7-Day Missouri Itinerary

Theme: A mix of big-city attractions, historic sites, scenic drives, and outdoor adventures across Missouri.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) or Fall (September-October) for the best weather.

Day 1: Arrive in St. Louis & Explore

Fly into St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL).

Top Things to Do in St. Louis:

Visit the Gateway Arch – Ride to the top for amazing views.

Eat on the McDonald's Riverboat – A nostalgic dining experience on the Mississippi River.

Catch a St. Louis Cardinals Game at Busch Stadium (Seasonal).

Tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery – Home of Budweiser.

Dinner at Pappy's Smokehouse – Famous for St. Louis-style ribs.

Overnight in St. Louis.

Day 2: St. Louis History & Lewis & Clark Expedition

Explore More of St. Louis.

Top Things to Do:

Visit the Missouri History Museum – Learn about the Lewis & Clark Expedition.

Explore Forest Park – Home to the St. Louis Zoo (one of the best free zoos in the country!).

Check Out City Museum – A giant playground for kids and adults alike.

Take a Riverboat Cruise on the Mississippi.

Overnight in St. Louis.

Day 3: Route 66 & Meramec Caverns

Drive from St. Louis to Meramec Caverns (1.5 hours).

Top Things to Do:

Tour Meramec Caverns – A famous cave system tied to Jesse James.

Drive a Stretch of Historic Route 66 – Stop at quirky roadside attractions.

Lunch at The FourWay – A classic Route 66 diner.

Drive to Springfield, MO (2 hours).

Overnight in Springfield.

Day 4: Springfield & Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

Explore Springfield, Missouri.

Top Things to Do:

Visit Wilson's Creek National Battlefield – A key Civil War site.

Check Out the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium.

Stop by the Original Bass Pro Shops – The Largest in the World!

Dinner at Lambert's Cafe – Home of the "throwed rolls."

Overnight in Springfield.

Day 5: Branson – Live Entertainment & Outdoor Fun

Drive from Springfield to Branson (1 hour).

Top Things to Do in Branson:

See a Live Music Show – The "Live Entertainment Capital of the World!"

Explore Silver Dollar City – A Wild West-style theme park.

Take a Boat Ride on Table Rock Lake.

Dinner at Dolly Parton's Stampede – A fun dinner show experience.

Overnight in Branson.

Day 6: Lake of the Ozarks – Boating & Caves

Drive from Branson to Lake of the Ozarks (2.5 hours).

Top Things to Do at Lake of the Ozarks:

Rent a Boat or Go Fishing on the Lake.

Hike in Ha Ha Tonka State Park – See castle ruins with a view!

Explore Bridal Cave – A Stunning Underground Lake Cave.

Dinner at Baxter's Lakeside Grille.

Overnight at Lake of the Ozarks.

Day 7: Return to St. Louis & Depart

Drive from Lake of the Ozarks to St. Louis (3 hours).

Optional Stops Along the Way:

Visit Hermann, MO – Missouri's wine country for a tasting.

Stop at Daniel Boone Home in Defiance, MO.

Fly out of St. Louis (STL).

Total Drive Time:

Approx. 15-18 hours of driving across Missouri.