Fall is a great time of year to visit the Show-Me State. During the autumn months, temperatures are cooler and the leaves are brighter, making outdoor adventures all that much more exciting. Travel through western Missouri and experience some of the best the state has to offer this season, including some traditional fall activities you won’t want to miss.
Start your trip off with a relaxing stay at The Elms Hotel & Spa in Excelsior Springs, just outside of Kansas City. Book a spa treatment or spend some time in the grotto to rejuvenate yourself before setting out on an epic Missouri adventure.
Your first morning is filled with traditional fall fun. Visit Carolyn’s Country Cousins Pumpkin Patch, in Liberty, to pick your own pumpkins, meet barn animals and experience the thrill of pig races. Younger visitors can ride the mini railroad and explore a corn maze that’s just their size.
After a morning of exciting adventure at the pumpkin patch, get ready for some comfort food. The Farmhouse in Kansas City works with local farms each morning to ensure that their dishes are made from fresh ingredients.
After lunch, make the two-hour drive south to Stockton Lake for an afternoon of exploring the outdoors. Stockton Lake features 300 miles of untouched shoreline, making it one of the best places to view fall colors from the water. Visitors enjoy sailing or fishing on the lake, or hike or bike the miles of trails surrounding it. Cabins and camping are available for those looking to extend their stay.
For the adults, Mother’s Brewing Company in Springfield is a can’t-miss opportunity to enjoy a delicious brew. This microbrewery focuses on making delicious beers and believes customers become family once they walk through the door.
When you’re ready to crash after a long day of adventures, the Mansion at Elfindale is a unique locale in Springfield. Situated in a Victorian mansion, this bed-and-breakfast features 13 unique suites, each decorated with period furnishings to match the history of the building.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and you won’t want to skip it, especially not when Aviary Café and Creperie is on the schedule. This café offers both sweet and savory dishes, each made from scratch and featuring only the most premium ingredients, including locally sourced seasonal vegetables.
Dogwood Canyon.
Next on your trip is another outdoor adventure – Dogwood Canyon. This beautiful section of land features 10,000 acres of waterfalls, caves, trails and plenty of wildlife. Bike or hike the trails, head to the stables for a horseback ride, enjoy a tram or Segway tour and more. You can fish or check out the 3D archery course!
Whether or not golf is your thing, the legendary Top of the Rock Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is a can’t-miss stop on Table Rock Lake. Whether you’re ready to golf the nine holes, or you want to explore the Lost Canyon Nature Trail and Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, you won’t be able to take your eyes off of the stunning vistas of the lake. Stay for dinner at one of three options at the restaurants at Top of the Rock.
Big Cedar Lodge.
When you’re finally ready to wrap up your trip, check in to Big Cedar Lodge. This resort offers everything from swimming pools to a marina where you can check out boats, water skis and more. Pick from lodge rooms or your own private cabin; you won’t be disappointed with the view no matter what you choose.
To start planning your trip today, and to find out more about other unique fall attractions, dining and lodging options, and festivals, go to VisitMO.com/Fall.
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