A Missouri Roadtrip with 2 State Parks, 1 National Forest, and a Conservation Area
My nephew was graduating from high school in Edmond, OK, and there are a few ways to get there from the Quad Cities if you’re not flying. The most straightforward is a 9.5 hour drive by way of Des Moines and Kansas City, but it is a soul sucking experience. Another way is to go through Missouri. With a friend recently relocated to Springfield, MO and a long Missouri wish list, I decided this was the way to go! I could break the long drive up with hikes along the way and spend some quality time with my friend. Here’s how the itinerary shook out:
Day 1
-Moline to Columbia, MO (4:15)
-Hiking at Rock Bridge State Park
-Columbia, MO to Springfield, MO (2:25)
Day 2
-Springfield, MO to Joplin, MO (1:30)
-Hiking at Wildcat Glade
-Joplin, MO to Edmond, OK (3:00)
Day 3
-Edmond, OK to Lampe, MO via Arkansas (4:30)
-Biking at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
-Lampe, MO to Springfield, MO (1:00)
Day 4
-Springfield, MO to La Grande, MO (4:15)
-Hiking at Wakonda State Park
-La Grande, MO to Moline, IL (2:30)
Rock Bridge State Park
Wildcat Glade
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
Wakonda State Park
Future Itineraries
More Mark Twain National Forest / Branson
Roaring River State Park
Big Sugar Creek State Park (Chinquapin Trail)
Bennett Springs State Park
Bryant Creek State Park