Road Trip from Centralia, Illinois to Branson, Missouri
Are you looking for a fun-filled road trip with exciting stops and beautiful landmarks? Look no further! This blog post outlines the perfect route from Centralia, Illinois to Branson, Missouri with options for scenic stops along the way.
Interesting Fact: Did you know that this route is known as the "Route 66 Scenic Byway"? This historic highway once served as a major route for migrant workers, families searching for a better life, and travelers looking to experience middle America.
Halfway Point: Saint James, MO is located halfway between Centralia, Illinois and Branson, Missouri. It's the perfect spot to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy small-town charm.
Length of Trip: The trip from Centralia to Branson is approximately 250 miles and takes around 4 hours by car. However, we recommend planning for a full day trip to enjoy all of the amazing stops along the way.
Top Five Places to Visit:
- Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site (Lerna, Illinois) - This historic site is the perfect place to start your journey. Explore the life of Abraham Lincoln and his family who lived on this farm for six years. Visitors can see the cabins, fields, and cemetery that comprise this important piece of American history.
Point of Interest: Take a guided tour to learn more about the daily lives of Abraham Lincoln and his family.
- Meramec Caverns (Stanton, Missouri) - This natural wonder is known as the "Jesse James hideout" since the famous outlaw and his gang supposedly used the cave as a hideout. Visitors can take a tour of the underground caverns that feature beautiful natural formations such as stalactites and stalagmites.
Point of Interest: Don't miss the opportunity to take a riverboat ride through the cave's underground rivers.
- Route 66 State Park (Eureka, Missouri) - This state park is a perfect stop for history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park features Route 66 memorabilia, hiking trails, and a visitor center with exhibits about the famous highway.
Point of Interest: Walk on the original Route 66 roadbed and explore the park's historic attractions.
- Fantastic Caverns (Springfield, Missouri) - This unique attraction is America's only ride-through cave tour! Visitors can sit back and enjoy a tram tour through the unique geological formations while learning about the history of the cave.
Point of Interest: Keep your eyes peeled for rare and endangered Ozark cave creatures such as bats and salamanders.
- Table Rock State Park (Branson, Missouri) - This scenic park is located just outside of Branson and boasts beautiful views of Table Rock Lake. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping in a tranquil and picturesque setting.
Point of Interest: Take a scenic drive on the park's winding roads to enjoy all of the beautiful views.
Road Trip Conclusion:
This road trip from Centralia, Illinois to Branson, Missouri offers a variety of attractions for all ages and interests. From historic landmarks and natural wonders to outdoor adventures and scenic parks, there's something for everyone. Make sure to plan for a full day of driving and exploring and enjoy the beauty of middle America along the way.