philjo1

My husband and I are planning a trip to Missouri in June for a family reunion, and we'd like to make a week-long vacation out of it. We'll probably fly to and from St. Louis, as we can get a direct flight there, even though the family reunion is east of Kansas City. So, I'm looking for help in planning the itinerary for a road trip across MO. I'm thinking we'd go St. Louis - Branson - Kansas City - St. Louis, with probably Fri-Sun spent in KC for the reunion. We like museums, factory tours, scenic drives and hiking trails, shopping (well, that one's for me , plays/shows, and eating. Thanks for your input!

tomfuller

If you've never been to the top of the Gateway Arch, make some time for that. It has good views of the Mississippi River and Busch stadium.In the SW corner of MO there are a couple caves south of Joplin.
If you'd like to cross a couple states off the bucket list, visit Miami OK and Bentonville Arkansas (home of Walmart).

philjo1

Thanks, tomfuller! Many years ago, I went up in the Arch, but my hubby's never been, so I want to be sure to go there. That's an interesting idea to visit a couple of the border states. I don't recall ever going to Arkansas before.

Sassafrass

Kansas City is a wonderful small city for food, theater and art.
I don't see their schedule for June, but Kansas City Repertory Theater is excellent.
Nelson Atkens Museum is a fantastic small museum, with outstanding exhibitions and nice cafe.
Many excellent restaurants and great bar-b-que.

In St Louis, besides the Gateway Arch, don't miss St Louis Cathedral - the most beautiful mosaics in the US.

Keith

I70 across Missouri is not a pleasent or fun drive and I would make a point of taking a different route at least one day.

If you do take I-70, stop in Rocheport, a cute little community with B&Bs, winery, art. It is on the most scenic stretch of the KATY trail, which runs south of town between high bluffs and the Missouri River. The only tunnel on the trail is at the edge of town.

Bitter

Hermann MO is a wine town, with B&Bs (west of st. Louis and a little south of i70). KCMO has a lot going on, including already mentioned. WWI museum is really good. As is the Steam Boat Arabia museum. The country club plaza, which is retail and restaurants, is worth a stroll.

Ozarksbill

Welcome to Missouri! From one who relocated from Springfield, MO, to Boston area. Over the years we explored most of the state. Your question is what is there betw. St. Louis and KC. First off, St. Louis Art Museum is superb and the zoo is one of the best. Have you heard of Shaw's Garden? So then you are heading west on I-70 and first stop might be a detour down Rt. 19 to Hermann, an interesting town well known for beer making and a festival now and then.

Another short detour a bit further is to Fulton. I think the Winston Churchill museum there is worth seeing. Might also tour University of Missouri at Columbia. And on to Rocheport which is a definite stop to walk a bit of the Katy Trail and visit Les Bourgeois Winery. I think they used to have a unique lunch spot.

And now for a brief detour north on Rt. 41 which we have enjoyed over the years...the town of Arrow Rock village and state park. Little shops, a tavern, B&Bs, plus Lyceum which has theater productions. En route take a quick look at little Blackwater. Back on I-70 you pass through Sweet Springs. And too much farther is Kansas City with the wonderful Nelson Atkins Art Museum and much more.

Branson south of where we lived is a whole different story and direction. Lots of shows for sure and we enjoyed Silver Dollar City.

indyhiker

We traveled the Katy Trail a few years ago. Rocheport is a cute town but avoid being there on a Monday--when the town's two finer restaurants are closed. We stayed at the Yates House, and it's one of my favorite B&Bs.

Toucan2

Make it a loop, since you mentioned Branson. From St Louis head down and see Elephant Rock State Park and the Johnson Shut Ins. Consider visiting some of Missouri's spectacular springs, and if you only visit one, go to Alley Springs. The most photographed springs in Missouri.

You will be driving in the Mark Twain National Forest, and it is beautiful. Continue across the state, driving through the Ozarks if is your wish to visit Branson. From Branson, if you want to drop into Arkansas, go to Eureka Springs. It is a really beautiful Victorian town that has done a great job of making itself a tourist friendly place to visit. Personally i think Bentonville is a little far.

From Branson to kc, stop in Carthage. Site of civil war battles and a beautiful courthouse.

Sounds like you will be busy with the family reunion while in kc. Have you already been to kc?

As Keith mentioned, I-70 is neither scenic nor fun. It is two lanes most of the way and loaded with semis. I hate that drive with the heat if a thousand suns. There is not a thing i would do to make that drive any longer than I have to.

sunbum1944

Visit Bonne Terre Mines. It's the largest underground fresh water scuba site in the world.

http://www.bonneterremine.com/

I love the area around Elephant Rocks, Johnson Shut inns. Used to make frequent visits to that area. Ulysses S Grant received his commission at the nearby Ironton and a battle of civil war was fought at Pilot Knob. Lots of history there.
Much more interesting I think, than Branson.