Winter 2025
Time flies, especially as the winter season begins and the days grow shorter. Winter in Missouri offers much to enjoy as we fill those shorter daylight hours. Sweaters and warm coats are in order, but travel is still a good way to explore our great state. If the weather outside is snowy, our computer screens still provide a safe and comfortable way to enjoy Missouri. We can travel IRL after planning our trips online.
In order to help you plan some trips, either IRL or through your computer screen, I have searched out a few internet sites for your cyber-travel visits.
Here in my hometown of Glasgow, we have many winter activities, including a lighted Christmas Boat Parade (GlasgowMo-msa.org/events/old-fashioned-christmas/winter-boat-parade/) through the historic downtown with many other activities going on for adults and children. Glasgow also has a Community Christmas Social at the Knights of Columbus Hall. It includes a delicious smoked pork chop dinner (I will be cooking) and entertainment: GlasgowMo-chamber.com/events/glasgow-holiday-social-dinner/ .
Holiday In the Park (GlasgowMo-msa.org/donations/holiday-in-kuemmel-park/) is a drive-through event in historic Kuemmel Park featuring business, organizations, and individuals who have lighted Christmas displays along the route. Admission is a free will donation. These events are becoming very popular. Check your local community to see if you have one of your own.
Of course, Branson has many things to enjoy year-round. The Shepard of the Hills hosts its North Pole Adventure. You can read about it at TheShepherdOfTheHills.com/north-pole-adventure/.
Did you know that Missouri has the largest populations of bald eagles during the winter months of all the states? There are 60 species of eagles. Missouri also sometimes sees golden Eagles. Here is a site with more eagle facts: BirdAdvisors.com/eagles-missouri/.
When I was a boy on the farm, I used to ice skate on one of our farm ponds. I am not able to skate now, but I certainly remember those good times. I am sure it would have been even more fun on the largest outdoor ice ink in the Midwest. Steinberg Ice Rink (BirdAdvisors.com/eagles-missouri/) is located in Forest Park in St. Louis. Skating lessons are offered The rink is 27,500 square feet. Forest Park is a historic treasure itself. The park is 1,300 acres and is loaded with things to do year round. Discover more at ForestParkForever.org/visit .
If you are closer to the western part of the state, there are many things to do in Kansas City as well. KC goes all out in the winter: VisitKC.com/articles/everything-you-need-know-about-winter-kansas-city/. Christmas lights, shopping, the famous plaza, restaurants (not just barbecue) and more will be yours to enjoy. Oh, yes, football fans: “How about those CHIEEFS!” (Chiefs.com/ ).
A Kansas City area attraction (actually Independence) that I have wanted to see is the Harry Truman Home. Harry loved to walk, and the Truman Walking trail (Independencemo.gov/visitors/our-history-and-culture/walking-trails/truman-
historic-walking-trail) is designed to let you retrace one of his favorite walks. Click on the walking trail and sites map to see the path. It begins at the Truman Home (nps.gov/hstr/index.htm) and takes you through his Independence neighborhood for 2.7 miles. Along the way you see 42 markers which indentify important places and people in his life.
I hope you have a great Missouri winter. Stay warm and safe, but do try to get out and enjoy the season. Perhaps we will cross paths either online or even IRL. If you see me at a Christmas parade or a Chiefs’ game, be sure to say hello. A visit with good Missouri friends, old or new, always makes a day a little brighter.
In order to help you plan some trips, either IRL or through your computer screen, I have searched out a few internet sites for your cyber-travel visits.
Here in my hometown of Glasgow, we have many winter activities, including a lighted Christmas Boat Parade (GlasgowMo-msa.org/events/old-fashioned-christmas/winter-boat-parade/) through the historic downtown with many other activities going on for adults and children. Glasgow also has a Community Christmas Social at the Knights of Columbus Hall. It includes a delicious smoked pork chop dinner (I will be cooking) and entertainment: GlasgowMo-chamber.com/events/glasgow-holiday-social-dinner/ .
Holiday In the Park (GlasgowMo-msa.org/donations/holiday-in-kuemmel-park/) is a drive-through event in historic Kuemmel Park featuring business, organizations, and individuals who have lighted Christmas displays along the route. Admission is a free will donation. These events are becoming very popular. Check your local community to see if you have one of your own.
Of course, Branson has many things to enjoy year-round. The Shepard of the Hills hosts its North Pole Adventure. You can read about it at TheShepherdOfTheHills.com/north-pole-adventure/.
Did you know that Missouri has the largest populations of bald eagles during the winter months of all the states? There are 60 species of eagles. Missouri also sometimes sees golden Eagles. Here is a site with more eagle facts: BirdAdvisors.com/eagles-missouri/.
When I was a boy on the farm, I used to ice skate on one of our farm ponds. I am not able to skate now, but I certainly remember those good times. I am sure it would have been even more fun on the largest outdoor ice ink in the Midwest. Steinberg Ice Rink (BirdAdvisors.com/eagles-missouri/) is located in Forest Park in St. Louis. Skating lessons are offered The rink is 27,500 square feet. Forest Park is a historic treasure itself. The park is 1,300 acres and is loaded with things to do year round. Discover more at ForestParkForever.org/visit .
If you are closer to the western part of the state, there are many things to do in Kansas City as well. KC goes all out in the winter: VisitKC.com/articles/everything-you-need-know-about-winter-kansas-city/. Christmas lights, shopping, the famous plaza, restaurants (not just barbecue) and more will be yours to enjoy. Oh, yes, football fans: “How about those CHIEEFS!” (Chiefs.com/ ).
A Kansas City area attraction (actually Independence) that I have wanted to see is the Harry Truman Home. Harry loved to walk, and the Truman Walking trail (Independencemo.gov/visitors/our-history-and-culture/walking-trails/truman-
historic-walking-trail) is designed to let you retrace one of his favorite walks. Click on the walking trail and sites map to see the path. It begins at the Truman Home (nps.gov/hstr/index.htm) and takes you through his Independence neighborhood for 2.7 miles. Along the way you see 42 markers which indentify important places and people in his life.
I hope you have a great Missouri winter. Stay warm and safe, but do try to get out and enjoy the season. Perhaps we will cross paths either online or even IRL. If you see me at a Christmas parade or a Chiefs’ game, be sure to say hello. A visit with good Missouri friends, old or new, always makes a day a little brighter.