missouri road trip attractions

8 Unforgettable Road Trips To Take In Missouri Before You Die

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When there’s so much to do and see in Missouri, why not make a road trip out of it? Here are the best road trips in Missouri that will take you to the state’s most eerie abandoned places, beautiful natural wonders, winsome small towns, and much, much more! Before you hit the road, though, make sure you’ve packed everything you need. Take a peek at this Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide to help you get started.

Let’s take a road trip, shall we?

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Have you taken any of these Missouri road trips before? If so, what did you think? Better hop in the car now and start your adventure! Whether you’re a thrill seeker or a nature lover, you’re sure to have a memorable time exploring the Show-Me State.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Best road trips in missouri.

What are some must-visit attractions in Missouri?

The above list of the best road trips in Missouri certainly visits many must-visit attractions, including some of the most swoon-worthy waterfalls, interesting sites, and beautiful natural areas of the state.

If you're looking for more, however, you've definitely come to the right place! In terms of must-visit natural attractions in the Show-Me State, you'll want to consult this list , which features places such as:

• Taum Sauk Mountain
• Echo Bluff State Park
• Rocky Falls
• Cave Vineyard and Winery
• Bennett Springs State Park.

If you're a foodie looking for must-visit restaurants in Missouri, absolutely check out these must-visit eateries on that list including fan-favorites such as:

• Blues City Deli in St. Louis Kehde’s BBQ in Sedalia Danna’s BBQ & Burger Shop in Branson West Pappy’s Smokehouse in St. Louis

What are the best day trips to take in Missouri?

Craving an adventure, but short on time? There are lots of awesome day trips you can take in Missouri that are sure to satisfy your wanderlust! This list is a great place to start; these 10 unique day trips in Missouri all offer a little something special. Some of our favorite day trip destinations included on that list are the towns of Hermann and Branson, the Lake of the Ozarks, and Meramec Caverns. We also love a good train day trip; these four railroads offer some of the most scenic and beautiful day trip experiences in Missouri!

Are there any other fun day trips in Missouri?

The Show-Me State is full of opportunities for fun and unique day trips. Whether you enjoy outdoor attractions, exploring historic small towns, dining, or something else altogether, you’re bound to find something entertaining in Missouri. In our opinion, the following attractions make for incredibly fun and memorable day trips:

• The World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Cuba
• The home of Jesse James in St. Joseph
• Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins in Camdenton
• The Giant Book Shelf in the Kansas City Library
• Glore Psychiatric Museum in St. Joseph
• The World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Branson

You can read about more fun day trips in Missouri in this article .

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5 Unique and Interesting Missouri Road Trips

Last updated on September 7th, 2023 at 11:47 am.

Missouri is a state that has something for everyone, from bustling cities to serene natural wonders. But what’s the best way to see all that this state has to offer? A road trip, of course!

Taking a road trip in Missouri is a great way to experience the state’s rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend adventure or a visitor wanting to explore the Midwest, there’s no shortage of fun and unique road trips to add to your bucket list.

In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the best road trips in Missouri. From the haunted and eerie to the serene and beautiful, these road trips will take you to some of the state’s most unforgettable places. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and let’s explore the best of Missouri !

Table of Contents

Missouri Road Trips For All Kinds of Travelers

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we hope these road trip ideas inspire you to explore some of Missouri’s hidden gems.

Missouri Outdoor Adventure Road Trip

Total Miles: 213 miles | Contributed by Jessica at Jessica Unearth The Voyage Recommend Time For Trip: 4 Days

One of the best Missouri road trips you can do is a trip starting in St. Louis that meanders through the backroads of Missouri and ends in Eminence, MO.

This trip is great for anyone that loves outdoor adventure activities. We would recommend taking 4 days to complete this road trip.

Day 1 starts in St. Louis and has you heading to Meramec State Park where you can spend a full day exploring the park and checking out Meramec Caverns.

There are cabins you can rent in the State park to stay the night or you can rent an VRBO vacation home nearby.

Day 2 head south to Mina Sauk Falls, which is the highest waterfall in Missouri. Hike the 3 mile round trip trail to the falls and spend an hour or so hanging out by the falls and having a picnic lunch.

Nearby is Johnson Shut-Ins State Park which is a super fun state park to explore in the summertime because there are a bunch of swimming holes to hang out in. You can also rent a cabin at Johnson Shut-Ins state park or stay at the nearby Shepherd Mountain Inn .

Day 3 head to Eminence, Missouri, a town that is the crossroads of two of the most beautiful rivers in Missouri, The Current River and Jacks Fork River.

The best thing to do here is spend the day going on a  Missouri float trip  down either of the rivers. Overall, this trip is a great way to see some off the beaten path destinations in Missouri and visit some of Missouri’s best state parks. 

Jesse James Road Trip / James Gang Trip

Total Miles: 392 miles | Recommend Time For Trip: 3 Days

For history buffs and fans of the Wild West, the Jesse James Road Trip is a must.

Day 1 start in St. Joseph, where Jesse James began his infamous criminal career, and follow his trail to Liberty, MO and the first daylight peace-time bank robbery in the U.S.

Day one continues to Kearney, where you can visit his childhood home and museum. Along the way, you’ll see historic sites, museums, and his gravesite.

Day 2 takes you to the home where he was shot in St. Joseph and a mortuary to see his burial casket. On this day you’ll also visit the 1871 Winston Train Depot, the site of one of the James Gang’s most famous Missouri crimes—the 1881 robbery of a Kansas City–Chicago passenger train. The day ends with a visit to the The Squirrel Cage Jail where you can see with exhibits of the trial of Frank James.

Day 3 includes the Jesse James Wax Museum in Stanton, visiting the James Gang hideout at Meramec Caverns.

We have a detailed Jesse James road trip itinerary with full details of each stop and hotel suggestions.

history buffs and nature lovers Road Trip

Total Miles: 280 miles | Contributed by Steven Geist from Bro On The Go Recommend Time For Trip: 4 Days

This road trip will take you from Kansas City to the Lake of the Ozarks in the span of five days. The 280-mile journey is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers.

Day 1 your first stop will be in the city of Independence , where it’s all about Harry S. Truman. The official library, museum, and former home of the 33rd president can be found here. 

Next, head down to Highway 50 for a beautiful one-hour outdoor stretch consisting of Cave Hollow Park and Knob Noster State Park. At Cave Hollow, you can see petroglyphs chiseled into the rocks by unknown tribes. 

Knob Noster is a great place to camp for the night and there are a few hotel options as well. The park is covered with lush trails for hiking and biking. It also features an oxbox slough, which is perfect for fishing and kayaking.

Day 2 you will drive into Boone County, which has something for everyone. You can meet new four-legged friends at Warm Springs Ranch, the official breeding facility of the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales.

In nearby Columbia, the University of Missouri is packed with history, as it was the first public university west of the Mississippi River.

If more outdoor adventure is needed, check out the unique terrain of Finger Lakes State Park. At night, you can camp in Finger Lakes or stay in one of the many hotels in Columbia . 

Day 3 , head south and stop in Jefferson City. The Missouri State Capitol offers free guided tours year-round, just make sure to make a reservation at least 24 hours in advance.

The Runge Nature Center in Jeff City is also a solid destination for any time of the year. This wildlife-filled outpost offers indoor exhibits and an aquarium for cold days, as well as nature trails and bird watching to enjoy on nice days. There’s a wide variety of hotels, specialty homes for rent on VRBO , and camping found in “America’s Most Beautiful Small Town.” 

Day 4 will take you to Ha Ha Tonka, which was named the #4 state park in the nation by USA Today. This geological wonderland is home to caves, sinkholes, and Missouri’s 12th-largest spring. You can spend a half day here before heading to Old Kinderhook.  

If you’d like a luxurious night of sleep without the 5-star price tag, book a night at Old Kinderhook Resort. The charming facilities of this resort include activities such as golf and ice skating. You can read reviews on TripAdvisor or find best prices at Hotels.com or Booking.com .

Missouri Fall Colors Road Trip

Total Miles: 541 miles | Contributed by Linda of Midwest Explored Recommend Time For Trip: 4 Days

If you’re searching for one of the best road trips in Missouri then you cannot beat a fall foliage-inspired trip to some of the best parks in the state. 

So, this incredible 541-mile journey will start in Weston Bend State Park and end in Table Rock State Park.

And while this drive can be done in just over 9 hours, definitely plan to spend between 4 and 7 days doing this iconic trip. 

This way you can go on hikes, kayak through rivers, and enjoy some of the most incredible fall colors that Missouri has to offer. 

Day 1 you’ll start your fall in Missouri trip at Weston Bend State Park. While here, conquer the West Ridge Trail for it’s great fall colors.

From Weston Bend State Park, take the scenic drive to Hermann, which is situated in the heart of Missouri’s wine country. One of the most scenic routes to take is to head south on Highway 45 towards Weston, then take Highway 273 towards Missouri 94.

This route will take you through beautiful countryside dotted with vibrant fall foliage. As you drive, you’ll pass through small towns and farmland, and enjoy stunning views of the Missouri River.

Augusta and Defiance are two small towns along Highway 94 known for their beautiful fall colors and scenic views and worth a stop.

Day 2 take a drive to Hermann wine country and it’s famous wine trail. 

In total, this incredible trail takes you to seven different wineries in the Missouri wine region of Hermann. Just be sure to stop at Adam Puchta Winery, which has been producing delicious wine since 1855 and the most famous of the all, Stone Hill Winery .

We recommend staying at the Inn At Hermannhof for nights one and two. This will allow you to explore town and wine taste to your hearts desire on day two without having to drive.

Day 3 drive to the Ozarks to visit Elephant Rocks State Park to see the giant boulders this area is known. If you visit in fall, the leaves should be a site to behold.

You can easily also visit Taum Sauk Mountain or Johnson’s Shut-Ins in the same day. This peak is home to the tallest point in the state and is overflowing with stunning fall foliage. 

We recommend the nearby Shepherd Mountain Inn for lodging on this day.

Day 4 make your way towards the Table Rock State Park in the Ozarks. This stunning park offers visitors a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping. The park is also known for its breathtaking fall foliage, with vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow covering the trees.

One of the best ways to experience the colors of autumn in this area is by taking a kayak trip down the White River.

Begin your adventure at the Table Rock State Park Marina, where you can rent kayaks and get instructions on how to paddle and maneuver through the river. As you paddle downstream, you’ll be surrounded by trees painted in rich shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Along the way, take in the scenic views of the surrounding hills and bluffs, and keep an eye out for local wildlife like bald eagles, ospreys, and herons. You may also spot some trout swimming in the river, as this area is known for its excellent fishing.

Missouri Covered Bridges Road Trip

Total Miles: 438 | Time Without Stops: 7.5 Hours Recommend Time For Trip: 2 Days

Missouri has several historic covered bridges that are worth exploring, and a covered bridges road trip is a great way to see them all.

If you start in Kansas City, it’s possible to see all four of Missouri’s covered bridges in one day. Another option is to make it a two day road trip and stay the night in either St. Louis for a big city experience or Augusta if you enjoy wine tasting.

Day 1 starting from Kansas City, drive approximately 100 miles northeast to reach the Locust Creek Covered Bridge in Linn County. This bridge was built in 1868 and spans 151 feet across Locust Creek. It is the longest of the four covered bridges in Missouri and has been beautifully restored.

From there, drive approximately 85 miles southwest to reach the Union Covered Bridge in Monroe County. This bridge was built in 1871 and spans 81 feet across Indian Creek. It is the shortest of the four covered bridges in Missouri but is still a great sight to see.

• If you plan to stop in St. Louis for the night I recommend the historic St. Louis Union Station Hotel .
• If you plan an overnight in Augusta I recommend the H.S. Clay House Bed & Breakfast .

Day 2 drive approximately 1 hour from Augusta or 40 minutes from St. Louis to reach the Sandy Creek Covered Bridge in Jefferson County. This bridge was built in 1872 and spans 74 feet across Sandy Creek. It is the only covered bridge in Missouri that still carries vehicle traffic, so you can drive across it and experience what it would have been like to cross a covered bridge in the past.

Finally, drive approximately 86 miles northwest to reach the Burfordville Covered Bridge, located in Cape Girardeau County. This bridge was built in 1858 and spans 140 feet across the Whitewater River. The bridge is open to pedestrians and provides a great opportunity for photos.

We have a detailed Missouri Covered Bridge itinerary with full details of each stop and hotel suggestions.

So, there you have it – 10 fun Missouri road trips to add to your bucket list. Pack your bags, hit the road, and discover the best that Missouri has to offer!

No matter what your interests are, there’s a Missouri road trip that’s perfect for you. So pack your bags, hit the road, and explore all that this amazing state has to offer!

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15 Fun Missouri Road Trips For Your Bucket List

June 1, 2021 by //  by  Midwest Explored Leave a Comment

Are you looking for fun Missouri road trips to add to your bucket list?

Then look no further, this article is full of fun and unique places to see in Missouri.

Missouri is a state in the Midwest that has a lot going for it.

It is most widely known for it’s barbecue, musical styles, and beer brewing.

But that’s not all you can find in this epic Midwestern state.

It is full of fun things to do , and many of them are featured in these road trips.

From natural wonders, cute small towns, and even scenic drives in Missouri, there is an endless amount of ways you can enjoy a road trip in Missouri.

So, let us take a look at 15 fun Missouri road trips for your bucket list!

  15 Fun Missouri Road Trips For Your Bucket List

Natural wonders of missouri road trips.

• Marvel Cave
• Rocky Falls
• Johnson Shut-Ins
• Devil’s Ice Box

Start your exploration of the Natural Wonders of Missouri at the Marvel Cave.

It is a National Natural Landmark that you can tour during the day, or you can take lantern tours.

From there, head to Rocky Falls, where you’ll find a large waterfall that is multi-stepped.

If you visit during the Summer months, you can even swim in the lake the falls flow into. Next, head to Big Spring.

Big Spring is one of the largest springs in the United States, and it is a super cool place to visit.

It has beautiful crystal blue waters and on average, 286 gallons of water flow through it daily.

Continue on to the Johnson Shut-Ins, which is another rocky waterfall.

The Johnson Shut-Ins are apart of the Black River and you can swim in the East Forks area in the Summer months.

End this Missouri road trip at the Devil’s Ice Box.

The Devil’s Ice Box is a massive cave system where inside you’ll find rock bridges, sink holes, and more.

Its a great way to end your road trip.

Fall Foliage Road Trip

• Weston Bend State Park
• Hermann Wine Trail
• Elephant Rocks State Park
• Table Rock State Park

If you want to admire some beautiful Midwest Fall Foliage, take this scenic drive in Missouri.

You’ll start your Missouri road trip in Weston Bend State Park.

It is just north of Kansas City and has some easy hikes that offer some stunning views.

Your next stop is the Hermann Wine Trail, which is in Hermann Missouri, the official home of Missouri wine country.

There are seven wineries along the trail, and even if you don’t want to sample wine, you should make a stop.

They all have beautiful landscapes that really shine when the leaves start to turn.

From there continue to Elephant Rocks State Park.

Elephant Rocks State Park has tons of hiking trails that take you through the thick forest land.

It is a great place to immerse yourself in all those beautiful Fall leaves.

End your road trip at another beautiful State Park, the Table Rock State Park.

At Table Rock State Park you can go kayaking and hiking while you enjoy the Fall leaves.

Waterfalls Of Missouri

• Forest Park Cascades
• Hickory Canyon Falls
• Mina Sauk Falls
• Grand Falls

This is one of the best Missouri road trips for seeing beautiful waterfalls.

Start in St. Louis and head to Forest Park to see the Forest Park Cascades.

They are manmade falls and were built in the 1930s and are next to the St. Louis Art Museum.

Next, head to the Hickory Canyons Natural Area Trail and take the pretty easy half mile hike to admire the Hickory Canyon Falls.

The falls are particularly impressive after a heavy rain, but they are pretty all year round.

Continue to Taum Sauk Mountain State Park to admire the Mina Sauk Falls.

The Mina Sauk Fall is the highest waterfall in Missouri and is over 132 feet of cascading water down a narrow groove in the rocks.

You wont need to drive far to reach your final stop on this road trip.

In Joplin you can find the Grand Falls , which is the largest continuously flowing waterfall in Missouri.

It is an impressive waterfall that perfectly ends your scenic drive of Missouri’s waterfalls.

Ghost Towns In Missouri Road Trips

• Monark Springs

There are a towns in Missouri that for whatever reason have all but disappeared into the landscape.

This is a fun road trip in Missouri for those looking for a bit of a spooky adventure.

Start at what is left of the once lively town of Arlington.

When Route 66 was thriving, Arlington was a popular spot for tourists taking the highway through Missouri.

After traffic left Route 66, the charming town slowly crumpled. Today, only a restaurant with an attached gift store and a few cabins are all that remain of the once bustling town.

From there, head to Bloodland.

The unfortunately named town was at one point big enough to need a high school and two general stores.

Bloodland began to decline in the 1940s and now many believe the area is haunted by the town’s former residents.

Your last stop is Monark Springs, which is now a State Conservation Area.

The town quickly shut down after it became the source of a Typhoid outbreak in the 1950s.

It’s the perfect ending for a spooky tour of Missouri’s ghost towns.

The Cutest Small Towns Of Missouri

• Clarksville

There are so many cute small towns in Missouri, so why not take a scenic drive in Missouri and explore them.

Begin your road trip in the town of Parkville.

Parkville is only 15 minutes away from downtown Kansas City, but it feels like a secluded and quiet small town.

Take a stroll through English Landing Park before continuing on to Clarksville.

Clarksville is an antique lover’s dream.

The tiny town is only 4 blocks wide and 7 blocks long, but along those blocks you’ll find several antique stores.

On the end of the Main Street is a massive antique mall, and through out the town there are other artisan shops and antique shops for you to explore.

Your last stop is the town of Carthage.

Carthage is the biggest of the small towns on this road trip, but it still very much feels like a small town.

It is full of historical buildings and homes, plenty of green space, and one of the best Route 66 attractions , the Route 66 Drive-In Theater.

Stop in for the night, catch a show at the Drive In, and relax after a day spent exploring Missouri’s small towns.

The Best Missouri Road Trip For Admiring Watermills

• Rockbridge Mill
• Falling Springs Mill
• Dillard Mill
• Reed Springs Mill

Missouri is one of the best states to admire beautiful water mills.

If you want to see some of the best the state has to offer, start at the Rockbridge Mill on the banks of Spring Creek.

It was built in 1865 and was expanded in 1888. The beautiful mill is popular with tourists and even has lodgings available for those who want to stay in the area.

Your next stop is at the Falling Springs Mill, which was built from 1937-1939.

Falling Springs is the newest mill on this road trip and it is very charmingly made out of logs, surrounded by a dense forest.

Dillard Mill is your next stop and is a historic site in Missouri, which means it’s probably the most well preserved grist mill on this road trip.

Near the mill you can enjoy picnicking and hiking, which makes it a great place to stop for a little break and lunch.

End your Missouri mills road trip at the Reed Springs Mill.

Reed Springs Mill is located on a private farm, so please be respectful when you visit it.

The Way Of American Genius

• National Pony Express Museum
• Missouri Star Quilt Company
• Walt Disney Hometown Museum
• Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum

Highway 36 in Missouri is known as “The Way of the American Genius”.

Along the route are several landmarks that relate to important American’s or American innovations.

Start in St. Joseph at the National Pony Express Museum to learn about the beginnings of what would eventually come to be the United States Postal Service.

Next, head to the Missouri Star Quilt Company in Hamilton.

Hamilton is the birthplace of the founder of J.C. Penney and is often called the “Disneyland of Quilting”, so it’s a fun stop.

From there, you’ll head to Marceline to explore the hometown of Walt Disney.

There is a Hometown Museum you can visit to learn about Disney’s years in Marceline.

Your last stop is Hannibal, which was the boyhood home of famous American author, Mark Twain.

Stroll through the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum to learn more about the iconic author before heading home.

Historic Wine Country

• August A. Bush Conservation Area and Nature Center
• Klondike Park
• Katy Trail State Park

Missouri’s historic wine country is full of beautiful stops you can admire while you sample the area’s delicious wines.

Start your road trip at the August A. Bush Conservation Area and Nature Center.

While there, explore over 7,000 acres of beautiful Missouri forest land. It also has over 30 lakes.

Continue on your Missouri road trip to Klondike Park.

At Klondike Park, make sure you hike out to the lookout bluff so you can admire the picturesque views of the Mississippi River Valley.

End your road trip with a hike at the Katy Trail State Park.

Katy Trail is a hiking trail that spans the whole state and one of the access points is at the Katy Trail State Park.

State Parks Of Missouri Road Trips

• Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge
• Crowder State Park

There are so many beautiful State Parks in Missouri and a road trip to some of the best ones makes for a fun outdoor adventure road trip.

Weston Bend State Park is one of the most accessible parks in Missouri.

There are several paved hiking trails and a handicap accessible scenic overlook.

After you are done walking the easy trails of Weston Bend, head to Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge.

Loess Bluffs is perfect for an afternoon spent checking out the areas wildlife.

With over 35 reptile species, 33 mammal species, and 301 bird species, there are tons of creatures you should be on the look out for.

When you’ve had your fill of the local animals, head to Crowder State Park.

Admire the Northern Missouri landscape of gorgeous green rolling hills before heading home, or stay for the night at one of their campsites.

Missouri’s Route 66

• The Gateway Arch
• Route 66 Museum
• Route 66 Drive-In Theater

If you want to explore Missouri’s Route 66 , start in St. Louis at the Gateway Arch.

The Gateway Arch is the tallest arch in the world and the National Park Service has deemed it the “Gateway to the West”.

From there, head to Cuba Missouri.

In 2002 Cuba was nicknamed the “Route 66 Mural City” because the small town has over 12 murals depicting different Route 66 scenes.

Next, head to the Route 66 Museum in Lebanon.

If you’ve always wondered what Route 66 looked like in it’s hey day, you’ll love this museum.

It features depictions of classic gas stations, motel rooms, and diners.

End your Route 66 road trip with a night at the movies.

Everyone should experience the magic of a Drive-In Movie Theater, and you can find a classic one on Route 66 in Carthage.

The classic Drive-In frequently plays old and new releases, so make sure you make a stop.

Major Cities Of Missouri Road Trips

• Kansas City
• Jefferson City
• Springfield

For those looking for metropolitan Missouri road trips, this is the perfect adventure for you!

Start your scenic drive through Missouri’s major cities in Kansas City.

Sample some BBQ, explore the American Jazz Museum or any of the other amazing museums.

After having your fill of Kansas city, continue on to Jefferson City.

In Jefferson City you can enjoy the beautiful Historic Downtown for some shopping before heading to St. Louis.

You’ll definitely want to see the Gateway Arch, ride the rollercoasters at Six Flags, and have some fun exploring Forest Park, home of the 1904 World’s Fair.

Your last stop is Springfield, where you can tour the Fantastic Caverns or enjoy a hike at the Springfield Conservation Center.

Missouri’s metropolitan areas are full of fun and unique things to do and make for one of the best Missouri road trips.

The Great River Road Of Missouri Road Trips

• Historic St. Charles
• Bankhead Candies, Bowling Green
• Mark Twain Cave Complex, Hannibal

The Great River Road is over 2,000 miles long and travels from Minnesota to Louisiana, and part of it goes through Missouri.

On the Missouri part of the Scenic Byway, there are a few stops that have become favorites for travelers.

The first is the Historic Downtown area of St. Charles.

It was Missouri’s first registered historic district, and it’s also the nation’s largest registered historic district.

It’s a great place to go for a stroll and admire the shops, homes, and parks in the area.

From there, head to Bowling Green to sample some Bankhead Candies.

This chocolatier and candy shop has been open since 1919 and features hand dipped chocolates.

They are an iconic Missouri candy shop that is absolutely worth the stop.

End your road trip of Missouri’s Great River Road at the Mark Twain Cave Complex in Hannibal.

Hannibal is the hometown of the famed American author.

While you are touring the cave, if you have read some of Twain’s work, you might recognize the caves as one of the settings in some of his most popular works.

Missouri Foodie Road Trip

• Jones Bar-B-Q, Kansas City
• Vintage Restaurant at Stone Hill Winery, Hermann
• Olio, St. Louis
• Wilder’s Steakhouse, Joplin

Missouri has some amazing restaurants, so it’s a great place for foodie’s to explore.

You’ll want to start your drive in Kansas City for some classic Kansas City barbecue.

Fans of Queer Eye may recognize your first stop.

The two sisters who own Jones Bar-B-Q were featured on a season of Queer Eye, but they had been building quite a repuation for themselves long before then.

Their small shop has been known as one of the best spots for authentic Kansas City Barbecue for a few years now, and you absolutely want to try it out.

Your next stop on your foodie road trip is the Vintage Restaurant at the Stone Hill Winery in the heart of Missouri’s Wine Country, Hermann.

The charming and romantic restaurant is in a restored carriage house and horse barn that dates back to 1847.

They serve classic German food, and of course, local wine.

From there, head to St. Louis and Olio.

Olio has a super unique atmosphere as it is in a renovated Oil Filling Station from the 1930s.

It still has plenty of nods to the building’s history like salvaged windows and the shops original garage door.

They primarily serve Mediterranean cuisine with other European influences.

Your last stop is the Wilder’s Steakhouse in Joplin.

You can’t visit Missouri without trying a classic Midwestern Steakhouse.

Hidden Gems Of Missouri

• Meramec Caverns
• Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins
• The Pinnacles

Missouri road trips can be very unique if you are looking for some hidden gems.

This Hidden Gems of Missouri road trip stops at some cool spots that may not be on your standard tour list.

First, head to the Meramec Caverns in Sullivan.

They are over 400 million years old and made almost entirely of limestone.

The caverns are so expansive that they were frequently used as a hiding spot for various cultures that called the area home over the centuries.

Next, head to the Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins.

The castle ruins are actually in Ha Ha Tonka State Park where the European-style castle was originally built when it was private land.

The entire State Park is worth exploring, but definitely check out the ruins.

For your last stop on your list of unique places to see in Missouri are The Pinnacles.

These types of rock formations are fairly common farther out West, but they are pretty unique to see in Missouri.

The two massive rock formations were split over hundreds of millions of years of the river running along them.

It is a super cool way to end your tour of Missouri’s hidden gems.

Murals In Missouri

• Prairie Passage Mosaic Mural, Official Missouri Welcome Center
• Louisiana Murals, Louisiana
• Route 66 Mural City, Cuba
• J. Thomas Hart Benson Mural, Joplin

One of the things that is really unique about Missouri is the amount of murals you can find in the state.

There are so many, that you can make a road trip out of seeing them all.

Your first stop will be at the Official Missouri Welcome Center, just inside state lines after the Iowa border near Eagleville.

The massive Prairie Passage Mosaic Mural is 500 square-feet and made entirely of glass.

It depicts the prairie fields, the history of Northwest Missouri, and of some of Missouri’s most famous inhabitants.

From there, head to Louisiana Missouri to see the Louisiana Murals.

The town has 24 murals and you can even get a tour around the city to see all of them.

If you go to the city’s visitor center, you can also find information on doing a self-guided tour of the murals of Louisiana.

Next you’ll hop onto Route 66 and explore Route 66’s Mural City, Cuba.

The town has 12 murals depicting classic Route 66 scenes as well as important figures and times in national history.

Your last stop is the J. Thomas Hart Benson Mural in Joplin.

The mural is located in Joplin’s City Hall and is 6 feet by 14 feet in size.

It was painted by J. Thomas Hart Benson and depicts life in Joplin in 1900.

The mural is a great way to learn about the history of Joplin while touring the City Hall.

Whether you are looking for vacation spots in Missouri, road trips from St. Louis, or your next unique road trip, this list has something for you.

Missouri is such a unique Midwestern state that has some really cool places to explore and enjoy.

Have you ever gone on a road trip through Missouri?

If so, what were some of your favorite stops? Did you take one of these road trips?

I’d love to hear about your travels in the comments!

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7 Superb Scenic Drives in Missouri Not to Miss

With a rich history and a diverse landscape, Missouri is full of surprises when it comes to traveling. From iconic landmarks like the Gateway Arch to incredible natural scenery like the Ozark mountains, driving in Missouri will never be a boring experience.

To make the most of a road trip in Missouri , we’ve put together a list of some of the best scenic drives the state has to offer. Many of these byways are also historically important. They played a role in the times when pioneers were making their way west in covered wagons or during significant events like battles in the Civil War.

Many of these drives in Missouri could be short excursions or turn into longer day trips if you want to include activities like hiking or visiting museums. One of the best things about Missouri’s scenic byways is the variety of activities you can include in your trip! 

Let’s see why some of the best vacation spots in the Midwest can be found right here in Missouri!

1. Missouri Scenic Drives: Cliff Drive

Distance: 5 miles

Time Needed: 20 minutes to a few hours if you plan on stopping

Starting out short and sweet, the Cliff Drive located in Kansas City, is one of Missouri’s designated state scenic byways. Although it may not take long to drive, this stretch of road is packed with history and beautiful views.

Winding its way along the Missouri River Valley, you’ll get to see great viewpoints of the limestone bluffs and natural vegetation of the area without ever leaving city limits!

To explore some other attractions of Kansas City, you can stop by the Kansas City Museum or if you want to stretch your legs you can hike the Indian Mound Trail which is a paved trail perfect for walking or biking. 

When to go: Spring through fall are the best times of year for this scenic drive in Missouri.

2. Missouri Scenic Drives: Old Trails Road

Distance: 16 miles

Time needed: 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on stops

Winding its way along the mighty Missouri River, the Old Trails Road is one of the best historic scenic drives in Missouri.

The route starts just west of Napoleon on state highway 224 and then follows the river bluffs and forests along the Missouri River to a little east of Lexington. This scenic drive is close to Kansas City, which makes it convenient to reach for a lot of travelers.

The route traces its origins back to the time of early settlers when it was used by travelers in covered wagons making their way west across the United States.

In Lexington, you can also visit a number of unique historic sites, including the Civil War battlefield, which is the location of the largest battle which took place in the western portion of this horrific war. Visitors can see the original battle trenches, and some war relics like old cannons are on display in the artifacts museum.

When to go: Spring through fall are good times to travel this road. The fall colors make this tree-lined scenic drive particularly beautiful.

3. Missouri Scenic Drives: Ozark Mountain Highroad

Distance: 7 miles

Time needed: 30 minutes to 2 hours

The Ozarks are one of the crowning treasures of Missouri; driving through these mountains, you’ll get some of the best scenic views Missouri has to offer!

This Missouri byway will lead you right into Branson, which is one of the most popular destinations in the Ozark Mountains . The Highroad is state highway 465, which is accessible about five miles north of Branson.

One of the most exciting things about driving the Ozarks Mountain Highroad is the opportunity to spot wildlife. Deer, turkey, and possibly even a coyote are all known to inhabit the area!

Even if you don’t get to see many animals, the beautiful mountain scenery and forested landscape make the drive well worth it.

When to go: Fall is considered a particularly beautiful time of year thanks to the autumn colors. This road can become a bit trickier to drive in the winter since road conditions can be more challenging.

4. Missouri Scenic Drives: Glade Top Trail

Distance: 23 miles

Time needed: 1 hour to 1 day, depending on how much you want to explore

Glade Top Trail stands out as being one of Missouri’s best scenic byways thanks to its standing as the state’s only National Forest Scenic Byway. Set within the Mark Twain National Forest, this route is excellent if you’re looking to escape into nature and see the wilderness of Missouri.

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The Glade Top Trail was completed in the 1930s, and the route is mostly unchanged since this time. One thing that makes this Missouri scenic drive unique is that the road is gravel-paved, giving it a more historical and natural feel.

Even though it’s not as modern as some roads, it’s still a safe and easy drive to take and is two lanes throughout the length of the trip. You’ll wind your way along a narrow ridge through the forested landscape, and there are numerous vistas with pull-off spots where you can stop your car to get some photos or just take in the view.

There are also some other trails leading farther into the Mark Twain National Forest if you want to explore the landscape from beyond the windows of your car.

When to go: Wildflower enthusiasts will want to take this drive in the spring when countless flowers are in bloom. Otherwise, summer and fall are also great months to travel this Missouri scenic byway, but winter road conditions can become a bit more challenging.

5. Missouri Scenic Drives: Crowley’s Ridge Scenic Byway

Distance: 14.2 miles

Time needed: 30 minutes to 3 hours

Crowley’s Ridge is one of the most impressive natural formations in Missouri. This geological formation provides a singular habitat for certain types of plants and animals that aren’t found in other places in the state.

The drive through Crowley’s Ridge itself travels along Missouri State Route 25, beginning at the Stoddard County line. If you have more time, we’d highly recommend making this drive into an afternoon or day trip to explore the Crowley’s Ridge Conservation Area , which covers about 1,900 acres!

There are several hiking trails to explore in the conservation area, as well as two small lakes and a few ponds where you can go fishing. For serious outdoor enthusiasts, you can even camp in the conservation area at one of the designated campgrounds.

It’s a great spot for families to visit for an afternoon to let kids explore and enjoy a picnic meal while driving through Missouri.

Pro tip: Keep in mind that parts of the conservation area are open to hunters for deer, bear, turkey, and other hunting seasons. It’s a good idea to check which areas are open to visitors before you go to visit.

When to go: Spring through fall are great times to visit Crowley’s Ridge.

6. Missouri Scenic Drives: Ozark Mountain Parkway

Distance: 28 miles

Time needed: 45 minutes to 1 day if you want to explore

The Ozark Mountain Parkway is truly a stunning scenic byway in Missouri, thanks to the incredible views of the mountains and wide range of wildlife. Plus, there are lots of places to stop and explore, making it easy to spend a day or longer on this drive!

If you enjoy fishing, you’ll want to check out spots like Crane Creek and James River , which are particularly well-known for their fishing opportunities, especially for catfish.

The drive crosses right through Branson, making it a must-include activity if you’re visiting this famous city in the Ozarks. It also offers access to other hiking trails through the Ozarks if you’re hoping to do some more on-foot exploration.

When to go: Fall is considered a stunning time of year to visit the Ozarks, but spring and summer are also great.

7. Missouri Scenic Drives: Little Dixie Highway of the Great River Road

Distance: 300 miles

Time needed: Up to 1 day to drive the length

The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River from north to south and passes right through the state of Missouri. Traveling the Little Dixie Highway section of this famous scenic drive is great to include in your road trip in Missouri, whether you’re just passing through the state or spending a longer period here.

The drive covers a diverse landscape, including forests, limestone cliffs, and prairies. You’re also in for a cool historical experience since the route passes through Hannibal, which is famous for being Mark Twain’s hometown!

Along the river, you’ll also find other recreational activities like hiking and cycling along the pathways, visiting some of the islands in the river, or going on boat rides.

We’d also highly recommend checking out the Eagle Center in Clarksville, which is a great place for families to visit to see some of these majestic birds up close and learn about their important role in the ecosystem of the Mississippi River .

When to go: Any time of year is good, but summer is best if you’re hoping to include some outdoor activities in your trip.

More Driving Inspiration Exploring the Midwest

• Continue your journey with our favorite scenic drives through the Midwest
• Keep driving west for the very best of Kansas Scenic drives
• Or if you’re heading south, you can’t miss these unbelievably scenic places in Arkansas

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1. Explore Missouri’s Genius Highway

Highway 36, also known as the Way of the American Genius is a fun road trip through Missouri that takes you through the hometowns of some pretty famous people!

Starting from Hannibal (located along the Mississippi River) and traveling west toward St. Joseph, this can be a great weekend trip in Missouri. If you want to take a little extra time, the entire highway can be explored fully in about three days.

Hannibal is a fun river town and known as the childhood home of Mark Twain, the American humor and literary icon. His boyhood home is located here and everything here revolves around Twain including the riverboat tours along the Mississippi! It’s also the hometown of the “unsinkable” Molly Brown.

As you work your way across the state, you’ll find Marceline, the hometown of Walt Disney. A must for any Disney fan, be sure to visit the Walt Disney Hometown Museum for some great exhibits in the old train station where Disney played as a child.

Other stops along this great Missouri road trip, include Chillicothe – the home of sliced bread; Hamilton, the hometown of J.C. Penney and the Missouri Star Quilting Company; and St. Joseph – headquarters of The Pony Express!

2. Things To See On Interstate 70 in Missouri

Most travelers already know that Saint Louis and Kansas City anchor opposite ends of Interstate 70 in Missouri, but you may not know some of the spots in-between that also worth visiting on road trips in Missouri.

For example, Warm Springs Ranch in the town of Boonville is the breeding facility of the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales. There’s nothing more adorable than seeing baby Clydesdales up close and in-person! Visitors can tour the facility and learn how these gentle giants are raised and trained.

Independence, Missouri is a short drive from Kansas City along Interstate 70 and home to the new and improved Harry Truman Presidential Library and Museum. This state of the art facility is one of the best of the presidential museums and part of the National Archives. Truman’s home is located nearby as well.

Columbia is home to the University of Missouri and fun college town located along Interstate 70 about half way between St. Louis and Kansas City.

Fulton is a small town with a cool downtown that’s home to a great pizza place called Brooklyn Pizza! There’s also a cool antique car museum located right off the highway and the highly acclaimed National Churchill Museum which includes a piece of the Berlin Wall.

And don’t forget historic St. Charles, Missouri, located about 45 minutes outside of St. Louis which is rich in history and full of great shops and restaurants.

3. Explore Route 66 on Your Road Trips in Missouri!

There are lots of things see along Route 66 in Missouri ! The journey along the historic mother road is one of the most popular road trips in Missouri!

Some of the highlights of Route 66 in Missouri include the (second) largest rocking chair in the town of Fanning; Uranus – a fake town but fun roadside attraction near St. James; and the Bonnie & Clyde hideout in Joplin.

If you love murals, Missouri’s portion of Route 66 is loaded with great public art. The town of Cuba bills itself as “mural city” and Joplin has some great ones as well. Springfield considers itself “the birthplace of Route 66” and is home to various attractions including the award winning Wonders of Wildlife museum and aquarium.

You can’t miss Ted Drewes, a frozen custard shop in St. Louis located right along Route 66. It’s not unusual to see lines out in the street as people clamor for what’s been voted by numerous outlets as the world’s best ice cream!

And, for an unusual stop near the town of Carthage – you’ll want to see the Precious Moments Chapel & Museum. A bit creepy, but if you ever collected the little statues, you’ll find it amusing.

4. Things To See In Missouri on Interstate 55

Traveling along Interstate 55 to or from St. Louis? You’ll pass by some historic towns that are worthy of a stop during any of your upcoming road trips in Missouri.

In St. Louis, the world famous Anheuser-Busch Headquarters is open for brewery tours throughout the year. They offer free tours as well as more in-depth guided tours. You can even see some of the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales in their historic stables!

The best historic town on the route is St. Genevieve – known as the first settlement west of the Mississippi River. Explore the historic downtown and visit early French settlement buildings that are still intact.

Other things to see on Interstate 55 in Missouri include: the famous Lambert’s Cafe in Sikeston – home of the “throwed rolls”. (The servers literally throw rolls at you from across the room.) New Madrid is the site of the biggest earthquake in American history and has a museum dedicated to its significance on the region.

Perryville has become a bustling town with a lot of great restaurants and shops. Known for its German roots, you’ll also find a cool tractor museum and bed and breakfasts for a weekend getaway or peaceful night off the road.

Bollinger Mill is a great place to take some photographs (there’s even a covered bridge!). It’s located about 30 minutes, due west of Jackson, Missouri.

If you’re looking for some outdoor activities on your road trips through Missouri – you can find one of the state’s most popular parks, Hawn State Park in St. Genevieve County. Though not directly off the interstate, it’s worth the additional 15 minutes. Just take exit 154 from 55 South and follow your GPS directions to the park.

5. Highway 54 from Jefferson City to Camdenton

Missouri’s capital city has a wonderful downtown and many great restaurants to choose from. You’ll want to take a tour of the state capitol building and see the incredible artwork and architecture.

Another cool tour is the former Missouri State Penitentiary that’s supposedly haunted! Either way, it’s really fascinating. I’d suggest visiting in the spring or fall because it’s super cold in there in the winter. (And I imagine super hot in the summer).

Headed south on 54, you’ll run into one of the best state parks in Missouri – Ha Ha Tonka State Park. In the park you’ll find the ruins of a castle with an interesting history that eventually burnt down. The ruins are pretty cool to see, especially at sunrise or sunset. The park has great hiking as well.

Of course, you’ll find the world famous Lake of the Ozarks with all of its resorts and local attractions. The Lake is a popular destination, especially in the summer time and there’s plenty for the entire family to do and stay busy, including a new Margaritaville Resort at Osage Beach!

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Home » Roadside Attractions Blog » Missouri Tourist Attractions & Road Trip Stops » The 15 Best Missouri Roadside Attractions

The 15 Best Missouri Roadside Attractions

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Are you planning a Missouri road trip and want to find all the best Missouri roadside attractions along your route? Whether you’ve driving Route 66 or spending a weekend getaway in St. Louis, Kansas City, or Branson, you won’t want to miss these 15 must-see places to go in Missouri. These Missouri attractions and oddities make fun pit stops on the road and great additions to your travel itinerary.

Below are the 15 best roadside attractions in Missouri: from a museum meant to climb through, to a few of the biggest world’s largest things, to a replica of Stonehenge. You won’t want to miss any of these bucket list worthy tourist traps and road trip stops on your Missouri vacation.

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The 15 Best Missouri Roadside Attractions (in no particular order):

1. Former World’s Largest Route 66 Rocking Chair

Fanning 66 Outpost, 5957 State Hwy ZZ, Cuba, MO

In 2008, the “ World’s Largest Rocking Chair ” was erected on historic Route 66 outside the Fanning Outpost General Store in Cuba, Missouri. Designed by John R. Bland and fabricated by Joe Medwick the chair stood at 42 feet tall and 20 feet wide — it was the biggest rocker in all of America! It was even Guinness certified as the world’s largest rocker. It’s since been repainted and now is referred to as the Route 66 Rocker after it lost its official ranking to the new world’s largest rocking chair in Casey, Illinois . Still, it’s an impressively tall rocker and a must-stop on a Missouri Route 66 road trip.

2. World’s Largest Ball Of String,

America Bowman Restaurant & O’Malley’s Irish Pub, 500 Welt St, Weston, MO

We all love a good “world’s largest ball of twine” (and you can find one at Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum in Branson, Missouri) but how about a world’s largest ball of string? Finley Stephens created the 19-foot, 3,712-pound string ball in the 1950s. He left the giant ball of string in his barn turned museum, which is now home to the America Bowman Restaurant and O’Malley’s Irish Pub , and where it can still be admired today.

3. Giant Hands in Prayer

Dawson Dr, Webb City, MO

These large praying hands stand at 32 feet tall (on top of a 40-foot-tall man-made hill) and weigh a whopping 110 tons! At the base of the hands is a winding concrete slab inscribed with a simple message: Hands in prayer. World in peace. The Route 66 attraction was created by Jack Dawson in 1972.

4. Precious Moments Chapel

4321 S Chapel Rd, Carthage, MO

The Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage is a tchotchke wonderland inspired by Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel in Rome. Precious Moments dolls are collectible items depicting innocent children with bulbous heads, wide black eyes, and no mouths. The Missouri chapel was designed by artist Samuel J. Butcher and features over-the-top paintings, sculptures, and fountains depicting the winged angels from the catalog. Whether you’re religious or not, it’s a beautiful and quirky Missouri oddity.

5. World’s Largest 20th Century Pecan

119 W Broadway St, Brunswick, MO

The World’s Largest Pecan was constructed in 1982 (or possibly earlier) by George and Elizabeth James on the James Pecan Farm. This large Missouri roadside attraction was meant to be a replica of the farm’s signature Starking Hardy Giant pecan. Their hardy pecan is a large thin-shell variety discovered by George James in 1955. This giant pecan is 7 feet in diameter by 12 feet long, weighs in at around 12,000 pounds, and is made entirely out of concrete.

6. Titanic Museum

3235 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO

The Titanic Museum in Branson, Missouri is one of two Titanic-themed museums owned by John Joslyn (the other is in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee ). On the outside, the Missouri roadside attraction is shaped like the giant ship. On the inside, visitors (AKA “passengers”) are immersed in the experience of walking the halls (and Grand Staircase) of the famed, doomed, cruise liner. Replicated rooms host more than 400 authentic artifacts from the ship and its passengers.

7. World’s Largest Fork

2215 W Chesterfield St, Springfield, MO

Located in the parking lot of Springfield’s Noble & Associates marketing agency this 35-foot tall, 11-ton utensil is the biggest fork in the world ! It used to reside outside of a restaurant, but relocated to the current position when that location closed.

8. Leila’s Hair Museum

1333 S Noland Rd, Independence, MO

Leila’s Hair Museum is the only hair museum in the world. Leila Cohoon has amassed an impressive collection of over 600 hair wreaths and over 2000 pieces of jewelry made of human hair. Featuring centuries old brooches, sepia neck pieces painted with pulverized hair, and horseshoe-shaped hair wreathes, this small Missouri museum is one cut above the rest.

9. Hubble Telescope Replica

100 S Clay St, Marshfield, MO

The Hubble Space Telescope is one of the largest space telescopes ever launched by NASA. It’s remained in operation since 1990 and is maintained in space by astronauts. The Hubble Telescope Replica in Marshfield, Missouri isn’t quite as big, at 1/4 the size of the real thing, but it is much more accessible attraction. The 1,200 pound, scale model of the Hubble Space Telescope was erected in front of the local courthouse on July 4, 1994.

10. Meramec Caverns

1135 Hwy W, Sullivan, MO

Meramec Caverns is a colorful complex of mineral formations found beneath Meramec Valley beckoning Route 66 visitors off the road since 1935. Guided tours are available for this largest commercial cave in Missouri also known as “Jesse James’s Hideout.”

11. UMR Stonehenge

1400 North Bishop, Rolla, MO

The Stonehenge replica at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (formerly University of Missouri-Rolla) campus is half the size of the ancient original found in England. Each piece was crafted by high pressure water jet equipment from the University’s lab. It was dedicated on June 20, 2984 on summer solstice.

12. Haunted House on Hill Street Wax Museum

215 Hill St, Hannibal, MO

The Haunted House on Hill Street Wax Museum mixes good old fashioned spooks by the likes of flashing lights, loud noises, and skeletons, with wax figures related to Mark Twain and the characters in his books (Hannibal is, after all, hometown of Samuel Clemens AKA Mark Twain). The Missouri attraction opened in 1971 and closed in 2006. In 2014, the wax museum and fright fest opened its doors again with little change.

13. City Museum

750 N 16th St, St. Louis, MO

Don’t expect to marvel at hundred year old impressionist paintings or see historic artifacts from the Byzantine Empire at the City Museum in St. Louis , Missouri, it isn’t one of those museums. Instead, the City Museum is a giant playground constructed from repurposed architectural and industrial objects. Here, you can slide down a ten-story slide, crawl through a giant whale, navigate a labyrinth of trees, tumble in the skateless park, and climb through the outdoor mazes of airplanes, castles, bridges, ball pits, and fire engines.

14. World’s Largest Shuttlecocks

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO

At the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City you’ll find four 18-foot badminton birdies strewn about the lawn. These world’s largest shuttlecocks are the work of famous pop artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. The aluminum and fiberglass oddities were installed in July 1994 and would make the perfect backdrop for a fun road trip selfie or prop for a game with a giant.

15. Maxie, World’s Largest Goose

Maple St and 1st St, Sumner, MO

In Sumner, Missouri, known as the “Wild Goose Capital of the World,” (due to the large number of geese that flock there each year) the world’s largest goose , “Maxie”, flies over the community park. This roadside attraction was built by artist David C. Jackson in 1974 to commemorate the town’s status. He named this world’s biggest goose “Maxie” after the scientific name for Giant Canada Geese: Branta Canadensis Maxima.

Want to see more of the strangest roadside attractions in America? From Alabama to Wyoming, check out our list of the best roadside attractions in each state .

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Valerie Bromann

Founder & road trip expert.

Valerie Bromann is a a website manager, content creator, and writer from Chicago, Illinois (currently living in Dallas, Texas). As an avid road tripper who has visited hundreds of roadside attractions, Val always pull over for a world’s largest thing. Founder of Silly America and author of The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book , she visits, photographs, and writes about all the weird tourist destinations she visits and offers road trip planning advice and inspiration based on her own travels so you can hit the road for yourself.

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Last modified: May 7, 2024 Category: Missouri Tourist Attractions & Road Trip Stops , Roadside Attractions

The 15 Best Wisconsin Roadside Attractions

10 weird presidential monuments & roadside attractions, share this post ⤵.

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The road trip you’ve been dreaming of starts here! Journal about your stops and get to know your fellow passengers with activities and exercises designed to pass the time and bring you closer together. Instead of “Are we there yet?” you’ll find yourself asking, “We’re there already?”. Complete with prompts you can turn to while driving between locations, this journal will one day be a memento of your life-changing trip.

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9 Interesting Places To Explore Along America’s Genius Highway

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Tucked away in northern Missouri is a stretch of road that takes you three hours across the state, from Saint Joseph on the western edge to Hannibal in the east. In between, you have an opportunity to visit the hometowns of some of the greatest innovators in American history. Nicknamed the American Genius Highway , Missouri Highway 36 includes the hometowns of business genius J.C. Penney, entertainment giant Walt Disney, Army General John J. Pershing, and master storyteller Mark Twain, as well as innovations, such as the Pony Express and sliced bread. It’s best to plan to spend a full day on the Genius Highway visiting the geniuses’ hometowns.

Pro Tip : While driving the Genius Highway is fun any time of the year, fall adds a touch of color, with the leaves displaying impressive hues of red, orange, and brown on abundant trees along the way, as well as in Missouri’s state parks.

1. Pony Express In Saint Joseph

Learn about the pioneer version of express mail at the National Pony Express Museum , with interactive exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of how mail was delivered by cowboys riding fast horses from Saint Joseph to Sacramento, California. Lasting about 18 months, the Pony Express started in the Missouri city in 1860. A visit to Saint Joseph often involves learning about local newsman Walter Cronkite, considered the most trustworthy journalist of all time. The anchor of CBS Evening News is honored with the Walter Cronkite Memorial at Missouri Western State University, and includes a replica of the newscast’s studio. Check out Saint Joseph’s riverfront with a leisurely stroll along the Missouri River. Include a visit to Remington Nature Center , where you can enjoy the beauty of a small botanical garden and learn about the wooly mammoth, which once roamed northwest Missouri.

Pro Tip : For a truly upscale New York-style dining experience, reserve a table at the J.C. Wyatt House , which is run by former New York chefs.

2. Depot Museum In Cameron

A short drive east of Saint Joseph, Cameron’s Historical Society and Depot Museum showcases the area’s railroad past, along with other local history. The town is also home to the Old School , now a public events center, but also features historical attractions, such as class photos and other memorabilia. Nature lovers will enjoy a visit to Wallace State Park , with hiking trails that take you past an old quarry, along streams, and through pine trees. With a lake and beautiful views, the state park is the perfect spot for a picnic.

3. J.C. Penney In Hamilton

Less than an hour east of Saint Joseph, Hamilton’s J.C. Penney Museum highlights how the retailer became a business genius. Born in Hamilton, Penney would get his start in the retail business by working for a small chain in Wyoming. He later purchased the three stores and marketed them under his name. Growing into a major chain, the J.C. Penney chain was among the first to include mail-order catalogs. During its heyday, J.C. Penney had more than 2,000 stores located around the United States. Whether or not you’re a quilter, a stop at the Missouri Star Quilt Company is a must! Started on a shoestring budget in an old building in downtown Hamilton, the quilting store has grown into a business leader and YouTube sensation that would make even J.C. Penney proud.

4. Sliced Bread In Chillicothe

Welcome to the home of sliced bread! The Chillicothe Bread Company became the first to use the Rohwedder Bread Slicer, created by Missouri inventor Otto Rohwedder in 1928. Imagine, sliced bread has been around for less than 100 years. With a downtown mural highlighting the story of sliced bread, you can learn more about it, and the area’s history, and see an old soda fountain at the Grand River Museum .

5. Pershing State Park In Meadville

About 25 minutes east of Chillicothe, Pershing State Park is home to Locust Creek covered bridge , which is one of only four covered bridges in Missouri. The Locust Creek bridge, built in 1868, was part of a transcontinental railroad. Enjoy a walk along the interactive boardwalk, which leads to a wildlife viewing area in the park’s wetlands. You can also visit the American War Mothers Memorial, which honors mothers of soldiers who have served in the military since World War I.

6. General John J. Pershing In Laclede

John J. Pershing grew up in this small town, where he taught for a couple of years before attending the Military Academy in West Point, New York. While at West Point, he invented jumping jacks as an exercise for fellow cadets. Pershing would go on to lead the allied effort during World War I, eventually rising to the rank of General of the Armies, which is the highest military rank available. He historically outranks every other person to serve as a five-star general. His story is told at the Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site . A statue of Pershing is located near the house as part of a veterans memorial. Prairie Mound School, on the museum’s grounds, features a gallery of exhibits showcasing the general’s life.

7. Walt Disney In Marceline

To Walt Disney, Marceline was Disneyland. While he lived in Marceline for only five years, the town had such an impact on him that he considered it his hometown. It also set the foundation for his Disney philosophy of having customers enjoy their park experience and go home happy. His story is told through a series of exhibits at the Walt Disney Hometown Museum , including family heirlooms and Disney studio and park memorabilia. While in Marceline, enjoy a stroll through an old-fashioned downtown and visit the Dreaming Tree, a spot where Disney and his sister would spend time laying on the ground, looking skyward, and fantasizing about their future.

Pro Tip : For an old-fashioned small-town dining experience, visit Ma Vic’s Corner Cafe , home to burgers and pizza.

8. West Winery In Macon

With a tasting room in downtown Macon, West Winery has been producing wine since 2007. In 2009, the winery moved to its current location inside an 1880s building. West Winery is different from other urban wineries in that you can watch new wine being made as you enjoy your drink. With wines made from grapes and other fruits, such as pears, you can enjoy a variety of white and red wines at the tasting room.

Everett Collection / Shutterstock

9. Mark Twain And Molly Brown In Hannibal

Your visit to Hannibal scores a daily double, as you can visit historical spots for America’s greatest storyteller, Mark Twain, and The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Mark Twain grew up as Samuel Clemens before embarking on a life that took him for rides on riverboats and working as a reporter before he became the author of novels including The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer . Basing Huck Finn on himself, Tom Sawyer on his best friend, and Becky Thatcher on their friend Becky, the children’s stories come alive as you visit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum . Test your best Huck and Tom skills to see if you can “persuade” an innocent passerby to finish whitewashing the fence outside of Huck’s (Clemens’s) home. You’ll also want to visit the downtown museum, a couple blocks from the homes, which includes impressive exhibits based on Twain’s books.

Since Twain’s stories included tales of river boat adventures, no visit to Hannibal is complete without a Mississippi River cruise. For nearly 35 years, the Mark Twain Riverboat has offered river tours seasonally, from April to November. With sightseeing and dinner cruises available, you’re sure to have a fun time aboard the river boat.

Born in 1867, the daughter of Irish immigrants, Margaret Tobin grew up in Hannibal before marrying J.J. Brown. Nicknamed Molly after her death, she was known as Maggie to family and friends. The Browns became “new money” wealthy after J.J. acquired a Colorado mining company in the mid-1890s. The Molly Brown Birthplace and Museum (closed for the remainder of 2020) features a room designed to resemble an Irish immigrant’s house, while other rooms highlight her life, including the Titanic story. She unsuccessfully attempted to get lifeboats to return to the ship to save people before the luxury ship sank. She devoted her life to public causes, including two campaigns for the United States Senate. The musical The Unsinkable Molly Brown was based on her life.

Pro Tip : If you like physical challenges, climb the 244 steep steps to the top of the Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse atop Cardiff Hill, an area where Huck Finn and friends enjoyed playing. There is also a parking lot near the top if you want to drive to the lighthouse.

Tim and his wife Lisa have been writing their blog The Walking Tourists for eight years. They live in the Midwest and enjoy writing about its attractions. They focus mainly on the Midwest, but enjoy traveling all over. With daughters living in the Seattle area, they also have a fondness for the Pacific Northwest.

Tim is a freelance writer and online content creator. He has authored two books about Omaha attractions and restaurants: "100 Things to Do in Omaha Before You Die" and "Unique Eats and Eateries of Omaha". A third book about Nebraska tourism -- "100 Things to Do in Nebraska Before You Die" -- will be published in April 2020. He writes magazine, newspaper, and online articles as well as offering ghostwriting services. He loves writing.

As a one-time community journalist, his affection for the stories journalists share has never waned. Having been a manager of people, he is intrigued by people's leadership qualities and practices.

RoadsideAmerica.com Your Online Guide to Offbeat Tourist Attractions

Attraction:

• Missouri Map
• Featured Attractions
• Missouri: Everything
• Missouri Blog and News

Find Missouri travel tips, stories, maps, videos and news for unusual tourist attractions and sights.

New Reports

The Soda Museum

St. Charles, Missouri

Old vending machines, the world's first six-pack carrier, Max Headroom Coca-Cola swag. Bar offers Nehi Orange, Sarsaparilla, and Grapette.

Sights for Oddball Excursions

Titanic Museum

Branson, Missouri

The doomed ocean liner is taking on passengers on the main strip in Branson.

Precious Moments Park and Chapel

Carthage, Missouri

Sprawling, multi-million-dollar complex attracts fanatical collectors of the adorable angel statuettes, but all fanatics are welcome.

Glore Psychiatric Museum

St. Joseph, Missouri

A giant "human hamster" treadmill is only one of many intriguing displays in a museum that shows how hard it is to make people sane.

City Museum

St. Louis, Missouri

Insanely fun former warehouse, a 10-story 5-star wonder.

Space Museum and Grissom Center

Bonne Terre, Missouri

Earl Mullins evangelizes the wonders of space exploration through his museum collection.

Bonne Terre Mine: Billion Gallon Lake

Lead mine closed in 1962 and reopened as a tourist attraction. Features the World's Largest Subterranean Lake.

World's Largest Ball of Twine

At Ripley's, certified by Guiness, surrounded by other oddities. But the largest?

Route 66 Red Rocker

Fanning, Missouri

Over 42 feet tall. Held the World's Largest Rocking Chair record 2008-2015. Despite its demotion to number two, it's still really big.

Military Museums of Fort Leonard Wood

Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri

Three free, eclectic museums under one roof: Chemical Corps, MPs, Engineers.

Fantastic Caverns: Ride-Thru Cave

Springfield, Missouri

See Nature's mostly unspoiled beauty by jeep in "America's Ride-Thru Cave."

Where Jesse James Was Killed

Wild West fans come from far and near to "see the bullet hole" which may or may not have been made by the bullet that took a shortcut through Jesse James' head.

Patee House Museum

Is that a giant ball of string next to a horse-drawn hearse? A display of local murder weapons (including an electric drill) and an exhibit on the World's Tallest Man? Strange things await here.

Wax Museum of St. Louis

Presidents, biblical figures, celebrities, and a two-basement Chamber of Horrors.

Jesse James Wax Museum

Stanton, Missouri

Jesse James wasn't really shot to death in 1882 -- he died of old age in 1951. Be damned, DNA evidence... we want the truth!

Meramec Caverns

You don't even reach the mouth of this popular cave until you drive past the Meramec Caverns motel and RV park, and walk past the ice cream stand and huge gift shop.

Uranus, Missouri

In the tourist trap town of Uranus, a fudge-shop-out-of-control offers many memorable photo-ops and souvenirs, and a lot of bad Uranus puns.

Largest Ball of String, Not Twine

Weston, Missouri

A big bruiser of a sphere, 19 feet around, from a time when people mailed packages tied with thin postal string.

Former World's Largest Pecan

Brunswick, Missouri

12 feet long and six solid tons, it's a nutty claim to fame made of custom-painted concrete.

Ruins of Ha Ha Tonka

Camdenton, Missouri

Built by a Kansas City millionaire who died before it was completed. The castle was gutted by fire in 1942.

Dittmer, Missouri

A towing business displays a supersized junk art rendition of Futurama's sociopath robot, Bender. His head alone is a 55 gallon oil drum, to give you a sense of his scale.

The Hall of Waters

Excelsior Springs, Missouri

Elaborate Art Deco temple devoted to the curative power of mineral water. Site of the World's Longest Water Bar, high windows, futurist chandeliers, and polished terrazzo floors.

Hannibal: Twain Town

Hannibal, Missouri

Samuel Clemens, known by his pen name Mark Twain, grew up in Hannibal, and the town works hard to ensure that no visitor ever forgets it.

Buster Brown's Grave

Hornersville, Missouri

A big tombstone for the local little person who became famous as Buster Brown, spokesman for Buster Brown shoes.

Mural: Superman of Kansas City

Kansas City, Missouri

Michael Wheeler, senior citizen, dresses in a home-made super-suit and runs all over Kansas City.

Jesse James' Feather Duster of Death

Kearney, Missouri

Among Jesse artifacts exhibited at the James Farm is the household duster that may have contributed to his demise.

Trunkations

Roadside America's blog, offering news, rants and ruminations on the state of Missouri

Previous: Mississippi | Next: Montana

Offbeat Landmarks and Oddities

Choice field reports and tips. Or check out: Complete list of Missouri attractions .

• Bonne Terre : Space Museum and Grissom Center
• Bonne Terre : Bonne Terre Mine: Billion Gallon Lake
• Boonville : Budweiser Clydesdales Ranch [ tips ]
• Branson : Titanic Museum
• Branson : Mount Rushmore with Fake Celebrity Heads
• Branson : World's Largest Ball of Twine
• Branson : Marvel Cave [ tips ]
• Branson : World's Largest Rooster [ tips ]
• Branson : World's Largest Toy Museum [ tips ]
• Branson : Giant Head of JFK [ tips ]
• Branson : President Reagan's Big Head [ tips ]
• Brunswick : Former World's Largest Pecan
• Camdenton : Bridal Cave [ tips ]
• Camdenton : Ruins of Ha Ha Tonka
• Carthage : Precious Moments Park and Chapel
• Chesterfield : The Awakening - Buried Giant [ tips ]
• Diamond : World's Largest Small Electric Appliance Museum [ tips ]
• Dittmer : Big Bender
• Excelsior Springs : The Hall of Waters
• Fanning : Route 66 Red Rocker
• Fenton : Creepyworld [ tips ]
• Foristell : Muffler Man [ tips ]
• Fort Leonard Wood : Military Museums of Fort Leonard Wood
• Hannibal : Mark Twain Cave: Jimmy Carter Guest Book
• Hannibal : Hannibal: Twain Town
• Hornersville : Buster Brown's Grave
• Hornersville : Spook Light [ tips ]
• Humphreys : Sleep in a Grain Bin [ tips ]
• Huntsville : Large Ball of String [ tips ]
• Jefferson City : Missouri State Penitentiary Tours [ tips ]
• Jerome : Larry Baggett's Trail of Tears Memorial [ tips ]
• Joplin : Undercliff Grill and Bar [ tips ]
• Kansas City : National World War I Museum
• Kansas City : Negro Leagues Baseball Museum [ tips ]
• Kansas City : Arabia Steamboat Museum [ tips ]
• Kansas City : 25-Foot-Tall Penguin and Kangaroo [ tips ]
• Kansas City : Glass Labyrinth - Outdoor Maze of Glass [ tips ]
• Kansas City : Man with Shoe in Mouth [ tips ]
• Kansas City : National Museum of Toys and Miniatures
• Kansas City : Mural: Superman of Kansas City
• Kansas City : 25-Foot-Tall Steel Jesus
• Kearney : Jesse James' Feather Duster of Death
• King City : The Big Pump
• Lake Ozark : Ozark Halfwit and Chief Bagnell: Muffler Men [ tips ]
• Lake Wappapello : Muffler Man: Chief Wappalese [ tips ]
• Linn : The Pig Museum
• Marshall : Jim the Wonder Dog Memorial Garden
• New London : Giant Mark Twain
• Noel : Bluff Dwellers Cave: Move 20 Ton Rock with 2 Fingers [ tips ]
• Overland : Dan's Emerald Forest
• Ozark : Lambert's - Home of Throwed Rolls [ tips ]
• Pacific : Black Madonna Shrine and Grottoes
• Pacific : Original Monster Truck
• Point Lookout : Ralph Foster Museum: Beverly Hillbillies Car
• Reeds Spring : Talking Rocks Caverns
• Rich Hill : Big Mouth, World's Largest Coal Shovel [ tips ]
• Rolla : Vacuum Cleaner Museum [ tips ]
• Sikeston : Lambert's, Home of the Throwed Rolls [ tips ]
• Springfield : World's 2nd Tallest Fork
• Springfield : Fantastic Caverns: Ride-Thru Cave
• Springfield : Stand Where a Man Was Killed by Wild Bill Hickok
• Springfield : Wonders of Wildlife
• Springfield : Carl: Muffler Man Chef [ tips ]
• St. Charles : The Soda Museum
• St. Joseph : Glore Psychiatric Museum
• St. Joseph : Where Jesse James Was Killed
• St. Joseph : Patee House Museum
• St. Joseph : Jesse James' Corpse Basket - Funeral Museum
• St. Joseph : Walter Cronkite Interactive Memorial [ tips ]
• St. Louis : Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis [ tips ]
• St. Louis : City Museum
• St. Louis : Wax Museum of St. Louis
• St. Louis : Big Eyeball [ tips ]
• St. Louis : Giant Concrete Turtle Park [ tips ]
• St. Louis : Museum of Transportation: Bobby Darin's Car of the Future [ tips ]
• St. Louis : Chuck Berry Statue
• St. Louis : Budweiser Brewery Tour [ tips ]
• St. Louis : World's Largest Chess Piece [ tips ]
• St. Louis : Griot Museum of Black History
• St. Louis : Snake Man
• St. Louis : Monkey Man
• St. Louis : Empty Suit
• St. Louis : Demo Man [ tips ]
• St. Louis : Looking Up: 33-Foot-Tall Alien [ tips ]
• Stanton : Jesse James Wax Museum
• Stanton : Meramec Caverns
• Steelville : Canoe Art in Missouri's Floating Capital
• Sumner : Maxie: the World's Largest Goose
• Uranus : Mega Mayor Muffler Man
• Uranus : Uranus
• Warrensburg : Strange Steel Drum Family [ tips ]
• Weldon Spring : Nuclear Waste Adventure Trail
• Weston : Largest Ball of String, Not Twine

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Missouri Latest Tips and Stories

• A&W Statues , Cadet, Missouri
• Carl: Muffler Man Chef , Springfield, Missouri
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• Uranus , Uranus, Missouri
• Riverboat Motel , Branson, Missouri

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• Feature: Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum , Gibsland, Louisiana
• Hearse Pile and Metal Chickens , Heflin, Alabama
• Muffler Man: World's Oldest , Flagstaff, Arizona
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• Large Indian Head , Medina, Ohio

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Road Trips in Sikeston & Southeast MO

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Explore these self-guided tours and enjoy beautiful views, historic sites, great restaurants, agriculture, and the serene landscape that make Sikeston and Southeast Missouri unique. Three routes from Sikeston are featured; the Northern Route is 77 miles, the Southern Route is 94 miles and the Western Route is 96 miles. Highlights along these tours include lakes and Conservation Areas, unique restaurants and wineries, historic sites and state parks. Call the Sikeston Convention & Visitors Bureau at 888-3309-6531 to plan your trip.

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