Traveling from Minneapolis to Branson

[bjnkhome@usfamily.net]

Later this week, we (Wife, me, daughter and 9 year old grandchild) are traveling from Minneapolis to Branson. Went there about 10 years ago. Just looking for suggestions on routes and stuff to see or do on the way or way back. will be in Branson for a week and then traveling back home.

Thanks, Ansy

[Guest BillAdams]

It's pretty much a no brainer if you want to take the direct route. I-35 S to Kansas City, I-70 East to MO65 S all the way to Branson. It's about 695 miles so I hope you are allowing plenty of time to get there and get home.

There are lots of things to see and do along the way, KC BBQ, Casinos, Caverns, Water Parks, and more. What would you like to do along the way?

[wolfe10]

Ansy,

Yes, as Bill said, the more information you can give us as what kind of things interest you, your wife, your daughter and particularly your grandchild the better we can advise.

And how long do you have for the drive down and back in addition to the week in Branson?

Brett

[tbutler]

About 12 years ago Louise and I set out from St. Louis, Missouri along the Great River Road, one of our National Scenic Byways, to Minneapolis. We were riding a motorcycle and enjoyed the wonderful scenery while traveling the road. Much of that road is quite easy to travel in a motor home (don't know what kind or size motor home you have?). I would not hesitate to take this trip in our 40' class A with toad. Along the way you will be treated to wonderful views of the river (It is now full or over full, many flooded fields - wouldn't you like to know where all that rain that falls in Minneapolis goes?). We made it our policy to cross the river every chance we had and crossed about 20 bridges between St. Louis and Minneapolis. We went on to the headwaters at Lake Itaska but I'm sure you have already been there. On our return trip we crossed every bridge again so we traveled the entire route on both sides of the river.

Along the way, we stopped at several locks and dams to watch the barges traveling up and down the river through the locks. As of a week ago they were still going through the locks. We enjoyed eating at local restaurants in small river towns along the way. There are river museums at several dams along the way and a military museum at the Rock Island Arsenal (Quad Cities area). Of course Hannibal, MO has the Mark Twain home and museum as well as the Mark Twain Cave which figured in his stories. You'll find artist colonies, antique shops, beautiful farm fields, fantastic overlooks and inspiring bluffs. There are all kinds of things to be explored along this route and I highly recommend it if you have the time to enjoy it - even if only for the drive and scenery.

From St. Louis, I-44 takes you to Springfield where you can pick up Missouri Hwy. 65 S to Branson.