Gather your girlfriends for a trip in Missouri, where a variety of destinations and attractions await. Take a road trip on the “Mother Road”, sit poolside and enjoy scenic views, shop at the cutest boutiques, dine at award-winning restaurants, or set off on an outdoor adventure. Here are some suggestions to help you get started on a getaway that gets you and your bestie too!
Route 66 Road Trip
Gateway Arch National Park, St. Louis
Ride the tram to the top of the Gateway Arch, view a film, enjoy the extensive collection of artifacts and history of the American West in the museum, and visit the Old Courthouse to learn about the freedom trials of Dred Scott. It’s a scenic trip to take with your besties that you won’t soon forget.
Meramec Caverns, Stanton
Go deep on a tour of the cave Jesse James and his gang may have once hid out in. The cave’s seven levels feature many impressive formations, but it’s also home to picnic areas, a restaurant, a candy store and a sluice. Rent a canoe or raft for a trip down the Meramec River, or soar through the treetops on a zipline adventure and tour the Jesse James Wax Museum.
Route 66 Neon Park, St. Robert
Light up your girls night in the glow of vintage neon signs that originated along historic Route 66. This open-air park is a sight to behold by day and by night, and pathways and storyboards fill in the legend of the Mother Road’s iconic glowing signage.
Fanning 66 Outpost and Feedstore, Cuba
Home of the World’s Largest Rocking Chair on Route 66, this is one spot you don’t want to miss. Featuring over 250 glass bottle sodas, 75 flavors of fudge and over 300 flavors of gourmet popcorn, it’s a sweet stop on any road trip.
History Museum on the Square, Springfield
History Museum on the Square is located right on historic Route 66 in Springfield. Galleries tell the stories of significant events in Springfield and create distinct and intentional discussions about objects, individuals and history. Step onto the square and uncover the story of the home of the Mother Road.
Gary’s Gay Parita, Ash Grove
Catch a glimpse of the past with this recreation of a 1926 Sinclair gas station In Ash Grove. It was cool a century ago, and it’s even cooler now.
Route 66 Mural, Webb City
Route 66 in all its glory is depicted in a 15-foot by 32-foot mural on the Bruner Building in downtown Webb City. The mural includes the Chicago and St. Louis skylines, along with the Jasper County Courthouse in Carthage, the historic Webb House and the Praying Hands monument in Webb City. That’s a lot of Missouri to see all in one spot.
Shopping
Historic Main Street St. Charles
Walk the brick-paved streets of St. Charles and you’re bound to find something special. Shops, restaurants, ice cream parlors, bed and breakfasts, antique and furniture stores, and more are tucked in buildings dating back to the 1800s. There’s something for everyone in Missouri’s original capital city.
Grand Village Shops, Branson
Explore a collection of locally owned and operated shops in a quaint shopping neighborhood in Branson. The products are unique, ranging from handcrafted gifts and accessories to sweet treats and gourmet foods. There’s even a 50s-style diners with singing wait staff ready to make your visit even more memorable.
Country Club Plaza Shopping & Dining District, Kansas City
This 15-block district in Kansas City is one of the Midwest’s major shopping, dining and entertainment destinations. The area has more than 150 upscale businesses, including shops, restaurants, nightclubs and hotels. Shop to your heart’s content, then visit the many fountains, sculptures and murals the area has to offer.
Outdoors
Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis
The Missouri Botanical Garden is a sightseeing paradise with 79 acres of gardens and historic structures. Displays include the Climatron tropical rain forest, Kemper Center for Home Gardening, George Washington Carver Garden, Japanese Garden, the historic Tower Grove House and the Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden.
Table Rock Lake, Kimberling City
For outdoor fun, you’ll find more than 38 miles of hiking, backpacking and equestrian trails winding in this park near Troy. Have an outdoorsy trip camping, fishing and swimming on the lake, picnicking in nature or checking out the visitor center.
Elephant Rocks and Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Parks, Belleview and Middle Brook
Is that a parade of elephants in Belleview? It sure looks like it, but in fact it’s a row of billion-year-old rock formations worthy of a circus. A mile-long trail winds among these geologic wonders and takes you past the remains of a former mining operation near Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. The park is great place to cool off in a geological “waterpark” with chutes, pools and waterfalls.
Powell Gardens, Kingsville
With 970 acres of rolling hills and windswept meadows, Powell Gardens in Kansas City will show you breathtaking display gardens, a nature trail and beautiful architecture. Or, pause and reflect at the Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel on site.
Dining Options
St. Louis Union Station
Next stop on the weekend itinerary: an unforgettable meal. Bring your appetite to St. Louis Union Station and dine at the 1894 Café, The Pitch or The Train Shed, each with unique food, cocktails and vibes. After, indulge in a delightful goodie at the Soda Fountain, where each sweet treat is designed to delight with an over-the-top twist.
Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes, Springfield
Creative burgers and boozy shakes are ready to make your girls weekend unforgettable at Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes, with three locations in Springfield. There’s plenty of beer and other drink options to make it a party, too.
Danna’s Bar-B-Que and Burger Shop, Branson
Looking for some mouthwatering barbecue in Branson? Danna’s is the place to be. The meat is specially prepared, marinated with a flavorful rub and slow smoked until it’s falling off the bone. Or, if that’s not your taste, try one of their burgers or delightfully sweet Memphis Rolls.
Stay and Play
Big Cedar Lodge, Ridgedale
Big Cedar Lodge is a remote haven of natural beauty and outdoor adventure in the Ozarks. The resort provides the perfect place to relax with friends after a day on the lake in a cabin or cottage. Big Cedar is home to numerous restaurants, a breathtaking spa, an activity center and more for a girls trip you’ll never forget.
Ameristar Casino Resort Spa – St. Charles
The first AAA Four Diamond hotel in St. Charles offers 397 luxurious suites with oversized baths, sunken living rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Missouri River or the city of St. Charles. A 7,000-square-foot luxury spa includes a state-of the-art fitness center and a spa boutique. Place your bets and get your rest.
The Raphael Hotel, Kansas City
Situated near Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza, The Raphael Hotel is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel bursting with elegance and charm. The Raphael delivers a blend of vintage hospitality with individualized service in a historic building. Chaz, the hotel’s restaurant, features an award-winning wine list and delectable seasonal dishes.