits for 2012
Museums hold a lot of old and new items that fascinate and entertain. Many museum exhibits never change; however, countless locations have a continuing rotation of revamped and new things to see. The list for 2012 is especially inviting.
The Missouri State Museum, in Jefferson City, is offering a special Civil War exhibit, which runs through May 2014: Civil War Missouri: A House Dividing. The exhibit features Missouri Civil War artifacts, including the flag from the 7th Regiment (Irish) Missouri Infantry, and the Missouri battle flag. The displays are in the History Hall of the museum, on the first floor of the State Capitol.
Missouri History Museum, St. Louis
The Missouri History Museum is offering The Civil War in Missouri, a comprehensive exhibit through March 16, 2013. To commemorate the Civil War sesquicentennial—and to explore the complexities of the Civil War in the 24th state—the exhibit features artifacts, imagery and interactive elements. Although the exhibition addresses issues with which our entire nation wrestled, topics that are distinctively Missourian take center stage. In conjunction with this exhibition, the Missouri History Museum has launched a website which contains in-depth information on The Civil War in Missouri. The museum is located in Forest Park, in St. Louis.
The St. Joseph Museum has created an exhibit titled, Life and Times of Jesse James, focusing on the notorious outlaw Jesse James, who was killed in St. Joseph, April 3, 1882. The exhibit contains images, court documents, paintings, movie posters and memorabilia from the James family. Special displays show how Jesse’s death affected his family, and how he has been portrayed since that time. The exhibit is on display now through September.
The Center of Creative Arts, just off the Delmar Loop in University City (St. Louis), presents a special exhibit: Belinda Lee—Inside Out/Outside In. Presented for the first time anywhere, this body of paintings by St. Louis artist Belinda Lee is gleaned from sketchbooks, clippings, photographs, memories and dreams the artist has chronicled. This exhibition runs January 13-February 26 in COCA’s Millstone Gallery.
The Weston Historical Museum, in Weston, features two significant new exhibits for the 2012 season, March to December. One contains several hundred campaign buttons, the oldest being from Grant’s campaign for president, plus political bumper stickers and campaign paraphernalia. The second focuses on TWA Airlines, including uniforms, gloves, hats, magazines, model airplanes, posters and photos.
In Kansas City’s Union Station, March 3–September 3, witness the tragedy of the Titanic. The Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition showcases more than 300 artifacts retrieved from Titanic’s debris field, plus historically accurate room recreations. The exhibit—which is educational, emotional, and appropriate for all ages—takes visitors on a journey through the life of Titanic, which sank on April 15, 1912. Along the way, learn countless stories of heroism and humanity that pay honor to the indomitable force of the human spirit in the face of tragedy. While there, enter for a chance to win two round-trip tickets to tour Ireland. Six of these prize packages will be awarded.
March 9 through December 31, the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum, in Independence, is featuring an exhibition detailing the Truman & Wallace Families of Independence, two of the city’s most famous families, tracing their history through more than 150 years in Independence. The exhibit draws upon the Library’s rich collection of correspondence and memorabilia, including (displayed for the first time) newly released materials from Bess Truman and Margaret Truman Daniel.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, in Kansas City, presents Inventing the Modern World: Decorative Arts at the World’s Fairs, April 14 through August 19. This new offering is a groundbreaking exhibition of extraordinary objects representing the pinnacle of science and artistic ingenuity. It showcases more than 175 works of furniture, metalwork, glass, ceramics, textiles and jewelry that were displayed at every major and several minor world fairs from 1851 to 1939.
Notable Anniversaries in 2012
When something gets so old it becomes new, we celebrate its anniversary. These four are particularly worth covering.
Established in 1837, the iconic town of Hermann is celebrating its 175th anniversary. Special exhibits, programs and events showcase the town’s unique German heritage. Enjoy our Old-World hospitality; taste and tour world-class wineries; stroll the historic district; visit historic sites; and marvel at the view. Hermann has been bestowed the title, Missouri’s most beautiful town.
Titanic World's Largest Museum Attraction, Branson
Throughout 2012, Branson’s Titanic Museum is commemorating the 100th anniversary of the maiden and last voyage of RMS Titanic, which sank April 15, 1912. Activities include a “100th Year ‘Tour Ireland’ Sweepstakes;” the National Ice Carving Competition; Sweetheart Month in February; a Rose Petal Memorial Tribute; Survivors Wall of Stories; Irish Month in March; and other special events. The “Molly” Brown Gallery is scheduled to open in late January; for the first time, an entire gallery is dedicated to one of Titanic’s most popular, colorful passengers: Margaret “the Unsinkable Molly” Tobin Brown. You’ll see personal possessions, rare Molly Brown photographs, and priceless costumes Debbie Reynolds wore in the 1964 MGM hit movie musical, The Unsinkable Molly Brown.
Congratulations to the Missouri Department of Conservation as they celebrate their 75th anniversary—MDC’s work began in 1937, when the Department was created to restore, conserve and regulate Missouri’s over-stressed fisheries, forests and wildlife populations. Enjoy a special MDC Anniversary Video, focusing on conservation past, present and future.
Andy Williams returns to Branson in September and October to celebrate his 75th anniversary in Show Biz; including 20 years at the Moon River Theatre. Special guests include: The Lennon Sisters; Dick Van Dyke; Jack Jones; Pat and Debby Boone; Ray Stevens; and other celebrities yet to be announced.
In 2012, Branson celebrates 100 Years of Heritage, Hospitality and Harmony. Beginning in April, the birthday party for “The Live Music Show Capital of the World” is designed to show you a special good time. Specific plans and events are being formulated, so watch their website for details.
Governor's Mansion, Jefferson City
The Missouri Governor’s Mansion celebrates its 140th anniversary in 2012. Built in 1872, the three-story structure was completed in only eight months, with much of the work performed by prisoners from the Missouri State Penitentiary. The Mansion, a favorite stop for tourists, is an impressive feature in downtown Jefferson City, two blocks from the State Capitol.
The town of Weston celebrates its 175th Anniversary on September 22. The celebration includes fun for all ages: a variety of music; food; drink; a street dance; carnival activities; hay rides; and a bounce house. More than 100 of Weston’s pre-Civil War buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
New and Special Events for 2012
Missouri is blessed with thousands, maybe hundreds-of-thousands of wonderful events every year. There is literally something for everyone. Some are one-time shots, while others become annual activities you can enjoy every year. While we can’t list all of Missouri’s events, we can cover some major “first-timers” and “one-timers.”
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic, which struck an iceberg and sank on her maiden voyage, April 15, 1912, a Titanic Centennial Weekend is planned, April 13-15, in St. Louis. Fees are charged for all three events; reservations are required.
April 13, attend an Edwardian Reception, Exhibit and Film, with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, at the Missouri History Museum, in Forest Park. The evening includes an exhibit of Titanic-related artifacts, as well as the screening of the 1958 film, “A Night to Remember.”
April 14, experience a once-in-a-lifetime event: “The Last Dinner on the Titanic.” The dinner is served onstage at the Fabulous Fox Theatre; the activities recreate the last dinner served aboard Titanic. This historic First Class menu and evening have been meticulously researched to authentically replicate the sumptuous eleven-course meal and nine accompanying wines. Between courses, enjoy authentic music played on the ship.
April 15, at the Piper Palm House, in Tower Grove Park, guests partake of a Titanic Champagne Brunch, recreated from a First Class menu served aboard the ship. The Piper Palm House, the oldest standing greenhouse west of the Mississippi River, is the perfect setting, with its distinctive architecture, soaring ceiling, stately windows and exotic plants, which all closely resemble Titanic’s Verandah Cafe.
Joseph, an original production, comes to the Sight & Sound Theatre – Branson, April through December 29. An epic, timeless story about the power of forgiveness, Joseph delights audiences of all ages as you experience a cast of 45 professional adult and child actors; dozens of live animals gracing the aisles; several astounding dream sequences, including Joseph in his colorful coat “flying” above the audience; larger-than-life staging which includes a spectacular Egyptian palace scene, spanning 300 feet and wrapping around three sides of the audience; plus, 20 original songs.
Springfield’s Commercial Street Historic District is holding their first Rhythm on the Rails Festival, April 28 in the Commercial Street Historic District. Traditional music, dance and festivities celebrate the coming of the railroad in 1870. Festivities feature the artisans, eateries and friendly merchants that make Historic C-Street a favorite destination. This is planned to be an annual event.
On Tuesday, July 10, one of the nation’s biggest sports events comes to Kansas City when Major League Baseball’s 83rd All-Star Game, also known as the “Midsummer Classic,” is played at Kauffman Stadium, home of the Royals.
In conjunction with the big game, several preceding events are scheduled, including FanFest and a 5K/Fun Run.
July 6-10 is Major League Baseball All-Star Week in Kansas City. FanFest, the largest baseball fan event in the world, will transform Kansas City into a celebration capturing the thrills and excitement of Major League Baseball. Attractions throughout Kansas City include: a long list of interactive exhibits and seminars; autograph sessions with Royals legends and MLB Hall of Famers; memorabilia; Clubhouse and Dugout Tours; a Charity 5K & Fun Run; and activities for families and fans of all ages.
Sunday, July 8, the All-Star Game Charity 5K & Fun Run hits the streets of downtown Kansas City. Join Major League Baseball in the fight to end cancer; net proceeds benefit three charities supporting cancer research and education: Susan G. Komen for the Cure; Prostate Cancer Foundation; and Stand Up To Cancer. The run includes: 5K runs for adults and kids; 1-mile fun runs for adults and kids; and a wheelchair division in each.
There you have it, or them as the case may be; some of the new things to see and do in Missouri in 2012. It promises to be a very good year.
On Missouri’s Official Tourism website, VisitMO.com, you’ll find listings for more Missouri events, attractions and vacation ideas; plus, you can order a free copy of the 2012 Official Missouri Travel Guide and use the interactive online edition. Also, the Travel Guide is available by calling 800-519-4800. And yes, there is a free app for that—in the iTunes App Store, search for: “Official Missouri Travel Guide.” Have a great and enjoyable 2012.
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Links referenced in this release:
New Attractions Opening in 2012:
Hayti Official Welcome Center
www.VisitMO.com/hayti-official-missouri-welcome-center.aspx
World Chess Hall of Fame
www.WorldChessHOF.org
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
www.VisitMO.com/kauffman-center-for-the-performing-arts.aspx
Peabody Opera House
www.VisitMO.com/the-peabody-opera-house.aspx
Old Dutch Hotel and Tavern
www.VisitMO.com/old-dutch-hotel-and-tavern.aspx
Viandel Vineyard
www.ViandelVineyard.com
IMAX
www.IMAX.com/theatres/t/springfield-11-imax
Summersville Mill
www.SummersvilleMill.org
Serenity Valley Winery
www.VisitMO.com/serenity-valley-winery.aspx
Pulaski County Tourism Bureau
www.VisitPulaskiCounty.org/visitors.asp
Route 66 Audio Tour
www.VisitPulaskiCounty.org/rt66.asp
Tiger Typhoon Aquatics Center
www.SaintRobert.com/residents/Departments/Park/pool.html
Golden Rock Winery
www.GoldenRockWinery.com
Pony Express National Museum
www.VisitMO.com/pony-express-national-museum.aspx
Pony School
www.PonyExpress.org/pony-school-project
Dewey Short Visitor Center
www.ExploreBranson.com/attractions/listing.php?id=3185
Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium
www.VisitSeaLife.com/Kansas-city
Legoland Discovery Center
http://kansas.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/kansas/holding
Melaina’s Magical Playland
www.MagicalPlayland.org
Missouri Civil War Museum
www.mcwm.org
Isle Casino Cape Girardeau
www.Cape-Girardeau.IsleOfCapriCasinos.com
Special Exhibits for 2012:
Missouri State Museum
www.MoStateParks.com/park/missouri-state-museum
Missouri History Museum
www.MoHistory.org/node/4591
Civil War in Missouri
www.CivilWarMO.org
St. Joseph Museum
www.StJosephMuseum.org/calendar_temp_exhibits.asp
COCA’s Millstone Gallery
www.CocaStL.org/subpage.cfm?vSection=exhibitions&vPage=millstone_gallery
Weston Historical Museum
www.WestonHistoricalMuseum.org
Kansas City’s Union Station
www.UnionStation.org
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
www.Titanic.UnionStation.org
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum
www.TrumanLibrary.org
Truman & Wallace Families of Independence
www.TrumanLibrary.org/exhibits.htm
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
www.Nelson-Atkins.org
Inventing the Modern World: Decorative Arts at the World’s Fairs
www.Nelson-Atkins.org/art/exhibitions/WorldsFair
Notable Anniversaries in 2012:
175th anniversary (Hermann)
www.VisitHermann.com/175/index.html
Titanic Museum
www.TitanicBranson.com
Missouri Department of Conservation
www.MDC.mo.gov
MDC Anniversary Video
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoxYK3rHEUQ
Moon River Theatre
www.VisitMO.com/andy-williams-moon-river-theatre.aspx
100 Years of Heritage, Hospitality and Harmony (Branson)
www.Branson.org
Missouri Governor’s Mansion
www.MissouriMansion.org
140th anniversary
www.MissouriMansion.org/discover/history/140th-anniversary
Weston
www.WestonMo.com
New and Special Events for 2012:
Titanic Centennial Weekend
www.Titanic2012StL.com
Edwardian Champagne Reception
www.Titanic2012stl.com/exhibit.html
The Last Dinner on the Titanic
www.Titanic2012stl.com/dinner.html
Titanic Champagne Brunch
www.Titanic2012stl.com/brunch.html
Joseph
http://Shows.Sight-Sound.com/StaticContent/joseph
Sight & Sound Theatre—Branson
www.Sight-Sound.com/WebSiteSS/changeLocation.do?locationCD=BRANSON_MO
Springfield’s Commercial Street Historic District
www.SpringfieldMo.org/things-to-do/cat/18/menu/121/client/65762
Rhythm on the Rails Festival
www.SpringfieldMo.org/event/2012/04/28/detail/11621
All-Star Game
http://mlb.mlb.com/kc/ticketing/asg.jsp
Kauffman Stadium
www.VisitMO.com/kansas-city-royals-kauffman-stadium-tours.aspx
FanFest
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2012/index.jsp?content=fanfest
All-Star Game Charity 5K & Fun Run
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2012/index.jsp?content=fivek
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
www.Komen.org
Prostate Cancer Foundation
www.pcf.org
Stand Up To Cancer
www.StandUp2Cancer.org/node/5018
Open and Upcoming Seasons
www.MDC.mo.gov/seasons
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Contact: Sarah Luebbert
Missouri Division of Tourism
573-522-5501
Sarah.Luebbert@ded.mo.gov
@MoTravelMama
Contact: Stephanie Lynch
Missouri Tourism News Bureau
314-454-3454
slynch@hoffmanlewis.com
@NtheMO
The Missouri Division of Tourism (MDT) is the official tourism office for the state of Missouri dedicated to marketing Missouri as a premier travel destination. Established in 1967, the Missouri Division of Tourism has worked hard to develop the tourism industry in Missouri to what it is today, an $11.4 billion industry supporting more than 281,000 jobs and generating $900 million in state and local taxes in Fiscal Year 2010. For every dollar spent on marketing Missouri as a travel destination in FY10, $53 was returned in visitor expenditures.
