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According to ABBREVIATIONFINDER.ORG, Missouri is located in the Midwestern United States and is bordered by 8 other states, including Iowa to its north, Illinois to the east, Arkansas to the south, and Kansas to the west. Missouri covers an area of 69,715 square miles, making it the 21st largest state in the country. Missouri is divided into 114 counties and contains one major metropolitan area; St. Louis. The majority of Missouri’s terrain consists of rolling hills and plains with a few mountain ranges in the south-central region. The highest point in Missouri is Taum Sauk Mountain at 1,772 feet above sea level. Much of the state is covered by forests with oak-hickory being predominant in most parts of Missouri. There are also some areas of prairie grassland found throughout the state. One unique geographical feature of Missouri is that it contains part of what is known as “the Ozarks” which includes a series of limestone caves and springs located mainly in southern and southwestern parts of the state. This region has been designated as a National Scenic Riverway by Congress due to its natural beauty and historic significance. Aside from its diverse terrain, Missouri also boasts over 6,000 lakes and reservoirs which are great for fishing and boating activities.

Cities

Missouri is home to many cities, each with its own unique characteristics. According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, St. Louis is the state’s largest city, and it is known for its iconic Gateway Arch and bustling downtown area. The city also has a vibrant art scene, with many galleries and museums to explore. Kansas City is Missouri’s second-largest city, and it is known for its delicious barbeque restaurants and lively jazz scene. Columbia is a college town located in the center of the state, which features a bustling downtown area full of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Springfield is located in southwest Missouri and has an abundance of outdoor activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and rafting available nearby. Finally, Branson is a popular tourist destination known for its live music shows and entertainment venues that draw visitors from all over the country.

Rivers

Missouri is home to some of the most important rivers in the United States. The Missouri River is the longest river in North America and its source is located in Montana. It runs through several states before emptying into the Mississippi River near St. Louis, Missouri. Along its course, it creates a number of large lakes, such as Lake of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake. The Mississippi River forms the eastern border of Missouri and serves as an important transportation route for goods and people. The Ohio River also passes through Missouri on its way to join the Mississippi near Cairo, Illinois. This river has been used for centuries by Native Americans for trading and transportation purposes. Other major rivers in Missouri include the Gasconade River, which flows southward from central Missouri into Arkansas; the Osage River, which runs eastward from southwestern Missouri into Arkansas; and the St. Francis River, which begins in Iron County and flows southward into Arkansas. These rivers are essential for providing drinking water to many areas throughout Missouri as well as recreational activities such as fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and bird watching.

Lakes

Table Rock Lake is one of the largest lakes in Missouri, located in the Ozarks. It was created in 1958 when Table Rock Dam was built across the White River by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The lake covers an area of 43,100 acres and is bordered by Taney and Stone counties in southwestern Missouri. Table Rock Lake offers plenty of recreational opportunities to visitors, such as fishing, swimming, boating, camping, and hiking. It is home to a variety of fish species including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white bass, spotted bass, crappie, catfish and walleye. There are over 600 miles of shoreline with numerous coves and inlets providing excellent habitat for fish and wildlife. Popular activities include wakeboarding and water skiing on the lake’s calm waters during summer months. Boaters have access to several marinas along the shoreline providing boat rentals and other services such as fuel docks and repair shops for maintenance work on boats or motors. The lake also has several resorts offering lodging options for visitors looking for a longer stay near the lake.