Driving in Missouri - Tourism and Travel
The state of Missouri is one of the major homes of historic Route 66. Starting in Joplin, in the Southwest corner of the state and continuing diagonally across the state towards St. Louis, Route 66 winds through the beautiful rolling hills of the Ozark Mountains where visions of true Americana can be seen; winding rivers, pastoral farmland dotted with cattle and sheep, rustic antique barns and quaint country stores.
While in Joplin, the kids will love a trip to the Route 66 Carousel Park, an entertaining amusement park with plenty of historical kitch. Continuing on to Springfield on either 66 or Interstate 44, the Springfield Zoo is a relaxing stop for the entire family. There are ample exhibits, both in and out of doors and plenty of snack bars and picnic areas to stop and catch a bite to eat.
Back on Route 66 or Interstate 44, make your way northeast to St. Louis, the largest metro area in Missouri. St. Louis is the perfect combination of city culture and down home charm. Area coffee shops are staffed with wonderfully helpful people who will make you feel like a local. Sports fans can visit Busch stadium and take a tour of the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame, then watch a game. Admission is $10 and the cost of a large beer is $8.50. The stadium is conveniently located at the junction of highway 55 and Interstate 70 and has great views of the Mississippi river and the St. Louis Arch.
Connecting St. Louis to Kansas City on the western border of the state is I-70 and the Missouri River. While making your way west, head south to visit the State`s capital in Jefferson City and the Lake of the Ozarks.
Once in Kansas City, there are plenty of music venues at which you can hear the famed jazz of Kansas City, including the Boulevard Brewing Company. The Brewing Company has the best micro-brews in town and is a great place to catch a game and the local night life.
As you return your car to the car rental in Chicago, you will have driven Route 66 to its end, knowing that you`ve experienced the true heart of the U.S.
There's lots of things to see and do in Missouri. You can go hiking, backpacking, biking, fishing, boating, mountain biking .... Golf. Play tennis. Visit historic sites, museums and art galleries. Shop for antiques. Find bargains at outlet stores. See a show. Play in amusement parks. Make a splash at a water park. Have a picnic. Swim. Camp. Go Off road motorcycle riding and ATV riding. Ride horses. Explore caves. Paddle a canoe or a kayak. Take a ride on a riverboat. Taste wines at local wineries. Dine at a fabulous restaurant or eat a chuckwagon meal. Watch a Broadway show, musical or dance performance. Listen to a country music concert or jazz. Gamble at a casino. Tour a brewery. Relax at a spa. Go tubing, parasailing, kayaking ... Take a dinner cruise on a lake. See wildlife in the wild or in a zoo. Bird Watch. Enjoy nature at one of the many state parks ....