Once again the summer travel season has arrived in the Springfield Region.
For area residents, convenient access to Interstate 44 and US Highway 65, along with a growing roster of direct flights from Springfield MO make it easy to hit the road or the sky.
And because your dollars can go further in Springfield thanks to our affordable cost of living, you’ll have plenty of resources to save up for that extended jaunt or weekend daycation.
Read on to learn why the Birthplace of Route 66 is the perfect launch pad for almost any family vacation, romantic getaway or business meeting.
Direct Flights and Connections to Top Destinations
There’s never been a better time to fly for business or pleasure, with the Springfield Region hosting direct flights to a number of major hub cities, and connections to some of the hottest vacation spots in the country and more. With connectivity to major cities, international travel is simple, making Springfield a great starting point for anyone wanting to expand their global horizons or visit friends and loved ones overseas.
The Springfield-Branson National Airport offers 13 non-stop destinations from four airlines:
- Allegiant: Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Orlando, Phoenix, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Ft. Myers, Destin/Ft. Walton Beach
- American: Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth
- Delta: Atlanta
- United: Chicago, Denver, Houston
Just down Highway 65 from Springfield, the Branson Airport features direct flights to Austin, Chicago, Houston, New Orleans and Denver from Via Air, Silver Airways and Frontier Airlines.
Plan Your Road Trip With Highway Access to Major Cities and Beyond
Well-maintained infrastructure, innovative traffic systems and convenient access to Interstate 44 and Highway 65 make the Springfield Region a great place to begin your next road trip excursion.
Springfield area residents live just a few short hours from the urban attractions of Kansas City, St. Louis, Dallas and Nashville, and within a narrow radius of great spots for those looking for a little outdoor adventure.
- Kansas City. Drive about 3 short hours north from Springfield for a surprising variety of ways to explore frontier history and so much more. Pay homage to those who fought for freedom at the World War I Museum. Get acquainted with sea life right here in the heart of the continent at the Kansas City Aquarium. Visit the birthplace of legendary outlaw Jesse James. Celebrate baseball history at The K during the Kansas City Royals’ 50th Anniversary Season.
- St. Louis. Head to St. Louis, where east meets west amidst a bevy of exciting activities just a few hours to the northeast. Ride 630 feet to the top of the city’s iconic Gateway Arch. Cheer on the 11-time world champion St. Louis Cardinals at world-famous Busch Stadium. Enjoy thrilling rides at Six Flags St. Louis. Or feel the rhythm with a visit to Blueberry Hill, where you’ll encounter a literally moving statue of iconic rock n’ roll pioneer Chuck Berry.
- Dallas. If living large is your thing, then the Big D is calling your name, from AT&T Stadium, home of the world-famous Dallas Cowboys, to the festive refreshment along the Margarita Mile. Explore local lore at the Old Red Museum, and experience over 20,000 creative works from around the world at the Dallas Museum of Art. And TV geeks won’t want to miss a visit to Southfork Ranch, setting for the classic prime time drama that bears the name of this one-of-a-kind city.
- Nashville. The host city for the 2019 NFL Draft has burgeoned into a mecca for sports fans, history buffs and art aficionados alike. And of course music lovers will want to see where legends from Elvis to Dolly recorded their best-known songs at RCA Studio B or get in touch with the Man in Black at the Johnny Cash Museum. Immerse yourself in the legacy of one of America’s most beloved art forms at the Country Music Hall of Fame, and cap it off with a night of entertainment at the stately Ryman Auditorium.
History, Entertainment and Outdoor Adventures Just a Short Drive Away
If you’re looking for fun off the beaten path, the Springfield Region just happens to give you easy access to lots of smaller towns and outdoor attractions just a short drive away.
- Explore over 750 miles of trails in the Mark Twain National Forest; go floating, canoeing or kayaking down over 350 miles of streams.
- Enjoy hiking, camping, canoeing, horseback riding, or just a leisurely drive along one of six nationally designated scenic byways of the Ozark and St. Francis National Forests.
- More miles of shoreline than the entire coast of California welcome nature lovers and families looking for great swimming, skiing, boating, fishing and more at Lake of the Ozarks.
- Branson offers something for everyone, from entertaining live shows, to enlightening museums, to the outdoor adventures of Table Rock Lake.
- Named one of a “Dozen Distinctive Destinations” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Eureka Springs, AR is a unique place to find eclectic art and gifts, have a spooky good time on a paranormal tour, or take in the fresh air along the many parks and trails.
- If camping, hiking, floating or zip-lining are on your list of must-dos, put a trip to the Buffalo River in Arkansas on your to-do list. Bring along plenty of water, a hearty snack and your camera for a scenic hike along the enchanting Whitaker Point Trail until you reach the breathtaking views of Hawksbill Crag, hailed as one of the “Best Places in Arkansas to Get Kissed.”
With such great transportation and easy access to anywhere you want to go, more and more travel lovers are discovering that the Springfield Region is one of the best places to come back home to!
