Missouri may not be a mecca for travelers yet it's a mistake to snub the Show Me state. Here are 10 reasons why. 1) Missouri is both a Midwestern and Southern state. 2) It has a distinctive mix of urban and rural cultures. 3) It has a great many sights and attractions. 4) It's home to the tallest man-made monument in the United States. The Gateway Arch in St. Louis towers 630 feet above the Mississippi River and marks America's westward expansion. 5) Ha Ha Tonka State Park, complete with karst features - sinkholes, caves, springs and natural bridges - and cliff top castle ruins, is a great place to hike. 6) The St. Louis Science Center, named one of the 10 best science centers for families by Parents magazine, is fun place to take tykes. 7) Branson boasts more than 50 theatres featuring live music and comedy shows and has a plethora of fun family places. 8) Not only is the St. Louis Zoo the third largest zoo in America, it consistently ranks as one of the best in the nation. 9) The Lake of the Ozarks is a preeminent place for leaf-peepers. 10) Missouri is a kid-friendly state.