What’s New in Missouri 2026

This might be the biggest year yet! There are so many “once in a lifetime” type events happening in Missouri in 2026.

FIFA World Cup in 2026

Kansas City, Missouri, will host six matches during FIFA World Cup 2026^TM, joining 15 other locations across North America and setting the stage for thrilling competition at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs.

Route 66 Centennial Celebration

Missouri was the birthplace of Route 66 – it’s where the roadway received its iconic name. Missouri’s 317 miles of the “Mother Road” are still lined with dozens of stops – from old-fashioned motor courts and vibrant murals to dazzling caves and down-home diners. Get your kicks on Route 66 and celebrate it’s epic journey 100 years in the making.

150th Anniversary – The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

Just a few hours north of St. Louis lies the town of Hannibal, home of famous author Samuel Longhorne Clemens better known as Mark Twain. It’s here that Twain penned his most works based on his experiences in the quaint river town. 2026 marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of the most beloved novel, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Visit Hannibal has a year full of fun events planned around the anniversary beginning in March with a Tom Sawyer themed parade and in June with a drone show.

America’s 250

As July 4, 2026 approaches, travelers are invited to participate in celebrating America’s 250th Birthday. Communities across the state will have events commemorating the special day.

New Attractions in 2026

Here’s a roundup of attractions that have recently opened and are waiting to be explored!

Northwest Missouri

St. Louis Union Station

Celebrate the heritage of St. Louis Union station by boarding the new thrilling train-themed coaster. Fly through the air on a swashbuckling adventure on the Flying Louie. Pay homage to the 1904 World’s Fair on the Wave Swinger and continue the nostalgic vibes trying your luck at the classic Midway Games. New concession booths have also been added with a wide range of snacks and treats to keep you fueled for all the fun.

Old Courthouse

While not technically new, the Old Courthouse has newly reopened after extensive remodeling. Known as one of the oldest free-standing buildings in the downtown St. Louis area, the the historic structure was the site of the pivotal Dred Scott cases in 1847 and 1850 and the Virginia Minor case in 1872. Inside the Old Courthouse, visitors can tour its courtrooms and learn more about the nation’s judicial system. While you are there, you can’t forget a trip to the Arch which recently celebrated it’s 60th anniversary.

Southeast Missouri

Spencer Manor Winery, St. James

Spencer Manor Winery sits back amongst the trees nestled on the top of the rolling hills that southeast Missouri is known for. Visitors will admire the winery’s modern sleek design and rural vineyard scenery. In 2025, this winery won Missouri Wines’ C.V. Riley Award, Best Varietal for a Norton and Silver and Gold Awards for their wines. They also offer a tasty menu with items like smoked gouda grit bites, steak & frites and basque cheesecake, decadent cheesecake topped with a maple honey drizzle, cranberries, walnuts and powdered sugar.

Sainte Geneviève

The Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park and the Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge are expanding public access to both historic properties and the outdoors, weaving heritage and nature into one seamless experience. The Wildlife Refuge now stretches across a wider swath of land along the Mississippi River, with a new three-mile trail that will soon develop into a loop trail—complete with published map—opening the landscape for hikers, birders, and anyone craving a quiet ramble beside the water.

Within the historic district, visitors can now enjoy self-guided tours of the Green Tree Tavern daily from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in winter and until 5 p.m. in the summer season, as well as expanded access to the Bauvais-Amoureux House. New walking tours will launch this spring in conjunction with Missouri State Parks, and levee-top hikes will soon route visitors along the National Wildlife Refuge Trail, tying together frontier history, French Creole architecture, and the living wilds of the Mississippi in one steady breath.

Missouri Mule Museum, Perry

It’s believed that William Becknell of Howard County led the first trading party over the Santa Fe Trail and returned with a herd of Mexican mules and donkeys. Missouri breeders, quick to recognize the need for a hardy animal to endure 900-mile journey west, developed the large, intelligent draft mule that more efficiently wagons westward. At one time 45 percent of Missouri farmers were involved in the use or breeding of mules. In 1995, The mule became Missouri’s official state animal. Learn all of these details and more at the new Missouri Mule Museum in Perry.

Sikeston Rodeo Museum, Sikeston

The Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo has brought excitement and a strong sense of tradition to southeast Missouri for more than 70 years. Now, visitors to the area can explore the rich history of the event through the Sikeston Rodeo Museum. The museum serves to preserve, honor, and educate the public to the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo’s history and traditions.

Central

Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, Arrow Rock

In 2026, the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre will celebrate its 65th anniversary with a special retrospective book and will open its season with the musical Annie. Each year, more than 33,000 patrons enjoy Broadway-caliber productions created by professional theatre artists carefully chosen from around the country. The Lyceum is one of Missouri’s oldest professional regional theatres, and in 2019, was the first theatre in the state to receive the “Missouri Historical Theatre” designation.

SuperSplash USA, Lake of the Ozarks

Formerly Big Surf Waterpark, SuperSplash USA brings you 20-acres of new attractions and upgraded family fun for everyone. The new Patriot’s Plunge, is a 300-ft racing speed slide that is five-stories tall with six lanes ready for your competitive side. The water park also now includes Adventure Island for the littles and Key Largo Landing for adults.

Silver Dollar City Resort Coming Soon – Branson

Silver Dollar City, America’s #1 Theme Park, is set to open the Heartland’s first theme park resort in late 2026. The property will have 262 guest rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, stunning Ozark Mountain views and seamless access to Silver Dollar City Parks.

3D Street Paintings – Joplin

Celebrate the centennial of the Mother Road at Schifferdecker Park in Joplin. The 3D Paintings at the park were created during the World Street Painting Festival held in Joplin in 2024. In 2025 ten additional art installments were to the collection. The park is a wonderfully whimsical photo opportunity as visitors can sit atop a vintage Volkswagen beetle, ride a patriotic jackalope and more. The annual festival, during which the paintings are created, will continue to take place the first week of June 2026 and 2027, celebrating the 100th birthday of Route 66 in 2026.

MOmentum Bike Park, Joplin

This new 95-acre bike park includes 132,000 square feet of formal bike park elements alongside ten miles of purpose-built mountain bike trails. Built to serve all ages and skill levels, the park will be a regional attraction and community asset. Plans are set to hold large bike festivals and put Joplin on the map as a destination for global bike enthusiasts.