The only Missourian ever elected president was born in this region of the Show-Me State, where a well-known author penned a classic book series, an innovator dreamed up the Kewpie, and a scientist learned to love the world around him.
Morning
A. Robert A. Heinlein Library Addition
Butler is the birthplace of science fiction writer Robert Heinlein. The library addition houses memorabilia and original books, including "Starship Troopers" and "Puppet Master." Heinlein is most famous for "Stranger In a Strange Land."
B. Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site
Harry S Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, was born here in 1884. Furnishings from the period fill the home. Free tours.
Evening
A. Laura Ingalls Wilder Home & Museum
It's a little more than an hour's drive from Bonniebrook to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum. Wilder wrote her beloved Little House books while living at Rocky Ridge Farm, near Mansfield.
B. Mansfield Woods Vacation Cabins
Unwind from your road trip at these cottages, located among the rolling Ozark hills. Each cottage includes: two sleeping areas, a sleeper sofa, a double bed or two twin beds, a full bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, heating and cooling, and a deck overlooking the pond.
Afternoon
A. George Washington Carver National Monument
This 240-acre national park is the birthplace and childhood home of George Washington Carver, the famous argonomist, educator, and humanitarian. The park consists of the Visitor Center, which includes a museum, theater, discovery center area, and gift shop. Also on-site are the 1881 Historic Moses Carver house; Carver Cemetery; and a three-fourths mile nature trail.
B. Bonniebrook Gallery, Museum and Homestead
The drive from the Carver site to Bonniebrook takes about two hours. At Bonniebrook, see the home of Rose O'Neill - artist, author, activist, illustrator, inventor, and the first female cartoonist in America (she created the Kewpie character). Free admission every day for walking trails, picnic area, outdoor sculpture, and historic cemetery. Bonniebrook is located nine miles north of Branson.