If you can't take a plane ride to the major theme park or island getaway you can go to one of these Missouri cities just named the best to take a summer vacation.

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I've always said we are lucky here in the Tri-States to be smack dab in the middle of any major city. From Chicago to Springfield, St. Louis, and Kansas City we just are a short drive away from a long weekend or vacation. Well, a new article by travelk.usnews.com just put three Missouri cities on the list for being the best to take a summer vacation in the Midwest.

St. Louis

A free zoo, a baseball game, a science center, and City Museum what's not to love about St. Louis? We go there so many times even last summer we spent four days in St. Louis doing things we've never done before. There is always something new and exciting to experience in St. Louis. The local restaurants are always the best to try and plenty of places to stay downtown or outside of the city.

Branson

No surprise that Branson is on this list. It's a tourist city like no other. From oddities to museums, go-karts, and mountain alpine coaster this is a fun place to visit. Plus, one of the biggest theme parks in the state Silver Dollar City with over 40 attractions, 100 artisans demonstrating trades, 60 shops, and 18 dining venues. I have yet to visit Siller Dollar City, but it's on my list for sure. Let's not forget the hundreds of shows you can catch while visiting Branson.

Kansas City

Last, but certainly not least, Kansas City. Where to start? A sports town for sure, an amazing zoo,m lots of museums can we please talk about the delicious KC BBQ? Get some BBQ and head to one of the many JKazz Bars in the Jazz District. Don't forget to stop by the beautiful Union Station building and Crown Center.

So, it's very clear, you don't have to go far to have a fun family vacation or small weekend getaway at one of the best places to take a summer vacation in the Midwest.