It will be a 4 1/2 to 5 hour drive, so really pretty doable in one day. I usually go down 71, and I actually find it to be a pretty scenic drive.

One nice short break I took with my MIL once was to Carthage. The courthouse is really gorgeous, and you can go inside. There is a self-tour you can take as well of Victorian homes, and they are pretty beautiful. I think you can pick up the guide in one of the shops lining the square around the Courthouse. And you probably already know this was the scene of a Civil War battle.

There's always Branson

George Washington Carver National Monument, Diamond MO or Pea Ridge National Military Park, Garfield AR are both nice for a stop. Ft Scott National Historic Site, Ft Scott KS is also good for a stop if you take HWY 69 south. I think Branson would be too far east.

Southern MO is most wildly beautiful much farther east, in the Mark Twain National Forest and along the National Scenic Riverways. Round Spring, Greer Spring, Big Spring. Current, Eleven Point, and Jack's Fork Rivers for floating. Right now, the woods are full of dogwoods and redbuds.

It wouldn't make any sense for you this trip, MB, but still.

Hermann is a quaint little German Settlement with lots of wineries to visit: http://www.hermannmo.com/ Another place we enjoyed visiting for a day was Mark Twains Hannibal. Outside of St Louis is a wonderful place called Grant's Farm! It is free with acres and acres of animals that you can take a tram to view, you can walk to the Clydesale Stables and since this is owned by Anheuser Busch you are treated to two free beers: http://www.grantsfarm.com/

Thanks for all the great info.

Since you will already be on Hwy 71, not too far out of the way is the Mark Twain Park with Roaring River. It is a beautiful little gem with hiking, camping and gorgeous views this time of the year. When you leave Roaring River, it is very easy to swing back to Fayetteville for the conference.

I can't find Mark Twain Park on the map. Where is it?

After visiting Fort Scott, continue straight south and tour some of historic Route 66.

Nana, do you mean Roaring River State Park, near Cassville?

Yes, Roaring River state park in Cassville, Mo it recently underwent some severe flooding but it is beautiful and a wonderful place to see the Ozarks.

Nice time of year (moved recently from Spfld, MO). Hermann? No, way too far East. Ft. Scott? Too far west. Branson? That's another trip if you want to see the shows plus Silver Dollar City. Eleven Point River? Do come back for a float trip. Mark Twain Nat'l Forest (not Park) is indeed scenic. Yes to Pea Ridge and also G.W. Carver Memorial. Might stop off for some hiking here and there. Also maybe one of the state's caves...such as Crystal Caverns near Cassville. Which does mean detouring a bit off U.S. 71 or I-540. And you should.

Bill in Boston