Any time’s a great time to pack up the family and hit the highway on an unforgettable road trip through Missouri. Today’s dinosaur-themed road trip won’t take you too far. Travel time is just over two hours, so you don’t have to worry about shelling out too much gas money. However, you’ll still visit some of the best dinosaur-themed attractions in the state, culminating at an amazing resort that’s all about – you guessed it – dinosaurs.
Here are the Google Map directions for this road trip, which you can tweak to meet your needs and timeframe.
Let’s start our epic dino-themed adventure at the Dinosaur Museum in Branson. Embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure that will bring you face-to-face with more than 50 lifelike dinosaurs. Stand next to a few and snap some photos. The kiddos will have a blast digging for fossils after you’ve met all the resident dinosaurs. Read more about this family-friendly dinosaur museum in a previous article.
How about getting a bit of fresh air? That’s just what we’ll do on our next stop when we shoot a round or two of mini golf at Dinosaur Canyon Golf. Play your way through this golf course that features a few dinosaurs and a volcano with real fire. Take a peek at the fun that awaits at this dinosaur-themed golf course in a previous article.
Our next stop takes us to a pretty cool shop, where you can check out an impressive collection of fossils – including dinosaur fossils. Even if you don’t find anything, it’s still a ton of fun to just take a peek at the collection. Learn more on the Prehistoric Fossils Facebook page.
We’re making our way out of Branson and to Springfield for another fun stop, Discovery Center of Springfield. Carve out plenty of time for your visit because you have a ton to do. You can dig for a dinosaur and ride a bike on a high wire. Learn more on the Discovery Center of Springfield website.
5. Missouri Institute of Natural Sciences – Springfield
Learn all about dinosaurs and fossils at the Missouri Institute of Natural Sciences, where Henry the giant triceratops will one day reside. You can even go digging for fossils at this unique family-friendly destination. Get more information on the Missouri Institute of Natural Sciences website.
Our final stop will take us back to Branson and to Rocky’s Retreat. Stay overnight in this dinosaur-themed resort that features a ton of fun for the whole family – a T-rex exhibit, a dinosaur you can ride, gem mining, and a pool. The rooms are even dinosaur-themed. Take a peek at the Rocky’s Retreat website.
What other stops would you add to this dinosaur-themed road trip? Let us know in the comments! On the lookout for more family-friendly fun? Make your way to this immersive museum in Missouri.
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.
advertisement
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
advertisement
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...
It’s surprising how Missouri’s busiest highway, the I-70 corridor, hides charming small towns that you might not know exist! Conveniently located along this major route, these hidden gems are easily accessible via scenic, tree-lined two-lane highways and rolling fields. Many of these towns are along the Katy Trail, a 237-mile scenic route following the Missouri River that offers beautiful hiking and biking. You can easily hop onto the trail during your trip to stretch your legs. At just 69 miles and under an hour and a half drive time, this small-town road trip is perfect for an afternoon, though I recommend extending your visit over a few days or a weekend to fully appreciate the historic towns.
advertisement
You can use this Google Maps link to guide you on the route. Feel free to customize it as needed.
1. Rocheport
Rocheport, MissouriPhoto Taken on October 22, 2022A view down Columbia Street in Rocheport, Missouri on a beautiful Autumn afternoon.
When I visit Rocheport, Missouri, it feels like I’ve stepped into another world. The town’s quaint, peaceful, and historic charm makes it seem like a movie set. It’s entirely walkable, with charming bed and breakfasts, the scenic Katy Trail, al fresco dining, and lovely shops and galleries, all nestled among the bluffs and hills of the Missouri River region. Be sure to stop at Les Bourgeois Vineyards on your way into the historic village; this award-winning winery and restaurant offers breathtaking views of the river.
2. Boonville
A detail of historic railroad Katy Bridge over Missouri River at Boonville with a lifted midsection
Boonville, Missouri, offers a variety of attractions for every interest. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the Katy Trail State Park, ideal for hiking and biking, and admire the historic pedestrian rail bridge featured in the photo above. Visit the Budweiser Clydesdales Breeding and Training Facility at Warm Springs Ranch to see these impressive horses up close. For car enthusiasts, the town has the largest collection of Mitchell wagons, bicycles, and cars in the world at the Mitchell Antique Motorcar Museum. History lovers can enjoy a self-guided walking tour and visit the Rivers, Rails, and Trails Museum. Additionally, you can play a round of golf at the scenic Hail Ridge 18-hole course or try to get lucky at the Isle of Capri Casino.
3. Blackwater
historic town of Blackwater, Missouri, springtime aerial view
Blackwater, Missouri, is a quintessential railroad town where visitors can explore the restored Depot near the railroad tracks, a reminder of its rich history dating back to 1887 when the Missouri Pacific Railroad established the "River Route" connecting many towns along the Missouri River. Like many rural towns, it had its boom in the mid-20th century; the town now has about 200 residents. Luckily, the town’s community is passionate about preserving its history, with local businesses like boutiques, a coffee shop, the historic Iron Horse Hotel, and a quirky telephone museum—complete with a vintage phone booth, perfect for a photo op. The Blackwater Preservation Society’s website is a great resource for seasonal events, festivals, and more information.
Arrow Rock, Missouri, is one of the most charming tiny towns in the state. It is a must-visit destination for history buffs and nature lovers. Nestled within the Arrow Rock State Historic Site, the town offers scenic walking trails, picnic areas, and a chance to explore the natural beauty of the Missouri River valley right on the Katy Trail. Visitors can also enjoy a musical performance [off-Broadway quality] at the renowned Lyceum Theatre, one of Missouri's oldest regional theaters. The town’s rich history comes alive through engaging guided tours offered by the Friends of Arrow Rock, showcasing beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings and homes.
Historic downtown Fayette, Missouri, boasts a rich history with numerous 19th-century buildings and homes that reflect the town's architectural heritage. It's the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll. Be sure to walk past the architecturally impressive Howard County Courthouse. There are over 25 buildings on the National Historic Register, most of which are in the downtown area. After spending the day exploring nearby Arrow Rock or enjoying a performance at the Lyceum Theatre, my family often stays in Fayette, drawn by its quaint atmosphere. Hotel Frederick is a beautifully restored hotel in the heart of downtown. The hotel exudes charm with its vintage décor and has a reputation for being haunted, adding a touch of mystery. For guests looking to unwind, the hotel features an inviting basement bar that offers live music and a speakeasy vibe, a delightful surprise in this rural setting.
Are you ready to explore some of Missouri's most charming small towns on a road trip? This may be my personal favorite route. Nature, history, shopping, dining, theater, wineries, haunted hotels - what more could you ask for? Before you hit the road, make sure you check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for all you'll need for a lengthy ride in the car.
