From the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis and a college basketball attraction in Kansas City, to a historic theater in Columbia and a fine art museum in St. Joseph, the Show Me State has much to show off to planners looking for fabulous attractions that double as memorable off-site venues.
St. Louis
The Gateway Arch, a 630-foot-tall monument to President Thomas Jefferson, is a must-visit attraction that has several options for group gatherings, including the restored Old Courthouse, dating to the 1860s, and riverboats on the Mississippi River. Both enjoy fantastic arch views.
According to Donna Andrews, spokeswoman for the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission, groups should also arrange tram rides to the top of the Gateway Arch for a bird’s-eye view of the Mississippi River.
The Missouri Botanical Garden, Andrews says, is considered among the top three public gardens in the world.
Before the on-site reception or banquet, groups can arrange time to tour the 79-acre grounds, featuring 25 demonstration gardens and a recreated tropical rain forest housed within the Climatron geodesic dome.
Gardens, a pavilion and a theater are among the options that accommodate corporate events here.
Kansas City
March Madness just passed, but at the College Basketball Experience groups can get into the excitement of the game all over again.
“It’s a great destination for groups,” says Derek Klaus, spokesman for the Kansas City CVA, explaining that the hands-on facility contains the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame and offers plenty of activities to keep groups busy, from pop-a-shots and slam dunk stations to an ESPN desk where attendees can call the play-by-play.
“College Basketball Experience’s Center Court is a great venue for dinners, and groups love the teambuilding activities available throughout,” he says.
The Arabia Steamboat Museum, another attraction that hosts group events, is a “great quirky choice,” according to Klaus.
“The museum houses all the wreckage from a sunken 1856 steamboat called the Arabia,” he says. “In addition to some nice banquet and meeting spaces, groups can also help out with the restoration work in the preservation lab.”
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Sailing vessels inspire memorable off-site events in Branson.
The Showboat Branson Belle on beautiful Table Rock Lake is a popular attraction for visiting groups, according to Deborah Cohen, director of meeting and convention sales at Branson/Lakes Area CVB.
She says this 700-passenger paddlewheel boat offers several options. Groups can charter the entire vessel, hop aboard for a regularly scheduled lunch or dinner cruise, or plan a morning breakfast event.
Titanic Museum Attraction is another unique attraction in Branson.
“This museum is perfect for progressive dinner or murder mystery events,” Cohen says.
Plus, groups can check out some 400 artifacts from the Titanic and a replica staircase from the movie.
Springfield
In Springfield, the White River Conference Center at Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World is wonderfully suited for groups looking for meeting space and entertainment in one stop.
“Besides the beautiful lodge-themed decor at the center, attendees can visit the original and largest Bass Pro store in the world, complete with museums, aquariums and taxidermy displays,” says Susan Wade, spokeswoman for the Springfield Missouri CVB.
Meeting facilities here include a 9,600-square-foot conference center and three classrooms.
“The lodge decor includes a floor-to-ceiling fireplace inside, and outside, guests can enjoy a wraparound patio, gazebo, trails and green space,” Wade says.
Columbia
At the Missouri Theater, considered a treasure of Columbia by locals, dozens of events fill the calendar each year, ranging from marquee names in music to film festivals.
Built in 1928, the beautifully restored facility features ornate decor and original detailing, according to Megan McConachie, spokeswoman for the Columbia CVB.
“Now run by the University of Missouri, the theater can host events in the grand foyer, on the performing stage or on the gorgeous rooftop patio,” she says.
And located in picturesque Nifong Park is the Boone County Historical Society, home to a museum, a village made up of historic buildings and the restored Maplewood Home, which is open for tours.
“The Montminy Art Gallery and other areas of the museum can be opened to groups for receptions and dining functions,” McConachie says. “Attendees can immerse themselves in the history of the area and learn from local experts.”
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“Main Street Music Hall is a proud tradition at the Lake of the Ozarks,” says Lagina Fitzpatrick, director of sales for the Lake of the Ozarks CVB.
Main Street offers three shows throughout the year, including the Reelin’ in the Years show that takes the audience on a journey from the 1960s to 1980s, and the Christmas on Main Street holiday show. The 1,000-seat theater can be used for meetings or special events during non-show hours.
“Groups love to be on the water at the lake,” Fitzpatrick adds, citing two cruise vessels that accommodate 149-person outings: Tropic Island and Celebration. “Both yachts offer public scenic cruises but can also be rented for private group charters for a meal or special event.”
St. Joseph
A historic home turned art museum, Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art features one of the finest collections of American art in the Midwest, according to Mary Supple, director of sales at the St. Joseph CVB.
Browsing collections is a great idea before groups settle in for a meeting or reception at this standby off-site venue.
Supple says art classes are available if planners would like to incorporate a terrific teambonding experience.
Meanwhile, the Pony Express began in St. Joseph and today the original stables still stand as the Pony Express National Museum.
“Their spacious community room with a full kitchen facility offers seating for 100 people and is located across the street from Patee Park, where visitors will find an antique locomotive engine, a gazebo and a picnic shelter,” Supple says.
St. Charles
Nestled along the banks of the Missouri riverfront, Foundry Art Centre resides in a 1940s-era former train car factory.
Today, the Foundry is home to 5,200 square feet of Smithsonian-caliber exhibit space and working artists’ studios, and also serves as a gathering spot for an array of special events.
“Visitors enjoy the opportunity to surround themselves with both great art and architectural design,” says Martha Little, interim director for the Greater Saint Charles CVB. “The Grand Hall is as perfect for a reception as it is for a corporate meeting.”
Streets of St. Charles is a new must-visit mixed-use area situated minutes from the St. Charles Convention Center.
“This center is the ideal enhancement to our Main Street historic district, offering an expanded menu of dining and entertainment options,” says Karen Fraser, convention sales manager at the Greater Saint Charles CVB.
Already it’s gaining a positive reputation as a destination for unique dining options. Groups can grab a bite at venues such as Bar Louie, Prasino and Tucanos Brazilian Grill.
When complete, Streets, as it’s referred to by locals, will encompass a total of 1 million square feet.
Carolyn Blackburn is a frequent contributor to Meetings Focus.
