8 Great Road Trips to Take in Missouri

Missouri is full of great road trips, offering a mix of scenic beauty, cultural landmarks, and outdoor activities. Whether visitors travel the iconic Route 66, explore Mark Twain's hometown, or go thrill-seeking in a historic amusement park, the “Show Me” State invites travelers to dive into history, nature, and quirky attractions on one of these road trips. With so much to see and do, photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, families, and nature lovers can marvel at natural wonders like the Ozark Scenic Byway’s turquoise springs or the Lake of the Ozarks' dramatic landscapes. History buffs can trace frontier heritage on the Kansas City to St. Joseph route, while wine lovers can sip their way through the Hermann Wine Trail. Each route promises unforgettable experiences for travelers of all tastes.

Route 66 Adventure - St. Louis to Cuba

The ultimate road trip starts on the iconic Route 66 through Missouri and combines Route 66 nostalgia, natural beauty, and quirky charm. Start with a visit to the landmark Chain of Rocks Bridge that spans the Mississippi River near St. Louis, Missouri. While the bridge is no longer open to cars, it is now part of a green initiative, the Route 66 Bikeway. Don’t leave town without a pit stop at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, a St. Louis institution. Head for Stanton to see the “Greatest Show Under the Earth” at the Meramec Caverns, popularly associated with the outlaw Jesse James. Take an 80-minute Cavern Tour of the largest commercial cave in Missouri—nicknamed “The Cave State.” There’s Jesse James’ Wax Museum nearby, too.

Back in the car to Cuba (not that Cuba), fans of quirky roadside attractions can get an eyeful of one of the world’s largest rocking chairs at over 42 feet tall—the Route 66 Rocker. In the small town of Cuba (also known as “Mural City”), take a self-guided walking tour to see the large-scale Murals of Cuba. Be sure to find the “Route 66 Mural,” which features classic Route 66 imagery, like vintage signs, classic cars, and historic landmarks.

Mark Twain Country - St. Charles to Hannibal

On this trip, road-trippers will start in historic St. Charles, the same spot used by Lewis and Clark on their ill-fated search for the famous Northwest Passage. For inspiration, pay a visit to the Lewis & Clark Boathouse and Museum, which features highlights from their expedition. Take a selfie with the Lewis & Clark Statue overlooking the Missouri River in Frontier Park, then hit the road north to Hannibal—Mark Twain’s hometown. At the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, prepare to be inspired in the Norman Rockwell Gallery, where lithographs of the preliminary sketches, illustrations, and oil paintings from Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn are on permanent display. Head outside and walk the 244 steps of the Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse for a panoramic view of Hannibal and the Mississippi River. On the way out of town, stop in and explore the Mark Twain Cave, a limestone labyrinth with winding passages and unique rock formations, where visitors can follow in the footsteps of Tom and Becky.

Ozark Scenic Byway - Eminence to Echo Bluff State Park

Be prepared for a scenic drive on the Ozark Scenic Byway through rolling hills, dense forests, and pretty river valleys. This route includes four stops where outdoor enthusiasts can stretch their legs on short hikes, enjoy a picnic, or take photographs. Outside Eminence, the Alley Mill and Spring is a historic landmark whose centerpiece is a bright-red 19th-century grist mill built in 1894 next to a clear-blue spring. The next stop is Blue Spring, one of Missouri’s most stunning natural attractions. Blue Spring is vibrant blue and the deepest spring in Missouri.

Round Spring and Round Spring Cave are popular attractions within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The spring is renowned for its turquoise color, which is dissolved limestone reflecting light, whereas the cave is filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and other limestone formations. Lantern tours of the cave are available during certain times of the year. End the day at Echo Bluff State Park, with its towering bluffs on the banks of the Current River, where nature lovers can hike, canoe, or float down the crystal-clear waters of Sinking Creek.

Lake of the Ozarks Getaway - Lake Ozark to Camdenton

This road trip starts at the landmark Bagnell Dam, an iconic 1931 dam that created the Lake of the Ozarks. Visit the scenic overlook and learn about its history from the interpretative signs, then stop for quirky souvenirs at the Dogpatch Store, a fixture on the touristy Bagnell Dam Strip since 1947. Hit the road for Ha Ha Tonka State Park to see the ruins of a 1905 European-style castle, then hike on more than 15 miles of trails that take adventurers past stunning natural wonders like sinkholes, caves, bluffs, a natural bridge, and a large spring. Bring binoculars and look for over 175 bird species recorded in the park.

It’s a 30-minute drive from the state park to Bridal Cave, a top tourist attraction for over 75 years. Renowned for its breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites, visitors can book a tour to explore the passageways and cave chambers while learning about its history and legends. Bridal Cave sits on the shore of the Lake of the Ozarks, the stunning 55,000-acre lake created by the construction of the first stop on this drive, the Bagnell Dam. With 1,150 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of things to do, from shopping at Osage Beach Outlet Marketplace to golfing at one of 12 area golf clubs on the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail.

Frontier Heritage Trail - Kansas City to St. Joseph

This road trip is a memorable drive between two iconic Missouri cities: Kansas City and St. Joseph. Start with a visit to one of Kansas City’s hidden attractions, the Arabia Steamboat Museum, which contains one of the world's most extensive collections of pre-Civil War artifacts. The steamboat sank in 1856, a casualty of the perilous Missouri River. Head to the pretty River Market District and grab a coffee to go at City Market Coffee, then drive about 35 minutes to the charming town of Weston. Stop at the Weston Bend State Park for sweeping views of the river, and hike along a paved 3-mile trail through the woods.

In St. Joseph, dive into the history of the short-lived mail service known as the Pony Express at the eponymous museum. Head to the Patee House Museum, the Pony Express's original headquarters, and then walk a block down the street to see the home where outlaw Jesse James was shot and killed in 1883 at the Jesse James Home. Other attractions include the 1916 Japanese Tea House, the Buffalo Saloon, and a vintage carousel built in the 1940s. End the day with authentic Louisiana cuisine at Bourdreaux’s Louisiana Seafood in the heart of historic downtown.

Lakes, Caves, and Coasters - Branson to Silver Dollar City

Road trippers won’t spend much time driving from Branson to Silver Dollar City in the car, as there is simply too much to see and do. Start in historic downtown Branson with a visit to the Branson Centennial Museum to learn how the city became “America's Top Live Music Show Destination.” Pick up some souvenirs at the iconic Dick’s 5 & 10, then fuel up at Branson’s oldest restaurant, the 1910 Branson Cafe, for the busy day ahead. The next stop is scenic Table Rock Lake, a popular boating, fishing, hiking, and sightseeing spot.

The last stop is the 1880s theme park Silver Dollar City, founded atop Missouri’s deepest cave. Marvel Cave, a wet limestone cave with one of the largest underground entrances in the United States, first opened for tours in 1894. Cave tours are included with admission to Silver Dollar City. Tour the cave, then spend the rest of the trip enjoying the rides, including the new Fire in the Hole roller coaster in the park’s most popular area, the Fire District. Take in a show at one of the onsite theaters or watch a demonstration by crafters like candle making, glass blowing, pottery, and much more.

Hermann Wine Trail - Hermann to New Haven

Grab a designated driver or book a trolley tour with the Hermann Trolley company and visit any number of charming wineries in the heart of Missouri’s wine country. Begin the trip in Hermann, renowned for its German heritage and historic wineries, with a stop at the Stone Hill Winery. The guided tour takes wine enthusiasts through the winery’s arched underground cellars, a tasting in the tasting room, and a visit to the Museum Room full of winery artifacts. Next, head to the oldest continuously owned family farm winery in the U.S., the Adam Puchta Winery. Book a tasting experience to enjoy six award-winning wines and a charcuterie board.

The next winery on the trip is the G. Husmann Wine Company, founded by George Husmann, the father of the Missouri grape industry. Enjoy a tasting experience on the patio overlooking Frene Creek before ending the flavorful day in New Haven at the Röbller Vineyard and Winery, specializing in French-American hybrid wines. Enjoy a flight of wine in their tasting room, which has scenic views and exudes small-town charm.

Mississippi River Trail - Cape Girardeau to Ste. Genevieve

Follow the Mississippi River along Missouri’s portion of the Great River Road. Start in the charming river town of Cape Girardeau and admire the 1,100-foot-long Mississippi River Tales Mural, which features 24 panels depicting the town’s history on the flood wall. Climb the steps to Cape Rock for spectacular river views, then hop in the car and head to the solemn Trail of Tears State Park, which stands in memoriam to the 16,000 Cherokee forcibly moved from their land. Stop by the Visitor Center to see the documentary film by the same name.

In Perryville, explore the spiritual landmark Saint Mary’s of the Barrens Church and its grounds, which are dedicated to the Virgin Mary and known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful setting. End this road trip in historic Ste. Genevieve is Missouri’s oldest town. Tour the charming historic district and the Centre for French Colonial Life, which depicts the colonial era during the late 18th to early 19th centuries and the development of a unique French “Creole” identity in the region. The Bolduc House Museum, on-site at the Centre, is a restored French Creole log house from that period. Book a table at Audubon’s in a historic building on Main Street in downtown Ste. Genevieve, for a taste of German-Creole cuisine.

Embrace the Spirit of Missouri Through Road Trips

Road-tripping through Missouri is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in a state with so much to offer. With its unique blend of history, natural beauty, and cultural experiences, the 24th state in the union is an ideal destination for travelers seeking adventure and variety, like outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and food and wine lovers. Whether exploring caves, hiking through lush forests, or discovering historic sites, taking a great road trip through Missouri allows travelers to connect with the state's rich heritage and stunning landscapes at their own pace.