Missouri State Maps

These maps show Missouri State's Counties, Cities, Federal Areas, Physiographic, and Ecoregions.

Missouri State County Sizes Map

Smallest County in Missouri State

Worth County: 270 sq miles

Largest County in Missouri State

Texas County: 1,176 sq miles

Mean and Median Area of Counties in Missouri State

Mean Area: 594.5 sq miles

Median Area: 539 sq miles

Major Cities of Missouri State and Their Locations

In Missouri State, most major cities are strategically located along rivers or transportation routes. Below are examples:

1. River Cities

St. Louis: Located on the Mississippi River, St. Louis has historically been a major trade center and is known for its iconic Gateway Arch.

Kansas City: Situated on the Missouri River, Kansas City is a major hub for agriculture and industry.

St. Joseph: Located along the Missouri River, St. Joseph played a significant role in westward expansion as the starting point of the Pony Express.

Joplin: Located in the southwestern corner of Missouri, Joplin was historically a key mining town and is now a commercial hub for the region.

Hannibal: Situated on the Mississippi River, Hannibal is famously known as the boyhood home of author Mark Twain and is rich in historical significance.

2. Historic Paths or Routes

Springfield: Known as the "Queen City of the Ozarks," Springfield is located along historic transportation routes and is an important cultural center in southern Missouri.

Branson: Known for its entertainment industry, Branson is located in the Ozarks and attracts millions of visitors annually with its theaters, music venues, and outdoor recreation.

Kirksville: Located in northern Missouri, Kirksville is home to Truman State University and a regional hub for education and healthcare.

Lebanon: Located along the historic Route 66, Lebanon is a key city in central Missouri known for its role in agriculture and manufacturing.

Farmington: Located in southeastern Missouri, Farmington serves as a regional center for commerce and is known for its proximity to state parks and outdoor activities.

Rolla: Known for its engineering university, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla is strategically located along Interstate 44 and plays a key role in education and research.

Poplar Bluff: Located near the Black River in southeastern Missouri, Poplar Bluff serves as a regional center for commerce, healthcare, and transportation.

Topographic Tour of Missouri

Missouri offers diverse terrains shaped by its unique geological history, from the rolling hills of the Ozarks to the vast plains of the northern region.

1. Ozark Highlands

The Ozark Highlands cover much of southern Missouri and feature rugged hills, bluffs, and caves. This region is known for its natural beauty, with forests, rivers, and the iconic Missouri Ozarks.

2. Central Lowlands

Northern Missouri is part of the Central Lowlands, characterized by flat to gently rolling plains. This area supports extensive agriculture and is known for its fertile soils and vast farmlands.

3. Mississippi Alluvial Plain

The southeastern corner of Missouri, known as the "Bootheel," is part of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. This low-lying region is shaped by the Mississippi River and is a major agricultural area, particularly for cotton and rice farming.

Physiographic Regions of Missouri State

Central Lowland, Dissected Till Plains

This region in northern Missouri is characterized by glaciated plains with rolling hills and fertile soils. It is a prime area for agriculture.

Ozark Plateaus, Springfield-Salem Plateaus

The Ozarks in southern Missouri feature steep hills, caves, and deep valleys. The Springfield-Salem Plateau is a unique subregion known for its karst topography and rich biodiversity.

Coastal Plain, Mississippi Alluvial Plain

The Bootheel region, part of the Coastal Plain, is a flat, low-lying area shaped by the Mississippi River. It is one of Missouri's major agricultural regions.

Interior Highlands, St. Francois Mountains

This region in southeastern Missouri contains some of the oldest exposed rocks in North America. The St. Francois Mountains are known for their igneous rock formations and scenic views.

Osage Plains

Located in the western part of the state, the Osage Plains are a transition zone between the more rugged Ozarks and the flatter Great Plains. The area is known for its prairies and agricultural production.

Largest and Most Interesting Federal Lands in Missouri

1. Mark Twain National Forest

Mark Twain National Forest covers a large portion of southern Missouri. It features dense forests, rivers, and the Ozark Trail, offering extensive opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

2. Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Located in southern Missouri, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways protects the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. This area is known for its clear, spring-fed rivers, karst features, and recreational activities such as canoeing, fishing, and camping.

3. Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge

This refuge along the Missouri River protects important wetland habitats and provides a haven for wildlife. It is also a popular spot for birdwatching and hiking.

4. Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield commemorates the site of an important Civil War battle in southwest Missouri. Visitors can explore the battlefield, hike trails, and learn about Missouri's Civil War history.

Ecoregions of Missouri

Central Dissected Till Plains Section

This ecoregion in northern Missouri features rolling hills and fertile plains shaped by glaciation. It supports extensive agriculture, particularly corn and soybeans.

Mississippi Alluvial Basin Section

Located in the southeastern Bootheel, this ecoregion is a low-lying, flat area dominated by agriculture, particularly cotton and rice. The region has been heavily modified by human activity.

Ozark Highlands Section

The Ozark Highlands in southern Missouri are characterized by rugged hills, forests, and karst topography. The region supports a diverse range of wildlife and is known for its scenic beauty.

Osage Plains Section

The Osage Plains in western Missouri are a transition zone between the tallgrass prairies to the west and the more forested Ozarks to the east. The region is known for its rolling hills, grasslands, and agricultural activity.