The Best Road Trips: Adel, Iowa to Springfield, Missouri

Are you planning a road trip from Adel, Iowa, to Springfield, Missouri? Congrats, you're in for a treat! The 400-mile journey is filled with fun and exciting stops that will make the journey worth the drive. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or just looking for a good time, here are the top places to see when driving from Adel, Iowa to Springfield, Missouri.

1. Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World

If you're looking for an epic destination to stop, then you must make a visit to the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Springfield, Missouri. The store is not only a hunting and fishing emporium, but it's also a museum with an aquarium and waterfall. The store has a restaurant that serves mouth-watering steaks and burgers. At the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, you'll make unforgettable memories with your family and learn a thing or two about hunting and fishing.

2. Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum

If you're a fan of literature, then a visit to the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, Missouri, is a must. Hannibal was the setting for many of Mark Twain's novels, including "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." The museum includes exhibits about the famous author's life, including personal trinkets, artifacts, and memorabilia. A guided tour of the house is available, and you could see the room where Samuel Langhorne Clemens (Mark Twain) was born.

3. Gateway Arch

When driving from Adel, Iowa to Springfield, Missouri, you will go through St. Louis. You can't miss the Gateway Arch, the iconic symbol of the city. The stainless steel arch stands at 630-feet and is the tallest arch in the world. The monument is located in Gateway Arch National Park and offers a range of activities, including a museum, gift shop, and tram rides that take visitors to the top for a spectacular view of the city skyline.

4. Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

The breathtaking Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, located in Lampe, Missouri, spans over 10,000 acres and preserves the natural beauty of the Ozarks. The park is home to numerous species of native wildlife and offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, and biking. Visitors can take guided tours or self-guided tours and see the beautiful waterfalls and streams. The park also offers horseback riding tours and a tram ride, and the restaurant serves delectable farm-to-table meals.

5. Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

If you want to get a glimpse of history, then stop at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. Here was the site of the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River. The battlefield museum features exhibits of weapons, uniforms, and other artifacts from the Civil War. Visitors can take guided tours of the battlefield, where they can see the burial site and the restored Ray House, a Civil War-era farmhouse.

Conclusion

Driving from Adel, Iowa to Springfield, Missouri is a full-pack experience. From the great shopping experience to the natural waterfalls and streams, visitors are guaranteed a lot of fun. The road trip's best stops are the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, Gateway Arch, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, and Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. A word of advice; remember to take pictures and document all the memories you create. Plan your visit early to avoid being disappointed.