Estimated Drive: About 4½ to 5½ hours without stops
Route: Tulsa → Claremore → Grove → Cassville → Branson
From Tulsa to Branson, this road trip trades city streets for Route 66, lake country and the Ozark foothills. Follow the road through northeastern Oklahoma, stop to enjoy the shores of Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, explore the scenic beauty around Roaring River State Park and finish your journey surrounded by the Ozarks in Branson. Pack the cooler, cue up your favorite playlist and make the drive part of the adventure.
Start in Tulsa
Start your road trip with a little Tulsa exploring before heading northeast. Grab breakfast and coffee, stroll through the Tulsa Arts District or take a walk along the Arkansas River before hitting the road.
If you have more time, explore one of Tulsa's many Route 66 attractions before leaving town. The city is a great place to begin the journey because you're already surrounded by the history and roadside Americana that will continue throughout the drive.
Make a Route 66 Stop in Claremore
Just outside Tulsa, Claremore makes an easy first stop and gives you your first taste of Route 66. Visit the Will Rogers Memorial Museum to learn about the life of Oklahoma's famous cowboy philosopher, or explore the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum for an unusual collection of history and Route 66 memorabilia. Historic Downtown Claremore is another good place to stretch your legs, browse local shops and grab a bite.
For a quicker stop, grab coffee at She Brews Coffee Roasters or Green Eyes Coffee & Cafe before continuing toward Grand Lake. If you'd rather get outside, Claremore Lake has more than four miles of paved paths for walking and biking, along with fishing, boating, picnic areas and playgrounds.
Soak Up the Lake Life in Grove
As you continue toward Missouri, you'll reach Grove and the sprawling waters of Grand Lake O' the Cherokees. This is where I'd slow down and give yourself some time to enjoy the scenery. Grand Lake covers about 46,500 acres and offers boating, fishing, water sports and lakeside recreation, with more than 1,300 miles of shoreline.
For an easy scenic stop, head to Honey Creek Area at Grand Lake State Park, where you can walk along the shore, enjoy a picnic or take in views of the lake. If you're traveling with more time, rent a boat or spend a few hours on the water.
Grove also offers plenty to do away from the water. Explore the six-acre Lendonwood Gardens, wander through the pioneer-era buildings and exhibits at Har-Ber Village Museum or browse the shops and restaurants in downtown Grove. Har-Ber Village even has a nature trail and mining experience where visitors can pan for minerals, gemstones, fossils and arrowheads during its open season.
For lunch, stop at a local Grove restaurant before getting back on the road. Matt's Place is a convenient option for a hearty, casual meal, while downtown options such as La Casita De Martin offer another way to refuel before heading into Missouri.
Road-trip tip: Grove is the stop I'd give the most time to on this route. You could easily spend a few hours here enjoying Grand Lake before continuing toward Cassville.
Explore the Ozarks Around Cassville
Cross into Missouri and continue toward Cassville, where the landscape begins to feel unmistakably Ozark. The big attraction here is Roaring River State Park, located about seven miles south of Cassville.
Roaring River State Park is built around a spring-fed stream and deep, narrow valley surrounded by rugged rock walls. Stop to see the spring, visit the fish hatchery and explore the Ozark Chinquapin Nature Center, which features exhibits about the area's geology, wildlife and habitats.
The park has seven hiking trails ranging from short walks to longer hikes. The River Trail is a 0.6-mile, one-way moderate trail that follows the stream, while the Deer Leap Trail leads to an overlook above the fish hatchery and spring. Fishing enthusiasts can also try their luck in the spring-fed river, which is stocked with trout. Fishing seasons and regulations vary throughout the year, so check current rules before casting a line.
If you're hungry after exploring the park, Cassville has several local dining options, including Geraldi's for Italian food and Weezer's Sweet Chicken & Waffles for a more casual meal.
Take the Scenic Route to Branson
After leaving Cassville, the final stretch toward Branson brings you deeper into the Missouri Ozarks. Keep the windows down, enjoy the winding roads and watch the landscape change as you make your way south.
If you have a little extra time before reaching Branson, consider a short detour to Roaring River State Park if you didn't stop earlier, or simply make the final stretch of the drive part of the experience. You've traded the city skyline of Tulsa for lakes, forests, springs and winding Ozark roads, and now you're arriving in Branson with an entirely new landscape surrounding you.
Finish the Adventure in Branson
You've made it! Now it's time to experience everything Branson has waiting for you.
Catch a live show, spend the day at Silver Dollar City, ride a mountain coaster, explore Historic Downtown or Branson Landing, or get out on Table Rock Lake. After a road trip filled with Route 66 history, Grand Lake scenery and Ozark adventures, Branson is the perfect place to bring the journey to a close.
