Road-trip from Branson, Missouri to Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Best Routes and Stops

Are you planning a road-trip from Branson, Missouri to Cedar Rapids, Iowa? Great idea! There are several routes you can take, with different distances and driving times. Let's explore them together and find the best one for you.

1. Route 1: Via I-35 N

Distance: 325 miles Driving time: 5 hours 30 minutes

This is the most direct route, taking you through Springfield, MO, Kansas City, MO, and Des Moines, IA. You'll be driving on the interstate most of the way, which means you can make good time. However, the traffic around Kansas City can be heavy, so plan accordingly.

Recommendations: Visit the Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson, grab some barbecue in Kansas City, stop by the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.

2. Route 2: Via MO-13 N and US-65 N

Distance: 360 miles Driving time: 6 hours

This route takes you through smaller towns and countryside, giving you a taste of rural America. You'll pass through Bolivar, MO and Sedalia, MO, before joining I-70 near Columbia, MO, and then taking I-380 towards Cedar Rapids.

Recommendations: Check out the Pomme de Terre State Park near Bolivar, sample some home-cooked meals in Sedalia, visit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, MO.

3. Route 3: Via US-54 W and US-63 N

Distance: 440 miles Driving time: 7 hours 30 minutes

This is the longest route but it takes you through some gorgeous scenery, including the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the Mark Twain National Forest, and the Finger Lakes State Park. You'll pass through Jefferson City, MO, and Moberly, MO, before joining I-70 near Columbia, MO, and then taking I-380 towards Cedar Rapids.

Recommendations: Go camping or hiking in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, check out the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City, stop by the Rothwell Park in Moberly.

Conclusion

No matter which route you choose, you'll have a great time driving from Branson, Missouri to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Make sure to stop every once in a while to stretch your legs and explore the towns along the way. Safe travels!