grapevine to springfield mo then to Nashville

Question

Hi we are leaving grapevine about 6am mid June to drive to Springfield MO in one day, then staying three nights and looking at the Bass Pro and some rural areas, then heading to Nashville. We have a night to stay somewhere on the way to Nashville or could go straight there. We have never been and are wanting to ask if there is anything anyone recommends seeing near Springfield - should we go to Branson for Lake of the Ozarks? Also, should we stay anywhere that is worth seeing on the way to Nashville. And is Grapevine to Springfield and easy day drive? Thanks in advance

Answer

That sounds like a fun road trip! Here's a breakdown of your questions and suggestions for your journey from Grapevine to Springfield, then to Nashville:

Grapevine to Springfield, MO:

The drive from Grapevine (Dallas/Fort Worth area) to Springfield, MO is about 5.5 to 6 hours (approximately 350 miles). It's a manageable day drive, though it might feel long, especially if you're traveling with multiple people or taking breaks along the way. If you leave at 6 AM, you should have no problem making it to Springfield in time to check in and explore a bit before dinner.

Make sure to plan for fuel and food breaks along the way, especially in smaller towns.

Things to Do in Springfield, MO:

Springfield is a great base for a few days, and there are a lot of things to do in and around the city. Some highlights:

Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World: This is a must-see for anyone visiting Springfield. It's one of the largest Bass Pro shops in the country, and the indoor aquarium, bowling alley, and arcade make it a fun stop for all ages.
Fantastic Caverns: Explore the only ride-through cave in America. It’s an easy, fun, and unique experience, perfect for families.
Route 66: Springfield is one of the key cities along the historic Route 66. You can drive or walk along part of the route, stopping for iconic attractions like the Route 66 Car Museum or the Route 66 Park.
Rural Areas & Outdoor Activities: If you enjoy nature, check out the Ozarks for scenic drives, hiking, and lakes. The Springfield area has beautiful parks like Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park and Lake Springfield, perfect for a more rural experience.

Branson & Lake of the Ozarks:

If you have some extra time and want to venture outside Springfield, consider visiting Branson or Lake of the Ozarks. Both are about an hour's drive from Springfield, and they offer great opportunities for outdoor activities and entertainment.

Branson: Known for its live entertainment, theme parks, and scenic Table Rock Lake. If you're into shows, this is the place to be.
Lake of the Ozarks: If you prefer nature, the Lake of the Ozarks offers boating, fishing, and hiking. The drive around the lake is scenic, and there are lots of spots to pull over and enjoy the view.

On the Way to Nashville:

If you decide to stop somewhere on the way to Nashville, you have a few options, though it's about a 6-hour drive from Springfield, so a stop is not absolutely necessary. But if you're up for a break, here are a few towns to consider:

St. Louis, MO: About 2 hours from Springfield, you could stop in St. Louis to check out the Gateway Arch, take a stroll along the riverfront, or visit the St. Louis Zoo (free entry). It’s a good halfway point if you want to break up the drive and see some big city attractions.
Collinsville, IL: If you love quirky roadside attractions, consider stopping at the "World’s Largest Catsup Bottle" in Collinsville, just outside of St. Louis. Not a long stop, but an iconic landmark.
Memphis, TN: If you're not in a rush, you could stretch the trip by stopping in Memphis for the night. It's about 3 hours from St. Louis and 3 hours from Nashville. You can check out Graceland or Beale Street, or just explore the city’s unique culture.

Final Thoughts:

The drive from Grapevine to Springfield is easy and direct, but there’s plenty to see along the way if you decide to make stops. You can easily spend 2-3 days in Springfield checking out the Bass Pro Shops, local parks, and the scenic Ozarks. If you’re looking for a day trip, Branson and Lake of the Ozarks are both worth exploring.

If you prefer not to rush, you can take your time on the way to Nashville, with a few fun stops like St. Louis or Memphis. Either way, you’ll have a memorable trip!