Day Itinerary
8 Activities
Day 1
154 mi
Drive Through the Lake of the Ozarks on the Way to Springfield
See the best of Central Missouri in a single day. After leaving Columbia, you'll visit the Lake of the Ozarks, a relatively quiet vacation area with a reservoir formed by the Bagnell Dam and walk among historic ruins at Ha Ha Tonka State Park. From there, you'll spend the night in Springfield, a vibrant city with a small-town feel.
Website
08:451 hr
Duncan's Diner
Fuel up for your on-the-road adventure with breakfast at Duncan's Diner, a cozy family-owned restaurant in the tiny town of Prairie Home. Open for breakfast and lunch, Duncan's Diner makes everything from scratch, including a variety of Southern-style biscuits. The burgers and fried chicken are also popular. Don't leave without trying a slice of strawberry or peanut butter pie.
Call +16608415023 with any questions. Duncan's Diner is closed on Mondays.
Call +16608415023 with any questions. Duncan's Diner is closed on Mondays.
42.4 mi
1 hr
10:451 hr 30 min
Starks Caverns is an expansive cave once occupied by ancient Indigenous tribes and, later, early Missouri settlers. Guided tours take place daily at 11 a.m. on a route that's fully paved and lit, lasting about an hour (or less during off-season days with less traffic). Visitors get to walk a bridge across a small body of water, see dramatic rock formations and encounter Native American artifacts while learning about the history behind the cave. Spend some time in the Visitors Center afterwards.
Book an 11 a.m. tour in advance online.
Book an 11 a.m. tour in advance online.
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