Whether you’re visiting Fort Leonard Wood (US Army base) or just looking for some fun in Central Missouri, this list of things to do in St. Robert, MO and the surrounding area should provide some inspiration.
Introduction to St. Robert, MO
When I was a kid, my family went on a road trip to Gavleston Island, TX. On the way home, we drove through the Ozark mountains and I remember being awed at their beauty. Pulaski County is in the Northern Ozark Mountains and has all the pretty views, sparkling springs and clean rivers that you would expect. If you love Lake of the Ozarks, but would like a quieter location for your next trip, this could be the vacation spot for you.
The history of St. Robert and the surrounding area includes the Trail of Tears and Route 66. You can learn more about both via exhibits in the area. The US Army Base, Fort Leonard Wood, is a big presence in the area and several attractions are actually on the base. Outdoor lovers will not be disappointed by the options for recreation.
Suggested Trip Length: 3-5 days
Distance from Chicago: 6 Hours 15 Minutes
Travel “Flavors”: Outdoors, History, Thrill-seeking, Photo Ops
Things to do in St. Robert, MO
Parks and Recreation
Mark Twain National Forest / Houston Ranger District – The Mark Twain National Forest offers endless opportunities for recreation.. See springs, rivers, and hike through pristine forests.
Stone Mill Spring – I love natural springs, especially when they’re in a beautiful setting. This would be a great one to see.
Miller Cave – While accessible to the public, this cave is said to be difficult to find and not easily accessible. However, if you’re feeling adventurous it will probably lead to a memorable experience.
Roubidoux Spring and Laughlin Park, Waynesville – The Waynesville parks are centered around the beautiful waters of Roubidoux Spring and Roubidoux Creek. Stop by to check out the beautiful waters of this spring.
Museums and Historic Sites
John B. Mahaffey Museum Complex, Fort Leonard Wood – The museum complex houses 3 indoor museums and 2 outdoor exhibit spaces. Please note that you will need a visitor pass to enter the base.
- US Army Engineer Museum
- US Army Military Police Museum
- Outdoor Military Vehicle Exhibit
- World War II Camp
- Chemical Corps Museum
- Also check out Memorial Grove, while you are visiting. The beautiful bronze monuments paying homage to soldiers.
Trail of Tears Memorial, Waynesville – The National Park Service created a Trail of Tears memorial in the park as part of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.
Mineral Collection, Missouri S&T, Rolla – View the extensive mineral collection amassed by the Missouri S&T.
Old Stagecoach Stop, Waynesville – Check out this restored old stagecoach stop dating back to the 1850s.
1903 Courthouse Museum, Waynesville – A period courthouse on Route 66 with museum exhibits.
Scuba Diving
Odessy Scuba, Waynesville – check them out for all your scuba diving needs.
Laughlin Park. Waynesville – If you’re a scuba diver, you’ll want to check out the spring and cave at Laughlin Park.
Quail Run Quarry, Rolla – This dive site is frequently used for training.
Kitschy Fun
Uranus Town Center – This iconic road trip stop is more than just a great photo op. Stop in to visit all the great, kitschy souvenirs you could ever want. As you would expect, they also have a great bizarre museum…the Uranus Sideshow Museum.
Agrotourism
Storie’s Pumpkin Patch – If you visit during the Fall,you may want to check out this local pumpkin patch.
Photo Ops
If you love unique photo ops, you won’t want to miss these.
Frog Rock, St. Robert – A rock painted to look like a frog.
American Flag Water Tower, St. Robert
Stonehenge, Rolla – Visit this Stonehenge replica for a great photo op.
Route 66
Route 66 enthusiasts will not want to miss all the stops on the mother road his this area. For more information on Route 66 in Missouri, check out this great site.
Abandoned Spring Dell Resort, Arlington – For lovers of abandoned placed, stop in nearby Arlington to see the decaying remains of the formerly renowned Spring Dell Resort.
Route 66 Museum and Research Center, Lebanon – Stop by this small, but mighty museum to learn more about Route 66 in Missouri. Check out the gift shop featuring work from local artisans while you’re there.
Boswell Park, Lebanon – Stop by this neighborhood park to take pictures of the Route 66 murals.
Devil’s Elbow Bridge, Devils Elbow – A truss bridge along Route 66 in the unincorporated town of Devil’s Elbow.
Travel Accessory
I’m a huge fan of the product and gift lists you see floating around the internet because I usually find some new-to-me product for myself, a friend or family member. I’d like to offer you the same inspiration by highlighting a travel accessory in each post.
This section contains an affiliate link. If you use this link to buy something I may earn a commission.
If there is one thing we’ve learned from the COVID pandemic, it’s the value of cleanliness. Most hotels have risen to the challenge and have made extra efforts to ensure safety. But if you’re ever a little wary of germs, even after the pandemic, you could always a clean sleeping bag liner with you.
Final Thoughts
Those are just the highlights that stood out to me. For more information on things to do in St. Robert, MO, check out the Visit Pulaski County page. If you use my trip suggestions or if you’ve visited any of these locations in the past, please provide your reviews in the comments. Did I miss something? Please add other itinerary suggestions in the comments, especially if they are off the beaten path. Happy vacationing!