Great Missouri Vacation Getaways Are Closer Than You Think; Take 15 Trips for 15 Gallons.

Business Editors & Travel Writers

DES MOINES, Iowa--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 29, 2000

For 15 gallons of gas, Iowa residents have the opportunity to visit some of Missouri's greatest sites and attractions. Missouri offers a variety of outdoor activities and historic sites that any family can visit in just one day's drive.

"With summer travelers being so conscious about gas prices, getting to Missouri is a very affordable option for that family vacation or weekend getaway," said Chris Jennings, director, Missouri Division of Tourism.

Following is a list of 15 great vacations in Missouri for just 15 gallons of gas, and are sure to suit every guest looking for fun "Where the Rivers Run."

1. Visit Independence, Mo., home of the Harry S. Truman Library and

Museum, where exhibits reflect decisions made by the past

president and include many of his gifts from foreign countries.

2. Excavated in 1988 from a farm field, the Arabia Steamboat Museum,

located in Kansas City, Mo., brings to life artifacts and cargo

from the sunken ship that was headed for the Western Frontier in

1856.

3. Decorated with beautiful fountains and statues, The Country Club

Plaza, located in the heart of Kansas City, boasts designer

shopping and fine dining. With a selection of shops and

restaurants, the Plaza is sure to appease each and every visitor.

4. Be careful as you embark on a journey through the Kansas City

Zoological Park, which includes 1,500 exotic animals in 200 acres

of natural habitat. After braving the wildlife, visitors can also

experience the fascinating IMAX Theater.

5. Take some time out of your day for the love of the game while

visiting The Negro Leagues Baseball Hall of Fame located in

downtown Kansas City. The museum displays history and artifacts

from the beginning of the league just after the civil war until

its demise in the 1960s.

6. Scream as loud as you can as you experience each ride at Worlds Of

Fun -- a 170-acre amusement park which includes rides, games and

entertainment for children and families of all ages. And don't

leave out a trip to Oceans of Fun -- a water recreation park with

over 35 water activities for the whole family.

7. Quench your thirst for culture in Kansas City by visiting the

Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. Home of The Kansas City Sculpture

Park, the museum boasts an international reputation for its

beautiful collection of Asian art.

8. Marvel at over 300,000 geese and 200 bald eagles at Squaw Creek

National Wildlife Refuge located in Mound City, Mo. A stopping

ground for migratory birds, Squaw Creek is also home to other

wildlife such as deer and pheasant.

9. Pick up a freshly baked apple pie or a carefully handcrafted quilt

in Jamestown, Mo. -- home to Missouri's largest Amish community.

10. Look for bullet holes in these walls as you tour the home in St.

Joseph, Mo., where Jesse James was killed on April 3, 1882. Just a

short drive away, see where the famous outlaw was born in Kearney,

Mo.

11. From St. Joseph to Sacramento in 10 days or less was the Pony

Express' promise, after it was created here in Missouri in April

1860. Be sure to visit the museum and the stables that have since

been renovated.

12. The only five-star General in United States Military history is

from Laclede, Mo., Gen. John Pershing's boyhood home can be found

here with artifacts from his military past and childhood.

13. Trace the history of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn in Hannibal, Mo.,

birthplace of author Mark Twain. See Twain's boyhood home, which

includes a museum of Twain's influences and artifacts from his

early childhood. Mark Twain Cave includes a 55-minute guided tour

of the cave that was referred to in five of Mark Twain's books.

14. Excite your palette and arouse your senses as you sip

award-winning wines and champagne at Stone Hill Wine Co., located

in Florence, Mo.

15. Catch some exciting baseball action as the Kansas City Royals play

throughout the entire summer at the beautiful Kauffman Stadium.

Great Missouri Vacations are closer than you think. For a complete listing of all of the fun "Where the Rivers Run," call for your free Official 2000 Missouri Travel Guide at 1-800-519-4800 or visit our web site at www.missouritourism.org.