Trip Ideas: U.S. 63 Part 1
Route 63 cuts a swath through the heart of Missouri, linking the farm fields of the north to the Ozark Mountains in the south, crossing the mighty Missouri River in between.
Morning
Pancake City
Pancake City has been one of Kirksville’s favorite breakfast establishments for 27 years. The restaurant enjoys a reputation for generous portions big enough for the traveling man or woman—or even the biggest of college appetites for students at Truman State University.
2102 N. Baltimore, Kirksville, 660-665-6002.
Thousand Hills State Park
Features American Indian rock carvings (petroglyphs) more than 1,500 years old, and the 573-acre Forrest Lake. The petroglyphs are listed on National Register of Historic Places. The park includes a beach, a marina, a boat ramp, fishing, campsites, hiking, mountain biking and backpacking trails, picnic areas, cabins, and dining.
20431 Route 157, Kirksville, 660-665-6995.
Afternoon
Long Branch State Park
This park features water recreation on the 2,430-acre Long Branch Lake, which has an excellent reputation for bass fishing. A swimming beach, trails, camping, an accessible fishing dock, a store, boat slips, picnic sites and shelters are available.
28615 Visitor Center Road, Macon, 660-773-5229.
Evening
Pear Tree Restaurant
In the small town of Bevier is one of the best home-town restaurants in Missouri. The Pear Tree Restaurant has provided patrons with the best in fine-dining experiences since 1986.
222 N Macon St, Bevier, 660-773-6666.