Scenic Midwest Road Trip: Aurora to Wichita via St. Louis, Branson, and Kansas City

Day 1: Aurora to St. Louis

Aurora, Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Orangeini Café & Lounge, Aurora

Enjoy a fresh breakfast with locally roasted coffee and delicious breakfast sandwiches, setting the tone for a great road trip start.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive from Aurora to St. Louis

Travel approximately 300 miles southeast, a scenic four-and-a-half-hour drive through Illinois countryside.
USD0, 4h30m

2:30pm

Visit Gateway Arch National Park

Explore the iconic Gateway Arch, the tallest monument in the United States, and enjoy panoramic views from the top. Open 9:00am to 7:00pm.
USD13, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk through the Old Courthouse and Museum

Discover historical exhibits related to the westward expansion and the Dred Scott case.
USD0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Pappy’s Smokehouse

Savor St. Louis style ribs and BBQ in one of the city's most beloved BBQ spots, open until 9:00pm.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 2: Exploring Branson

St. Louis, Missouri to Branson, Missouri on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Rooster’s, St. Louis

Try a hearty traditional American breakfast with biscuits and gravy before heading out.
USD12, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive from St. Louis to Branson

Drive approximately 4 hours southwest to reach Branson, the entertainment hub of the Ozarks.
USD0, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Mel’s Hard Luck Diner

Enjoy a 1950s-themed diner experience with hearty American fare and table-side musical performances.
USD15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Silver Dollar City

Spend the afternoon at this popular 1880s-themed amusement park featuring rides, crafts, and live shows. Open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
USD80, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gettin’ Basted BBQ

Savor slow-smoked BBQ with a variety of sauces in a relaxed atmosphere.
USD20, 1h30m
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Day 3: Branson to Kansas City

Branson, Missouri to Kansas City, Missouri on June 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Sugar Leaf Bakery & Café

Grab freshly baked pastries and coffee to fuel your road trip.
USD10, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive Branson to Kansas City

Drive about 3.5 hours northwest to Kansas City, Missouri, home of world-famous BBQ.
USD0, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que

Experience award-winning BBQ at this iconic spot known for ribs, burnt ends, and brisket. Open 10:45am to 7:00pm.
USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit the National WWI Museum and Memorial

Explore extensive exhibits and the Liberty Memorial, providing deep insights into World War I. Open 10:00am to 5:00pm.
USD18, 2h0m

4:30pm

Walk through Country Club Plaza

Enjoy outdoor shopping, fountains, and Spanish architecture in this bustling shopping district.
USD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gates Bar-B-Q

Dine on classic Kansas City BBQ with ribs and burnt ends at another local favorite, open until 9:00pm.
USD22, 1h30m
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Day 4: Kansas City to Wichita

Kansas City, Missouri to Wichita, Kansas on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Classic Cup Café

Enjoy breakfast classics like omelets and pancakes in a cozy spot before traveling.
USD12, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive Kansas City to Wichita

Head west about 3 hours to Wichita, Kansas, the city of planes and culture.
USD0, 3h0m

12:15pm

Lunch at Public at the Brickyard

Savor farm-to-table dishes featuring fresh local ingredients in a stylish atmosphere.
USD18, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit the Sedgwick County Zoo

Explore the large zoo with a diverse range of animals and exhibits, open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
USD15, 2h0m

4:00pm

Explore Old Town Wichita

Stroll through this historic district filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants.
USD0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Bite Me BBQ

Finish your trip with a flavorful BBQ dinner from a popular Wichita joint known for ribs and brisket.
USD22, 1h30m
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