Fort Leonard Wood Graduation

When you’ve been working hard and get a little time off, nothing beats a fun family float or fishing trip on the Gasconade River. Rent your choice of canoe, raft, kayak or tube at and take to the water for a four, six or 10-mile float. If you also need a place to stay, the Resort offers cottages, camping and RV sites.

Explore the life of the Cherokee Nation during the journey of 1838-39 along the one mile paved Trail of Tears Memorial & Interpretive Walking Trail. The park also offers trout fishing in the Roubidoux River (Missouri fishing license required) and an underwater cave that is open for scuba diving (clearance from the sheriff's department required).

Browse the unusual complex of military museums featuring a replica of a World War II camp, with barracks, chapel and mess hall, supply office, as well as building displays that discuss segregation in early military life and the German Prisoners that lived at Fort Leonard Wood during WWII.

The Complex includes the Army Engineer Museum, with maps and tools dating to the Revolutionary War; the Military Police Museum, housing items from U.S. frontier army-post life to the Iraq wars and the Chemical Corps Museum which documents the effects of chemical warfare, covering the last nine centuries. Displays are changed regularly.

Note: Photo ID, vehicle registration and proof of insurance required to enter the Fort Leonard Wood Military Installation. For updated information on access to the Fort, please visit https://www.home.army.mil/wood/index.php/my-fort/visitors-access

Sample some local craft beer and wines and farm-to-table dishes at Public House Brewing, and stay on for live music and – if the timing is right – one of their special events. Seasonally, visit the Gardens at St. James for wood-fired pizza, beer, hard cider, wine and a variety of lawn games.

The 12 outdoor murals depict scenes from local and national history, including visits from Harry S. Truman, Amelia Earhart and Bette Davis. Every mural has a story.

A brochure is available at the I-44 Visitor Center (Exit 208) and at area businesses. A step-on narrated bus tour service is available.

The murals are located along the Route 66 Corridor with dining and shopping available.

Missouri's most popular lake destination features more than 1,100 miles of shoreline – that’s more shoreline than the coast of California. The Lake of the Ozarks offers access to public beaches, lakeside pools, great fishing and plenty of room for fun and recreation on the water.

If your soldier is game for one more – short – hike (this time without the weighty military pack), check out Clifty Creek. The trail runs 2.5 miles and is moderately difficult due to the 200-foot change in elevation, but the gorgeous natural rock arch is a great payoff for the effort.

If you don’t have time to get your kicks on Route 66, get a feel for the iconic Mother Road with a self-guided tour of this museum, featuring re-creations of a 1950s gas station and a classic diner, along with displays of antique cars, a collection of Route 66 books, magazines and videos.

Wet a line in pursuit of the elusive (and delicious) rainbow trout at the state’s third-largest spring. The state park offers a large variety of outdoor fun with a swimming pool, nature center, a fly-fishing school, float trips, picnicking and hiking trails.

Get away from it all – and we do mean ALL – at Paddy Creek Wilderness, made up of slightly more than 7,035 acres of hardwood forest, steep cliffs, streams, caves and rocky outcroppings. Explore 18 miles of trails, with elevation changes of 500 feet. Signs and trail marking are minimal; the use of a map and a compass is highly suggested. Group size is limited to 10 persons. Horses are allowed; motorized and mechanical transportation is not. Do not carry in your own firewood; glass containers of any kind, foam-type food and beverage coolers are prohibited by Missouri law near or on any waterway.

The Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield is a don’t-miss! This all-new 1.5-million-gallon aquarium adventure showcases 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles and birds, and immersive wildlife galleries that bring visitors eye-to-eye with the greatest collection of record-setting game animals ever assembled. This is the perfect place for family fun.

Tour America’s Ride-Thru Cave by Jeep-drawn trams, experiencing the magnitude, the stillness and the splendor of Fantastic Caverns while preserving its natural features.

The unique tour follows the path of an ancient underground river. It’s ideal for the whole family without the long walks, stairs or steep climbs.

Situated among three colleges, Discover The District (50 not-so-square blocks downtown), a hip, active and artistic area. The District's friendly and energetic vibe is up early and stays late, with a lively mix of historic architecture, sidewalk cafes, retail shops, and restaurants. With 110 unique shops, 70 bars and restaurants, and nearly 45 live performances every week, you’ll find plenty of things to keep you busy.