Day trips from Springfield, MO

From Springfield, Missouri

Springfield, Missouri, is a vibrant city with a rich history and a variety of attractions. However, the surrounding region offers even more opportunities for adventure and exploration. From the stunning natural beauty of the Ozarks to the charming small towns and historic sites, there are numerous day trips that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you're looking for a scenic drive, a thrilling adventure, or a cultural experience, you'll find it within a short drive from Springfield.

1. Branson

📍 85 miles from Springfield⏱️ Full day

Branson is a popular tourist destination known for its live entertainment, scenic beauty, and outdoor activities. The city offers a mix of natural wonders and man-made attractions, making it a perfect day trip from Springfield. Visit the Titanic Museum, explore the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead, or enjoy a show at one of the many theaters. For adventure seekers, the Inspiration Tower and Copperhead Mountain Coaster offer thrilling experiences.

What to See & Do:

  • Titanic Museum
  • Shepherd of the Hills Homestead
  • Inspiration Tower
  • Copperhead Mountain Coaster

2. Eldon

📍 110 miles from Springfield⏱️ Full day

Eldon is a charming town located on the shores of Lake of the Ozarks. It offers a variety of water activities, including boating, fishing, and jet-skiing. Rent a boat or jet-ski from Rumaway Lifestyle or Adventure Boat Rentals and spend the day exploring the lake. For a more relaxed experience, enjoy a scenic drive along the lake or visit the nearby Ha Ha Tonka State Park.

What to See & Do:

  • Lake of the Ozarks
  • Ha Ha Tonka State Park
  • Boat and jet-ski rentals
  • Scenic drives

3. Ozark

📍 120 miles from Springfield⏱️ Full day

Ozark is a picturesque town nestled in the Ozark Mountains. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and kayaking. Visit the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, explore the Ozark Trail, or take a jet-ski tour with Buddy's Harbor. For a more relaxed experience, enjoy a scenic drive along the Ozark Scenic Byway or visit the nearby Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

What to See & Do:

  • Ozark National Scenic Riverways
  • Ozark Trail
  • Jet-ski tours
  • Scenic drives

4. Lamar

📍 130 miles from Springfield⏱️ Half day

Lamar is a historic town located in the heart of Missouri. It offers a variety of cultural and historical attractions, including the Lamar Historical Museum and the Lamar Courthouse. For a more relaxed experience, enjoy a scenic drive along the Lamar Scenic Byway or visit the nearby Lamar State Park.

What to See & Do:

  • Lamar Historical Museum
  • Lamar Courthouse
  • Lamar Scenic Byway
  • Lamar State Park

5. West Plains

📍 150 miles from Springfield⏱️ Half day

West Plains is a vibrant city located in the heart of Missouri. It offers a variety of cultural and historical attractions, including the West Plains Historical Museum and the West Plains Courthouse. For a more relaxed experience, enjoy a scenic drive along the West Plains Scenic Byway or visit the nearby West Plains State Park.

What to See & Do:

  • West Plains Historical Museum
  • West Plains Courthouse
  • West Plains Scenic Byway
  • West Plains State Park

6. Festus

📍 170 miles from Springfield⏱️ Half day

Festus is a charming town located in the heart of Missouri. It offers a variety of cultural and historical attractions, including the Festus Historical Museum and the Festus Courthouse. For a more relaxed experience, enjoy a scenic drive along the Festus Scenic Byway or visit the nearby Festus State Park.

What to See & Do:

  • Festus Historical Museum
  • Festus Courthouse
  • Festus Scenic Byway
  • Festus State Park

7. Cape Girardeau

📍 190 miles from Springfield⏱️ Half day

Cape Girardeau is a vibrant city located in the heart of Missouri. It offers a variety of cultural and historical attractions, including the Cape Girardeau Historical Museum and the Cape Girardeau Courthouse. For a more relaxed experience, enjoy a scenic drive along the Cape Girardeau Scenic Byway or visit the nearby Cape Girardeau State Park.

What to See & Do:

  • Cape Girardeau Historical Museum
  • Cape Girardeau Courthouse
  • Cape Girardeau Scenic Byway
  • Cape Girardeau State Park

8. Poplar Bluff

📍 200 miles from Springfield⏱️ Half day

Poplar Bluff is a charming town located in the heart of Missouri. It offers a variety of cultural and historical attractions, including the Poplar Bluff Historical Museum and the Poplar Bluff Courthouse. For a more relaxed experience, enjoy a scenic drive along the Poplar Bluff Scenic Byway or visit the nearby Poplar Bluff State Park.

What to See & Do:

  • Poplar Bluff Historical Museum
  • Poplar Bluff Courthouse
  • Poplar Bluff Scenic Byway
  • Poplar Bluff State Park

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