“Day-Tripping” listings
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BUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER
This 135-mile waterway is one of mainland America’s few remaining rivers with no dams. Hiking, rock climbing, floating, horseback riding, camping and fishing are among the many park activities available. (07/2010)
48 miles southeast of Branson
nps.gov/buff/index.htm -
WILSON’S CREEK NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
The Confederate army bested the Union at the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River. Tour the battlefield and war museum to learn how. (05/2010)
18 miles south of Branson Republic, MO
417-732-2662
nps.gov/wicr -
GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER NATIONAL MONUMENT
Exhibits, a museum and a bookstore give visitors a peek into the life of agricultural scientist George Washington Carver. Make sure you save time to hike to the Carver Boyhood Statue. (03/2010)
118 miles northwest of Branson Diamond, Mo
417-325-4151
nps.gov/gwca -
FANTASTIC CAVERNS
Take an up-close look at underground formations on the only in-cave tram tour in the US. You’ll see stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws and flowstones still growing one water drop at a time. (12/2009)
54 miles north of Branson Springfi eld, MO
417-833-2010
fantasticcaverns.com -
THE WAR EAGLE FAIR
When the Ozarks foliage is at its most brilliant, 200,000 people roll into rural Hindsville for this arts-and-crafts extravaganza. Vendors will sell handmade wares, from stained glass to watercolors. Oct. 15-18. (12/2009)
75 miles southwest of Branson, Hindsville, AR
479-789-5398
www.wareaglefair.com -
DISCOVERY CENTER OF SPRINGFIELD
This hands-on science center provides exciting experiments for kids of all ages. Highlights include the interactive ChromoZone Lab, where kids can check out their own DNA. (12/2009)
438 E St. Louis St, Springfield, MO
417-862-9910
www.discoverycenter.org
