We, Missourians, know how special our beloved state is, but not everyone has that same insight. Some people, in fact, might not look too kindly on Missouri. That’s okay, though, because we know just how good we have it. Here are just a few reasons why Missouri is one of the best states in the country. (See if you agree.)

1. Missourians have sparked imaginations for generations.

Missouri knows great literature and lays claim to perhaps one of America’s most well-known authors. Born in Florida, Mark Twain’s classics – The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – are still read in classrooms around the country and on porches on lazy summer days.

2. Can you say ice cream cones, toasted ravioli, gooey butter cake, and sliced bread?

Take a bow, Missouri. Without you, the world wouldn’t know the deliciousness of an old-fashioned ice cream cone, of kicking off a meal with a hearty helping of toasted ravioli, or of the sweetness that is gooey butter cake. And...can you imagine a world without sliced bread?

3. We know good food.

You’ll never go hungry in Missouri. If anything, you’ll have a hard time deciding where and what to eat. After all, Missouri’s known for its scrumptious barbeque – like burnt ends – and famous St. Louis-style pizza. And that’s just a tiny sample of the deliciousness you'll find anywhere you travel in Missouri.

4. We’re never lacking for adventure in Missouri – from caves to…

With more than 6,000 caves in Missouri, we have plenty of opportunities to explore – from those caves that are now popular public attractions, like Meramec Caverns to the countless unnamed caves hidden in state parks and along hiking trails.

5. State parks to…

Speaking of state parks, Missouri is home to 91 of them, each of which offers a full menu of activities. If you’re looking for sandy beaches, hiking trails, or shimmering lakes, you likely only need to look as far as your closest state park.

6. Rivers and lakes to…

Missourians love spending time on and in the water, whether we’re exploring in a kayak or in a canoe, floating in a tube, or wading. We have no shortage of waterways to explore either. After all, Missouri boasts 568 lakes and 18 rivers.

7. One-of-a-kind attractions.

The only way you can really be bored in Missouri is if you want to be. Missouri is home to so many amazing attractions that it would probably take a lifetime to explore them all. Leila’s Hair Museum, Laclede's Landing Wax Museum of St. Louis, and The World’s Largest Small Electric Appliance Museum are just a few of the one-of-a-kind attractions worth a visit.

8. We’re loyal to our favorite Missouri sports teams.

One thing you can count on is Missourians are loyal to our favorite sports teams – whether it’s the Kansas City Royals or the St. Louis Cardinals, and we all love the Kansas City Chiefs and the St. Louis Blues.

9. Missourians are always ready with a helping hand.

Missourians are some of the most generous people around, always ready to reach out with a helping hand whether a community or a family is in a time of need.

10. We’re some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.

Missouri’s a pretty amazing place to live, which is probably one reason Missourians are so welcoming and friendly. Regardless if you’re from out of town or from out of state, you’ll feel right at home when you’re in Missouri.

Do you agree that Missouri is one of the best states in the country?  Join the conversation in the comments! Then take a peek at 10 reasons Missourians are some of the best kind of people you’ll ever meet.