Road.Travel Road.Travel

    Day Itinerary

    12 Activities
    Map preview

    Day 2

    198 mi3 mi

    Explore Springfield and Jefferson City Before Returning to Columbia

    You'll spend most of the day enjoying the sights of Springfield, including a tour through the only full ride-thru cave in North America and a visit to a uniquely immersive wildlife museum. On the way back to Columbia, you'll stop for dinner in Jefferson City, Missouri's capital, and walk among a few historic sights.
    9.2 mi15 min
    Fantastic Caverns
    08:001 hr 30 min

    Fantastic Caverns

    Landmark
    Open Details
    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.
    10.3 mi25 min
    Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium
    10:003 hrs

    Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

    Museum
    Open Details
    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.
    4.2 mi10 min
    World's Largest Fork By Mass
    13:1515 min

    World's Largest Fork By Mass

    Landmark
    Open Details
    If you love quirky roadside attractions, it's hard to resist the "World's Largest Fork," a 35-foot sculpture in front of a brick office building on Springfield's south side. Technically, it's no longer the tallest after a similar work of art was unveiled in Oregon in 2022, but the piece remains the largest by weight at 11 tons. Regardless, the sculpture is an offbeat sight that makes for a fun photo shoot.
    4.8 mi15 min
    Kum & Go
    13:455 min

    Kum & Go

    Gas Station
    Open Details
    Pull over at the Kum & Go gas station and convenience store, which has ChargePoint station in the parking lot.
    Type: CCS 2 stations, 2 plugs Power: 62 kW
    0.2 mi5 min
    Route 66 Car Museum
    14:0045 min

    Route 66 Car Museum

    Museum
    Open Details
    Walk over to the Route 66 Car Museum to pass the time while your car charges. The exhibit showcases more than 75 vintage automobiles with some dating back to the 1920s and 30s. The oldest was built in 1907. Overall, you'll gain insight into the history of America's road trip culture with a variety of automobiles, ranging from compact roadsters to classic station wagons.
    Expect to pay an admission charge.
    0.2 mi5 min
    Kum & Go
    15:005 min

    Kum & Go

    Gas Station
    Open Details
    Walk back to Kum & Go to pick up your EV and continue with your road trip.
    98.5 mi1 hr 40 min
    Scenic Overlook of Lake of the Ozarks & Bagnell Dam
    16:4515 min

    Scenic Overlook of Lake of the Ozarks & Bagnell Dam

    Open Details
    While driving north, you'll once again pass through Osage Beach and the Lake of the Ozarks. Stop and stretch your legs at the scenic overlook for the Bagnell Dam. It's your last chance to snap a few photos of it.
    40.4 mi40 min
    Courtyard by Marriott Jefferson City
    17:455 min

    Courtyard by Marriott Jefferson City

    Lodging
    Open Details
    Pull over at the Courtyard by Marriott in Jefferson City, which has a ChargePoint station in the parking garage for electric vehicles. Plug in your car and take a walk through the historic downtown district of Missouri's riverside capital city.
    Type: CCS 2 stations, 2 plugs Power: 62 kW
    1.1 mi25 min
    Missouri Governor's Mansion
    18:1515 min

    Missouri Governor's Mansion

    Museum
    Open Details
    Enjoy a casual stroll through downtown Jefferson City to the Missouri Governor's Mansion. You'll pass the Missouri Supreme Court, Louisiana Purchase Treaty Monument, Bicentennial Bridge and the Lewis and Clark Monument while circling the Missouri State Capitol building. Soak in the history and have your camera phone ready.
    1.1 mi25 min
    Courtyard by Marriott Jefferson City
    19:005 min

    Courtyard by Marriott Jefferson City

    Lodging
    Open Details
    Pick up your car from the charging port.
    0.2 mi5 min
    Big Whiskey's American Bar & Restaurant - Jefferson City
    19:151 hr 30 min

    Big Whiskey's American Bar & Restaurant - Jefferson City

    Bar
    Open Details
    Stop for dinner at Big Whiskey's. The concept began as a Missouri dive bar and expanded to more than a dozen restaurant locations throughout the South and Midwest.
    The Jefferson City version is on the first floor of a historic brick building now known as River Park. Ask for a seat on the outdoor terrace. Guests appreciate the casual atmosphere and a menu heavy on steaks, burgers, wings, seafood, pastas and tacos. The cocktail list takes inspiration from the restaurant's extensive bourbon selection.
    Call +15736352449 to inquire about table availability or to join the wait list.
    31.4 mi40 min
    21:30

    Columbia

    You've returned to Columbia after a whirlwind 48 hours. Get some well-deserved rest and, if necessary, book a room at one of the city's best hotels.
    Day 1
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