5 Easy Day Trips You Can Take From Springfield, Missouri, My Favorite Included

While I love nothing more than a cross-country road trip, there are times when it simply isn’t practical to venture far from my home in Springfield, Missouri. Luckily, I have a plentiful menu of beloved day trips, including eclectic small towns, rolling Ozarks landscapes, and the Midwest version of Vegas. Whether you live in southwest Missouri or are visiting, here are five easy day trips to take from Springfield:

1. Visit the Quirky Town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas (95 miles)

“Artsy” and “eclectic” might not be the first words that come to mind when you think of Arkansas; however, the Natural State has some surprisingly unique cities. Located in northwest Arkansas, the small town of Eureka Springs has long attracted visitors to its natural springs, which were once believed to have healing properties. While the springs are still an attraction, there’s so much more to explore. Colorful streets of Victorian homes are set amid the Ozark Mountains, and the downtown historic district bursts with galleries, bookstores, chic shops, and more. We especially love to visit on a day with a parade or festival. There's always something fun going on.

2. Escape to the Natural Beauty of Bennett Spring in Lebanon, Missouri (56 miles)

Bennett Spring State Park is less than an hour’s drive from Springfield, and you can easily spend a whole day exploring the park’s natural beauty. Start with a visit to the namesake spring, a stunningly blue hole of mysterious depths. Try your hand at fly fishing for the stocked rainbow trout, or take a hike on one of the park’s many trails. Even though I am not a master angler, I usually catch at least one. If you’re tempted to stay overnight, the park’s campground offers large wooded sites.

3. Explore the Midwest Version of Vegas in Branson, Missouri (44 miles)

Branson has bright lights and big shows centered along a main Strip, similar to Vegas—without the gambling. Since this vacation destination is packed with fun attractions like aquariums and over-the-top museums, my family has made this road trip several times a year over the decades. When my kids were little, we spent most of our time at Silver Dollar City, an especially scenic theme park packed with thrill rides and good food. Nowadays, we are more drawn to Table Rock Lake, one of many gorgeous waterways in the Branson area. Visiting the town for a day trip is easy, but deciding which of our favorite activities is hard.

4. Visit Mysterious Ruins at Ha Ha Tonka State Park (73 miles)

With a name like Ha Ha Tonka, this state park is intriguing before you even learn about the castle ruins. The name comes from the land’s many bubbling springs, which were called “laughing waters.” Just after the turn of the 20th century in 1905, a Kansas City businessman built a large castle on a rocky bluff. After his death, the castle became a hotel but was destroyed by a fire in 1942, leaving behind the remnants of its towering stone walls. These castle ruins are surprisingly scenic and attract many visitors, but there is more to explore, including hiking trails, springs, and the Lake of the Ozarks.

5. Find Manmade and Natural Treasures in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways (125 miles)

Ozark National Scenic Riverways protects two rivers, the Current and the Jacks Fork, as well as several natural and historic sites in southeast Missouri. One iconic spot is Alley Mill, a historic mill known for its barn-red facade that reflects in the vibrant waters of a large spring. You can visit several other springs, splash in the rivers, or hike one of dozens of trails. For a classic way to enjoy the Ozarks, plan a summer float trip. Echo Bluff State Park is also worth a stop and is a scenic spot to stay if you decide to extend your day trip overnight in the campground or lodge.

Picking a favorite from these diverse choices is, of course, difficult, but I have to say Eureka Springs captures my heart and imagination every time. It combines the natural beauty of the Ozarks with an artsy atmosphere. Luckily, no matter which direction you head, there are exciting day trip options within reach of Springfield, MO!