Although we start this trip in Springfield, you can actually get to Springfield from many parts of the state in less than three hours, making for a perfect weekend trip with your family. The road trip itself only has a 2 hour and 52 minute driving time round trip, with the longest stretch between stops only about 50 minutes. Along the way, you tour a cave, visit a battlefield, enjoy an amusement park, visit nature, check out an old time five and dime, and have a great meal with "throwed rolls!" Spend as much time at each stop as you want...stretch the trip out or try to cram it into as little time as possible. It's up to you!
We start off in Sprngfield, where there is plenty to do and see. For example, check out The Discovery Center, an interactive museum with hands on learning possibilities. Or, see the Dickerson Park Zoo, home to more than 340 animals representing 120 species! Spend a day exploring Springfield or simply make it your jumping off point.
First stop: Fantastic Caverns, Springfield
A short 20-minute drive from Springfield, Fantastic Caverns is a ride-through show cave. They offer a 55-minute tour riding in a Jeep-drawn tram. A terrific way to start on a family adventure!
Next Stop: Wilson's Creek Battlefield
Another short 20-minute drive will bring to you Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, a great place to learn some American History. Wilson’s Creek is an extremely well-preserved Civil War battlefield, complete with a visitor center displaying war-era images & objects. A variety of tour options are available to truly take in all the park has to offer.
Next Stop: Silver Dollar City, Branson
In less than an hour, we arrive at Silver Dollar City. It may be at this point you decide to stretch the trip out a bit.
Silver Dollar City has been a fun family destination since 1960. This theme park is located between Branson and Branson West off of Missouri Route 76 on the Indian Point peninsula of Table Rock Lake. With dozens of exciting rides, more than 40 daily live shows and a historical atmosphere that resembles the Ozarks during the 19th century, it's easy to see why Silver Dollar City theme park is one of Branson's (and Missouri’s) top attractions.
Next Stop: Table Rock Lake State Park
About 15 minutes away from Silver Dollar City, you can take some relaxing time enjoying the beauty of Missouri away from the craziness you just left at the theme park. Take a breather, and experience Table Rock Lake State Park.
The park is cozily nestled among the oak and hickory trees that surround Table Rock Lake. Water activities and boat rentals on the lake, hiking and biking the trails, or a family picnic in the midst of nature, there are many things to enjoy.
Next Stop: Dick's 5 & 10
Another short 15-minute jaunt will bring you to Dick’s 5 & 10, a Branson landmark since 1961. Dick’s is a nostalgic experience of the old-fashioned 5 & 10 cent store. They offer more than 50,000 items for sale including candy, toys, souvenirs, and gift and craft items, plus much more. This is a great place to grab a souvenir commemorating this wonderful family road trip experience.
Final Stop: Lambert's Cafe II, Ozark
The last thing you are going to want to do after a family trip is make dinner. Solve this by making your final stop a great meal at the "Home of the Throwed Rolls," Lambert’s Cafe. Although there are three locations, the Ozark location is right on the way back to Springfield, about 30 minutes from Dick’s. Classic Southern-American fare and folksy charm make this the perfect way to end the trip.
Sound like fun? Click on any of the links for direct access to each site's website with directions, hours, and costs. We'd love to hear about your trip! If you take on this adventure, please share with us your experiences!
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