Do you have any vacation days just waiting to be used? These weekend getaways are the perfect thing to try when you can't seem to choose what to do with your time. In just a few hours, you can be at your destination and ready to enjoy your weekend away. Unless you want to stay longer, that is! We've organized them by distance from Kansas City to make it easy to pick how far you'd like to travel:
1. Cedar Crest Lodge - 25939 E 1000th Rd., Pleasanton, Kansas
The town of Pleasanton is really true to its name when you stay at Cedar Crest Lodge. It's one of the most romantic bed and breakfasts near KC, and you'll never forget your stay here. At just over an hour's drive away, there's no excuse not to get out here! Spend all weekend exploring the walking trails, enjoying the spa, and just watching the sunsets before you head back home. What more could you want for a relaxing weekend?
2. Boonville, Missouri
Drive due east for two hours, and you'll reach Boonville. It's a great little town to visit, with 450 historic sites to explore. It's one of the best small towns in Missouri, if I say so myself!
3. Indian Cave State Park - 65296 720 Rd., Shubert, Nebraska
This stunning park in Nebraska is worth the two hour drive. Here, you'll find petroglyphs on cave walls and well-kept walking areas for you to explore as well as the caves. The views from these platforms are just incredible! Plus, you can camp out or stay in a nearby town if you prefer the indoors at night.
4. Lake Ozark - 403 Hwy 134, Kaiser, Missouri
Lake Ozark is a classic place to vacation away from home, but if you can find a spot away from people, you're treated to all the best views without the crowds. In a mere 2 hours and 40 minutes, you can spend your day out hiking in nature or just relax with your feet in the water. It's up to you! The whole area is just so beautiful, you'll want to spend every day here once you leave.
5. Lindsborg, Kansas
Lindsborg is Kansas' very own mini-Sweden. You'll feel like you've travelled around the world... but you're less than three hours from home! They have Swedish festivals, craftsmen, restaurants, and even the beautiful Dala horses featured around town. Plus, a stay at the Rosberg House, a stunning Painted Lady Victorian style bed and breakfast, will make your weekend away that much sweeter.
6. Springfield, Missouri
Springfield might just be another city in Missouri, but if you've never been down there, you should definitely make time. It's only three hours from Kansas City, so it's the perfect distance for a getaway without being too far away. Fantastic Caverns is a great place to spend a day exploring, as you ride along underground in a cavern tour. Plus, it'll be easy to find somewhere comfortable to stay and some delicious local eats while you're here.
7. Hannibal, Missouri
The name Hannibal might stir horror movie memories, but I assure you the nearby nature is enough to get rid of any bad feelings. At just over three hours from KC, the Mark Twain Cave and Campground is an amazing place to explore, located near Hannibal. It has some of the most beautiful caves you can explore, as well as a great campground if you don't mind roughin' it outdoors.
8. Ozark Mountains - Mincy, Missouri
The Ozark Mountains are a must-see for any Missourian (or everyone, in my opinion). They're simply stunning, and you don't actually need to cross into Arkansas if you don't want to! Just south of Branson, roughly 3.5 hours from Kansas City, there's a wonderful area where you can drive around and observe some of Missouri's best scenery from the comfort of your car. Why not hang out around Branson while you're here, too?
9. Gypsum Hills - Medicine Lodge, Kansas
Okay, this one is a little over four hours away, but it's well worth the extra time to get there! You'll be driving around while you're here anyways, catching views of the prettiest hills and mesas you've seen in a long while. Missouri might be mostly lush greenery and Ozarks, but have you seen anything like the Gypsum Hills? Oh, and the local food is great to boot!
If you're looking for a shorter trip away from home instead of a day or two away, you should check out some of these amazing hiking trails right around Kansas City.
Where's your favorite spot for a weekend getaway? Share your suggestions in the comments below. Happy travels!
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