Explore Springfield and Jefferson City Before Returning to Columbia

Enjoy the free hotel breakfast in the hotel lobby before checking out and driving to Fantastic Caverns, a fun drive-thru cave with tours led on open-air Jeep-drawn trams. The underground excursion follows the mile-long path of a long-departed river and lasts just under an hour. Visitors learn about the history of the cave, discovered by a farmer's dog in 1862 (and, at one point, used as a speakeasy during Prohibition) while getting an up-close look at mineral deposits and spectacular rock formations.
Tours depart about every 20-30 minutes throughout the day. Just pay a ticket fee upon entry.

The Wonders of Wildlife (or "Wow") is a multi-level museum and exhibit that celebrates the animal kingdom in all its environments. You'll walk 1.5 miles to cover the entire 350,000-square-foot space, which includes elaborate taxidermy galleries, a bird aviary and an expansive aquarium, featuring more than 35,000 creatures in tanks holding 1.5 million gallons of water. You'll see other live animals, from beavers and bats to alligators and snakes, in a variety of themed environments.
Wonders of Wildlife was founded by Johnny Morris, the CEO of Bass Pro Shops, which has its largest location next door and a dedicated museum-within-a-museum on property. While exploring this vast attraction, make sure to grab a quick lunch at either Fish Tales Café or the Shipwreck Snack Bar.
Tickets are available online with timed entry in effect on busier days.