Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Blue Springs to Raymore, Missouri
Are you looking for a scenic and memorable drive in Missouri? Look no further than the route from Blue Springs to Raymore, filled with surprises and unique destinations that you won't find in any guidebook. The route takes just over an hour on Highway 71 South, and it offers a mini-road trip experience filled with diverse scenery, small towns, and hidden gems.
Halfway Point: Lee's Summit, MO
Before diving into the top five places to stop on this drive, we can't overlook the halfway point in Lee's Summit. This small town has a great downtown district filled with shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks. For a bite to eat, check out Third Street Social, a casual upscale restaurant that offers a variety of seasonal dishes. Their signature BBQ ribs are a must-try paired with their famous cornbread and sweet potato fries.
1. Paradise Park
Paradise Park is an all-in-one family entertainment center that has something for everyone. Located in Lee's Summit, this 15-acre venue features mini-golf courses, rock climbing walls, go-karts, laser tag, and a variety of outdoor and indoor games. If you're visiting with kids, don't miss the Discovery Play center, which offers interactive activities and educational exhibits. For food, Paradise Park features a snack bar that offers nachos, pizza, funnel cakes, and more.
2. Powell Gardens
If you're looking for a peaceful and serene stop, look no further than Powell Gardens, located 30 minutes away from Paradise Park. This botanical garden covers 970 acres of land and features themed gardens, walking trails, a waterfall, and a lake. Don't miss the extraordinary greenhouse that contains various tropical plants, orchids, and exotic birds. If you need to grab a bite, Powell Gardens has a café that offers soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts.
3. Butler's Orchard and Farm Market
Located forty minutes away from Powell Gardens, Butler's Orchard is a hidden gem that offers seasonal fruits and vegetables, including cherries, strawberries, pumpkins, and apples. Depending on the month, visitors can participate in different activities such as berry picking, cider pressing, or hayrides. The farm market has a variety of fresh produce, jams, baked goods, and gifts. Don't forget to try their fresh apple cider donuts, a must-try local favorite.
4. Cass County Historical Society Museum
If you're fascinated about history and local lore, you'll love the Cass County Historical Society Museum. Located 20 minutes away from Butler's Orchard, this small museum showcases the history of Cass County through exhibits, photographs, artifacts, and documents. Visitors can learn about the Osage Indians and the pioneers that settled in the area. Don't forget to check out the gift shop, which offers local crafts, books, and souvenirs.
5. Belton, MO
The last stop on this scenic drive is the small town of Belton, located 30 minutes from the Cass County Historical Society Museum. Belton is home to a variety of antique shops, local restaurants, and landmarks worth visiting. For a bite to eat, check out Anna's Oven, a cozy bakery that serves homemade pies, cakes, and sandwiches. In the downtown district, you'll find a variety of antique shops that offer unique and vintage items.
Conclusion
From Paradise Park to Belton, this drive from Blue Springs to Raymore is full of exciting and unexpected stops that are perfect for a day trip or a weekend adventure. Whether you're traveling solo or with friends and family, you're guaranteed to find something that fits your interests and passions. So pack your bags, fill up your gas tank, and embark on this scenic drive that will take you through the best of Missouri's hidden gems.