Best Road Trips From Kansas City

🚗 150 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 30 minutes

Beautiful scenery and outdoor fun combine, Lake of the Ozarks is a favorite destination for water activities, beautiful landscapes, and lively entertainment options. This is the perfect destination for families and outdoor lovers for a day trip.

On the way, you can also visit Yaya's Alpaca Farm, Henry County Museum, Harry S Truman State Park and Swinging Bridge Of Warsaw.

🚗 250 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 40 minutes

If you are looking for an urban experience, St Louis is a great destination to visit. This colorful city is famous for its iconic Gateway Arch, buzzing music scene, and historical museums.

On top of these, you can also visit Maple Leaf Lake Conservation Area,Warm Springs Ranch, Shelter Gardens in Columbia and Big Joel's Safari Petting Zoo and Educational Park en route.

🚗 730 miles ⏱️ 10 hours, 50 minutes

Denver has the perfect combination of city life and beautiful surroundings. The city offers a stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, great for anyone who loves an outdoor lifestyle.

There are plenty of new places to discover on the way such as Lauritzen Gardens, Great Plains Art Museum, Pony Express Station Museum and Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park Museum.

🚗 730 miles ⏱️ 10 hours, 20 minutes

The easily recognizable Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a must-visit to see the majestic sculptures of four US presidents carved into the granite face of the mountain.

On the way, you can visit Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Sioux City Art Center, Falls Park in Sioux Falls and Badlands National Park.

🚗 590 miles ⏱️ 9 hours

Looking for some urban fun and cityscapes? Chicago is a metropolis that is home to world-renowned museums, and iconic architecture like the Willis Tower and the Bean.

The places you can visit en route include the iconic Gateway Arch, Route 66 Drive In Theater in Springfield, and McLean County Museum of History.

🚗 660 miles ⏱️ 11 hours, 30 minutes

Nashville, the heart of country music, is not only famous for its colorful music scene but also for its rich history and southern hospitality. You will also find amazing BBQ joints here.

En route, we recommend stopping at Branson Scenic Railway, Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site, Patti's 1880's Settlement in Grand Rivers and Dunbar Cave State Park.

🚗 510 miles ⏱️ 8 hours

Wisconsin Dells is nicknamed "the waterpark capital of the world", offering fun for the whole family with its numerous theme parks and natural beauty.

Many please you can visit on this road trip include the Jesse James Birthplace, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library and Crystal Lake Cave near Dubuque.

🚗 190 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 50 minutes

Des Moines, a hidden gem in the heartland, is known for its state fairgrounds and lively downtown district. In Downtown, you can view historic architecture, enjoy a little retail therapy and treat yourself to a meal.

The drive to Des Moines is dotted with famous people's birth homes, such as Jesse James Birthplace, Walt Disney Hometown Museum and John Wayne Birthplace Museum; the latter being short detours away.

🚗 555 miles ⏱️ 8 hours, 10 minutes

Dallas is the place to head to for the quintessential Texan experience. From its upscale shopping and amazing culinary scene to historic sights and live performances, the city offers the perfect mix of Texas charm and cosmopolitan flair.

Some great places to visit en route are the Kansas State Capitol in Topeka, Wichita Botanical Gardens, Oklahoma City Zoo and Turner Falls Park.

🚗 480 miles ⏱️ 8 hours

Omaha is another amazing urban destination on our list that blends a historic background with contemporary fun. The city has the famous Old Market district and the beloved Henry Doorly Zoo.

Some of the amazing places you can visit en route are Evel Knievel Museum, Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, Museum of American Speed in Lincoln and Pawnee State Recreation Area.

🚗 330 miles ⏱️ 5 hours, 45 minutes

Branson, Missouri, is a family-friendly hotspot where you can enjoy live shows, stunning Ozark scenery, and exciting theme parks. With entertainment and outdoor activities on offer, Branson is a great destination for any adventurer.

On the way, don't miss out on visiting Maple Leaf Lake Conservation Area, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Lake of the Ozarks, Osage Beach and Route 66 Museum in Lebanon.

🚗 35 miles ⏱️ 40 minutes

Weston is the perfect place for an escape from the big city with its historic architecture, boutique wineries, and charming seasonal festivals. Being so close to Kansas City, it is great for a day trip.

There is plenty of natural beauty to discover on this short drive such as Platte Falls Conservation Area, Platte Ridge Park and Weston Bend State Park.

🚗 85 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 35 minutes

Topeka is Kansas' capital and is home to the Kansas State Capitol and world-class museums. It's a great place to relax in one of the parks or explore new things, making it a perfect spot for a laid-back visit.

This is a short drive so you can make detours to visit Moon Marble Company, Lecompton Constitution Hall and Perry Lake Recreation Area on the way.

🚗 160 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 40 minutes

Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a true hidden gem with its fascinating castle ruins perched high above the Lake of the Ozarks. It's the perfect spot for an adventure, whether you're hiking scenic trails or picnicking by the water.

On the way there, you can visit Yaya's Alpaca Farm, Henry County Museum, Benton County Museum and Bridal Cave & Thunder Mountain Park.

🚗 30 miles ⏱️ 40 minutes

Smithville Lake is a local favorite for anyone looking to fish, boat, or simply soak up some sunshine along its scenic shores. It's an ideal getaway for a day of outdoor fun or a relaxing afternoon in nature.

As you leave the city on this short drive, you can visit The Rush Funplex, Shoal Creek Living History Museum and Smoke & Davey Trailhead en route.

🚗 210 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 10 minutes

Bentonville is a charming small town known for its Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. It's the perfect blend of small-town charm and great museums and eateries.

You can visit Route 66 Drive-In in Carthage, Grand Falls in Joplin and George Washington Carver National Monument en route.

🚗 220 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 30 minutes

Rolla is a cozy college town where you can dive into the local history at museums or explore the great outdoors with its parks and trails. There is something to do for everyone in this charming small town.

Some of the great places you can visit en route are Maple Leaf Lake Conservation Area, Warm Springs Ranch, Columbia Art League and Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City.

🚗 125 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 50 minutes

Columbia is a lively college town, home to the University of Missouri. In this laid-back town, you will find plenty of eclectic shops, and affordable eateries.

As you make your way to Columbia, you can visit Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area, Maple Leaf Lake Conservation Area, Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site and Arrow Rock State Historic Site.

🚗 340 miles ⏱️ 5 hours, 40 minutes

Tulsa is a city where Southern comfort meets urban adventure, where you can visit great museums showcasing world-class art, live music venues, and unique historical sites.

On the way, we recommend stopping at Route 66 Drive-In in Carthage, Joplin's Grand Falls and Bernice Nature Center.

🚗 170 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 40 minutes

Springfield, Missouri is a great spot for anyone looking to enjoy live music, museums, and outdoor activities. It's a welcoming city that offers plenty of charm and adventure around every corner.

En route, Yaya's Alpaca Farm, Henry County Museum and Dunnegan Memorial Park are a few of the great places you can visit.