Missouri is located in the central part of the United States but is considered a Midwest state. Contrary to popular belief, Missouri is one of the most populated states in the country (18th) and contains a variety of urban and rural areas. The stark geographical difference between the northern plains and southern mountains is divided by the Missouri River. Missouri is a humid continental state with weather dictated by a balance between warm air from the Gulf of Mexico and cold air from the Arctic. Climate is moderate with cold winters and hot summers. In the winter, average temperatures do not fall below freezing. Summer temperatures are usually in the 80s but can rise above 90 F on occasion.
Three major highways in Missouri include the I-35, I-70 and I-44. I-35 runs from the North into Kansas City, one of Missouri’s largest urban areas. I-70 runs through the center of the state and connects Kansas City and St. Louis. I-44 runs from St. Louis through Springfield and Joplin, finally reaching Kansas in the southwest corner of Missouri. A frequent auto shipping route is in cars shipped from Kansas City to St. Louis on I-70.
| Rolla | St. Louis |
| Warrensburg | Columbia |
| Branson | St. Joseph |
| Springfield | Jefferson City |
| Cape Girardeau | Kansas City |