Road Trips from Joplin, MO
Heading out of Joplin? You've got options for quick escapes or longer drives. Several destinations are within a 3-hour radius, perfect for a day trip, and many include access to national parks. If you're looking for a slightly longer haul, there are also routes stretching up to 5.5 hours, offering more time on the road. Most trips feature a mix of highway and surface roads, with a few notable exceptions for a different driving experience. This list is geared towards road trippers who appreciate a good drive score and nearby natural attractions.
Total Routes
16
Shortest
4h
With Parks Nearby
16
Full-day getaway
Weekend trip
15 total in this range
Centralia, MO
5h 2m255.4 mi one way
A 5-hour drive with a drive score of 10, this trip to Centralia, MO uses mixed highway and surface roads. The terrain is mostly flat. This particular route does not list any nearby parks, making it a choice for those focused purely on the drive itself.
Kirksville, MO
6h 18m326.1 mi one way
Chillicothe, MO
4h 38m244.6 mi one way
Frontenac, MO
5h 13m278.5 mi one way
High Ridge, MO
5h 3m267.2 mi one way
Browse by Mood
California, MO
3h 57m197.6 mi one way
Centralia, MO
5h 2m255.4 mi one way
Kirksville, MO
6h 18m326.1 mi one way
Chillicothe, MO
4h 38m244.6 mi one way
California, MO
3h 57m197.6 mi one way
Kirksville, MO
6h 18m326.1 mi one way
Chillicothe, MO
4h 38m244.6 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers pleasant driving conditions for routes like the one to Belton, MO, with George Washington Carver National Monument providing early blooming scenery.
Summer
Longer drives to Columbia or Jefferson City, MO, are great in summer, allowing ample time to explore parks like Wilson's Creek National Battlefield.
Fall
The mixed highway and surface roads leading to Warrensburg, MO, are ideal for fall foliage viewing, especially near George Washington Carver National Monument.
Winter
Shorter trips like the drive to Buckner, MO, with its mixed road profile, are manageable in winter, though park access might be limited.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Joplin, MO city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.