Family Nature Adventure in Southeast Missouri

Day 1: Route 66 to Cape Girardeau

St. Louis, Missouri on September 1, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Rooster

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Rooster, known for its hearty and farm-fresh meals.
Rooster is located in downtown St. Louis, easily accessible from most parts of the city.
$20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Gateway Arch National Park

Explore the iconic Gateway Arch, symbolizing Westward Expansion in the United States. Take a tram ride to the top for panoramic views of the city and Mississippi River.
The Gateway Arch is situated on the west bank of the Mississippi River in St. Louis.
$30, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Urban Chestnut Brewing Company

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at Urban Chestnut Brewing Company, offering a relaxed atmosphere and delicious local brews.
Urban Chestnut Brewing Company is in Midtown St. Louis, a short drive from the Gateway Arch.
$25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Drive on Route 66 to Cape Girardeau

Embark on a scenic drive along Route 66 towards Cape Girardeau, enjoying the historic landmarks and charming towns along the way.
Follow I-44 E and I-55 S to reach Cape Girardeau from St. Louis, approximately a 2.5-hour drive.
Gas Cost, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Katy O'Ferrell's Publick House

Indulge in a hearty dinner at Katy O'Ferrell's Publick House, known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious comfort food.
Katy O'Ferrell's Publick House is a popular restaurant in Cape Girardeau, offering a variety of dishes for all tastes.
$30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Explore Cape Girardeau

Cape Girardeau, Missouri on September 2, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Bella Italia Ristorante

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Bella Italia Ristorante, serving up delicious Italian dishes to kick off your exploration of Cape Girardeau.
Bella Italia Ristorante is a cozy restaurant in the heart of Cape Girardeau, perfect for a family meal.
$15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center

Spend a fun-filled morning at Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center, with water slides, pools, and play areas for the whole family to enjoy.
Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center is a popular water park in Cape Girardeau, offering a range of activities for all ages.
$20, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cup 'N Cork

Relax and recharge with a casual lunch at Cup 'N Cork, a charming cafe known for its sandwiches, soups, and pastries.
Cup 'N Cork is a cozy cafe located in downtown Cape Girardeau, offering a variety of options for lunch.
$10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Exploration at Trail of Tears State Park

Discover the beauty of nature at Trail of Tears State Park, where hiking trails weave through lush forests and scenic landscapes.
Trail of Tears State Park is a short drive from Cape Girardeau, and offers a peaceful retreat into nature.
$5, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Broussard's Cajun Cuisine

End your day with a taste of Louisiana at Broussard's Cajun Cuisine, serving up authentic Cajun dishes in a lively atmosphere.
Broussard's Cajun Cuisine is a popular restaurant in Cape Girardeau, perfect for a flavorful family dinner.
$25, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Head to Branson

Branson, Missouri on September 3, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Billy Gail's Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Billy Gail's Cafe, a beloved spot known for its delicious pancakes and home-style cooking.
Billy Gail's Cafe is a charming restaurant in Branson, perfect for a satisfying morning meal.
$20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Silver Dollar City

Spend the day at Silver Dollar City, an enchanting theme park with thrilling rides, live shows, and artisan crafts for the whole family to enjoy.
Silver Dollar City is a major attraction in Branson, offering a mix of entertainment and cultural experiences.
$50, 6 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Danna's BBQ & Burger Shop

Grab a casual lunch at Danna's BBQ & Burger Shop, a local favorite for its BBQ platters and juicy burgers.
Danna's BBQ & Burger Shop is a popular spot in Branson, ideal for a quick and tasty meal.
$15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Table Rock Lake

Enjoy some leisure time at Table Rock Lake, with opportunities for swimming, boating, or simply relaxing by the water's edge.
Table Rock Lake is a scenic spot near Branson, perfect for a family-friendly afternoon by the lake.
$5, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mel's Hard Luck Diner

End your day with dinner and a show at Mel's Hard Luck Diner, where talented servers entertain guests with live performances while you dine.
Mel's Hard Luck Diner is a unique dining experience in Branson, combining delicious food and musical entertainment.
$30, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Enjoy Branson

Branson, Missouri on September 4, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Farmhouse Restaurant

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at Farmhouse Restaurant, offering a range of country-style dishes to fuel your adventures in Branson.
Farmhouse Restaurant is a cozy eatery in Branson, known for its home-cooked breakfast options.
$15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Titanic Museum

Explore the fascinating Titanic Museum, featuring artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays that transport you back to the ill-fated ship's journey.
The Titanic Museum is a must-visit attraction in Branson, offering a glimpse into the history of the iconic ship.
$25, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mr. G's Chicago Pizza & Pub

Enjoy a delicious lunch at Mr. G's Chicago Pizza & Pub, known for its deep-dish pizzas and pub fare in a family-friendly setting.
Mr. G's Chicago Pizza & Pub is a popular spot in Branson, perfect for a casual afternoon meal.
$20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Marvel Cave

Discover the wonders of Marvel Cave, a natural limestone cave offering guided tours and underground exploration for the whole family.
Marvel Cave is located within Silver Dollar City, providing a unique subterranean experience in Branson.
$20, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Grandma Ruth's

Indulge in a homestyle dinner at Grandma Ruth's, where classic dishes and warm hospitality create a cozy dining experience for the whole family.
Grandma Ruth's is a popular restaurant in Branson, known for its comforting recipes and welcoming atmosphere.
$25, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Return to Cape Girardeau

Cape Girardeau, Missouri on September 5, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at My Daddy's Cheesecake

Start your day with a sweet breakfast at My Daddy's Cheesecake, a local favorite known for its delectable cheesecakes and pastries.
My Daddy's Cheesecake is a charming bakery in Cape Girardeau, offering a range of breakfast treats.
$10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center

Spend the morning at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, where interactive exhibits and outdoor trails provide insight into Missouri's wildlife and habitats.
The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center is a great place for family-friendly exploration and learning about local nature.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Library Bar & Grill

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at The Library Bar & Grill, a cozy eatery offering a diverse menu of comfort food and grilled specialties.
The Library Bar & Grill is a laid-back restaurant in Cape Girardeau, perfect for a midday meal.
$20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Trail of Tears State Park

Return to Trail of Tears State Park for an afternoon of hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the park's natural surroundings.
Trail of Tears State Park offers a peaceful retreat into nature, with well-marked trails for all levels of hikers.
$5, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Minglewood Brewery

End your day with dinner at Minglewood Brewery, a family-friendly spot offering craft beers and delicious pub fare in a laid-back atmosphere.
Minglewood Brewery is a popular brewery and restaurant in Cape Girardeau, known for its selection of craft beers and casual dining.
$30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Visit Natural Spots

Southeast Missouri on September 6, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Bean Tree Cafe

Start your day with a cozy breakfast at The Bean Tree Cafe, a charming spot known for its freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries.
The Bean Tree Cafe is a local favorite in Southeast Missouri, offering a range of breakfast options for all tastes.
$15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

Spend the morning exploring the natural beauty of Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, with its unique rock formations, clear natural pools, and scenic trails.
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park is a must-visit destination in Southeast Missouri, offering opportunities for swimming and hiking.
$10, 3 hours

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Elephant Rocks State Park

Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the giant, elephant-shaped granite boulders at Elephant Rocks State Park, a geological wonder in the region.
Elephant Rocks State Park is a short drive from Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, perfect for a relaxing outdoor lunch.
$15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Hike at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park

Embark on a hike at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, home to Missouri's tallest peak and stunning views of the surrounding forests and valleys.
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels, with breathtaking vistas along the way.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Buckner Brewing Company

Enjoy dinner at Buckner Brewing Company, a brewery and restaurant known for its handcrafted beers and delicious pub-style food.
Buckner Brewing Company is a favorite dining spot in Southeast Missouri, offering a laid-back atmosphere and locally brewed beers.
$25, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Return to St. Louis

St. Louis, Missouri on September 7, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Southwest Diner

Start your day with a flavorful Southwestern breakfast at Southwest Diner, serving up tasty dishes inspired by New Mexican and Mexican cuisine.
Southwest Diner is a cozy restaurant in St. Louis, known for its delicious breakfast options with a spicy twist.
$20, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Saint Louis Zoo

Spend the morning at the Saint Louis Zoo, home to a diverse array of animals from around the world, making it a perfect spot for family fun.
The Saint Louis Zoo is a popular attraction in St. Louis, offering educational exhibits and interactive experiences for all ages.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Blues City Deli

Have a delicious lunch at Blues City Deli, a local favorite known for its hearty sandwiches and live music in a vibrant setting.
Blues City Deli is a lively eatery in St. Louis, perfect for a midday meal with a side of musical entertainment.
$15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Forest Park

Spend the afternoon exploring Forest Park, a sprawling urban park with attractions like the St. Louis Art Museum, Boathouse, and more for a relaxing family time.
Forest Park is a central park in St. Louis, offering a variety of recreational activities and cultural sites to explore.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Hill

End your day with dinner in The Hill neighborhood, known for its Italian cuisine and authentic flavors at various family-friendly restaurants.
The Hill is a bustling dining district in St. Louis, offering a selection of Italian eateries for a satisfying dinner experience.
$30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability