My childhood adventure began in Missouri, when my parents and I first moved from India. Before life took us all around the states (and California eventually becoming our permanent home), you could say it was in the Show-Me State where I first discovered the American spirit during my teen years. But just recently, thanks to @VisitMO, I made a nostalgic return to Missouri. I was utterly blown away by its wealth of state parks, rich history, mouth-watering eats, and… guess what? Caves! Seriously, I was today-years-old when I learned that Missouri’s nickname is the “Cave State” – and it’s not just a catchy moniker. This place boasts a jaw-dropping collection of around 7,500 recorded caves! Now that’s what I call a hidden gem.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through all the places you didn’t know existed in the Cave State, including the best places to visit in Columbia, Missouri, and Lake of the Ozarks.
Day 1: Arrival and Discovering the Local Flavors
Missouri might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of a travel destination, but trust me, it’s a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
Arriving in Columbia
The journey began with a flight to Columbia Regional Airport. It’s small and easy to navigate, making for a pleasant start to the trip. I highly recommend renting a car at the rental facility located next to the airport (come out of the terminal and turn right). It makes for easy transportation, and Columbia has many beautiful spots that are best explored at your own pace.
Lunch at 44 Canteen
For lunch, 44 Canteen is a must-visit. It’s a great introduction to the diverse culinary scene in Columbia. I had some of the best tacos here! The menu features familiar favorites like tacos, burgers, sandwiches and sharing plates. I highly recommend eating here before the next stop – Rock Bridge Memorial State Park!
Hiking at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
Post-lunch, get ready to explore the great outdoors. Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, known for the Devil’s Icebox and Connor’s Cave, offers a super fun hiking experience. Wandering through this state park made me feel like I was exploring another planet. There were sinkholes, a cave system with a rock bridge (the tunnel of which was 63-feet-high), a spring and an underground stream – all at Devil’s Icebox!
The Devil’s Icebox Trail is a 0.5 mile loop with stairs. Make sure to take the stairs all the way down to the Icebox. The temperature inside the cave is roughly 55 degrees; wear waterproof boots and some warm layers. It’s fun to enter the Icebox and explore the 166-foot-long Connor’s Cave, (downstream to the left). Flashlights, helmets and good shoes are recommended.
Checking in at The Lodge of Four Seasons Golf Resort, Marina & Spa
Post hike, my friend and I headed straight to Lake of the Ozarks, about an hour and thirty minutes from Columbia. We stayed at The Lodge of Four Seasons Golf Resort, Marina & Spa located at 315 Four Seasons Drive in Lake Ozark, MO. This place is an absolute haven for anyone looking to relax in luxury. The serene atmosphere, combined with the stunning views of the Lake of the Ozarks, sets the perfect mood for a getaway. There’s a pool and a hot tub, so come prepared with swimwear!
Dinner at Barn-B-Que Smokehouse
To end the day, head to dinner at Barn-B-Que Smokehouse, just minutes from our hotel. Their barbecue, with its perfect blend of smoked meat and seasoning, is a testament to Missouri’s rich barbecue tradition. Try the brisket tacos here; you won’t be disappointed. I also had a side of the fried okra – yum!
Day 2: Natural Wonders and Local Delights
Breakfast at Stewart’s Restaurant
To start the day, we headed to breakfast at Stewart’s Restaurant. Good old-fashioned eggs cooked over-easy, toast and hashbrowns set the tone for the day.
Hiking and Exploring at Ha Ha Tonka State Park
From Stewart’s, make your way to Ha Ha Tonka State Park. The park is known for Missouri’s 12th largest spring, and it also features intriguing castle ruins that blend natural beauty with historical intrigue. The trails are well-maintained, offering both leisurely walks and more challenging hikes.
What surprised me most about this state park is how much of a geologic wonder it is! It’s a premier example of karst geology. If you don’t know what that is, karst topography happens when water dissolves on bedrock and results in caves, sinkholes, springs and natural bridges.
This might also be the only state park that I’ve been to in the U.S. that has a castle! Its construction began in 1905 after a businessman, Robert McClure Snyder Sr., purchased the large property. His dream was to own a mansion modeled after European castles and that’s what prompted the construction. Today, the castle is in ruins due to a fire but it’s still interesting to explore.
Hiking Trails
Colosseum Trail: This is a 0.6 mile loop that takes you under a super cool natural bridge and through a large sinkhole. In spring, you’ll see a lot of dogwood, and redbuds flowering around this area.
Spring Trail: The 1.4 mile loop takes you to Ha Ha Tonka Spring. Get ready for a lot of stairs. The trail offers a scenic view of the spring channel and is a great place to spot muskrats, otters, ducks and other aquatic wildlife. As you near the spring, you’ll squeeze through large rocks that were once part of the ceiling over this collapsed chasm. The spring surfaces from cave filled with water, located at the bottom of the small bluff when looking ahead.
Castle Trail: After viewing the spring, go back up the stairs the way you came, turn left at the top (at the sign that says “castle”), and head towards the castle ruins and lake overlook. It’s a 0.4 mile trail to the castle ruins.
Lunch at The Highlander Public House
For lunch, The Highlander Public House offers a cozy atmosphere with a menu that’s both comforting and sophisticated. It’s the perfect place to relax and refuel before the afternoon’s adventures. I loved my fried pickles and grilled salmon, so delicious and well done!
Touring Bridal Cave
For your post-lunch afternoon adventure, get ready to explore Bridal Cave. The cave offers unique insights into Missouri’s geological history, and has stunning formations that are a photographer’s dream. Bridal Cave was a highlight and honestly one of the prettiest caves I’ve seen in the U.S. As the name suggests, you can actually get married in this cave!
Connecting with nature is not just about the trails, but also about taking an unforgettable journey through stunning cave formations. The tour lasts about an hour and is perfect for everyone! There are different kinds of tours, so visit the website and pick the one that works best for you. The cave stays 60 degrees year-round, but be sure to bring layers in case you feel cold. Buy tickets here.
Dinner at Bentley’s
Dinner at Bentley’s, a local favorite, was a perfect end to the day. Their menu is rich with local and quality flavors, and it perfectly encapsulates the essence of Missouri’s culinary scene. When booking, ask for a table by the window and come prepared to enjoy a magical sunset. Steak is what I’d recommend you try here.
Day 3: A Taste of Missouri’s Finest
Breakfast at On the Rise Restaurant
For the last day at Lake of the Ozarks, On the Rise Restaurant is a good choice for breakfast. Post-breakfast, head out to a local distillery to experience the lake’s local spirits!
Ozark Distillery and Brewery
A visit to the Ozark Distillery and Brewery is next. Their Corn Whiskey Moonshine is a must-try. The distillery tour provides an interesting glimpse into the craft of spirit-making in Missouri. This is also the oldest “Legal” distillery in Camden County, Missouri. What I liked about this place is that it’s a small, family-owned business right at Lake of the Ozarks. The tasting room is super cute, and it was fun trying out their different Moonshine spirits. I had the Salted Caramel Moonshine and it was SO good!
Exploring Lake of the Ozarks State Park
After the distillery, we took a drive out to the Lake of the Ozarks State Park. The park has picturesque landscapes, and offers a multitude of activities. From land activities like hiking or camping to water activities like boating or fishing, it caters to all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. I loved the solitude as we wandered along the shorelines. There are picnic tables and barbecue grills, so come expecting to spend some time.
Shawnee Bluff Winery
A trip to Missouri would be incomplete without visiting a local winery. Yep, I said winery! You probably don’t think of wine when it comes to Missouri, but Shawnee Bluff Winery was incredible and such a gem! The outdoor patio has excellent views overlooking Lake of the Ozarks and the wines and pizzas are delicious. What’s unique about this place is that it also offers overnight accommodations with eight on-site rooms!
Dinner at Baxter’s Lakeside Grille
For the final dinner, Baxter’s Lakeside Grille is the perfect choice. Situated with a view of the lake, it offers the perfect ambiance to reflect on the trip’s adventures while enjoying a fantastic meal. Be sure to ask for a window seat here as well; the sunsets are magnificent from the main dining room with the French windows. You can also step out to the patio and enjoy the sunset. (Outdoor seating is only offered in the summer).
Day 4: A Final Farewell
Breakfast at Rusty Rooster Cafe
On the last morning, breakfast at Rusty Rooster Cafe is where it’s at. I absolutely loved the vibe – country meets chic – and the food was divine. I had a frittata and waffles, topped with fried chicken. I was in heaven! What’s unique here is their coffee menu; definitely check out the specials and let me know what coffee you picked if you visit here!
Concluding Thoughts
As my trip came to an end, I realized there are a lot of hidden gems in this country that we don’t truly know about. One of them is Missouri. Columbia might be a college town, but it offers spectacular outdoor recreation and delicious cuisine. Likewise, Lake of the Ozarks is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and a must-try for brewery and wine lovers. I experienced it with my own eyes, so now I can confidently say you need to add these destinations to your list of underrated places to visit this year!
