Points of Interest between Cincinnati, Ohio to Independence, Missouri

picture of Cincinnati, Ohio

Road Trip from Cincinnati, OH to Independence, MO

Are you planning a road trip from Cincinnati, Ohio to Independence, Missouri? Here are five must-see places you can't miss on your trip!

Fun Fact: Route 36, which goes from Springfield, Illinois to Denver, Colorado, is also known as the "Pony Express Highway". This route passes through Missouri and intersects with Independence, where the Pony Express was headquartered.

Halfway Point: Vandalia, IL. This small town has a few local landmarks worth checking out, including the Fayette County Museum and the Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site.

The trip from Cincinnati to Independence is about 600 miles and can take anywhere between 9 and 11 hours, depending on your stops and traffic. But don't worry, there are plenty of interesting places to break your journey!

Here are the top five must-see places:

  1. Jefferson City, MO The capital of Missouri features a beautiful capitol building and scenic views of the Missouri River. Take a tour of the Missouri State Penitentiary and learn about its fascinating history.

Point of Interest: The Runge Nature Center has nature trails, river access, and educational programs for all ages.

  1. Hannibal, MO Home of Mark Twain, Hannibal is a charming small town by the Mississippi River. Visit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum and explore the cave that inspired "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer".

Point of Interest: Take a riverboat tour of the scenic Mississippi River.

  1. Columbia, MO Home of the University of Missouri, Columbia has a vibrant downtown area with shops, restaurants, and live music venues. Visit the Mizzou campus and take a stroll through the nearby Stephens Lake Park.

Point of Interest: Check out the Shelter Gardens, a beautiful botanical garden with over 300 varieties of trees and plants.

  1. Kansas City, MO This bustling city is famous for its jazz music and barbecue cuisine. Visit the National World War I Museum and Memorial and tour the historic Union Station. Don't forget to try some of the city's famous barbecue while you're there!

Point of Interest: Catch a Kansas City Royals baseball game at Kauffman Stadium.

  1. Saint Joseph, MO Located on the Missouri River, St. Joseph was once a thriving frontier town and a Pony Express stop. Visit the Patee House Museum and the Pony Express Museum to learn more about the town's fascinating history.

Point of Interest: Take a scenic drive through the nearby Loess Hills and enjoy the beautiful fall colors.

In conclusion, a road trip from Cincinnati to Independence is an excellent adventure that can be a journey through fascinating history and beautiful scenery. With several must-see places to break up the journey, it is sure to be a road trip to remember!