Loading...
Log In Sign Up
Ozarks Odyssey – Branson, St. Louis & the Ozarks

Ozarks Odyssey – Branson, St. Louis & the Ozarks

St. Louis Lake of the Ozarks Branson Eureka Springs Blanchard Springs Caverns - Fifty-Six
Trip length6-10 days
Route distance505 mi
Stops5
Customize this tripFree account · edit dates, stops & pace

Trip overview

From sweeping landscapes filled with natural landmarks to exciting cities, the Ozarks have been a popular vacation destination for over 100 years. This week-long trip allows you to explore rushing waterfalls, glittering springs, rocky landforms, and underground caves. This trip begins in St. Louis, a city packed with great attractions and a vibrant food and art scene. Then, you'll drive a few hours to Branson, a nature-filled city great for outdoor enthusiasts and music lovers alike. Afterwards, take a full day to explore the 1,100+ miles of shoreline at Lake of the Ozarks. Travel through the Ozark Mountains to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and its sparkling mineral springs. Blanchard Springs Cavern in the Ozarks National Forest is the final stop on this road trip. This RV trip will not disappoint, with its balance of nature and urban stops.

Who will love this trip
Everyone – whether you're a nature lover, boater or enjoy spending time listening to country music, you'll be delighted with this journey. Be prepared to walk a fair amount in the cities and nature areas.

Trip tips

  • Park and Walk: Parking for the Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium is at 93 Pine Street and 7th Street Garage (601 Locust). Handicap-accessible drop-off & pickup for the Arch is at Luther Ely Smith Square's west end.

  • Listen in St. Louis: Download an interactive audio tour of St. Louis to learn about history as you walk.

  • Find the Best Deal: Check the Explore Brandson website for the latest packages, passes, combos, and ticket deals.

  • Swim in Serenity: Table Rock Lake’s Moonshine Beach, near Branson, is the busiest swimming beach in summer. For a quieter spot, visit the Beaver area in the lake's southwest corner. Note: Swimming is not allowed near the marina or boat launch areas.

  • Park and Ride: When visiting Historic Downtown Branson, park your car and hop on and off 13 different downtown area stops with Sparky, the Free Downtown Trolley.

  • Ride Eureka Springs’ Trails: Avoid crowded parking at Lake Leatherwood Gravity Project's mountain biking trailhead by opting for a half-day or full-day shuttle pass from Eureka Springs Parks & Recreation, providing access to 20+ miles of challenging single-track trails.

  • Bring Layers for Blanchard Springs Caverns: Dress warmly for cave tours, as temperatures stay at 58°F with high humidity. For the {3-4 hour tour](https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/233266) you’ll need to be physically fit, wear sturdy boots, and old clothes. Necessary gear like hard hats, knee pads, gloves, lights, and belts are provided. Children aged 10-12 must have an adult companion.

Your route

Route map: Ozarks Odyssey – Branson, St. Louis & the Ozarks
1St. Louis2Lake of the Ozarks3Branson4Eureka Springs5Blanchard Springs Caverns - Fifty-Six
1
Stop 1 1-2 day stay

St. Louis, MO

St. Louis, MO

St. Louis, also known as the "Gateway to the West," is a lively city in eastern Missouri featuring exciting attractions, spirited sports fans, and one of the best blues music scenes anywhere. While you can use a car to get around this metropolis, ample public transportation at relatively low cost can help you explore St. Louis. Let AdventureGenie help you plan your stop in the eclectic city of St. Louis!

Top things to do

Here are some of the most popular things to see and do in St. Louis:

1
Gateway ArchThe 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.
2
Busch StadiumJoin St. Louis sports fans and catch a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game.
3
St. Louis Train StationOriginally 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.
4
Six FlagsDon’t miss the exciting American Thunder, Big Kahuna, or Colossus rides at this top amusement park in St. Louis.
5
Forest ParkThis 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.
6
City MuseumImagine 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!

St. Louis, MO activities

HikingBikingFishingLive MusicIce SkatingHorseback RidingMuseumsArt GalleriesAmusement ParksSt. Louis Cardinals (MLB)St. Louis Rams (NFL)

RV campgrounds near St. Louis, MO

There are many campgrounds in and near St. Louis. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park is a good state park campground option. Let AdventureGenie help you find a great campground for exploring the St. Louis area!

Next stop: Lake of the Ozarks
2
Stop 2 1-2 day stay

Lake of the Ozarks, MO

Lake of the Ozarks, MO

Lake of the Ozarks is the biggest dam-made lake in the U.S., with over 54,000 acres and 1,100 miles of shoreline. It’s known as the Missouri Dragon because of its serpentine shape – a result of the damming of four nearby rivers across four counties. Its original purpose was to provide hydroelectric power to surrounding areas, but today it has become a wonderful vacation destination. The lake, with its craggy and cove-filled shoreline, is ideal for boating, fishing and water sports. Lake of the Ozarks is one of the most visited lakes in Missouri and surrounding states with over three million visitors each year. There are many campgrounds and towns around the lake. Fans of the TV show Ozarks will be sadly disappointed since most of the show was filmed in Georgia! From fishing to boat excursions and wineries, there is plenty to do in the Lake of the Ozarks area. Let AdventureGenie help you plan your RV trip to the Lake of the Ozarks!

Top things to do

Below are a few popular activities to do at and near the Lake of the Ozarks:

1
Miller County MuseumLearn 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.
2
Big Surf WaterparkDon’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.
3
Lake of the Ozarks State ParkThis 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.
4
Golf CoursesChoose 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.

Lake of the Ozarks, MO activities

BoatingFishingWater SportsMuseumsWaterparksHikingBikingGolf

RV campgrounds near Lake of the Ozarks, MO

Lake of the Ozarks State Park has 159 RV-friendly campsites with some hook-ups. Private campgrounds are scattered around the lake. Let AdventureGenie help you find the perfect campground for exploring Lake of the Ozarks.

Next stop: Branson
3
Stop 3 1-3 day stay

Branson, MO

Branson, MO

When people think of Branson, Missouri, live entertainment is the first thing that comes to mind, reflecting its nickname the “Live Entertainment Capital of the U.S.” Live shows include nearly every type of music so visitors can pick their favorites. Beyond live music, Branson has many other attractions, including shopping, dining and outdoor recreation. AdventureGenie can help you plan a great RV trip to Branson!

Top things to do

Consider adding these popular activities to your itinerary:

1
Silver Dollar CityA 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.
2
Titanic MuseumThis 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.
3
Live ShowsFeaturing 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.
4
Promised Land ZooAn 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.
5
Table Rock State ParkNear 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.

Branson, MO activities

CampingBikingHikingSwimmingFishingTram ToursMuseumsZooLive ShowsAmusement Parks

RV campgrounds near Branson, MO

Table Rock State Park has two RV-friendly campsites along the shoreline of Table Rock Lake. Branson has many private RV campgrounds and resorts, so you won’t have to travel far. Let AdventureGenie help you find the ideal RV campground in Branson!

Next stop: Eureka Springs
4
Stop 4 1-2 day stay

Eureka Springs, AR

Eureka Springs, AR

Featuring Victorian architecture and a plethora of mineral springs, Eureka Springs has been a popular Arkansas destination for many years. Originally, people were drawn to the water. However, now the small-town charm of Eureka Springs, shops, hiking trails, art, and antiques also draw visitors. Eureka Springs is located a few hours from Little Rock, near the Tennessee border. All of this is found in the idyllic scenery of the Ozark Mountains.

Top things to do

Even though Eureka Springs is a small, you’ll find it packed with attractions and activities. Don’t miss:

1
Downtown Eureka SpringsListed 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.
2
Keels Creek WineryOne of the best wineries in Eureka Springs. This winery uses local grapes to make red, white, dessert, and blush wines.
3
Quigley’s CastleThis 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.
4
Blue Spring Heritage CenterThis 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.
5
Natural SpringsGiven 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.

Eureka Springs, AR activities

HikingHistory ToursKayaking, Canoeing & PaddlingMountain Biking & BikingFishingMuseumsCarriage RidesArt GalleriesTram Tours

RV campgrounds near Eureka Springs, AR

Eureka Springs has dozens of public and private RV campgrounds and parks are spread throughout Eureka Springs, ensuring you have plenty of options for RV camping. These campsites include various amenities, such as showers, electric, and water hookups. Outside of the city, the nearest private RV campground is in Beaver, Arkansas, about seven miles away. Let AdventureGenie guide you to the perfect campground in Eureka Springs!

Next stop: Blanchard Springs Caverns - Fifty-Six
5
Stop 5 1-2 day stay

Blanchard Springs Caverns - Fifty-Six, AR

Blanchard Springs Caverns - Fifty-Six, AR

The Blanchard Springs Caverns in the Ozark National Forest has been shaped for tens of thousands of years by a continuous mountain spring, and is in a constant state of change, creating a unique natural attraction, also known as The Living Cave. Tours are geared to various fitness levels, so there is one that will fit your preference. As you explore the caverns, you'll find yourself winding through water-carved passages with views of stalactites, stalagmites, and an underground river. Let AdventureGenie help you plan your trip to the Blanchard Springs Caverns!

Top things to do

Here are some suggestions for exploring the stunning Blanchard Springs Caverns:

1
Blanchard Springs Caverns Visitor CenterFind information on the caverns, including maps and pamphlets. Start at the visitor center before visiting the caves.
2
Dripstone TrailThis the shortest and easiest trail through the caverns. It takes you about 0.5 miles into the cave and is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
3
Discovery TrailFor 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.
4
Wild Cave TourThis 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.
5
Mirror Lake TrailThis 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.

Blanchard Springs Caverns - Fifty-Six, AR activities

HikingHorseback RidingSwimmingMountain Biking & BikingFishingCavern Tours

RV campgrounds near Blanchard Springs Caverns - Fifty-Six, AR

Blanchard Springs Caverns has one [on-site campground(https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5369479.pdf). There are also a lot of private campgrounds nearby. Let AdventureGenie help you find a perfect campground for your road trip to Blanchard Springs Caverns!

Like this GenieTrip?

Create your Free Basic Account to customize this trip in our Trip Planner.

Customize this tripFree account · edit dates, stops & route
Top