This Dinosaur-Themed Road Trip Through Missouri Is The Ultimate Family Adventure
By Beth Price-Williams|Published July 28, 2022
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Any time’s a great time to pack up the family and hit the highway on an unforgettable road trip through Missouri. Today’s dinosaur-themed road trip won’t take you too far. Travel time is just over two hours, so you don’t have to worry about shelling out too much gas money. However, you’ll still visit some of the best dinosaur-themed attractions in the state, culminating at an amazing resort that’s all about – you guessed it – dinosaurs.
Here are the Google Map directions for this road trip, which you can tweak to meet your needs and timeframe.
Let’s start our epic dino-themed adventure at the Dinosaur Museum in Branson. Embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure that will bring you face-to-face with more than 50 lifelike dinosaurs. Stand next to a few and snap some photos. The kiddos will have a blast digging for fossils after you’ve met all the resident dinosaurs. Read more about this family-friendly dinosaur museum in a previous article.
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2. Dinosaur Canyon Golf – Branson
Dinosaur Canyon Golf, 2501 Green Mountain Dr, Branson, MO 65616, USA
How about getting a bit of fresh air? That’s just what we’ll do on our next stop when we shoot a round or two of mini golf at Dinosaur Canyon Golf. Play your way through this golf course that features a few dinosaurs and a volcano with real fire. Take a peek at the fun that awaits at this dinosaur-themed golf course in a previous article.
Our next stop takes us to a pretty cool shop, where you can check out an impressive collection of fossils – including dinosaur fossils. Even if you don’t find anything, it’s still a ton of fun to just take a peek at the collection. Learn more on the Prehistoric Fossils Facebook page.
4. Discovery Center of Springfield – Springfield
Discovery Center of Springfield, 438 E St Louis St, Springfield, MO 65806, USA
We’re making our way out of Branson and to Springfield for another fun stop, Discovery Center of Springfield. Carve out plenty of time for your visit because you have a ton to do. You can dig for a dinosaur and ride a bike on a high wire. Learn more on the Discovery Center of Springfield website.
5. Missouri Institute of Natural Sciences – Springfield
Missouri Institute of Natural Science, 2327 W Farm Rd 190, Springfield, MO 65810, USA
Learn all about dinosaurs and fossils at the Missouri Institute of Natural Sciences, where Henry the giant triceratops will one day reside. You can even go digging for fossils at this unique family-friendly destination. Get more information on the Missouri Institute of Natural Sciences website.
6. Rocky’s Retreat – Branson
Rocky's Retreat, 96 Myrtle Ln, Branson, MO 65616, USA
Our final stop will take us back to Branson and to Rocky’s Retreat. Stay overnight in this dinosaur-themed resort that features a ton of fun for the whole family – a T-rex exhibit, a dinosaur you can ride, gem mining, and a pool. The rooms are even dinosaur-themed. Take a peek at the Rocky’s Retreat website.
What other stops would you add to this dinosaur-themed road trip? Let us know in the comments! On the lookout for more family-friendly fun? Make your way to this immersive museum in Missouri.
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