This 433-Mile Road Trip Leads To Some Of The Most Scenic Parts Of Missouri, No Matter What Time Of Year It Is
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
Can you think of a better time to go on a road trip than now? It doesn’t matter if the landscape’s blanketed in snow or dotted with blossoming flowers. Any time’s a great time for a road trip. This road trip spans 433 miles and will take you to some of the most scenic parts of Missouri – from a breathtaking spring to our very own Grand Canyon.
Here are the Google Map directions for the road trip. Customize by adding or removing stops, and add your own starting point. Whatever you do, have fun!
Blue Spring, Eminence Township, MO 63638, USA
Let’s kick off our road trip with a visit to Blue Spring, the sixth largest spring in Missouri and an absolutely gorgeous natural wonder. (It’s also Missouri’s deepest spring, measuring 310 feet.) Park at the trailhead for Blue Spring and follow the quarter of a mile trail straight to the spring. During the warmer months, the path is decorated with colorful wildflowers. Read more.
Fantastic Caverns, 4872 N Farm Rd 125, Springfield, MO 65803, USA
Living in a state known for its thousands of caves means we have to have a cave on our road trip. Fantastic Caverns is perhaps best known as America’s Ride-Thru Cave. Climb aboard a Jeep-pulled tram that will take you for a tour of the cave that was discovered in 1867. Dress appropriately as the cave maintains a temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit all year long. Here’s the official website of Fantastic Caverns.
Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S Scenic Ave, Springfield, MO 65807, USA
After spending time underground, go for a stroll through Springfield Botanical Gardens. (While the flowers won’t be in bloom during the winter, you can still enjoy a leisurely walk.) The Botanical Gardens are open all year around and often host a variety of events, including exhibits and classes. Learn more on the official Facebook of Springfield Botanical Gardens.
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, 2038 State Hwy 86, Lampe, MO 65681, USA
A full menu of outdoor activities await at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, so you might want to plan to stay for a few days. Open year-round, the popular nature park features beautiful features – waterfalls and streams, for example. Explore by hiking, horseback riding, or going on a Segway tour. For a one-of-a-kind adventure, join one of the Wildlife Tram Tours. Discover more on the official website of Dogwood Canyon Nature Park.
Table Rock Lake, Branson, MO 65616, USA
Our next stop takes us to Table Rock Lake, which boasts more than 800 miles of shoreline. The lake is an ideal backdrop for boating, kayaking, and canoeing. During the warmer months, claim your spot at Moonshine Beach, a sandy beach that leads into the lake. Table Rock Lake is also within a slew of family-friendly attractions, including Silver Dollar City. Stop by the official website of Visit Table Rock Lake to plan your trip.
Grand Gulf State Park, State Hwy W, Koshkonong, MO 65692, USA
Grand Gulf State Park is often known as the Little Grand Canyon – a beautiful natural wonder that straddles the border of Arkansas. Follow the Interpretive Loop Trail that will take you to gorgeous views of the canyon from several overlooks. You can go to the bottom of the canyon floor. However, there is no official trail and it does pose some danger. Check out the official website of Grand Gulf State Park.
Rocky Falls, Winona Township, MO 65588, USA
Our final stop takes us near where we began in Eminence. Rocky Falls is a gorgeous waterfall that’s particularly popular with those looking to cool off during the summer. Wear a pair of comfy shoes, too, so you can explore the picturesque walking trail. Picnic tables, fire grills, and bathrooms are also available. Learn more about Rocky Falls.
What are your favorite scenic parts of Missouri? Let us know in the comments! We can all probably agree that Missouri is absolutely beautiful, right? Here are 10 unimaginably beautiful places in Missouri you must see before you die.
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