Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Centertown, MO to Pittsburg, KS

Have you ever gone on a long drive and wondered if there are any interesting places to stop along the way? If you're traveling from Centertown, Missouri, to Pittsburg, Kansas, you're in luck! There are several unexpected gems you can visit during your road trip.

The journey from Centertown, Missouri, to Pittsburg, Kansas, takes a little over four hours, covering a distance of approximately 250 miles. The scenery is breathtaking, with rolling hills and meandering rivers, and the roads are well-maintained. Along the way, there are many interesting towns and attractions to explore.

The Halfway Point: Collins, MO

Before we get to the five unexpected places to stop on the way to Pittsburg, we must mention the halfway point of the journey - Collins, MO. The small town of only a few hundred people is a perfect place to take a break, stretch your legs and have a picnic. The Collins City Park has a playground, picnic tables, and a walking trail, providing a scenic stop-over during your road trip.

1. The Sedalia Katy Depot

The Sedalia Katy Depot is a 19th-century railroad station that has been converted into a museum. The museum holds artifacts and interactive exhibits that tell the story of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (MK&T), which was nicknamed the "Katy." The Katy played a vital role in the development of western Missouri and eastern Kansas. Visitors can enjoy an audio tour, explore the exhibits, and learn about the history of rail travel in the region. Be sure to try the famous Katy Trail Ice Cream sold at the museum's gift shop.

2. Hikes Point - Intersection of MO-13 & MO-3

Hikes Point is an unusual, must-see landmark situated at the intersection of MO-13 and MO-3. The historically significant marker, resembling a small obelisk, was used for orienting wagons and marking the spot for troops during the American Civil War. Today, the monument is a popular spot for snapping pictures or taking a break on your drive. There aren't any restaurants or food vendors, so it's best to pack your lunch if you plan on visiting here.

3. Precious Moments Chapel

The Precious Moments Chapel is a unique attraction and often overlooked. The chapel is fifteen acres of stunning gardens, multi-colored fountains, and waterfalls that are populated by lovable, hand-painted characters. The chapel itself is a work of art, and visitors can marvel at the more than 100 painted scenes that chronicle the life of Jesus Christ, from birth to resurrection. A gift store is located on the property and offers ceramics, figurines, and other souvenirs.

4. Big Brutus

Big Brutus is the nickname for a mechanical marvel that is situated in West Mineral, Kansas. The gigantic Bucyrus-Erie 1850-B electric shovel machine is among the largest pieces of mining equipment on earth. The massive excavator tower stands more than 16 stories tall and weighs in at over 11 million pounds. Imagine taking a photo of yourself standing next to it--you won't want to forget it. You'll need to travel a bit off the main road to visit Big Brutus, so make sure to check out their hours and directions before embarking on this pit stop. Enjoy the sandwiches or burgers sold at the on-site snack bar.

5. Four State Lookout

The Four State Lookout is a scenic viewpoint located at the extreme southern tip of Kansas. The unusual spot allows visitors to see four states at once: Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas. The site has a 40-foot observation tower, and visitors can see for miles around. A gift shop sells souvenirs, including t-shirts, hats, and postcards. Be sure to try the pie sold at the on-site café, which is famous for its delicious homemade pies.

Conclusion

Road trips can be an excellent way to see more of the country, and this journey from Centertown, Missouri, to Pittsburg, Kansas, is a perfect example of that. We hope this list of five unexpected places you can visit will inspire you to take this journey on your next road trip. Don't forget to try the unique foods each location has to offer! From Katy Trail Ice Cream to the delicious homemade pies, this journey will leave you with plenty of memories. Happy travels!