Attractions you can't miss on your next trip

[Ike]

So the attractions you can miss thread got me thinking...

recently the wife and I decided that from this day forth, when we go on road trips (which is at least 2 times per year, sometimes more), that instead of driving straight through to our destination and only stopping for gas and toilet breaks, that we should instead get out and see a little bit more of this beautiful country.

So anyway, I thought I'd make a thread for people to post some sights/attractions that should *not* be missed by anyone driving through some particular area.

My most common road trip is our xmas trip which takes us from Chicago to Norman along I-55 to St. Louis, and then on I-44 on home, but I also don't mind us going out of our way to see something pretty spectacular either.

since we haven't yet done this, I don't really have anything to contribute, and I was hoping y'all well traveled and wise hillbilies could help out a bit.

TIA

[Pieces Hit]

Okay, here's a plug for Claremore.

The J.M. Davis Gun Museum is friggin awesome, if you like a bajillion old Guns.
AND
The Will Rogers Memorial is nice too.
Both are "free".

[Ike]

Okay, here's a plug for Claremore.

The J.M. Davis Gun Museum is friggin awesome, if you like a bajillion old Guns.
AND
The Will Rogers Memorial is nice too.
Both are "free".

actually, I've been to both of those, but not since I was a kid. thanks for reminding me, I might make a trip back to them.

[soonerbrat]

have ya been to grant's farm in st. louis?

that's kinda fun, especially if you have kids with you.

[Pieces Hit]

And WOOLAROC!

[12]

The windmill museum in Shattuck is a can't-miss.

Well, ok... maybe not so much.

[Flagstaffsooner]

Stop by for a Natty Light (http://24.121.15.116/index.php)

[Ike]

have ya been to grant's farm in st. louis?

that's kinda fun, especially if you have kids with you.
nope. never even heard of it. I'll try to check it out sometime now though (even though we don't have kids...but I act like one enough that it should be alright :D )

also, I was thinking that not too far from St. Louis is the Mark Twain museum in Hannibal, MO. I'd like to see that as well

[Pieces Hit]

And for Gosh Sakes, if you've never been to Silver Dollar City in the fall, GO!

[Ike]

And for Gosh Sakes, if you've never been to Silver Dollar City in the fall, GO!


believe it or not, I've never been at all. we've driven past the exit for it a number of times and thought 'we oughta go there at least once', but just haven't done it yet. added to list. :)

[Pieces Hit]

I've been there maybe 24? times.
Best thing in Branson - by FAR.

[achiro]

And for Gosh Sakes, if you've never been to Silver Dollar City in the fall, GO!
and to get the full hillbilly effect, go during the bluegrass festival if they still have it. We use to go about every year when I was growing up.

[Czar Soonerov]

Oh, you simply must see the Steamboat Arabia museum in KC. It's a real treat.
Unbelievable treasures and fascinating history await. Explore our museum and learn how the handsome steamer Arabia prospered on the rivers, perished in 1856 and was finally rediscovered 132 years later, precious cargo intact. This exhibit, in Kansas City, Mo, is many things: history, ingenuity, tragedy, adventure, perseverance, preservation and a tribute to the pioneer spirit.

This is Life! Come explore!

[Czar Soonerov]

This thread is Shamu nip.

[Pieces Hit]

and to get the full hillbilly effect, go during the bluegrass festival if they still have it. We use to go about every year when I was growing up.I prefer the crafts festival myself.
Perfect time of year.
Fall leaves, cool, and few kids.

[soonerbrat]

there's a restaurant called Lambert's between springfield and branson you should check out....they serve everything family style..it's all you can eat. you pick your entree and then they come around with big pots of the side dishes...it's the home of the "throwed rolls"

http://www.throwedrolls.com/pass_around.html


Grant's farm is where the budweiser clydesdales live. it's free. there's a wildlife preserve and a small zoo..you take a tram ride around to the beer garden and get free beer. Also, if you havent' been to the arch in st. louis, i recommend it..even if you dont' go up, there's a neat museum down there. Forest Park in St. Louis is a sight to behold..they have a free zoo, free science center and a bunch of museums and stuff down there.

and oh yeah..the budweiser factory is there...free tour & beer tasting :)

[soonerbrat]

also in st. louis there's a really cool mall called Union Station...it's near downtown. Riverboat casinos too...I think they closed down the worlds only floating McDonald's though. sorry about that.

[Pieces Hit]

OH MAN!

Petit Jean State Park in Arkansas.

Hike all the trails.
You will thank me.
It is freaking awesome!

[soonerbrat]

Meramac Caverns is pretty cool....i think between st. louis and springfield.

[Sooner Born Sooner Bred]

The Queen Wilamena Lodge in Mena Arkansas.

The Kerr Mansion in Poteau

The Overholser Mansion in OKC

Peter Conser House in Hodgen, OK

[Pieces Hit]

I second Peter Conser home.
Good call.

Wilamena Lodge, not so much.

[Salt City Sooner]

I've been there maybe 24? times.
Best thing in Branson not named Lake Taneycomo - by FAR.
Fixed. Oh, & PH, my wife would kick you if she saw the initial post on this. We can't get within SNIFFING distance of Carthage w/o having to stop at the Chapel. Boring as heck to me, but I'll take one for the team.....

Anybody else ever been to Big Brutus?

http://www.bigbrutus.org/

[Harry Beanbag]

Pea Ridge National Military Park wouldn't be very far out of the way.