Weekend Adventures along I-70... Just an Hour Away!
Looking for something new to discover with the family this autumn? Take a trip along I-70, the interstate coursing across Missouri and Kansas, where you’ll find great family destinations for a day or a weekend in just about an hour of driving.
East-bound I-70: Boonville & Columbia, Missouri
Home to the University of Missouri, Columbia is a nice small town with an offbeat personality of its own. From eclectic shops and restaurants in the District, to Missouri State Parks, there is much to enjoy for a day or a weekend.
One-of-a-Kind Attraction: Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville is a state-of-the-art Clydesdale breeding facility. This home to the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales offers 90-minute tours to the public, where visitors learn about the majestic and iconic horses, their Scottish heritage and how they came to be an Anheuser-Busch trademark. August A. Bush presented his father with a six-horse hitch pulling a Studebaker wagon in celebration of the sale of the very first post-prohibition beer. Since that time, the Budweiser Clydesdales have marched in countless parades, traveled the country for public appearances and have even delivered beer to the White House. At the ranch, visitors see mares, foals (if you’re timing is right) and may even watch as one of the horses is bathed from head to gigantic toe. Handlers pass around a horseshoe, about 20 inches from end to end and weighing 5 pounds (twice that of a typical horseshoe). The finale includes a chance to pet a Clydesdale and take photos, as well as enjoy beer samples (for visitors ages 21 and over).
Outdoor Adventure: Rockbridge State Park is one of the prettiest state parks in the Midwest. Bring hiking shoes or bicycles to enjoy miles of scenic terrain, including the opportunity to explore a large cave system, Connor’s Cave, a natural rock bridge and the Devil’s Icebox.
Good Eats Nearby: One of the most popular restaurants in Columbia, Shakespeare’s Pizza serves famously delicious pizza in a super hip environment appealing to local college students, visiting families and Mizzou fans. Kids may request pizza dough to play with while they wait, and it will be thrown through a shoot at the front door for their enjoyment!
Iconic Stop: On the Mizzou campus, stop for a photo with the bronze sculpture of Beetle Bailey (the comic book character), a tribute to Mort Walker, artist and MU alum (http://MUArchives.missouri.edu/beetle-two.html).
Tip: Warm Springs Ranch is between Kansas City and St. Louis, making it a great on-your-way stop if you’re planning a trip to see the Gateway Arch!
DID YOU KNOW? The sections of I-70 in Missouri and Kansas, built as part of the Eisenhower Interstate System, are claimed to be the first interstate in the United States. Three states claim to be first, and two of those three are Missouri and Kansas. On Aug. 2, 1956, Missouri awarded a contract for work on U.S. 40—now I-70. On Aug. 13, this project became the first interstate project to be awarded and to start construction after the signing of the 1956 act. On Aug. 31, the Kansas State Highway Commission awarded a contract for concrete paving of a two-lane section of U.S. 40 (I-70) a few miles west of Topeka. The construction was under way before the enactment of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, but paving under the new contract began on Sept. 26. No matter who was first, many memories have been made along I-70.
West-bound I-70: Topeka, Kansas
The State Capital of Kansas, Topeka is proud of its history. A visit to Old Prairie Town or some time exploring the businesses around the capitol give you a lot to learn and enjoy in Topeka.
One-of-a-Kind Attraction: Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, in Topeka, is a world of imagination just waiting to be explored! Enjoying outstanding hands-on exhibits, children love playing, exploring and learning at this terrific children’s museum. Walking into the museum is like stepping into a rainbow, as one entire side of the facility is a giant multicolored window. Exhibits encourage creativity: Children may build projects in the woodworking shop, paint on windows in the art center, learn about science with the human body exhibits and explore careers as a vet, mechanic, cashier and more. A favorite is the Grain Gallery, where children measure, pour, shovel, lift, hoist and transport grain on conveyor belts, pulleys, augers and levers. Outside, the adventure continues with treehouses, wooden bridges, trike paths and an educational pond. Along the way, exhibits teach about health, science, money management and critical thinking. This is one of the best children’s museums in the Midwest.
Outdoor Adventure: The Topeka Zoo is relatively small and can easily be enjoyed in a few hours. However small, the zoo offers lots of fun, including lions, tigers and bears! Black Bear Woods is one of the most beloved parts of the Topeka Zoo, where guests can observe the beautiful bears at home in the wooded exhibit. Feeding giraffes, exploring the rainforest and seeing animals up close and personal make this a family favorite. Tip: Kansas City Zoo FOTZ members receive discounted admission! The Topeka Zoo is located in Gage Park, where you may also enjoy Animal Land, an animal-themed playground, the mini train and carousel rides.
Good Eats Nearby: Once featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, Bobo’s (785.234.4511) serves delicious homemade burgers, fries and shakes! This throwback restaurant may be tiny, but it’s a must-stop for a tasty lunch.
Iconic Stop: Schedule a history tour of the Kansas State Capitol by calling 785.296.3966.
Tip: You’ll have to pay the toll on the Kansas Turnpike. Visit www.KSTurnpike.com/travel_information/tolls to plan ahead!
While writing this story, Kristina Light could not resist the urge to reminisce about the excitement of cheering the Royals’ victory in 1985 when they played the I-70 World Series vs. the St. Louis Cardinals.