Though we aren't sure exactly where it is in Missouri, this Victorian mansion was constructed in 1876 and has been abandoned for many years. The basement is definitely on the creepy side and some commenters have said there used to be a tunnel down there that went to a shed out back. Unfortunately, this can't be confirmed. It does appear that someone did begin repairs in some parts of the house. Check it out.
If you know where this is, please don't post the address publicly. I'm not sure who owns it and private property should be respected... no matter how captivating and haunting it may be. :)
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
With all the things to do in Missouri in the fall, our schedules are usually jam-packed with fun. Our biggest challenge is finding a way to fit it all - leaf peeping, pumpkin-picking, scenic drives, leisurely hikes - in. If you don't already have a bucket list, now's the perfect time to start one. Adding the best things to do in Missouri in the fall makes it easy to get started.
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Missouri Fall Foliage: Where to Go in Missouri for Fall Foliage
Vibrant fall colors hang on trees on the bluffs above the MIssouri River in Weston Bend State Park near Weston, MIssouri
Missouri in the fall is simply enchanting. Even a simple walk through our neighborhood promises beautiful views of the foliage. The crisp temperatures also make it an idyllic time for an adventure. Start planning your leaf-peeping adventures by knowing when the leaves will change colors in Missouri. The peak of the Missouri fall foliage depends on where you are in the state. However, the peak usually occurs between mid- and late October, with the color changes beginning in the middle of September. That gives you plenty of time to make plans, starting with some of the best places to visit in Missouri in the fall.
1. Weston Bend State Park
Location: Weston
Wow Factor: A scenic vista boasts some of the best views of the fall foliage in Missouri.
Need To Know: The park has picnic tables, so bring a meal.
Conveniently located around a half hour outside Kansas City, Weston Bend State Park promises plenty of ways to admire the Missouri fall foliage. If you're up for an adventure, follow one of the trails, all of which are rated either easy or moderate, on foot or bike. The easy, stroller-friendly Bear Creek Trail clocks in at half a mile, making it a fun way to walk amongst the colorful trees and admire the foliage. A playground and picnic tables are also available.
2. Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
Location: Lampe
Wow Factor: Go on a walk to see the park's waterfalls flanked by the fall foliage.
Need To Know: Dogwood Canyon Nature Park charges an admission fee. Activities, including guided tours and horseback riding, will cost additional.
A beloved year-round destination in Lampe, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is simply magical when the leaves change colors in the fall. The 10,000-acre nature park offers a full menu of amenities, including guided tours, horseback riding, and trout fishing. Rent a bike or wear a pair of comfy shoes. The park boasts more than 15 miles of paved and nature trails, making it easy to breathe in the crisp air and drink in the colors of the season.
3. Crowder State Park
Location: Trenton
Wow Factor: Camping is available through the end of November.
Need To Know: Kayaking and boating are allowed in Crowder Lake, but you'll have to bring your own since it's the off-season.
Crowder State Park's more than 1,900 acres promise plenty of ways to marvel at the fall foliage. If you've got a boat or a kayak, slip it into the 18-acre Crowder Lake for a bit of exploring. Four hiking trails wander through the state park, but you'll need to be up for the challenge. Two earn a hard rating while the other two are considered moderate. If you don't feel like hiking, kick back and relax with a leisurely picnic.
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4. Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Location: Camdenton
Wow Factor: The castle ruins, framed by the fall foliage, are breathtaking. Bring a camera.
Need To Know: Kayaks are available for rent through October.
One of the best places to view the Missouri fall foliage, Ha Ha Tonka State Park's crowning jewel is, arguably, its castle ruins. Follow the short, sweet, and easy .08-mile Castle Trail that leads to the ruins and an overlook with sensational views of the Lake of the Ozarks. For a relaxing way to view the fall foliage, rent a kayak or pack a picnic.
Best Pumpkin Patches in Missouri
Close up of pumpkins at a pumpkin patch
We all have that one thing that reminds us that fall has finally arrived in Missouri. For some of us, it's a trip to our favorite pumpkin patches in Missouri, where we go on a hayride, pick pumpkins, and dig into our favorite fall treats. While we have our favorites, it's always fun to try somewhere new, too, right? Here are a few more of the best pumpkin patches in Missouri that are worthy of a spot on your autumn bucket list.
5. The Pumpkin Pad
Location: Lone Jack
Wow Factor: The 75-acre farm features more than 30 attractions.
Need To Know: Admission is $14.99 plus tax. Children one year and under are free.
If you've been searching for the best fall activities near me in Missouri, you've hit upon one of the best with The Pumpkin Pad. Start your autumn adventure with a visit to the 20-acre pumpkin patch to pick out your favorites. That, however, is just the beginning of the fun. Climb aboard for a hay ride; escape from the eight-acre corn maze; try your hand at inflatable axe throwing, and grab a delicious bite from the food trucks.
6. Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch
Location: Kearney
Wow Factor: The 300-acre farm has more than 30 attractions and activities.
Need To Know: You can purchase tickets online or at the gate.
The Fun Farm Pumpkin Patch hosts one of the best fall festivals in Missouri, but it all starts with a trip to the U-pick pumpkin patch. Search for your favorite pumpkins, for decorating or baking, before exploring the rest of the family-friendly attractions. How long will it take you to escape from the corn maze? Carve out plenty of time for your visit, so you can (yes, adults can, too!) go down the giant slide; pet the farm animals; cheer on the pig races, and shoot apples from a cannon. Work up an appetite because you have scrumptious seasonal goodies - from turkey legs to pumpkin donuts - from which to choose.
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7. Fischer Farms Pumpkin Patch
Location: Jefferson City
Wow Factor: The pick-your-own pumpkin patch spans more than 40 acres
Need To Know: Admission is $8 per person for guests three years and older.
Pile the whole family in the car. Destination: Fischer Farms Pumpkin Patch, a favorite fall destination in Missouri for 25 years, promises a full day of fun. Explore the more than 40-acre pumpkin patch that's brimming with pumpkins of all sizes. Enjoy a hayride, and time how long it takes to find your way out of the 10-acre corn maze. So many photo-worthy moments await, including posing on the photo-op chair, so bring your camera. Stock up on gourds, mums, and corn stalks for all your fall decorating.
Best Fall Festivals in Missouri
A pumpkin carved into a smiling Jack O’ Lantern sitting in the grass with small pumpkins and fallen leaves as a Halloween decoration. It is glowing from the light within and accented by the blue moon light.
Autumn leaps alive with color and activity, and we have no shortage of fall festivals to add to our bucket list. From walking past glowing pumpkins to going on an old-fashioned hayride, the best fall festivals in Missouri offer something for everyone.
8. Augusta Harvest Festival
Location: Augusta
Wow Factor: One of the highlights of the daylong festival, the parade kicks off at 10:30 a.m.
Need To Know: The Augusta Harvest Festival will be held on Sept. 21, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mark your calendar for the final official day of summer and the Augusta Harvest Festival. The daylong festival kicks off with a Fun Run at 9 a.m. and is followed by the parade at 10:30 a.m. Activities include a pie-eating contest, a car show, and a live owl demonstration. Stop by the petting zoo, and watch the kiddos hop up and down in the bounce house before checking out the street fair, where you'll find live music and delicious food and drink.
9. Silver Dollar City Harvest Festival/Pumpkins in the Park
Location: Branson
Wow Factor: Several popular Silver Dollar City rides, including Time Traveler, are open for Rides Into The Night during Pumpkins in the Park.
Need To Know: Tickets are available online.
Silver Dollar City is the place to be when autumn rolls around, and it promises daytime and evening fun. During the day, enjoy the Harvest Festival, an annual event with a full menu of fun. Visit and learn from craftsmen; watch a cook-off at Cowboy Camp, and indulge in seasonal goodies like pumpkin whoopie pies. When the sun goes down, Silver Dollar City glows with the Pumpkins in the Park. Marvel at the glowing pumpkins; join a pumpkin dance party; snap photos with characters, and watch a master pumpkin carver work his magic. Save some time, too, for a ride or two.
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10. Rhymers Ridge Fall Harvest Festival
Location: Jefferson City
Wow Factor: Unicorn (yes!) rides are available.
Need To Know: The annual Missouri fall festival runs from the end of September until the beginning of November.
A monthlong celebration of all things autumn, the Rhymers Ridge Fall Harvest Festival has one activity that will thrill the littles: Unicorn rides. (A fee is required to ride the unicorns, ahem, horses.) Wander through the pumpkin patch or, if you're in a hurry, you can purchase already-picked pumpkins. Are you brave enough to zip down the giant slide before meeting some of the farm's friendly animals? Say hi to the peacocks, cows, goats, sheep, and donkeys.
11. Liberty Fall Fest
Location: Liberty
Wow Factor: The festival will feature more than 200 vendors and artists.
Need To Know: Admission to the festival is free.
For nearly half a century, Liberty Fall Fest has brought autumn revelers together for a full weekend of fun at the end of September. The weekend features an old-fashioned carnival with rides and booths. Show off your talent by signing up for the chalk art contest; enjoy live music, and grab a seat on the sidelines for the Saturday morning parade.
12. Maple Leaf Festival
Location: Carthage
Wow Factor: The 10-day festival is jam-packed with family-friendly fun.
Need To Know: The Maple Leaf Festival, celebrating its 58th year, runs from Oct. 11-19, 2024
For 10 glorious days every fall, the Maple Leaf Festival returns to Carthage with a full menu of family-friendly fun that includes a parade, dachshund races, a rodeo, a tractor show, a car show, and a quilt crawl. The festival will feature an old-fashioned carnival with rides, live entertainment, a petting zoo, and food vendors.
Free & Cheap Missouri Fall Activities
A pumpkin carved into a smiling Jack O’ Lantern sitting in the grass with small pumpkins and fallen leaves as a Halloween decoration. It is glowing from the light within and accented by the blue moon light.
Celebrating autumn doesn't have to break our budgets. Some of the best Missouri fall activities are free. If you're watching your wallet or simply want to spend some time outdoors, start with these free Missouri fall activities.
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13. Set off on a fall hike
Location: Weston
Wow Factor: Awe-inspiring views of the Missouri River and the Missouri fall foliage.
Need To Know: Perfect for a fall stroll.
With more than 1,400 trails in Missouri, we're never too far from one that has everything we're looking for, whether we want an easy stroll or a challenging trek. Often described as an easy walk, the .06-mile Missouri River Trail won't take more than a half-hour. The pretty path follows train tracks and leads to the Missouri River. However, the highlight is the brilliant shades of orange, red, and gold of the landscapes in the fall.
14. Go on a fall bike ride
Location: Ballwin
Wow Factor: The trail features a bluff with breathtaking views of the fall foliage and the Meramec River Valley.
Need To Know: The trail is popular with hikers and bikers; just be prepared for a challenge.
If you're up for a challenge, you won't find one better - or prettier during autumn - than the Lone Wolf Trail. The difficult trail spans 1.6 miles, but Missouri State Parks advises carving out at least an hour and 40 minutes to complete. Blazed in yellow, the loop trail is lined with colorful trees and leads to a bluff overlooking the Meramec River Valley.
15. Take a drive on a scenic byway
Location: Mark Twain National Forest
Wow Factor: Scenic overlooks that offer sweeping views of the Missouri fall foliage.
Need To Know: Set your GPS to follow the scenic byway.
Meandering 24 miles through Mark Twain National Forest, Blue Buck Knob Scenic Byway is an easy way to admire the fall foliage. The scenic road passes wooded areas, farmland, and pastures, and leads to several scenic overlooks, including Indian Creek Overlook and Blue Buck Overlook. If you have time, pull over to drink in the views.
What are your favorite things to do in Missouri in the fall? Did any of them make this list? Which would you add? Let us know in the comments! Up for more fall fun? Follow this fall foliage road trip in Missouri on a one-of-a-kind autumn adventure. Before you go, though, check out the OIYS road trip essentials packing list.
