So Much To See on This Scenic Drive!

Turn up the tunes, roll down the window, and hit the road. Perfect for two- or four-wheeled rides, this scenic route visits three historic towns, two lakes, a swinging bridge, and so much more. Don’t forget to check out the Barn Quilt Trail, too.


Have a Ball: Missouri’s Big Balls of String

Missouri has three giant balls of string, and none actually hold the world record for being the largest. Spend a weekend traveling around the state to see these crazy big balls of string. There are also many things to see and do in each of these “Balls of String” towns.


Grand Gulf State Park, Missouri’s Little Grand Canyon

Visit Missouri’s “Little Grand Canyon” where you will find a true chasm, caves, a natural bridge, and picnic areas. Park managers have laid out trails and installed wheelchair-accessible boardwalks and overlooks at this 322-acre day-use park.


Learn About Lake Ozark State Park

Lake of the Ozarks State Park has an interesting history. Learn how the lake itself came to be. More than just a lake for boating and fishing, the park is filled with trails, caves, miles of shoreline, great fishing, camps, an airport, and so much more.


Check Into Green Hospitality

Staying in sustainable lodging is more than just a place to land while out traveling. These two places have embraced “green” hospitality. From solar panels to reusable products, to the dome built from Missouri-dug clay, you will rejoice in your visit.


Bennett Spring State Park, a Haven for Folks Who Fish

The largest spring in the state, rainbow trout, a nature center, and a lodge with a restaurant are just a few of the fabulous things you will find at Bennett Spring State Park. Pack up the car and spend a weekend exploring this park.


Entrepreneurs Reinvent the Roadside Stand

Fifty years ago, we featured a story on Roadside Stands. Our September 2023 issue showcased entrepreneurs who took the roadside stand idea and updated it. Read the 1973 story, then meet two more businesses that transformed a time-tested formula.


The Battle of Island Mound

The Missouri and Kansas border was a contentious place during the Civil War. Make your way along the trail at this historic site to view the landscape where African Americans fighting in the Civil War earned their place in Missouri—and national—history.


Grab your hiking boots and set out to see the natural wonders of this State Park.

By foot is the best way to see Pickle Creek, sandstone landscapes, shut-ins, and distinctive flora. Rose azaleas accent fern-covered ledges and Whispering Pine Wild Area beckons you to discover the wonders this State Park has to offer.


Visit Southwest Missouri’s Hidden Gems

We searched every corner of Missouri for hidden gems and thanks to our Missouri Life Ambassadors, we found one in each county: 114 of them! Here we explore places in Southwest Missouri that are ideal for your next day trip.