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
A. Gateway Arch National Park
The national park includes the Gateway Arch, the Old Courthouse and the Museum at the Arch. 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, learn about the freedom trials of Dred Scott, which took place at the Old Courthouse. Operated by...
B. Meramec Caverns
Go on a guided tour of this seven-level natural wonder, possibly the oldest stop along historic Route 66. Tours are conducted along well-lighted walkways. Cavern tour takes one hour and twenty minutes, covering 1.25 miles. Meramec Caverns has been a tourist attraction since 1933. The cave is reputed to have been used by Jesse James and his gang as a...
C. Route 66 Neon Park, St. Robert
This outdoor, open-air museum features restored, vintage neon signs that originated along Historic Route 66. Signs were rescued from St. Louis to Carthage and are displayed within the historic George M. Reed Roadside Park on Route 66 in St Robert, MO. Plan your visit to take this site in, both day and evening, as neon lights up the evening sky...
D. Fanning 66 Outpost and Feedstore
Home of the World’s Largest Rocking Chair (2008-2016) on Route 66. Featuring over 250 glass bottle sodas, 75 flavors of fudge and over 300 flavors of gourmet popcorn.
E. History Museum on the Square
History Museum on the Square is located right on historic Route 66 in Springfield, MO. Our six permanent galleries tell the stories of significant events in Springfield and create distinct and intentional dialogues about objects, individuals, and history– dialogues that foster examinations of unique aspects of Springfield, Greene County and its people. A rich and vast collection of artifacts, photographs, and...
F. Gary’s Gay Parita
Recreation of a 1926 Sinclair gas station. Recreated by Gary and Lena Turner. Opened by Fred and Gay Mason in 1926.
G. Route 66 Mural
Artist John Biggs depicts Route 66, from Chicago to Webb City, 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.
Shopping
A. Historic Main Street St. Charles
Missouri's first and largest region in the National Register of Historic Places runs parallel to the Missouri River. The brick-paved streets are home to one-of-a-kind boutiques and shops, located in restored buildings that date to the 1800s. Numerous restaurants, bakeries and pubs provide plenty of opportunities to refresh and refuel while you shop.
B. Grand Village Shops
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. In addition to the boutiques and specialty shops, there are a pair of eateries, including a 50’s-style diner with singing servers!
C. Country Club Plaza Shopping & Dining District
This 15-block district in Kansas City is one of the Midwest's major shopping, dining and entertainment destinations. The area - featuring century-old Spanish-inspired architecture and an array of fountains, sculptures and mural - has more than 150 upscale shops and dozens of restaurants, night clubs and hotels.
Outdoors
A. Missouri Botanical Garden
Founded in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is the country's oldest botanical garden in continuous operation. The National Historic Landmark, located in St. Louis, features 79 acres of gardens and historic structures. Indoor and outdoor displays include the Climatron tropical rain forest, Kemper Center for Home Gardening, Japanese Garden, George Washington Carver Garden, historic Tower Grove House and the seasonal Doris I. Schnuck Children's Garden.
B. Lake Day at Table Rock Lake
For outdoor fun, you'll find more than 38 miles of hiking, backpacking and equestrian trails winding through this 6,393-acre park, located near Troy. The park also offers camping, a lake for fishing and swimming, picnicking, and a visitor center.
C. Elephant Rocks and Johnson's Shut-Ins State Parks
Giant, billion-year-old granite boulders stand end-to-end, like a train of pink circus elephants at this state park in Belleview. A mile-long trail (with Braille signage) winds among these geologic wonders and takes you past the remains of a former mining operation. Afterward, cool off at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, featuring a geological “waterpark” with chutes, pools and waterfalls. If you want to extend your getaway to two days, stay at the park’s cabins.
D. Powell Gardens
With 970 acres of rolling hills and windswept meadows, Powell Gardens – Kansas City's botanical garden – offers breathtaking display gardens, a nature trail and beautiful architecture. The Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel, designed by architect Fay Jones, is a quiet place for reflection and inspiration.
Dining Options
A. St. Louis Union Station
For a variety of options, visit St. Louis Union Station. A balance of nostalgia and renovation, the historical building is a mixed-use complex featuring fun attractions and several eateries. Dine at the 1894 Café for a taste of classic American fare, The Pitch – a soccer bar for sports fans – or The Train Shed, where contemporary cuisine and creative cocktails make up the menu. After, indulge in a delicious dessert at the Soda Fountain. With confectionary creations delivered by spoon or straw, each sweet treat is designed to delight your inner kid with an over-the-top twist.
B. Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes
Creative burgers and boozy shakes take center stage at Black Sheep Burgers and Shakes, with three locations in Springfield. A variety of cocktails and beer is also available.
C. Danna’s Bar-B-Que and Burger Shop
Savor some mouthwatering barbecue at Danna’s in Branson. The meat is specially prepared, marinated with a flavorful rub and slow smoked until it’s falling off the bone. In addition to barbecue, Danna’s is well known for its burgers – handmade from fresh beef or turkey and cooked to order. For those with a sweet tooth, try the rich, buttery Memphis Rolls. They taste like a yummy doughnut, and you’ll be asking to order a dozen to go.
Stay and Play
A. Big Cedar Lodge
Located in the Ozark Mountains overlooking Table Rock Lake, Big Cedar Lodge is a remote haven of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. The resort's collection of lodges, cottages and cabins provide the perfect place to relax with friends after a day on the lake. Big Cedar is home to numerous restaurants, a breathtaking spa, championship golf courses, an expansive shooting facility and Fun Mountain, a 50,000-square-foot activity center.
B. 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.
C. The Raphael Hotel
Located just steps from Kansas City's famed Country Club Plaza, The Raphael Hotel is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel with European-style elegance and charm. Housed in a historic landmark building, The Raphael delivers a blend of vintage hospitality with individualized service. The hotel's signature restaurant, Chaz, features an award-winning wine list that complements seasonally inspired dishes.