11 Amazing Ozarks Day Trips That Are Worth The Drive
The Ozarks are more than just a mountain range stretching across Missouri, Arkansas, and into bits of Oklahoma and Kansas—they’re a treasure chest of small towns, state parks, and unforgettable roadside finds. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, diving into history, or just craving a cozy diner meal on the square, a day trip here always delivers. Here are eleven destinations that prove the Ozarks are worth the drive, no matter where you start.
Branson, Missouri
Branson is just over three hours from Tulsa International Airport, by traveling east on I-44 to Springfield, MO, and then continuing south on US 65 for about thirty miles. That drive delivers you into one of the most dynamic towns in the Ozarks—a place where entertainment, history, and natural beauty all come together in one unforgettable day.
Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Branson offers an incredible range of performances. The town’s theaters host everything from bluegrass and gospel to comedy shows and Broadway-style productions, making it easy to find something that fits your taste. The sheer variety means every visit feels fresh, no matter how many times you’ve been.
Families will especially enjoy Silver Dollar City, an 1880s-style theme park that combines high-octane roller coasters with traditional Ozarks crafts. Watching blacksmiths at work or listening to live folk music while the kids dash from ride to ride makes the park feel both nostalgic and exciting. Another must-see is the Titanic Museum, a striking half-scale replica of the ship. With recreated staterooms, hundreds of artifacts, and personal boarding passes tied to real passengers, it offers an immersive experience that is both entertaining and profoundly moving.
And if you’re looking for a slower pace, Table Rock Lake is just minutes away. With its clear waters and 800 miles of shoreline, it’s the perfect spot for boating, fishing, or simply unwinding by the water. Branson makes a superb day trip because it offers something for everyone—thrills, culture, history, and a chance to relax in nature—all within an easy drive from Tulsa.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Missouri
Just under three hours from St. Louis Lambert Field via I-44 W, Ha Ha Tonka State Park offers one of the most memorable day trips in the Missouri Ozarks. Named by Major Kellog in a nod to the Osage people who once lived in the area, its curious title was meant to mean “laughing waters,” but more closely translates to "big laugh", or even "big joke". Located near Camdenton, the park is best known for its dramatic castle-like ruins. In the early 1900s, a wealthy Kansas City businessman began building his dream estate here. Though fire reduced much of it to stone walls in the 1940s, the ruins still stand boldly against the backdrop of the Lake of the Ozarks, creating a gothic scene that feels both European and uniquely Ozark.
The park itself is a geologic playground, with sinkholes, caves, and natural bridges scattered throughout its rugged landscape. Trails like the Spring Trail lead to turquoise-blue waters bubbling from the ground, while the Castle Trail rewards hikers with sweeping views of the lake. It’s a place where history and nature intermingle at every turn.
To extend your adventure, head just down the road to Bridal Cave & Thunder Mountain Park, one of Missouri’s most celebrated show caves. Guided tours reveal glittering mineral formations and an underground lake that seem straight out of a fantasy novel.
Claremore, Oklahoma
Claremore sits just about 30 minutes northeast of Tulsa International Airport, making it an easy Ozarks getaway with plenty to see and do. The town’s most famous son is humorist and actor Will Rogers, and you can explore his legacy at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum. Inside, exhibits celebrate his wit, career, and enduring influence, while the hilltop grounds offer sweeping views across town and countryside. For a dose of Americana, the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of firearms, alongside quirky curiosities that span decades of history.
Another highlight is the Belvidere Mansion, a striking 1907 Victorian home with period furnishings and exhibits that tell the story of Claremore’s early days. The mansion also hosts a tearoom, where visitors can pause for lunch or a slice of cake in an elegant setting.
Downtown Claremore is walkable and inviting, with antique shops, boutiques, and cafés tucked into historic storefronts. When it’s time to eat, Hammett House Restaurant has been serving comfort food since 1969—its generous pies are legendary and worth the stop on their own.
Ste. Genevieve, Missouri
If you’re looking for a day trip that blends history, culture, and small-town charm, set your sights on Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. Just over an hour’s drive from Lambert Field in St. Louis, this riverside town feels like stepping into another era. Founded in the early 1700s by French settlers, Ste. Genevieve is the oldest permanent European settlement in Missouri, and much of its colonial character still lingers today.
Strolling downtown feels a little like wandering into an old-world French village. Several original French Colonial vertical-log houses still stand, including the Louis Bolduc House, a beautiful preserved example of 18th-century architecture. The Centre for French Colonial Life brings these stories to life with exhibits on early settlers, their customs, and the town’s role along the Mississippi River.
The region's limestone-rich soil has made it a haven for winemaking since the 1800s. Nearby wineries, like Chateau St. Genevieve, invite visitors to sip regional varietals against the backdrop of rolling Ozark hills. This riverside community is a perfect day trip for everyone seeking a spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of a simpler place.
Hermann, Missouri
Just under 90 minutes west of St. Louis Lambert Field, Hermann makes an easy escape via I-70 to Highway 19, where the road winds down into the Missouri River valley and delivers you straight into wine country. Perched along the Missouri River, Hermann blends Old World charm with Ozark scenery in a delightfully unique way. Founded in 1837 by German settlers, the town has sought to preserve its culture, and traces of that heritage still shape life here.
The heart of Hermann is its historic district, where 19th-century brick buildings line the streets and now house boutiques, galleries, and cafés. Wine lovers will want to stop at Stone Hill Winery, Missouri’s oldest and most acclaimed vineyard, where cellars carved into the hillside tell stories dating back to the 1800s. For a deeper dive into history, the Historic Hermann Museum, located in the old German School, offers insight into the settlers who carved out this river town and their lasting influence.
Each fall, Hermann bursts into celebration with its annual Oktoberfest, filling the streets with music, food, and, of course, plenty of beer. But even outside festival season, dining is a highlight—stop by the Wurst Haus for authentic sausages or enjoy hearty German fare at a riverside restaurant while watching the sun set over the bluffs.
Route 66: The Mother Road
Starting less than 10 miles from Tulsa International Airport, Route 66 rolls east through Oklahoma and into the Missouri Ozarks, offering a road trip packed with history, roadside oddities, and sweeping scenery. Once you roll out of Tulsa on Route 66, it takes a little over two hours to reach the Missouri Ozarks, and the drive has plenty of character along the way. Just outside Carthage, you’ll find Red Oak II, an open-air collection of relocated and restored buildings created by artist Lowell Davis. Walking its quiet streets feels like stepping back into a rural Missouri town of the early 1900s, complete with a one-room schoolhouse, gas station, and old-time church.
In Carthage itself, the ornate Jasper County Courthouse anchors the square with its limestone towers, while the retro 66 Drive-In Theatre still lights up the night with double features, a rare chance to watch a movie under the stars. Further east in Springfield, the birthplace of Route 66, history buffs can explore the Route 66 Car Museum, home to more than 70 classic automobiles. Murals, roadside markers, and a dedicated visitor center celebrate the city’s role in launching the Mother Road.
To cap off the journey, continue into the Ozark hills and stop at Devil’s Elbow, where a steel truss bridge crosses the Big Piney River beneath towering bluffs. The scene blends rugged landscapes with vintage Americana, capturing the very essence of a Route 66 road trip.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs is just 147 miles from Tulsa International Airport, making it an easy drive of less than three hours to the heart of the Ozarks. Erected in the mountain valleys along Leatherwood Creek in northwest Arkansas, Eureka Springs began in 1879 as a health resort, and it quickly drew visitors eager to experience its healing springs. Those early days left a lasting mark—Victorian buildings still line the steep, winding streets, creating a townscape that feels both historic and inviting. Every walk through its hillside neighborhoods reveals a blend of charm, character, and echoes of a bygone era.
Spend your day wandering the winding downtown streets, where quirky boutiques and art galleries fill century-old storefronts. Stop at Basin Spring Park, once the heart of the original spa craze, then ride the trolley up to the Thorncrown Chapel, a glass-and-wood masterpiece hidden in the forest. History buffs will love the Crescent Hotel, which dates back to 1886 and still hosts ghost tours that send a shiver down the spine. Eureka Springs blends old-world charm with artistic energy, making it a day trip that lingers long after you’ve left its hills.
Bella Vista, Arkansas
Once a summer resort founded in the early 1900s, Bella Vista is just under 130 miles from Tulsa, and has blossomed into a thriving Ozarks town known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and, especially, golf. Tucked into the northwest corner of Arkansas, it offers a mix of relaxation and activity that makes for an easy day trip.
Golfers will find themselves spoiled for choice—seven championship golf courses wind through the hills, each with its own personality. From the scenic fairways of Scotsdale Golf Course to the rolling greens at Bella Vista Country Club, the town is a golfer’s haven. The manicured landscapes and lake views create a tranquil backdrop for non-players, as well.
Beyond the links, Bella Vista offers plenty to explore. Trails like the Tanyard Creek Nature Trail lead to waterfalls and quiet forest glades, while Lake Avalon and Lake Windsor invite fishing, kayaking, and lakeside picnics. For something different, the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel—a soaring glass-and-wood structure standing silently in the woods—offers a peaceful spot to pause and appreciate the harmony of architecture and nature.
War Eagle, Arkansas
War Eagle lies about 120 miles east of Tulsa International Airport, an easy two-and-a-half-hour drive that makes for a rewarding Ozarks day trip. This small community may not cover much ground, but it’s home to one of the region’s most iconic landmarks: the War Eagle Mill.
The first mill was built along War Eagle Creek in 1832, serving as a vital hub for local farmers. Though floods and fires destroyed it several times, the current red mill—rebuilt in the 1970s—still grinds grain the old-fashioned way with a water-powered wheel. Visitors can watch as cornmeal and flour are stone-ground, then head upstairs to the Bean Palace Café, where biscuits, cornbread, and pancakes showcase the mill’s fresh products.
Just outside, the War Eagle Bridge, a steel truss span built in 1907, offers postcard-worthy views of the creek and surrounding hills. Every October, the area comes alive during the War Eagle Craft Fair, one of Arkansas’s largest and oldest festivals, drawing thousands of artisans and visitors to the valley. Even on quiet days, the mill and its setting reflect the resilience and charm of the Ozarks. With history, scenery, and a hearty meal rolled into one stop, War Eagle makes a day trip that feels both authentic and unforgettable.
Springfield, Missouri
Springfield is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive northeast of Tulsa International Airport, the nearest international gateway, making it an accessible entry point into the Ozarks. Known as the “Queen City of the Ozarks,” Springfield has long been a hub of culture and commerce. It also proudly claims the title of the official birthplace of Route 66, a legacy you’ll see celebrated throughout the city.
For families, the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium offers a chance to experience one of the country's best immersive wildlife attractions. Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy Fantastic Caverns, America’s only ride-through cave tour, where trams glide through vast underground chambers shaped by an ancient river.
Downtown Springfield has blossomed into a vibrant district featuring breweries, coffee shops, and restaurants within historic storefronts. Add in live music venues, theaters, and seasonal festivals, and the city offers a cultural energy that pairs well with its heritage. Sports fans can also catch the Springfield Cardinals, the Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, at Hammons Field during baseball season. Springfield makes a great day trip because it blends wildlife encounters, outdoor adventure, and urban flair. Whether you’re riding through caves, taking in a ballgame, or sampling local flavors downtown, Springfield delivers a diverse taste of the Ozarks that’s always worth the drive.
Grand Lake o' the Cherokees, Oklahoma
About 75 miles northeast of Tulsa International Airport, Grand Lake o' the Cherokees is one of Oklahoma’s most popular outdoor playgrounds and a natural gateway into the Ozarks. Created in 1940 by the Pensacola Dam, the lake stretches across 46,500 acres with over 1,300 miles of shoreline, offering endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
Boating is king here—sailboats, pontoons, and fishing boats dot the water from spring through fall. Anglers come for bass, catfish, and crappie, while families enjoy jet skiing and tubing on the wide, sparkling coves. For those who prefer solid ground, Grand Lake State Park provides picnic areas, swimming beaches, and scenic walking paths.
One of the lake’s most famous attractions is the Har-Ber Village Museum in Grove, a recreated pioneer town featuring more than 100 restored 19th-century buildings filled with artifacts. It’s a fascinating glimpse into frontier life. Nearby, the Pensacola Dam—once the longest multiple-arch dam in the world—offers guided tours that reveal both its engineering marvels and its role in shaping the region.
Grand Lake combines recreation, history, and Ozark scenery into one destination. Whether you’re casting a line, learning about pioneer history, or simply soaking in the lake views, it’s a day trip that captures energy and tranquility in equal measure.
The Ozarks are full of surprises—where winding highways lead not just to scenic overlooks, but to towns rich with history, music, and a spirit all their own. One day you might find yourself floating along a free-flowing river, the next standing next to castle ruins on a bluff, or perhaps sitting on a square where fiddles play long into the evening. Along the way, you’ll find small cafés, family-owned diners, and unexpected gems that make the journey as rewarding as the destination.
Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor explorer, or simply someone who loves a good drive with plenty of stops to savor, the Ozarks deliver. These day trips prove that adventure doesn’t always require a plane ticket—sometimes it’s just a short drive away. And every mile you spend in these hills confirms what travelers have long discovered: the Ozarks are always worth the drive.
