Best Spring Soutwest Missouri Road Trips

Spring is finally here, and what better way to take in the season than by hitting the open road and admiring the beautiful scenery of Southwest Missouri? Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or just looking for a new adventure, these road trips are sure to satisfy your wanderlust of the sites and smells of Spring. From picturesque small towns to breathtaking natural wonders, each of these routes offers a unique and unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for the ultimate nature-lovers spring road trip adventure!

Southwest Missouri Roads Trips

Welcome to Southwest Missouri, where scenic beauty, small-town charm, and historic landmarks converge to create an unforgettable road trip experience. From rolling Ozark hills to peaceful streams and lakes, this region is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the country. But that’s not all – with Spring foliage, quaint towns, and charming countryside all within easy reach, there’s something for everyone in Southwest Missouri. So, buckle up, roll down your windows, and get ready to explore some of the best road trips this region has to offer. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply looking for a change of scenery, these road trips will take you on a journey you won’t soon forget.

Neosho, Missouri

Dogwoods blooming at Neosho’s Big Spring Park

Neosho is a hidden gem in the heart of the Ozarks, offering visitors a chance to experience the beauty of spring in a truly unique way. With the arrival of the season, the city’s flowering dogwoods come into full bloom, transforming the landscape into a sea of pink and white petals. The best place to view these beautiful trees is at Big Spring Park, located just a few miles from the historic downtown square.

Big Spring Park is a serene oasis nestled in the heart of Neosho. The park is home to a natural spring that feeds a crystal-clear creek as well as a large waterfall, providing visitors with the perfect backdrop for a relaxing stroll,  picnic or family photo spot. During the spring, the park’s many flowering dogwoods add a splash of color to the landscape, making it one of the most beautiful spots in the city. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or a family-friendly outing, Big Spring Park is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.

After exploring the natural beauty of Big Spring Park, head to the historic downtown square to discover Neosho’s local shops and eateries. The square is home to a variety of unique shopping, restaurants, and attractions, including the Newton County Courthouse, one of the oldest courthouses in Missouri. The square is also home to several historic buildings.  Then, make a stop by Neosho National Fish Hatchery.  Established in 1888, the hatchery is the oldest in the country and is dedicated to the conservation and restoration of native fish populations. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the hatchery, learn about the different species of fish, and even feed the fish in the outdoor ponds.

Neosho makes the perfect destination for a spring road trip to take a drive through town viewing the Dogwoods, or exploring one of the many walking and biking trails through nature the city has to offer.

Cassville, Missouri

Roaring River State Park Trout Fishing and Trail Walking

Home of Roaring River State Park, Cassville offers the perfect place to experience the beauty of spring in Southwest Missouri.  Roaring River State Park is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Ozarks. The park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and offers a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing. One of the most popular activities at the park is trout fishing, as Roaring River is one of the premier trout fishing destinations in the state. Visitors can cast their lines into the park’s clear waters and try their luck catching rainbow and brown trout.

In addition to fishing, Roaring River State Park is home to several hiking trails that wind through the park’s rugged hills and forests. The Devil’s Kitchen Trail is a popular trail that leads hikers through a scenic canyon to a natural rock bridge. The Fire Tower Trail is another popular hiking trail that leads to an old fire tower with stunning views of the surrounding Ozark hills.

For those looking to spend the night, Roaring River State Park offers several camping options, including campsites and cabins. The park also has a swimming pool, picnic areas, and a playground, making it the perfect destination for a family-friendly springtime getaway.

With its stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and variety of outdoor activities, Roaring River State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Southwest Missouri in the springtime.

Lampe, Missouri

Take a spring road trip to Lampe, MO to see Dogwood Canyon

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is a sprawling 10,000-acre park located just outside of Lampe, Missouri, and is a true oasis in the heart of the Ozarks. The park is known for its pristine natural beauty, which includes stunning waterfalls, winding streams, and towering bluffs. During the spring, the park comes alive with blooming dogwood trees, making it an especially beautiful time to visit.

Visitors to Dogwood Canyon can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and fishing. The park has over 6 miles of paved biking and walking trails that wind through some of the most scenic areas of the park. For anglers, the park offers fly fishing on its pristine streams and lakes, with opportunities to catch rainbow and brown trout.

One of the most popular attractions at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is the tram tour, which takes visitors on a scenic tour through the park’s most beautiful areas. During the tour, visitors can see waterfalls, towering bluffs, and a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, and white-tailed deer.

Dogwood Canyon is located just a short drive from Branson, Missouri, one of the region’s most popular tourist destinations. In Branson, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, including live music shows, shopping, and dining. Some of the top attractions in Branson include Silver Dollar City, a theme park with roller coasters and other thrill rides that opens in early spring, and the Titanic Museum, which offers a fascinating look at the famous ship’s history.

Republic, Missouri

Take a history road trip to Wilson’s Creek Battlefield

If you’re looking for a historic destination, consider a road trip to Wilson’s Creek Battlefield in southwest Missouri.

Wilson’s Creek Battlefield is a national park that preserves the site of one of the first major battles of the American Civil War. The battle took place on August 10, 1861, and was fought between Confederate troops led by General Sterling Price and Union forces led by General Nathaniel Lyon.

The park features a visitor center where you can learn about the history of the battle and the significance of the site. You can also take a self-guided tour of the battlefield, which includes several interpretive stops where you can learn about the events that took place during the battle.

In addition to the battlefield, the park also has several hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the natural beauty of the Ozarks. The trails range in difficulty and length, so there is something for everyone. Spring is a great time to visit the park, as the weather is mild and the trees and flowers are in bloom.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are several options in the nearby city of Springfield, Missouri. You can also camp at the park’s campsite if you’re looking for a more rustic experience.

A spring road trip to Wilson’s Creek Battlefield is a great way to learn about American history, enjoy the beauty of nature, and get some exercise.

Joplin, Missouri

Grand Falls in Joplin, MO

Joplin, Missouri is a historic town located in the southwest corner of the state. The town is known for its rich mining history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant arts and culture scene.

During the spring, Joplin is a great destination for those looking to explore the outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests, making it a perfect place for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.

One of the best places to experience the spring foliage in Joplin is at the Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center. This nature center features several miles of hiking trails that wind through dense forests and along scenic waterways. During the spring, the trails are lined with wildflowers and other blooms, creating a colorful and picturesque backdrop for your hike.

Another great destination for spring foliage in Joplin is the Walter Woods Conservation Area. This nature reserve is located just outside of town and features several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The reserve is home to a diverse range of plant and animal life, and is a great place to experience the natural beauty of the Ozarks.

Grand Falls is another must-visit destination in Joplin, Missouri. This stunning natural wonder is located just a few miles outside of town and is the largest continuously flowing waterfall in the state of Missouri. During the spring, the falls are surrounded by lush greenery and colorful wildflowers, making it a picturesque and memorable sight.

Visitors can hike down to the base of the falls, where they can feel the mist on their faces and take in the beauty of the cascading water. The area around Grand Falls is also a popular spot for picnics and outdoor recreation, with several picnic tables and benches located throughout the park.

In addition to its natural beauty, Joplin is also home to a vibrant arts and culture scene. The town is home to several galleries, theaters, and performance venues that showcase the work of local artists and performers. Be sure to visit downtown Joplin for numerous murals, including the famous Thomas Hart Benton mural in city hall at 6^th and Main Streets.

Now, Get out and explore Southwest Missouri

Spring road trips in Southwest Missouri offer a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and take in nature. From the stunning foliage and natural beauty of the Ozarks to the rich history and culture of small towns like Neosho and Joplin, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this region of the country. Whether you’re hiking through the woods, exploring historic landmarks, or simply relaxing in a scenic park, Southwest Missouri is the perfect destination for a springtime getaway. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to experience the beauty and charm of this unique and unforgettable corner of Missouri.

Looking for a new vehicle for your Spring Road Trip?

Stop by and see us at Griffith Motors in Neosho and take a test drive. We are here to answer any questions and help you find your perfect road trip vehicle. Call us at 417.451.2626 or visit us at 1300 W Harmony, Neosho.