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Table Rock Lake
Situated on the Missouri-Arkansas border, a short drive from Branson, Table Rock Lake feels a world away from the music theaters and theme parks. It boasts more than 800 miles of shoreline and outdoor activities including camping, boating, fishing, hiking, and biking. And if camping isn’t your idea of a vacation, nearby accommodations include Big Cedar Lodge and Chateau on the Lake. The former is a golfer’s paradise, with some of the state’s most scenic courses, including the Tiger Woods–designed Payne’s Valley, the Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw–designed Ozarks National, the Tom Fazio–designed Buffalo Ridge, the Gary Player–designed Mountain Top course, and the Jack Nicklaus– designed Top of the Rock course. After a round, enjoy lunch inside Arnie’s Barn, a historic barn that was relocated from the late Arnold Palmer’s backyard in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
Shawnee National Forest
Managed by the USDA Forest Service, Shawnee National Forest offers opportunities for camping, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, and more. Local outfitters will rent gear and horses, with many offering a variety of lodging options for families. For example, Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins features houses, log cabins, and even treehouses.
Thousands of pine trees tower, straight as telephone poles, in this stretch of protected wilderness between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Garden of the Gods is more than 320 million years old, its rock formations odd and majestic, its sunsets worthy of National Geographic. There’s a short stone path with a view of 3,300 acres of old-growth forest, and a section of the River to River Trail enters from High Knob (a great lookout) and winds south and west through the park. Nearby is Rim Rock/Pounds Hollow, with a prehistoric stone wall, an observation platform, and steps descending into a sandstone canyon to the massive overhang of Ox-Lot Cave.
At Cave-in-Rock State Park, take the stone stairs down to the cave, or park near the entrance and take the easy Riverwalk. Birdwatchers love the panoramic views from the 70-foot cliffs at Panther Den Wilderness. On the forest’s west side, check out Burden Falls, the state’s largest waterfall, and Millstone Bluff archaeological area, a seek-and-find of prehistoric graves and petroglyphs.
If you feel like swimming, try 90-acre Lake Glendale, and then doze on its sandy beach. Picnicking? Head to Goose Bay, or leave the Lake Glendale area and head east to Hidden Springs. For climbers, Jackson Falls offers about 60 ascents, most of them a vertical 60 feet. For scuba divers, there’s a training center at Mermet Springs quarry, west of the forest, where you can “discover” a sunken Boeing 727 that starred in a Hollywood movie.
Cyclists practice for the fall’s Tour de Shawnee on the Tunnel Hill State Trail. It goes through thick woods, farmland, and its namesake tunnel, ending at the Cache River Wetlands Center. If you’re portaging instead, canoe the wetlands—you’ll see otters, herons, egrets, sandhill cranes, and maybe even an anhinga (the snake bird). (Or you can just ride the short stretch, from Tunnel Hill to Vienna, then pop over to Golconda for a treat at the Chocolate Factory.)
Now, let’s ratchet up the adventure. You’ll find a tupelo-cypress swamp at Heron Pond–Little Black Slough, the bald cypress “knees” poking up from puddled basins carved long ago by glacial floodwaters. Heron Pond, shallow and tangled with trees, is best reached by foot, but the Lower Cache River Swamp has expanses of deep water for canoeing.
The LaRue–Pine Hills Ecological Area is famous for the annual migration that closes “Snake Road,” but it packs steep bluffs, forests, prairies, swamps, ponds, climbing boulders, and river beach into a few square miles.
At Bell Smith Springs, four creeks meet at the base of the canyon, where icy spring pools never go dry. Eight miles of interconnected (and not easy) trails pass Devil’s Backbone and other sandstone formations, and there’s a 125-foot natural bridge. Fancy yourself a naturalist? Start identifying the 700-plus plant species that grow lush along the trails.
Little Grand Canyon has 110-foot walls and a tricky hiking trail, slippery with bright green moss, that requires you to go around or through a waterfall. Just east of Eddyville, Illinois, is Lusk Creek Canyon. Thirteen species of orchid thrive within the canyon’s cool depths.
Eat: In Elizabethtown, walk a gangplank to order from the floating E-Town River Restaurant, a catfish joint open spring through fall. Looking for a brew? Consider Scratch Brewing Company in Ava, which Outside magazine named one of the top breweries for foraged beer. Owners Marika Josephson and Aaron Kleidon were also nominated for a 2020 James Beard Award.
Stay: Camp Cadiz allows equestrian camping, and there’s access to the River to River Trail. Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins comprises surprisingly civilized treehouses and log cabins scattered in the middle of the forest. At Cave-in-Rock Lodge, which has its own restaurant, opt for a duplex cabin overlooking the Ohio River. And the
Clearwater Lake
Clearwater Lake is about two and a half hours south of St. Louis by car and, along with the Black and Current Rivers, makes this part of southeast Missouri a popular destination for floating, fishing, camping, canoeing, and other outdoor adventures. There are a number of campground and cabin options at spots including Clearwater Lake Resort and Big Spring RV Camp as well as vacation rental listings on Airbnb and Vrbo.
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
Less than two hours away by car, this park offers a day of swimming and hiking. (Visitors can easily combine it with a visit to nearby Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, where they can hike up Missouri’s highest peak, a trip to the Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site, home of Fort Davidson.) When visiting Johnson’s Shut-Ins, here are 10 tips from outdoor expert Nick Tilley:
1. Book well in advance. Johnson’s Shut-Ins is one of the busiest state parks in Missouri. It’s imperative that you get on the website and book your campsite well ahead of your stay.
2. Walk into the visitor center. The staff can share key information about the park, the campground, and the surrounding area. The visitor center highlights not only the geological wonders of the park, but also details its history, such as on December 14, 2005, when the Tom Sauk reservoir broke through its walls, sending billions of gallons of water rushing down the valley and through the shut-ins. Luckily, no one was seriously injured, and the park reopened for full use in 2010.
3. Buy yourself an “atomic candle.” There is a firewood restriction at the campground because of the pervasiveness of the emerald ash borer, an exotic beetle that is ravaging forests across the state. In an effort to keep the pest contained, firewood must be purchased on-site, and the camp store has a barn full at $5/bundle. A store clerk suggested starting the fire with an “atomic candle,” a handmade concoction of wood chips, kerosene, and a binding agent in a small paper cup. For $2, it’s well worth it.
4. Keep it basic. If you’re car camping, or driving and not walking to your site, the park’s basic campsites offer everything you’ll need: a nice concrete area to park the car, flat and shaded ground to pitch your tent, a functional picnic table for dining needs, a fire pit with a flip-over cooking grate, and a bag-hanging station to keep food or trash away from wildlife. This campsite loop is fairly small, with the toilet/shower block on one end and a water source at the other. If you’re lucky, you’ll nab a a campsite midway between the two. Don’t expect a ton of privacy during peak season, as the campsites are close together, but there are some trees and shrubs that delineate one from the next.
5. Hike the Scour Trail. It’s an easy 2-mile loop that winds through the area of the park where the flood waters raced through in 2005. The trailhead is just up the road from the visitor center, with clearly marked signage along State Road N. It’s a simple hike from the parking lot, through the forest, down into the valley, along the stream bed, up the ridge, and back to the parking area. The trail is worn and well-marked, even along the valley floor. The repaired reservoir sits high on a hill in the distance, the effects of the flood still readily apparent 13 years later. While unlikely, do mind the signs and keep your ears open. There is a new alert system that will sound an alarm in the event of another flood. If you do hear something unusual, head to higher ground immediately.
6. Do the Shut-Ins Trail counterclockwise. Arguably, the shut-ins are the reason so many people flock to this park. The trail offers a varied terrain and spectacular views of the surrounding hillsides. It’s a moderate hike, as Scour Trail is a more easy one. The Shut-Ins Trail has boulders to navigate, rocky crags that require close attention, and a few steep sections of ascent/descent. Pets are not allowed, so your four-legged friends will have to stay behind. That said, if you’re up for the challenge, be sure to do the trail counter-clockwise. That way, you will have completed the 2-mile loop upon your arrival at the shut-ins.
7. Go for a swim. Regardless of how cold the water is, a swim will be invigorating and refreshing. A quick dip might make for the best part of the trip.
8. Avoid the crowds. To avoid the crowds, go in the shoulder season—early spring or late fall—and try to go during the week if you can. You might even end up having the entire shut-ins swimming area all to yourself, though be extra careful any time you go.
9. Take a trip to those famous Elephant Rocks. If you’re already at Johnson’s Shut-Ins, you might as well stop at Elephant Rocks State Park on the way back to St. Louis. It’s a small park, day-use only, and is centered around these massive igneous monoliths that rise out of the Earth. It is really something to behold. An adventurous trail, ample bouldering opportunities, and great views of the surrounding countryside combine with neatly spaced picnic areas to create an ideal spot for a relaxing afternoon on the way back to the city.
10. Take plenty of photos. These two parks offer myriad photo opportunities when it comes to unique landscapes and otherworldly rock formations. Slip down a rockslide, climb a boulder, and be sure to capture the moment—you’ll want to remember your visits to the Johnson’s Shut-Ins and Elephant Rocks state parks.
Lake of the Ozarks
In addition to bike trails, backpacking, boating, and other watersports, Lake of the Ozarks State Park permits rock climbing and rappelling in some areas, which could be a great outdoor adventure for older kids. This park also offers campsites, cabins, and even yurts as a home base for exploring the area. Don’t miss nearby Ha Ha Tonka State Park, which features the ruins of a turn-of-the-century stone castle.
The golf courses surrounding the lake are another major draw. At The Lodge of Four Seasons, you can play three acclaimed courses: The Cove, The Ridge, and The Club at Porto Cima. Another option: Rent a golf cottage at Old Kinderhook, and play the memorable, par-71 Tom Weiskopf Signature course, carved into the Ozark hills just west of Camdenton. (There’s even live music on Fridays and Saturdays.) Or if you’d prefer to skip the resorts altogether, you can rent a place elsewhere and book a golf package through Lake’s Hottest Rentals (573-539-9900), allowing you to play courses without lodging, such as the Arnold Palmer–designed Osage National Golf Resort, Bear Creek Valley Golf Club, and The Golf Club at Deer Chase.
A Tale of Two Springfields
Springfield, Missouri
The southwest Missouri city’s family-friendly attractions include Johnny Morris’ Worlds of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium. Museum visitors can walk 1.5-plus miles of trails and 350,000 square feet of exhibits that contain 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, and birds from around the world. An array of colorful tropical fish swim inside the museum’s 300,000-gallon aquarium. The display of African Savanna animals includes a life-sized giraffe. And exhibits include galleries with 4-D dioramas. Visitors can experience changes in temperature, sounds, and even smell throughout each exhibit. Everything in the museum is planned to provide a realistic experience. The size of the museum rivals that of the Smithsonian and Natural History Museum in New York. The museum is located next to the Bass Pro Shops National Headquarters, which celebrates hunters and anglers who make efforts to preserve North America’s wildlife diversity and prosperity.
Popular spots like Fantastic Caverns and the Discovery Center of Springfield are also worth a stop. For a more outdoorsy alternative to traditional vacation rental marketplaces, check out Hipcamp, which offers camping and glamping options.
Springfield, Illinois
Abraham Lincoln called Springfield, Illinois, home for 17 years before his election as president. Families can learn about Lincoln and visit several sites, including the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, the Illinois State Museum, and the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. For an ideal evening entertainment option, families can take in a classic movie from the comfort of their cars at the Route 66 Drive-In.
Major Metros
Chicago
Start your exploration of the city via boat. First Lady and Wendella offer daytime, evening, and architecture cruises. From there, take a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, where you can grab a kayak or a beer, depending on your interest. Cloud Gate sculpture, more commonly known as “The Bean.” Catch a free concert at Jay Pritzker Pavilion. For shopping, stroll along Michigan Avenue. If you prefer to avoid the tourist stops, check out Wicker Park and Bucktown for restaurants and impressive street art. Logan Square is also known for its artsy vibe, with lots of concerts and art galleries. And the West Loop is arguably Chicago’s trendiest neighborhood, where former warehouses now house some of the city’s most exciting eateries.
Traveling with family? Location is key while in the big city, so plan to stay somewhere centrally located. At Water Tower Place, near the John Hancock Building, you’ll find the popular American Girl tearoom. Then, build a new Pick-A-Model set at the nearby LEGO store before ending the night at the Broadway Playhouse Theater. Head out early to beat the lines at Shedd Aquarium, which opens daily at 9 a.m. The nearby Chicago Children’s Museum at Navy Pier also offers affordable options.
Eat: If you need coffee to get your day going, then head to Metric Coffee on Fulton Street. Metric is unique in that it only works with five coffee-growing countries; the coffee shop’s emphasis is on developing relationships with producers and sourcing and roasting only the best coffee. Chicago boasts a vast range of quality lunch spots, including Beatrix, which is dog-friendly and serves a variety of salads and snacks, such as Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts, as well as Lamb and Quinoa Meatballs. For dinner, the options are endless. Piccolo Sogno is a favorite for Chicago residents Michael and Erica Strama. “It has the best outdoor patio, incredible Italian cuisine, and amazing service,” Erica says. Gibsons Italia offers that great combination of pasta and steaks, and their location on the Chicago River allows for incredible views and a great post-dinner walk. If rooftop bars are your thing, then you can choose from plenty of options. Sip a cocktail and take in the cityscape from Zbar at The Peninsula Chicago, The J. Parker atop the Hotel Lincoln, NoMi at Park Hyatt, and LondonHouse. Erica says LondonHouse offers some of the best views in the city, with its location along the Chicago River.
Stay: Staying on or near Michigan Avenue puts you in walking distance to all of the must-see destinations (and if your feet start hurting, cabs are plentiful). The Peninsula Chicago, a hotel brand that began in Hong Kong, is a classic five-star spot. Thompson Chicago is a stylish space with rich colors, a fireplace in the lobby, and art throughout the hotel. The Longman & Eagle boutique hotel in Logan Square has modernized the traditional Chicago Inn with six rooms. And Nobu Hotel in the West Loop is another great stay, complete with another rooftop patio.
Nashville
Play: Plan to spend at least two days taking in the many musical attractions, including the legendary Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. And if you’re looking to soak in even more music-inspired vibes nearby, head to SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland. Spanning 4 acres, the water-and-music–themed facility boasts 111,000 square feet of indoor fun and 106,000 square feet of outdoor water attractions. Many of the music-inspired rides incorporate speakers and LED lighting: There are Stage Dive body slides, a Record Launch tubing bowl, the Rapid Remix rafting tube, the Crowd Surfer simulated surfing area, a Beat Drop near-vertical tunnel and looping waterslide, a high-speed Bass Drop open-flume body ride… You’ll also find the classic water park staples, including rapid and lazy rivers, a kids’ pool, and a wave pool—with a giant LED movie screen, of course.
Be sure to visit NashVegas on Broadway to hear some of the best local talent. Honky Tonk Central and Tootsies Orchid Lounge are excellent choices as well. Stroll down Printer’s Alley, take a two-hour tour of the Ryman (The Mother Church), take a walk on 12 South (Urban Grub and BarTaco are great restaurants here), and grab an Uber to the Grand Ole Opry. If you need a break from the city, head out to Cheekwood (botanical gardens) or Radnor Lake State Park for a nice hike.
Eat: Nashville is quickly becoming known as a “foodie” town. And for good reason, some of its best restaurants include The Frothy Monkey for breakfast (please arrive early), Marsh House located in The Thompson Hotel (it’s a great rooftop bar), Etch (known for eclectic fare), Kayne Prime (a classic steakhouse in The Gulch), Hattie B’s for Hot Chicken, and The Southern. East Nashville is home to unique restaurants such as The Optimist, The Pharmacy Burger Parlor and Beer Garden, Lockeland Table, and Folk. Guests often use East Nashville as a home base (it has plenty of cozy and affordable Airbnb options) and Uber throughout the city the rest of the time. If you’re looking for something new and Instagrammable, consider stopping in at Graduate Nashville’s White Limozeen, named after and inspired by Dolly Parton and her album of the same name. The indoor-outdoor bar has a pool, small bites and cocktails, and is frankly just pretty.
Stay: The Tennessee city has a range of hotel options, including boutique properties like The Nash (you can party in an Igloo on the rooftop), JW Marriott (there’s a beautiful view of the city from Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina), Renaissance at Fifth + Broadway (it’s a brand-new development that includes shopping, eating, and entertainment), and The Hermitage (at least enjoy a beverage at The Oak Bar). If you’re looking for something different and a tad swanky, consider one of East Nashville’s newest boutique hotels—Vandyke Bed and Beverage—which is actually a bed and beverage, as opposed to your standard bed and breakfast. What does that mean, exactly? In its ground-floor bar, this honky-tonk stay mixes craft cocktails and pours a select list of wines and drafts. Don’t worry, breakfast lovers: In addition to offering Sicilian dishes for dinner on some weekdays, in-house restaurant St. Vito Focacciaria whips up brunch on Sundays (paired with mimosas or Bloody Marys, of course). The atmosphere: is country hipster; the best photo opp is underneath the lobby’s “No Vacancy” sign, or in front of the lobby bar’s line-drawn mural. (The latter of which is filled with some familiar famous faces.)
Kansas City
Play: Kansas City has long been called “The City of Fountains,” but its art scene in the Crossroads District is where you should begin your exploration. The neighborhood is full of art galleries, including Weinberger Fine Art, Leedy-Voulkos Art Center, and Blue Gallery. Across town, in the West Bottoms neighborhood, head to Haw Contemporary, a large gallery with an impressive body of work that pulls from local, national, and international artists. There are also several museums worth checking out. You can easily spend an entire day exploring the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, which houses a collection of art that spans 5,000 years and includes a sculpture garden with 84 works, including the iconic Shuttlecocks. The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art has an expansive collection of modern and contemporary art. The American Jazz Museum has permanent exhibits that feature artifacts, artwork, and even a sequin gown worn by Ella Fitzgerald, as well as an impressive lineup of live jazz concerts. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is the only museum dedicated to preserve and celebrate African-American baseball; in addition to its exhibits, there are educational programs for kids and adults. And if you have an interest in architecture, don’t miss Union Station, which was built in 1914 and has three 3,500-pound chandeliers in its 95-foot Grand Hall, as well as the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. And another popular KC attraction, the Kansas City Zoo, opened Sobela Ocean Aquarium in 2023.
Eat: Start your morning at Broadway Café, an icon on the Kansas City coffee scene since 1992, where you can pair your latte with a classic coffee cake. Oddly Correct serves strong coffee and made-to-order biscuits. For lunch, Vietnam Café offers a variety of pho. If you’re craving a hearty sandwich, Pigwich serves cheesesteak, Nashville hot fried chicken, and pork brisket, among other options. Bon Appetit named The Antler Room—the intimate restaurant near Crown Center that’s known for a seasonal menu of traditional Midwest dishes with Mediterranean and East Asian flare—one of the country’s best in 2017. Corvino is a supper club, the only tasting room in the city, and perhaps one of the few places you can find caviar and fried chicken on the same menu. Boulevard Brewing is an obvious go-to for beer, but if you want something less known, head to Torn Label Brewing Company. And, of course, you can’t visit K.C. without checking out its barbecue scene. Some claim that Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is the best in town, though other options like Q39, Slap’s BBQ, and Porkey’s Blazin, to name just a few, have popped up alongside such staples as Arthur Bryant’s, Gates, and Jack Stack.
Stay: Crossroads Hotel offers a chic, industrial take on the boutique hotel experience. Located in the former Pabst Brewing Depot, the hotel has become a staple in the Crossroads Arts District. Crossroads showcases Kansas City residents with its furnishings, coffee, and the artists hosted in residencies. In addition to XR cafe and bar, located on the first floor, and Lazia restaurant (with a light focaccia baguette that is to die for), there’s a rooftop bar (slated to reopen in spring). Hotel Kansas City is located in an 1882 building that once housed the Kansas City Club, the premier social club of its time. The hotel is decadent, with glass chandeliers from Paris in the Lobby Bar and a two-story stained glass window that’s now used as a backdrop for weddings and other special occasions. For Art Deco charm, head to Hotel Phillips, which dates back to the 1930s and keeps with the era, complete with a speakeasy in the basement and the Goddess of Dawn statue in the lobby.
Epic RV Road Trips
Hitting the open road in an RV evokes a sense of freedom, long romanticized in movies and on social media. The road itself becomes the destination and the journey. Hotel reservations and rigid itineraries are replaced by the spontaneity of waking up to the sounds of a nearby river one day and a sunrise peaking over a mountain range the next. Whether you’re chasing adventure or simply seeking a change of scenery, here are some RV road trips for your summer travels.
The Ozarks and Beyond
Route: St. Louis – Meramec Caverns – Lake of the Ozarks – Eureka Springs, AR, and Bentonville, AR
This road trip is great for families or those who want a mix of adventure and relaxation. Begin your journey with a stop at Meramec Caverns where you can take a guided tour to explore its underground formations and learn about its Jesse James connection. Plan for an extended stay at the Lake of the Ozarks where there’s no shortage of activities. Go boating, swimming, hiking, or golfing. For a more relaxing experience, enjoy the many spas and wellness centers in the area. Eureka Springs is a small town packed with plenty of things to do from outdoor activities to art galleries and cultural sites. Lastly, a stop in Bentonville where you can visit the Crystal Bridges Museum and stroll through the historic downtown.
Mississippi River Route
Route: St. Louis – Hannibal – Quad Cities, IA/IL, Galena, IL, Minneapolis, MN, and Voyageurs National Park
If you’ve ever been fascinated by the history and the changing nature of the Mighty Mississippi River, this route provides a deeper exploration of the river and the towns along its path. Around 100 miles north of St. Louis, you’ll find Hannibal, the home of Mark Twain. This historic town offers trolley tours and has several must-see museums and properties dedicated to the famed author. Galena is a charming historic town that has everything from shopping and wineries to outdoor activities and a vibrant nightlife scene with live music. In Minneapolis, park your RV at Baker Park Reserve Campground for a countryside experience after days spent exploring the city. For more adventure, continue north to Voyageurs National Park, a stunning park of lakes, islands, and forests where you might even catch the Northern Lights.
Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway
Route: St. Louis – Nashville, TN, Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Blue Ridge Parkway – Asheville, NC
This road trip is ideal for those wanting to experience Southern charm, urban culture, and breathtaking mountain views. Start in Nashville to listen to some music and explore its exciting food scene. Elm Hill RV Resort, located on Percy Priest, a 41-mile-long lake, offers a peaceful retreat a short distance from Nashville. Enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at the Gatlinburg entrance, so you can stop at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Hike to Kuwohi, the park’s highest mountain along the Appalachian Trail, for the exceptional views. There are several RV areas throughout the park. Travel the Blue Ridge Parkway, known as “America’s favorite drive” to Asheville. This hip city’s downtown streets are lined with galleries, unique boutiques, and no shortage of great restaurants, breweries and wine bars.
Route 66
And of course there’s always the classic Route 66 road trip that runs from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles.
RV Rentals
With plenty of rental options in the area, RV travel doesn’t have to be limited to those who own an RV. St. Louis RV Rentals has three types of motorhomes and a travel trailer. Outdoorsy is an online platform similar to Airbnb for RVs and campervans that connects owners to travelers. The company offers 24-hour support and roadside assistance. Similarly, RVezy also connects owners and travelers and will even deliver the RV to your desired location.
Small Towns
Bonne Terre
You’ve probably heard of Bonne Terre Mine and its Billion Gallon Lake. After all, Jacques Cousteau once visited the shuttered 19th-century lead mine, now filled with water, which attracts scuba divers from as far away as Scandinavia. But there’s more to see nearby: Fiberglass zoo animals make up the Giant Animal Cluster at Blackwell Motors on Highway K. At the Space Museum, you can wear a Russian cosmonaut’s glove and see Gus Grissom’s space knife. And a giant Nike Ajax missile from the Cold War is parked outside the VFW hall on Vo Tech Road.
Hannibal
Best known as the boyhood home of author Mark Twain and the setting for his classic books, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, this town has many attractions related to its favorite son. The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, Mark Twain Riverboat, and Mark Twain Cave Complex are among the destinations and activities open to visitors.
Kimmswick
Aspiring archeologists will love the Kimmswick Bone Bed at Mastodon State Historic Site, where scientists discovered the first solid evidence of the coexistence of humans and the American mastodon in eastern North America. Families can also stop at the Blue Owl Restaurant and Bakery for slices of “levee-high apple pie” and be home in time for dinner—if they aren’t still stuffed.
Dining Destinations
Drive-worthy culinary options
36 Restaurant & Bar / 1 hour 47 minute drive
Officially, the address is 36 N. Main in downtown Cape Girardeau; unofficially, it’s at the intersection of old-school elegance and small-town charm. Steaks are dressed with demi-glace and enhanced by a roster of wines served in thin-lipped Riedel glassware. Ask owners Vanessa and John Eric Klein for table No. 1, prime real estate overlooking the streetscape.
Firefly Grill / 1 hour 33 minute drive
The “No. 1 reason to stop in Effingham” is also a bucket list restaurant for St. Louis foodies. The feel-good charm is apparent the moment you exit the nearby interstate and spot the tin-roofed lakeside roadhouse glowing in the distance.
Barred Owl Butcher & Table / 1 hour 55 minute drive
One look at the Barred Owl’s menu and you’ll plan a non-football trip to Columbia, Missouri. Decadent sandwiches are less than $10, hot and cold charcuterie boards are priced in the teens, and a prime grass-fed ribeye is $29. A butcher shop, opening this summer, will allow you to take home a sample of anything you missed.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated from an earlier version.
