The Best Route from Belton, Missouri to Westmont, Illinois: Top Places to See

Traveling can be a lot of fun, especially when you're driving through beautiful and scenic routes. One of the best routes to take is from Belton, Missouri, to Westmont, Illinois. It is full of beautiful landscapes, quaint little towns, and historical landmarks. In this blog post, we will take a look at the top places to see when driving this route.

Before we start, it’s important to note that this route is approximately 500 miles, which would take you around 8 hours to drive straight through. However, we recommend taking a few stops along the way, both to enjoy the beautiful scenery and to break up the trip a bit. So, let’s pack our bags, fill up the gas tank, and get ready to hit the road!

1. Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Missouri

Our first stop will be the Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Missouri. Located just 5 miles south of Camdenton, this state park offers a breathtaking view of nature. The park features natural bridges, caves, sinkholes, and a beautiful mansion that overlooks Lake of the Ozarks. The mansion, known as the Ha Ha Tonka Castle, was built in 1905 and is now in ruins. It is a great place to take pictures and immerse yourself in natural beauty.

2. Meramec Caverns, Missouri

Next on our list is the Meramec Caverns, located just 60 miles northeast of Springfield, Missouri. This natural wonder features stunning limestone formations, including the “Wine Table” and “Stage Curtain”. The caverns were formed over millions of years and offer visitors a glimpse into the underground marvels of nature.

You can enjoy a guided tour of the caverns and learn about its history, geology, and unique features. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also take a zip line through the caverns.

3. St. Louis Gateway Arch, Missouri

Our next stop is the iconic St. Louis Gateway Arch. Located in Missouri, it is the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere and stands at 630 feet tall. It is a symbol of America’s westward expansion and a major tourist attraction.

You can take an elevator to the top of the arch and enjoy the stunning view of the city and the Mississippi River. There is also a museum underneath the arch that covers the history of its construction and America's westward expansion.

4. Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Indiana

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a must-see for any racing enthusiast. Located in Speedway, Indiana, this iconic track is home to the famous Indianapolis 500. You can take a tour of the track, visit the Hall of Fame Museum, and see classic cars and racing memorabilia.

If you're lucky, you might even catch a race at the track, which will make for an unforgettable experience.

5. Chicago’s Navy Pier, Illinois

Our final stop is Chicago's Navy Pier, which is an iconic landmark in the Windy City. Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago's Navy Pier was built in 1916 and has since become a major tourist attraction.

You can enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the lake, ride the giant Ferris wheel, visit the museum, or shop for souvenirs from local vendors. If you have an appetite, grab a bite at one of the pier’s many restaurants.

Conclusion

Traveling is an exciting experience and exploring new places is always adventurous. With this guide, you can make your trip from Belton, Missouri to Westmont, Illinois both fun and interesting. We hope you find this list helpful and enjoy your journey through some of America’s best destinations!