Missouri, also known as the Show Me State, has a rich history and culture that lends itself well to riddles. Here are 47 riddles about Missouri, along with the answers, that range from geography and famous landmarks to history and notable residents.
Geography Riddles
Let’s start with some riddles about the geography and natural features of Missouri:
Riddle 1
I’m the longest river in North America that flows within one country. What am I?
Answer: The Missouri River
Riddle 2
I’m a unique natural wonder, a huge underground cavern system filled with elaborate stalactites, stalagmites, and chambers. Over 500 million years old, I’m located near the Missouri-Arkansas border. What am I?
Answer: The Blanchard Springs Caverns
Riddle 3
I’m a famous arch on the Mississippi River in St. Louis. Designed by Eero Saarinen, I’m as tall as a 630-foot skyscraper. What am I?
Answer: The Gateway Arch
Riddle 4
I’m a National Scenic River that flows through the Ozark Mountains. Known for my beautiful bluffs and cold, clear waters, sections of me are protected as Missouri’s first National Park. What am I?
Answer: The Current River
Riddle 5
Located near Kansas City, I’m Missouri’s largest reservoir at 55,600 acres. Built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, I’m used for flood control, hydropower, recreation, and more. What am I?
Answer: Lake of the Ozarks
History Riddles
Next up are some riddles about key events and people in Missouri’s history:
Riddle 6
I was a famous expedition that began in St. Louis in 1804. Led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, I explored the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase. What was I called?
Answer: The Lewis and Clark Expedition
Riddle 7
I was a pivotal Civil War battle fought in Springfield in 1861. I secured Missouri for the Union, helping them gain control of the Mississippi River. What am I?
Answer: The Battle of Wilson’s Creek
Riddle 8
I’m a famous woman pioneer born near Boonville. With my family, I migrated west along the Oregon Trail to the Willamette Valley. What’s my name?
Answer: Narcissa Whitman
Riddle 9
I’m a historic outdoor musical theater in Branson. Founded in 1960, I feature Broadway-style productions of classic family shows. What am I?
Answer: The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theatre
Riddle 10
I’m a historic steamboat docked in St. Louis. Launched in 1914, I’m the last surviving riverboat from the era of Mark Twain and Tom Sawyer. What’s my name?
Answer: The Tom Sawyer Riverboat
Landmarks and Attractions Riddles
How about some riddles on famous Missouri landmarks and attractions?
Riddle 11
Built for the 1904 World’s Fair, I house art museums, a planetarium, and the St. Louis Zoo. I’m made of terrazzo, granite and marble in my iconic Beaux-Arts style. What am I?
Answer: The Saint Louis Art Museum
Riddle 12
I’m a National Historic Site in St. Charles commemorating the start of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. With reconstructed buildings and reenactments, I recreate 19th century frontier life. What am I?
Answer: The Lewis and Clark Boathouse and Nature Center
Riddle 13
Located under the Arch, I trace the history of Westward Expansion in America through interactive exhibits and films. What museum am I?
Answer: The Museum of Westward Expansion
Riddle 14
I’m a botanical garden in St. Louis featuring ornate architecture like my historic greenhouse and moorish gazebo. What garden am I that is free and open to the public?
Answer: The Missouri Botanical Garden
Riddle 15
Located near St. Louis, I’m a National Historic Site preserving a French colonial town from the early 1800s. Take a step back in time and explore my historic stone houses and shops! What am I?
Answer: The St. Charles Historic District
Food Riddles
Let’s move on to some tasty riddles about Missouri cuisine:
Riddle 16
Sliced thin and piled high, I’m a sandwich originally from St. Louis. Made with fresh rye bread, corned beef, and sauerkraut, I’m especially popular around St. Patrick’s Day. What am I?
Answer: A Reuben sandwich
Riddle 17
I’m a baked macaroni and cheese casserole that’s a St. Louis original. With a crunchy bread crumb topping, I’m a beloved comfort food in Missouri. What am I?
Answer: St. Louis-style mac and cheese
Riddle 18
Soybeans, wheat, corn, and rice are key crops grown in my fertile soil. I’m a US state that leads in grain production. Who am I?
Answer: Missouri
Riddle 19
Slow roasted with a dry rub, I’m a Missouri BBQ delicacy often served with a tangy sauce. Pulled or sliced, I’m best enjoyed between two bun halves. What am I?
Answer: Pulled pork
Riddle 20
I’m a bubbly blue plum soda created in St. Louis in 1924. Known for my bright blue color from Blue 1 dye, I have a unique fruity flavor. What soda am I?
Answer: Fitz’s Blue Ribbon Root Beer
Famous Residents Riddles
Lastly, can you solve these riddles about famous Missouri residents, past and present?
Riddle 21
I wrote The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and other classic American novels. Born in Florida, Missouri, I’m known for setting many stories in my home state. Who am I?
Answer: Mark Twain
Riddle 22
I commanded the first United States circumnavigation of the globe between 1838 and 1842. I’m called “The Pathfinder of the Seas.” Who am I?
Answer: Charles Wilkes
Riddle 23
Born in St. Louis in 1904, I pioneered modern dance techniques like choreographed “falls” and “lunges.” I even created dances on roller skates! Who am I?
Answer: Katherine Dunham
Riddle 24
I pitched a perfect baseball game in 1956 and have a career ERA of 1.81. Nicknamed “The Cat”, I played for the St. Louis Cardinals. Who am I?
Answer: Jim “Catfish” Hunter
Riddle 25
I was a famous ragtime and jazz pianist and composer from Sedalia. Called “King of Ragtime”, I composed classics like “Maple Leaf Rag.” Who am I?
Answer: Scott Joplin
Riddle 26
Born in St. Louis, I portrayed Flynn Rider in the Disney film Tangled. I’ve also appeared in movies like The Proposal, Burlesque, and Drive Angry. Who am I?
Answer: Zachary Levi
Riddle 27
I was a famous African-American contralto born in St. Louis. Nicknamed “The Bronze Nightingale”, I was known internationally for arias and spirituals. Who am I?
Answer: Florence Cole Talbert
Riddle 28
I played major league baseball for 23 years, spending many seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals. With 3,630 career hits, I’m considered one of the best shortstops ever. Who am I?
Answer: Ozzie Smith
Riddle 29
I was a legendary jazz trumpeter and composer from St. Louis. With songs like “West End Blues”, I helped define the New Orleans jazz style. Who am I?
Answer: Louis Armstrong
Riddle 30
Born in Missouri, I gained fame as an outlaw alongside my brother Virgil and the James-Younger gang. My bank robberies made me a notorious Old West figure. Who am I?
Answer: Frank James
Riddle 31
I grew up in St. Louis and gained fame as Jughead Jones in Archie comics starting in 1941. With my trademark crown-shaped hat, I’ve appeared in comics, movies and TV. Who am I?
Answer: Bob Montana
Riddle 32
Born in 1915 near Hannibal, I created the famous comic strip “Pogo” featuring animal characters. Who am I, a famous cartoonist with a museum in my Missouri hometown?
Answer: Walt Kelly
Riddle 33
Born in St. Joseph in 1874, I co-founded General Motors and helped design iconic cars like the Chevy Bel Air and Cadillac V-16. Who am I?
Answer: William C. Durant
Riddle 34
I originated the role of the Wicked Witch of the West in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. Born in Joplin, I had a long career as a character actress. Who am I?
Answer: Margaret Hamilton
Riddle 35
Born in Neosho, I gained TV fame playing Gomer Pyle on The Andy Griffith Show and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. I’m best known for exclaiming “Gollllly!” Who am I?
Answer: Jim Nabors
Riddle 36
Born John William Lederer near Kansas City, I became a legendary jazz pianist known as “Thelonious Monk.” My unique improvisational style helped create bebop jazz. Who am I?
Answer: Thelonious Sphere Monk
Riddle 37
I wrote the novels The Help and The Secret Life of Bees, both set in the American South. I was born in Jackson, went to Truman State, and live in St. Louis. Who am I?
Answer: Kathryn Stockett
Riddle 38
Born in Kansas City, I sang, danced and acted in classic Hollywood musicals like Singin’ in the Rain and An American in Paris. I starred alongside Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire. Who am I?
Answer: Debbie Reynolds
Riddle 39
I played Coach on the sitcom Cheers starting in 1985. Raised in Kirksville, I got my acting start at Missouri State University. What’s my name?
Answer: Nicholas Colasanto
Riddle 40
Born in Kansas City, I sang pop hits like “Heart of Glass” and “Rapture” with my band Blondie. Known for bringing rap into the mainstream, I was inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame. Who am I?
Answer: Debbie Harry
Riddle 41
I portrayed Pepper Potts in multiple Marvel superhero movies including the Iron Man and Avengers series. Born in St. Louis, I starred on TV shows like The Office and Ally McBeal. Who am I?
Answer: Gwyneth Paltrow
Riddle 42
Born in Kansas City, I sang folk songs like “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” and “Blowin’ in the Wind.” A key figure in 1960s counterculture, I performed at Woodstock. Who am I?
Answer: Peter Yarrow
Riddle 43
I co-founded and fronted the rock band Nirvana along with playing solo. Some of my biggest hits include “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, “Come As You Are” and “Heart Shaped Box.” Who am I?
Answer: Kurt Cobain
Riddle 44
I played Deputy Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show opposite Andy Griffith. Born in St. Louis, I also appeared in films like It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. Who am I?
Answer: Don Knotts
Riddle 45
Born in Neosho, I was a dancer and actress best known for my “Seven Veils” dance in the film Salome. I was a major Hollywood star during the silent film era. Who am I?
Answer: Alla Nazimova
Riddle 46
I originated the role of Glinda the Good Witch of the North in The Wizard of Oz movie. Born in St. Louis, I had a successful career in musical theatre and film. Who am I?
Answer: Billie Burke
Riddle 47
I gained fame playing Fonzie on Happy Days and hosted a variety show in the 1970s. Born in St. Louis, my trademark thumbs up-catchphrase was “Ayyy!” Who am I?
Answer: Henry Winkler
Conclusion
How many of these Missouri riddles could you solve? From famous figures to historic events, cultural staples to geographic landmarks, these brainteasers cover a range of topics related to the Show Me State. Learning more about Missouri through these riddles can be an entertaining way for both residents and visitors to engage with its rich culture and heritage.
