Trip to the Ozarks: St. Louis to Blanchard Springs, AR

Gateway Arch – The most famous landmark in St. Louis, the Gateway Arch is also the tallest U.S.-manufactured monument at 630 feet tall. You can learn about the history of the Arch, including how it was built. Tram tours and a museum are available onsite.

Busch Stadium – Join St. Louis sports fans and catch a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game.

St. Louis Train Station – Originally opened in 1894, this train station played an important role as the main gateway to the 1904 World’s Fair. Now, the train station features entertainment options, such as rides, shows, and more. Much of the original building is intact, including the green terracotta bricks and elaborate carpentry, so you can almost visualize the original building.

Six Flags – Don’t miss the exciting American Thunder, Big Kahuna, or Colossus rides at this top amusement park in St. Louis.

Forest Park– This wonderful 1,371-acre urban park was the site of the 1904 World's Fair. It offers many free activities, including the Art Museum, Zoo, History Museum, and Muny Theater. There are also 7.5 miles of hiking, biking, and jogging trails.

City Museum – Imagine a giant indoor playground for kids and adults with trampolines, slides, a Ferris wheel, caves, a treehouse, an indoor train, as well as interesting and historic art installations – this is the City Museum. A wonderful place to spend a few hours!

Miller County Museum – Learn about the history of Miller County, one of the counties in which the city of Lake of the Ozarks resides. This museum has a large exhibit on genealogy, which will give you a fantastic opportunity to trace your genealogical roots and family tree.

Big Surf Waterpark – Don’t miss the Wave Pool, Raging Rapids, or Lazy River at this kid-friendly attraction. This water park is an ideal way to cool down on hot summer days.

Lake of the Ozarks State Park – This small cove offers various outdoor recreation opportunities. You can swim, fish, picnic, hike, horseback ride, and more in this park. This park is next to the Lake of the Ozarks, offering easy access to the water for recreational purposes.

Golf Courses – Choose among 13 golf courses in the area. Some of the courses were designed by Arnold Palmer and Tom Weiskopf. If you have golf lovers in the family, make time to play at least one course.

Silver Dollar City – A unique theme park with an 1880’s theme. With shows, rides, and annual festivals, you’ll find Silver Dollar City a great way to spend the day. Silver Dollar City is both fun and educational – visit the craftsmen area, where you can learn about glassblowing, candy making, and more.

Titanic Museum – This museum is a great option for fans of the movie Titanic and history buffs alike. Its interactive exhibits makes you feel part of the famous voyage through numerous artifacts and friendly crew members. Great for all ages.

Live Shows– Featuring 100+ live shows, you’ll find a great option for everyone in the family. Live music, comedy shows, kid-friendly shows, and more are available in Branson.

Promised Land Zoo – An interactive experience with animals from around the world. This is the largest attraction in the city, set on 75 acres of Ozark geography. Tram tours, animal encounters, and touch tanks are available onsite. Great for younger kids.

Table Rock State Park – Near Branson, this park features land and water recreation activities. Mountain biking, fishing, skiing, and camping are a few activities here. Hiking trails for various skill levels are also available here, from 1.2 to 11.3 miles.

Downtown Eureka Springs – Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the downtown area of Eureka Springs includes art galleries, boutiques, and stunning architecture. You can tour the area on foot or via carriage ride.

Keels Creek Winery – One of the best wineries in Eureka Springs. This winery uses local grapes to make red, white, dessert, and blush wines.

Quigley’s Castle – This dwelling offers a unique activity for those who enjoy viewing architecture and various collections. This castle was built in 1943. It includes a stunning garden filled with perennials. You'll also see rock, crystal, and arrowhead collections.

Blue Spring Heritage Center – This privately owned park spans 33 acres. You can learn about the history of the Ozarks by visiting this park and viewing the many artifacts spread throughout. The park also offers a lovely collection of native flora and fauna.

Natural Springs – Given its name, it's not surprising that Eureka Springs has dozens and dozens of natural springs – 47 hot springs and 66 cold springs you can visit. Quite a few can be found by walking along Spring Street, including Harding Spring and Sweet Spring.

Blanchard Springs Caverns Visitor Center – Find information on the caverns, including maps and pamphlets. Start at the visitor center before visiting the caves.

Dripstone Trail – This the shortest and easiest trail through the caverns. It takes you about 0.5 miles into the cave and is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Discovery Trail – For those who want a more challenging route, consider the Discovery Trail which is 1.2 miles long and includes about 700 stairs. You’ll see what the first explorers saw on this route.

Wild Cave Tour -This is the newest tour available at the Caverns. You will need to be in good physical shape for this tour, as you’ll explore the undeveloped areas of the caverns. Expect to crawl and climb on this tour. This is a great activity for thrill-seekers.

Mirror Lake Trail – This easy 0.9 mile out-and-back trail offers stunning views of the incredibly picturesque Mirror Lake Falls, one of the nation’s most photographed waterfalls.