Road Trips from Lee's Summit, MO
Lee's Summit is a solid launchpad for a variety of day trips, whether you're looking for a quick escape or a longer drive. You've got options for shorter, more direct routes on surface roads or highways, perfect for a few hours out. For those wanting a more substantial drive, several destinations are within a 3-hour range, some offering park access and featuring flatter terrain. If you're up for a longer haul, there's even a route over 7 hours away that still maintains a good drive score.
Total Routes
25
Shortest
0.5h
With Parks Nearby
10
Under 2 hours
6 total in this range
Hamilton, MO
1h 32m77.7 mi one way
This 1.5-hour drive to Hamilton is a straightforward, highway-focused trip with a drive score of 7. It's a good option if you want a moderate distance without a complex route, and it's one of the few picks that includes park access.
Saint Joseph, MO
1h 30m77.4 mi one way
A 1.5-hour drive, this mostly highway route to Saint Joseph also scores a 7. It's a direct trip, similar in time and drive quality to Hamilton, but without park access. It’s a solid choice for a simple, focused drive.
Taos, MO
1h 21m64.3 mi one way
This 1.4-hour trip to Taos is a mostly highway drive with a drive score of 7. It's one of the shorter options, making it ideal for a quick getaway. Like St. Joseph, it doesn't include park access.
Sugar Creek, MO
27m16.8 mi one way
At just 0.5 hours and 16.8 miles, Sugar Creek is the closest destination. The drive is mostly on surface roads, offering a very accessible short trip. It’s a brief excursion, ideal if you have limited time.
Buckner, MO
38m25.6 mi one way
This 0.6-hour drive to Buckner is a short hop, mostly on the highway, with a drive score of 6. It's one of the closest options available, perfect for a brief drive without much commitment.
Full-day getaway
8 total in this range
Buffalo, MO
2h 53m137.7 mi one way
Heading to Buffalo is a 2.9-hour drive covering 137.7 miles. This route has a strong drive score of 8 and features mostly flat terrain. It's also one of the picks that includes park access, making it a good option for a longer day trip.
Aurora, MO
3h 16m171.4 mi one way
This 3.3-hour drive to Aurora covers 171.4 miles and scores an 8. It's a highway-focused trip with park access to George Washington Carver National Monument and Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. This makes it a great choice if you want history and nature.
Liberty, MO
3h 12m147.2 mi one way
Willard, MO
3h144.6 mi one way
Warrenton, MO
3h 32m188.6 mi one way
Weekend trip
11 total in this range
Malden, MO
7h 37m371.2 mi one way
At 7.6 hours and 371.2 miles, this is the most extensive drive. It's highway-focused with a drive score of 8 and includes park access to Wilson's Creek National Battlefield. This is the ultimate long-haul option from Lee's Summit.
Arnold, MO
4h 49m248.6 mi one way
Cape Girardeau, MO
6h 35m345.3 mi one way
Affton, MO
4h 44m243.1 mi one way
Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO
4h 41m241.8 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Buffalo, MO
2h 53m137.7 mi one way
Malden, MO
7h 37m371.2 mi one way
Arnold, MO
4h 49m248.6 mi one way
Cape Girardeau, MO
6h 35m345.3 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
With park access available on several routes, spring is ideal for exploring areas like George Washington Carver National Monument and Wilson's Creek National Battlefield.
Summer
The longer highway-focused drives are well-suited for summer, with options like Aurora offering nearby parks for a break.
Fall
Consider the longer drives like the one to Bowling Green for a change of scenery, or stick to routes with park access for autumn foliage.
Winter
Shorter, highway-focused trips to places like Sugar Creek or Buckner are practical for winter outings, minimizing time spent outdoors.
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 Lee's Summit, MO city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.