7 Day Missouri: Iconic Sites & Local Bites Self Drive

Arrive in Kansas City and enjoy a late lunch at Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque, home of the legendary “King of Ribs,” where the distinctive sauce and pit smoked meats have attracted notable visitors including Presidents Harry Truman and Jimmy Carter. Spend the afternoon in the historic 18th & Vine District, beginning with the American Jazz Museum, which showcases the artists and innovations that shaped an iconic American art form. Continue next door at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum—recently added to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail—and explore its powerful storytelling about African American baseball and its influence on America’s social progress. In the evening, dine at Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue before heading to The Blue Room for an intimate live jazz performance. Cap the night at the Mutual Musicians Foundation, where late night jam sessions have kept Kansas City’s jazz tradition alive since the 1930s.
 

Enjoy breakfast at a local favorite such as Blue Bird Bistro, Succotash, or Messenger Coffee. Spend the morning exploring Union Station, where you’ll find rotating exhibits, Science City, a planetarium, shops, and lunch options including Harvey’s Restaurant and Pierpont’s. In the afternoon, dive into the city’s Prohibition era past on the Gangster Tour, uncovering infamous crime scenes, secret speakeasies, and the story behind Kansas City’s reputation as the “Paris of the Plains.” Visit J. Rieger & Co. afterward to learn about the distillery’s history, sample Kansas City Whiskey, and slide down the only known distillery slide in the world. For dinner, choose from acclaimed restaurants such as Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room, The Town Company, or The Savoy at 21c. Close the evening with live jazz at the Green Lady Lounge. If time permits, consider the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures, the National World War I Museum and Memorial, or the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art.
 

Depart early and arrive in Branson in the afternoon to check in at the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing, a 4 star hotel on the shores of Lake Taneycomo surrounded by shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Enjoy a cocktail at Andy B’s Tiki Bar overlooking the water and choose from more than sixteen restaurants for dinner. Spend the evening exploring attractions along Highway 76, such as the Titanic Museum, Aquarium at the Boardwalk, Branson Auto & Farm Museum, or even Tommy Hawks Axe Throwing. With over 100 live shows, Branson offers a wide range of evening entertainment including musical productions, magic acts, and acrobatic performances.
 

After breakfast, head to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, just 30 minutes away. Set within 10,000 acres of natural scenery filled with waterfalls, bluffs, wildlife, and forest trails, the park offers activities such as hiking, biking, trout fishing, horseback riding, and wildlife tram tours. Enjoy lunch at the Mill & Canyon Grill Restaurant, where floor to ceiling windows overlook Little Indian Creek and a dramatic 120 foot waterfall; specialties include the bison burger and smoked trout cake BLT. Continue your day with options such as a moonshine tasting at Smith Creek Distillery, soaring over Lake Taneycomo on Parakeet Pete’s Zipline, exploring artifacts at the Shipwrecked Treasure Museum, or taking an exciting ride with Branson Jet Boats. Return to Branson Landing for the nightly water and light show before dining at Guy Fieri’s Branson Kitchen + Bar. End the evening with Anthems of Rock at King’s Castle Theatre, a high energy tribute to rock legends including Queen, The Beatles, Bon Jovi, Led Zeppelin, Journey, and more.
 

Depart early for St. Louis and arrive in time for a late lunch at Sugarfire Smoke House, serving modern smoked specialties, or Broadway Oyster Bar for Cajun and Creole cuisine. Spend the afternoon experiencing the Gateway Arch, where a tram ride to the top offers sweeping views 630 feet above the city and the Mississippi River. If time allows, enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Gateway Arch Riverboats. Have dinner at BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups before treating yourself to a classic frozen custard “concrete” at Ted Drewes, a Route 66 staple since 1929.
 

Start the day with a visit to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, home to one of the largest mosaic collections in the Western Hemisphere. Continue to Forest Park to explore the Missouri History Museum and the Saint Louis Science Center with its interactive exhibits, OMNIMAX Theater, and planetarium. Wander through the Missouri Botanical Garden, a 79 acre National Historic Landmark with more than 27,000 plants. Later, tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and see the famous Budweiser Clydesdales, or dive into the musical heritage of the National Blues Museum. Spend the evening at Ballpark Village enjoying food, drinks, and lively entertainment before heading to St. Louis Union Station for the Grand Hall Light Show and a ride on the St. Louis Wheel, which offers panoramic skyline views from climate controlled gondolas.
 

Return your rental car and depart from St. Louis for your flight home.