The Show-Me State is celebrating an incredible anniversary this year – 200 years of statehood! On August 10, 1821, Missouri was the 24th state to enter the United States, just after Maine entered statehood in 1820. With two centuries of growth and development, the state is proud of its past and present, and looks forward to the future.

To commemorate this momentous anniversary, events and programs are happening across the state that highlight Missouri’s past, present and future. For more information on upcoming events as part of the year-long celebration, check out the Missouri 2021 Bicentennial calendar. For the ice cream lovers, celebrate the Bicentennial by participating a Missouri 2021 Ice Cream Social. Raise a scoop to our statehood (and to Missouri’s official state dessert) and enjoy a sweet treat with other community members. Find an ice cream social near you and make plans to celebrate.

For those looking for other ways to celebrate the Bicentennial, the Missouri Explorers Program is a free program that encourages participants to learn about Missouri’s rich history as they earn exclusive merit badges. From discovering Missouri’s expansive state park system, to learning about the St. Louis art scene, to traveling historic Route 66 (also known as the “Mother Road”), there are challenges that are sure to spark your interest. Want to learn more about Missouri’s wine industry? Check out the Wind Down in Wine Country Challenge and get rewarded for exploring the rich history and breathtaking beauty of Missouri wine country. Just visit at least 25 wineries across the Show-Me State, take a photo in each tasting room to document your stop, and upload them to the Missouri Explorers portal to earn your badge! From the bootheel to the northwest corner of the state, more than 125 wineries welcome you for an adventure.

Wine lovers seeking out rare and significant labels will appreciate the 2021 Missouri Wine Label Competition’s Bicentennial class winner, Les Bourgeois' Rocheport Reserve Aged 20 Years. This label was specifically designed to honor Missouri’s 200th anniversary and can be displayed proudly in any wine rack – if you’re joining us for the 2021 Missouri State Fair, see it on display for yourself in the Missouri wine tent.

We hope that no matter how you choose to celebrate Missouri’s landmark anniversary, award-winning Missouri wines and wine country are included.