Things to do in southern Missouri along I-44
 

We're going to be traveling through southern Missouri from St. Louis to Joplin next week on our way from one place to another...

I was wondering if there are any neat little family diversions along (or near) the way on I-44. My kids are 9 and 11.

I'm just looking for anything that might be fun, educational, interesting, etc. to break up the ride.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks!

In Springfield there's a Bass Pro Shop.
www.basspro.com

I should add, as it's not clear on the website home page, this Bass Pro Shop had a wildlife art gallery, trout pond, waterfall, and other fun things I enjoyed seeing as a kid.

St. James - Meremac Spring Park - trout hatchery, old iron mine. There is a small per car charge to get in.

Rolla - Stonehenge reproduction on the University of Missouri-Rolla campus - this would be a short stop, but it is very interesting.

Fort Leonard Wood - Army Engineer Museum - this would be a longer stop - this is something I didn't think I would like at all, but it was actually pretty interesting.

Springfield - Bass Pro Shop

There are also several state parks along the route (Meramec at Sullivan exit, Onondaga at Leasburg exit, Ha Ha Tonka and Bennett Springs at Lebanon - these are all nice, but would probably take longer than you would want to spend if you are just passing through)

There is a drive through animal safari just east of Springfield.

The drive through animal safari is Exotic Animal Paradise (Northview exit if you're heading west, Strafford exit if you heading east). It is okay, but in my opinion not worth the price - I think it is about $10 per person.

i always make a gas/pit stop in lebanon at the chicago cutlery outlet store on the west edge of lebanon (exit 127?) they have every chicago kitchen knife known to man or woman, plus pen knives, lovely wooden bowls, dishes and much etc. all at outlet prices. i stock up on wedding and xmas gifts. nice place, breaks up the trip.