Exploring the Ozarks Outdoors: freshare.net

Missouri Tourism Features Great Getaways That are Close to Home for Springfield Area Travelers

First posted on 10-14-2008

Say goodbye to the standard two-week vacation destination; say hello to oodles of get-away options. More and more, folks are recognizing the pleasure of taking frequent breaks from their busy schedules — and taking to the road to relax and recharge.

To help travelers plan spur-of-the-moment getaways, the Missouri Division of Tourism has published a collection of destinations that are a short drive from cities in the region on a special web page, http://www.VisitMO.com/closetohome.

The itineraries are ideal for folks who want to take a long weekend or even a more traditional vacation. For travelers in the Springfield area, great Missouri adventures are close to home and far from ordinary. Great getaways include:

Bennett Spring State Park, Lebanon
Approximate Distance: 67 miles
Load up your fishing poles and head to Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon. Bennett Spring is surrounded by a 3,000-acre park and is stocked with rainbow trout that bring fishermen from all over to try and land the “big one.” The park also boasts some of the state’s best hiking trails, campsites and canoeing.
http://www.mostateparks.com/bennett.htm

Carthage
Approximate Distance: 79 miles
Located in the Ozark Mountain region where fertile prairies meet timbered Ozark uplands, Carthage has experienced more than 160 years of history. Views of its glorious past are still visible in the 19th century architecture throughout the city. With an abundance of art and cultural activities, and, of course, the world’s only Precious Moments Chapel and Park, a visit to Carthage is a nostalgic trip back in time.
http://www.visit-carthage.com

Lake of the Ozarks
Approximate Distance: 98 miles
Tee off at one of the 15 golf courses carved out of the verdant forest and rolling hills at Lake of the Ozarks. Nestled amid the lake’s 1,150 miles of scenic shoreline, the area’s 261 holes beckon everyone from beginners to seasoned pros. Play courses designed by Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf and others.
http://www.funlake.com

University of Missouri-Rolla’s Stonehenge, Rolla

Approximate Distance: 110 miles
Tour Stonehenge without flying all the way to England. Drive up I-44 to Rolla to see a half-scale replica of the world’s most famous pile of rocks stands. Located on the campus of the University of Missouri-Rolla, this Stonehenge was built with 160 tons of granite, shaped using waterjet technology.
http://www.visitrolla.com

Missouri State Fair, Sedalia
Approximate Distance: 117 miles
For good old-fashioned family fun, attend the 2008 Missouri State Fair, Aug. 7-17 in Sedalia. Big name entertainers perform nightly, and the whole family will enjoy the many carnival rides, rodeo performances, competitions, exhibits and food during the 11-day event.
http://www.mostatefair.com

Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Approximate Distance: 148 miles
Float down the crystal-clear waters of the spring-fed Current or Jack’s Fork rivers. As you drift past rocky bluffs and shorelines thick with wildflowers, you will quickly understand why the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, headquartered in Van Buren, is a favorite canoeing and tubing area. Encompassing more than 134 miles of shoreline, the area was America’s first national scenic riverway. The gentle wilderness is perfect for both beginners and experienced floaters.
http://www.nps.gov/ozar

Country Club Plaza, Kansas City
Approximate Distance: 163 miles
Shop and dine at the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City. Covering 14 square blocks, the Plaza contains more than 180 of the finest stores in the country, as well as dozens of restaurants. In between stores, stop to admire the exquisite mosaics, statues and sparkling fountains that make the area an outdoor museum. The Plaza’s Moorish architecture is modeled after Seville, Spain.
http://www.countryclubplaza.com

Columbia

Approximate Distance: 171 miles
It may be a little city, but Columbia’s eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, art galleries, museums, music venues, sporting events, and coffee houses means there’s never a shortage of things to do. From the talents of nationally known performers to a stroll through Columbia’s vibrant downtown, Columbia’s distinctive blend of small town feel and big city options offer visitors an exciting mix of venues from which to choose.
http://www.visitcolumbiamo.com

City Market, Kansas City
Approximate Distance: 174 miles
Spend some time in Kansas City’s colorful City Market area. Children will enjoy learning about a real-life treasure hunt at the Arabia Steamboat Museum. The museum displays thousands of artifacts salvaged from a steamboat that sank near the city in 1856. On weekends, more than 140 vendor stalls burst with fruits, vegetables and herbs, plus fresh baked goods and other sweets, cut flowers and crafts made by local artisans.
http://www.thecitymarket.org

Power & Light District, Kansas City
Approximate Distance: 172 miles
The Power & Light District, a new nine-block neighborhood in downtown Kansas City links the Kansas City Convention Center to the west and the new Sprint Center arena to the east. The $850 million mixed-use district includes more than three million square feet of destination entertainment, retail, residential and office space. The District features vibrant lighting and landscaping, outdoor seating for restaurants, nightlife and a permanent, covered performance stage featuring live entertainment.
http://www.visitkc.com

Jesse James Farm and Museum, Kearney
Approximate Distance: 191 miles
Visit the Jesse James Farm and Museum in Kearney. The restored family home where Frank and Jesse James grew up is now a museum boasting the world’s largest collection of James family memorabilia. In addition to the museum, visitors can stroll past Jesse and Frank’s childhood swimming hole and visit Jesse’s original gravesite.
http://www.jessejames.org

Bonne Terre Mines, Bonne Terre
Approximate Distance: 201 miles
Experience deep earth scuba diving in Missouri’s Bonne Terre Mines. Located southwest of St. Louis, Bonne Terre Mines is one of the world’s largest underground lakes and was named one of America’s 10 Greatest Adventures by National Geographic Adventure. Under the crystal clear waters, divers can see the remnants of the mining days, including ore carts, dynamite boxes, tools, drills - even a timekeeper’s shack and a steam locomotive left behind when the mine was abandoned. Walking tours are also available.
http://www.2dive.com/btm.htm

Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, Arcadia Valley
Approximate Distance: 205 miles
Hike the St. Francois Mountains, one of the most rugged and scenic areas of the state. At Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, take an easy walk to the top of Missouri’s highest point –Taum Sauk Mountain. From there, hike the moderately rugged three-mile trail to Mina Sauk Falls, the state’s tallest waterfall.
http://www.mostateparks.com/taumsauk

St. Louis

Approximate Distance: 218 miles
St. Louis has many new things to see and do in 2008, including the new “Evel Knievel” ride at Six Flags St. Louis; a $12 million expansion to The Magic House, one of the nation’s premier children’s museums; the ZOOmagination Station at the St. Louis Zoo; and the brand-new Moto Museum, which features a collection of more than 100 motorcycles from 20 different countries. For a complete list of what’s new in St. Louis, check out http://www.explorestlouis.com

St. Joseph
Approximate Distance: 235 miles
Step into history in St. Joseph, the city where the Pony Express began and Jesse James met his end. You’ll find plenty of living legends to make your imagination run wild. Visit the Patee House, the luxury hotel that later became the Pony Express headquarters. On the Patee House grounds, you can also visit the Jesse James Home, where bank robber Jesse James, living under the name of Mr. Howard, was shot and killed in 1882.
http://www.stjomo.com

Sikeston Bootheel Rodeo, Sikeston
Approximate Distance: 239 miles
Dust off your cowboy hat and attend the Sikeston Bootheel Rodeo. People flock from all over the Midwest each August to the state’s largest rodeo, which features big-name entertainers, some of the top cowboys in the country, clowns, horse competitions, roping events and bull riding.
http://www.sikestonrodeo.com

Jamesport
Approximate Distance: 254 miles
Slow down and experience a simpler life in Jamesport, Missouri’s largest Amish settlement. Listen for the clip clop of horses and buggies as you browse more than 30 antique and specialty shops featuring handmade quilts, scented soaps and candles and handcrafted oak tables and chairs. Don’t forget to sample the freshly baked bread and cinnamon rolls from local bakeries.
http://www.jamesport.net

Ste. Genevieve
Approximate Distance: 255 miles
Explore Ste. Genevieve, the first permanent European settlement west of the Mississippi River. Settled in 1735, this delightful town is truly a living museum, with dozens of historic homes and French-Creole-style buildings.
http://www.ste-genevieve.com

Hannibal
Approximate Distance: 293 miles
Relive the stories of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn and their adventures on the Mississippi River in Hannibal, where Samuel Clemens – better known as Mark Twain – grew up. While you’re in town, visit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and learn about Clemens’ childhood and the real people behind his characters. Close by are other pieces of Twain history, including the Becky Thatcher House and Judge Clemens’ law office.
http://www.visithannibal.com

For more great trip ideas that are “Close to Home,” or to request a free 2008 Official Missouri Vacation Planner, visit http://www.VisitMO.com or call 800-519-4800.

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