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.

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.

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.

Here you can charge your car
Type: Tesla Supercharger 8 stations, 8 plugs Power: 150 kW

Here you can charge your car
Type: Tesla Supercharger 8 stations, 8 plugs Power: 150 kW

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.

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.

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.

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.