Where are some fun places to visit in Iowa or Missouri?

Question

On a friends advice, we went to Weston, Missouri last year and loved it. I would love to find more small historic towns to visit like that. Does anyone know of any that are within a days drive from Omaha?

Answer 1

My favorite part of Missouri is the southern portion where the Ozarks begin. Branson, MO is loads of fun and there are nearby towns that are nice to visit if Branson si overwhelming. I like to stay outside of Branson. Look for the natural springs, they have some beautiful streams and woodlands in the hills with quaint towns, original restaurants and entertainment.

This may not answer your exact question for a location, but I hope I have lead you in the right area.  I think once you get to the area of Rolla, MO. the hills start and you can joy drive and have fun in the hilly scenery. This time of year, they have auctions and farms you can visit with natural foods and produce.

Enjoy!

As far as Iowa is concerned, the only quaint city that stands out to me is Waterloo. A typical mid western place with an old town circle and old courthouse buildings that are historic sites.

Answer 2

I agree with Jac that Galena is the way to go.  It is a wonderful little town that has a ton of charm.  It is also on the Galena river.  

Answer 3

I grew up in Iowa (very eastern tip).  We always visited the Amana Colonies.  A lot of fun and you can get some well made items.  Great food, too

Clinton has the Showboat, sometimes Broadway plays make it to Clinton. And it is home to the Lumber Kings minor league baseball team.  There was a huge flood that took over the town in the 60s.  My mom's childhood house was taken out!  There is now a very beautiful levee that you can drive along to look at the Mississippi.  There is also a great bike trail along the levee that goes all the way from South Clinton to North Clinton (known as Lyons).  The Mississippi Belle gambling boat is in Clinton, too, though it doesn't travel in the water anymore.  A casino/resort was just completed and I think it is open by now, if that interests you.  

The widest point of the Mississippi River (4 miles wide) is near Sabula, Iowa (almost half-way point between Dubuque & Clinton).   There is a lock & dam there, too, that I think you can go tour.

My favorite place to visit, though, is in Galena, Illinois which is only about 5 hours from Omaha.  Illinois oldest operating hotel, The DeSoto House, is a great place to stay.  There is tons of shopping from antiques to candles to specialties.  Very old town with all the orginal down town buildings.  People are extremely nice.  Shop owners let you sample just about all their food items.  Our most recent trip there was for a good friend's wedding last November.  The Irish Cottage Hotel was interesting.  During your dinner, you are entertained by little Irish dancing girls.

If you take some time to check out the visitor's guides you can find all sorts of great places.  Have a wonderful trip!

Answer 4

Having lived in Clinton 18 years It's not the best place for tourism in iowa AT ALL. Don't go there unless you have to it is too long of a drive from Omaha with hardly anything to do there. Galena IL is awesome and very historic - You may also want to try Des Moines - Try Living History Farms, Hoyt Sherman Place, Salisbury House Museum, Wallace House Museum, Terrace Hill, and the Capitol Building, you can also check out the Art Center, Adventurland Amusement Park, Blank Park Zoo, The Botanical Center, Shows at the Civic Center, the Iowa Hall of Pride,  Prarie Meadows for Gambling and Horse Races, The Science Center of Iowa and a wide range of restaurants and hotels

Answer 5

You might also want to drive a little south and visit Eureka Springs, Arkansas!!! It is home to the Cresent Hotel which was featured on a TAPS episode as being a " Haunted Hotel". The town itself is very historical and lot of quaint shops!!