Driving Time between Box Elder, South Dakota and Branson, Missouri

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Road Tripping from Box Elder, South Dakota to Branson, Missouri: Routes and Recommended Stops

When the road is calling, it’s time to answer! If you’re planning a road trip from Box Elder, South Dakota to Branson, Missouri, you’ll be happy to know that there are several routes you can take. Each one offers its own charms and advantages, so let’s explore them together!

Route 1: The I-90 and I-29 Route

The first and most direct way to get from Box Elder to Branson is via the I-90 and I-29 routes. This route takes you through some of South Dakota’s most charming small towns, such as Chamberlain and Watertown, and past the iconic Sioux Falls. Once in Iowa, you’ll pass through Sioux City before crossing over into Missouri and making your way to Kansas City. From there, it’s just a quick 3-hour drive south to Branson.

  • Distance: 1,005 miles
  • Drive time: 16 hours
  • Recommended stops:
    • Visit the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota
    • Explore the falls at Falls Park in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
    • Check out the famous “Field of Dreams” movie site in Dyersville, Iowa
    • Visit the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum in Independence, Missouri

Route 2: The I-29 and I-44 Route

Another option is to take the I-29 route until Kansas City, and then switch to the I-44 route for the final stretch. This route is slightly longer but offers more scenic views and interesting stops along the way. After passing through Sioux City and Kansas City, you’ll drive through the rolling hills and forests of southern Missouri, passing near the Mark Twain National Forest and the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

  • Distance: 1,090 miles
  • Drive time: 17.5 hours
  • Recommended stops:
    • Visit the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center in Sioux City, Iowa
    • Stop by the Jesse James Wax Museum in Stanton, Missouri
    • Take a hike on the Ozark Trail near Eminence, Missouri
    • Relax and fish at the Roaring River State Park near Cassville, Missouri

Route 3: The Back Roads Route

For those who prefer a slower and more scenic drive, the back roads route is worth considering. This route takes you on a journey through some of the most charming small towns and countryside landscapes in the Midwest. From Box Elder, you’ll take Route 79 south through Sturgis and head east on Route 212 until you reach the Missouri River. After crossing the river, you’ll take Route 50 and Route 54 through central Missouri until you reach the Lake of the Ozarks area. From there, it’s a beautiful drive through the Ozarks until you reach Branson.

  • Distance: 1,200 miles
  • Drive time: 22 hours
  • Recommended stops:
    • Explore the historic town of Deadwood, South Dakota
    • Check out the awe-inspiring Badlands National Park in South Dakota
    • Visit the charming river town of Hermann, Missouri
    • Take a ride on the Branson Scenic Railway in Branson, Missouri

In Conclusion

There you have it – three different routes to choose from for your road trip from Box Elder, South Dakota to Branson, Missouri. No matter which one you choose, make sure to take your time, enjoy the scenery, and stop at some of the unique attractions that the Midwest has to offer. Happy road tripping!