The Ultimate Road Trip: Top Places to See When Driving from Austin, Texas to Branson, Missouri

Nothing compares to taking a long drive and discovering all the breathtaking sights along the way. There’s a certain appeal to road trips – exploring new places, enjoying the freedom and spontaneity without any time restraints, and experiencing the beauty of the town or city as it unravels before your eyes. If you’re planning a road trip from Austin, Texas to Branson, Missouri, then you’re in for a visual treat. Here are some top must-see places that you shouldn’t miss out on.

1. Hot Springs National Park - Hot Springs, Arkansas

The hot spring waters are at the very core of Hot Springs’ history, allure, and reputation. The park has been the perfect spot for family vacations and romantic getaways for decades. Hot Springs National Park is located in the historic “Spa City” of Hot Springs, and it's famous for its 47 natural hot springs which rise from Hot Springs Mountain. Visit the Visitor Center for helpful park rangers, maps, tours, and directions on how to use the microchip to get spring water.

2. Meramec Caverns - Stanton, Missouri

Meramec Caverns is Missouri's largest and most popular cave, located near Stanton, Missouri. The cave is known for its abundance of calcite formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and helictites, and other unusual formations. Some of the famous historical artifacts of America, including old bonnets and shoes, and even an old 19th-century Studebaker wagon, are on display inside the cave.

3. Waco Suspension Bridge - Waco, Texas

The Waco Suspension Bridge is one of the most notable landmarks in Waco, Texas. Built-in 1870, the bridge served as a crossing point for cattle drivers and travelers for over 35 years. In addition to its historical significance, Waco Suspension Bridge is also a beautiful landmark that showcases the rich cultural diversity of the city. It is a perfect spot for relaxing and photography, and also hosts several events.

4. Gateway Arch - St. Louis, Missouri

The Gateway Arch, one of the most distinctive landmarks in the United States, is located in St. Louis, Missouri. It is also known as the "Gateway to the West” since it is located on the banks of the Mississippi River. The iconic structure stands at an impressive height of 630 feet, making it the tallest monument in America. Visitors can take an elevator that takes them to the top of the arch, where they get to enjoy stunning views of the city.

5. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art - Bentonville, Arkansas

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, located in Bentonville, Arkansas, is a must-see for all art lovers. This museum is renowned for its contemporary American artworks and masterpieces by American artists such as Norman Rockwell and Georgia O’Keefe. The museum's unique architectural structure, encompassed by natural surroundings, is a piece of art itself. The galleries are arranged in a chronological order, making it easy for visitors to follow the timeline.

Conclusion

Taking a road trip from Austin, Texas to Branson, Missouri is an experience like no other. Along the way, you will find unimaginably beautiful locales and monuments to feast your eyes on. The hot springs of Hot Springs National Park, the natural wonders of Meramec caverns, the cultural diversity of Waco Suspension Bridge, the majestic Gateway Arch of St. Louis, or the contemporary art collection at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, these are just a few of the many highlights that make road trips such a marvelous venture. So, pack your bags, grab your sunglasses, and get ready to explore the open road!