Where Is Missouri on a Map of USA?

Missouri is a central U.S. state located in the Midwestern region of the country. It’s known for its diverse geography, important historical landmarks, and role as a crossroads between the eastern and western United States. If you’ve ever looked at a map and wondered, “Where exactly is Missouri on a map of the USA?”—you’re in the right place.

Missouri’s Location in the USA

On a map of the United States, Missouri sits nearly in the center, making it part of the heartland of America. It shares borders with eight states, which is more than most U.S. states. These are:

• Iowa to the north
• Illinois to the east
• Kentucky and Tennessee to the southeast
• Arkansas to the south
• Oklahoma to the southwest
• Kansas to the west
• Nebraska to the northwest

This central location has made Missouri a key state for transportation, trade, and history, especially during the westward expansion of the United States.

How to Spot Missouri on a Map

When you look at a map of the USA:

• Find the Mississippi River on the eastern side of the Midwest. Missouri lies just to the west of it.
• Look for the city of St. Louis, which is on the eastern border along the Mississippi River.
• Locate Kansas City on the western border, which sits along the Missouri-Kansas line.
• Missouri is just south of Iowa and north of Arkansas, with a roughly rectangular shape and a bootheel extension in the southeast corner.

Because of its central position, it’s often used as a reference point in U.S. geography classes.

Major Cities in Missouri

Identifying Missouri is easier when you know its major cities:

• Jefferson City – The capital of Missouri, located near the center of the state.
• Kansas City – A large urban area on the western edge, bordering Kansas.
• St. Louis – A cultural and economic hub on the eastern border, known for the Gateway Arch.
• Springfield – Located in the southwestern region of the state.

These cities are marked on most U.S. maps, making Missouri easier to locate.

Missouri’s Geographic Features

In addition to its cities, Missouri’s landscape can help you spot it on a map. The state includes:

• The Ozark Mountains in the south-central region
• The Missouri River, which runs across the state from west to east
• The Bootheel, a southeastern extension that dips below the rest of the state

These features give Missouri a unique shape that helps distinguish it from neighboring states.

Why Missouri’s Location Matters

Missouri’s central location made it historically significant during the 1800s as a launching point for pioneers heading west. It was the starting point for the Oregon Trail and the Santa Fe Trail, and played a key role in Civil War history due to its border state status.

Today, Missouri continues to be a major transportation hub, with interstate highways and rivers connecting it to nearly every part of the country.

Conclusion

So, where is Missouri on a map of the USA? Right in the middle! Surrounded by eight other states and filled with major rivers, cities, and landscapes, Missouri is an essential part of the U.S. map. Whether you’re learning geography, planning a road trip, or just curious, Missouri’s central location makes it a state worth knowing.