If you love to relax on a long leisurely drive, this list of the best scenic drives in Missouri is right up your alley. There are plenty of beautiful drives in Missouri that show off the Show Me State’s natural beauty and historic attractions. So, buckle up and cruise down any of these 10 Missouri byways that are perfect for a long scenic drive.

1. Sugar Camp Scenic Byway
Sugar Camp National Forest Scenic Byway (recgovnpsdata), Eagle Rock, MO 65641, USA
Google Maps
Sugar Camp Scenic Byway, one of the most beautiful drives in Missouri, will treat you to the most picturesque farms and forests deep in Ozark country. This 28-mile trip starts and ends near Cassville and is perfect for a relaxing Sunday drive.

Take a look at the beautiful scenic views you'll find along the Sugar Camp Scenic Byway in this video from GO 2 THERE:
2. Stars and Stripes Byway
Stars and Stripes Way, Castor Township, MO 63841, USA
Google Maps
The Stars and Stripes Byway is a 5.5-mile route that celebrates the history of Stoddard County. During your trip, stop by the Civil War-era cemetery, the Stars and Stripes Museum, and the Missouri Veterans’ Cemetery.
3. Sho-Me Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe Trail, Kansas City, MO, USA
Google Maps
Follow in the footsteps of pioneer travelers on the Santa Fe Trail, or walk the path of Civil War soldiers on their way to the Battle of Lexington. The trail runs for 20 miles and then connects to Old Trails Road Byway in Lexington. Stop by the many vineyards and fruit stands along this route. Here's an interactive map of The Santa Fe Trail in Missouri.
4. Old Trails Road Byway
Missouri, USA
Legendary Lexington, Missouri/Facebook
Old Trails Road Byway will take travelers along the old trade routes and pioneer trails of days gone by. Take in the beautiful sights along the Missouri River, and stop along the trail to learn about Missouri's rich history. This 15-mile trip is well worth your time. Learn more about Lexington, a charming town along one of the most beautiful Missouri byways.
5. Historic Route 66 Byway
U.S. Route 66, U.S. Rte 66, Springfield, MO, USA
Tony Hisgett/Flickr
Historic Route 66 will take you across the state, beginning north of St. Louis and ending near Joplin at the Kansas state line. Travel the Mother Road, and stop at the amazing and historic roadside attractions along the way. Route 66 is the ultimate road trip, and you don't want to miss out on the Show Me State's section.

Check out the Missouri portion of Historic Route 66, one of our favorite Missouri scenic drives, in this video from Through My Lens:

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6. Missouri Highway 21
Missouri 21, MO-21, Missouri, USA
Google Maps
Highway 21 in Missouri takes you south past the Mark Twain National Forest, the Current River Conservation Area, and the Rocky Creek Conservation Area. This long highway drive is perfect for seeing all of Missouri's most amazing natural attractions.
7. Glade Top Trail
Glade Top Trail, Beaver Township, MO, USA
All Trails/Jacob Rozner
Glade Top Trail takes you on a 23-mile journey through the Hercules Glades Wilderness Area. This beautiful drive travels along rolling hills through stunning rural Missouri. If you're taking this route, make time to stop in the conservation area to truly experience some of Missouri's most breathtaking and unique natural areas.
8. Missouri Great River Road
Grand River Road, Grand River Rd, Jennings, MO 63136, USA
Carl Wycoff/Flickr
Missouri's Great River Road travels along the mighty Mississippi and will show you some of the state's most beautiful river towns. Learn about our state's rich history and how the Mississippi River helped create Missouri as we know it today. You will also love the gorgeous views from the top of the river bluffs and down into the lush river bottoms.
9. Spirit of Kansas City Regional Scenic Byway
Spirit of Kansas City Regional Scenic Byway
Vincent Parsons/Flickr
The Spirit of Kansas City Byway is the only urban scenic route in the state. Learn about the history of Kansas City along this route, and continue your journey when this beautiful Missouri byway connects to Cliff Drive Scenic Byway.
10. Ozark Mountain Parkway
Ozark Mountain Parkway, Missouri, USA
Google Maps
Take in the sights and sounds of Branson on the Ozark Mountain Parkway, another of the most beautiful drives in Missouri. This shorter scenic route will give you a glimpse into the beauty of the Ozarks and the hustle and bustle of Missouri's largest tourist destination.

Enjoy a drive along US Highway 65 to Branson and the Ozark Mountain Parkway in this video from Interstate 411:

Have you taken any of these beautiful drives in Missouri?  Let us know about your favorite scenic drives in Missouri with a comment.

If you’re ready to hop in the car for more Missouri adventures, you’ll need to set the course for this lighthouse road trip. Or, try renting an RV from RVShare and make it a weekend getaway.

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More to Explore

Best Scenic Drives In Missouri

Beth Price-Williams | October 21, 2021

What are some of the most beautiful drives in Missouri?

Some of the most beautiful drives in Missouri include:

 

Sometimes there’s no better way to relax and clear our heads than to hit the open road. Fortunately, there are so many beautiful drives in Missouri that we can explore over and over again and always discover something new. Sugar Camp Scenic Byway meanders 28 beautiful miles through lush forest. Take a picnic along, and stop at one of the scenic overlooks along the way. Glade Top Trail Scenic Byway, on the other hand, wanders 23 miles through the beautiful Mark Twain National Forest. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to get out, stretch your legs, have a picnic, and admire the views at the seven overlooks along the trail.

Where are some of the best Missouri byways?

Some of the best Missouri byways include:

 

Missouri offers an abundance of opportunities for exploration – from hiking and horseback riding to biking and going for leisurely drives. Sometimes nothing’s better than hitting one of the numerous Missouri byways for a Sunday drive. For a short but sweet drive that tallies 25 miles, follow the Blue Buck Knob Scenic Byway that meanders through Mark Twain National Forest. If you want an even shorter trek, set off on the 4.5-mile Cliff Drive through Kansas City. You’ll be treated to gorgeous views of Kessler Park. If you’re up for a road trip, plan a drive along the Historic Route 66 Byway that runs from Joplin to St. Louis or vice-versa.

What are some of the best scenic day trips in Missouri?

Some of the best scenic day trips in Missouri include:

 

You’ll find no better place to go day-tripping than Missouri. Just gas up the car; turn up the tunes, and embark on one of the many scenic day trips in Missouri. Plan a day, for example, at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, home of Mina Sauk Falls, the tallest waterfall in Missouri. Wear sturdy hiking boots, and don’t forget your camera. Go on a tour of the Mine at Bonne Terre, which offers unique boat and walking tours. You can even go scuba diving. Slip on a pair of comfy walking shoes for a leisurely day meandering through the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis.

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