The Missouri State Museum is where visitors go to immerse themselves in the history of the Show-Me State. The museum, located in the State Capitol, houses an impressive collection of exhibits portraying the state's natural and cultural history. Museum staff provide tours of the Capitol.

In conjunction with the Missouri State Penitentiary tours, the museum provides additional historical information about the famous prison that operated for 168 years. The museum houses MSP memorabilia as well as a replica cell that demonstrates the living conditions at the prison. Visitors can view the many displays that provide information on prison industries, contract labor/private industries, life inside the walls and control/counter-control.

Within the walls of this museum, the romantic history of Missouri unfolds. The building is filled with treasures of historical significance dating from the era of the Louisiana Territory. Spacious rooms are filled with antique chandeliers, rosewood and mahogany chests and settees, French mirrors and fine paintings. This is the only county museum in the country to display inaugural gowns of its state's First Ladies at times throughout the year. The museum is closed December 15 - February 1.