Dover to Branson Road Trip Guide

Fifty-eight miles is all that separates RV campers from their final destination and one of its greatest attractions: Silver Dollar City. Silver Dollar City is committed to preserving the tradition and culture of the late 19th century and its immense charm and legends.

Silver Dollar City is a theme park that includes exciting amusement park rides and live entertainment while maintaining a unique feel for the 1800s. Among the most popular things to see and do here are the Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train and the Fire In The Hole roller coaster, a thrill ride that simulates a mine set ablaze.

Also found on the grounds are several shops where such items as handmade candy and rugs can be purchased. Another drawing card for this popular park is its live entertainment. A wide range of genres is showcased here from bluegrass to modern country, gospel, Broadway musicals, and even storytellers.

For more information about hours of operation, scheduled events, and associated fees, consult the Silver Dollar City website.

The next leg of the journey towards Branson travels 58.1 miles to an amazing place called the Fantastic Caverns. This unusual attraction has earned the distinction of being America's only ride-thru cave. This property was found in 1862 by a farmer from the Ozarks who discovered the grounds when attempting to extract his dog from the cave opening.

Five years later, a group of twelve women made their way into the cave. Once inside, they wrote their names on the walls, inscriptions which can still be seen today.

The Fantastic Caverns are somewhat fragile. For this reason, visitors may only tour the grounds in Jeep-drawn trams. However, this type of journey only enhances the experience, allowing RV campers to apply their full attention to the beauty, the quietness, and the sheer size of the caves themselves.

Fantastic Caverns are but one of 7,300 known caves found throughout the state of Missouri. The prevalence of this unique topographical feature has earned the state the nickname of "The Cave State."

With the final leg of the journey in the day ahead, a good night's rest is a grand idea. Park the RV for an overnight stay at Springfield/Route 66 KOA Holiday.

164 miles from the Gateway Arch is the Route 66 Museum. Founded by Guy Mace, this museum houses many different classic cars for families to enjoy viewing. Mr. Mace was an avid car collector. When he had amassed a collection of 68 vehicles, he made the decision to put them on display in what is now known as the Route 66 Museum in Springfield, Missouri.

This Missouri city is connected to Route 66, a stretch of highway also commonly referred to as the "Mother Road." This historic route spans the distance from Chicago to Los Angeles.

The Route 66 Museum offers something for every member of the family to enjoy. Among the classic cars found on the grounds are a 1933 Auburn 12, a 1936 Cord 810, and even three rare KisselKars. But Guy's collection is not limited to vintage vehicles. There are many popular sports cars found in the building including such items as several Jaguars and a 1967 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III.

Also housed in the museum are some unusual vehicles including the Zombie Protection Truck and a car called the Gotham Cruiser. The vehicle believed to have been used in the classic film The Grapes of Wrath, a 1926 Hudson, can also be seen here.

A relatively new attraction, Route 66 Museum is well worth stopping in to see.

Tired out from spending the day ogling classic cars? Enjoy a night of R&R in your RV at Springfield/Route 66 KOA Holiday.

One experience that is not to be missed when traveling through the St. Louis area is the Gateway Arch. Just 242 miles from Indianapolis, this destination hotspot is well worth the effort to get to.

The Gateway Arch offers incredible views of the city from its pinnacle. The area combines the best the city has to offer from art, nature, history, and adventure to cuisine, beauty, and so much more.

Taking the tram to the top of the arch is all part of the adventure. The arch itself is comprised of 43,000 tons of concrete and skill to form a sophisticated arch that measures 63 stories in total height. The design concept was influenced by the work Eero Saarinen, a designer of Finnish and American descent. The arch's main purpose was to pay homage to the work of pioneers to expand the American landscape to include lands found to the west. The arch was finished in 1965, and to date, has welcomed millions of people to visit.

For tram schedules, hours of operation, and any associated fees, consult the arch's website.

Need a good night's sleep before tackling the next day's drive? Why not spend the night at St. Louis N.E./ I-270/Granite City KOA Journey or St. Louis West/Historic Route 66 KOA Holiday?

179 miles from Columbus is White River State Park. This recreational center is considered to be a "cultural urban state park." It combines elements of green initiatives with many different unique cultural experiences such as the Indianapolis Zoo, the WShite River Gardens, and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. Other popular attractions found on the grounds include the NCAA Hall of Champions, the IMAX Theater, and one of the most frequented outdoor concert venues in the state The Amphitheater at White River State Park.

Touring the park can be done on foot or by renting a bike or other type of motorized vehicle from the on-site company Wheel Fun Rentals. With such close proximity to water, this recreational area can also be seen via pedal boat or kayak.

White River State Park consists of a total of 250 acres. The property is home to a picturesque canal which is a must-visit spot in this deeply loved public facility.

There is so much for families to do here they could easily spend a few days just exploring.

Thinking a good night's rest is in order before hitting the road on the next leg of the journey towards Branson? Consider parking the RV for an overnight stay at Indianapolis KOA Holiday.

The next leg of the journey towards Branson is lengthy at 338 miles, but the time will fly right by with dreams of enjoying some R&R at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. This public facility is an idyllic haven and is home to stunning gardens as wells as exhibitions that promote education regarding the importance of art and nature and their effects on the human spirit.

The property consists of a total of 40 acres and is nestled on the eastern edge of a recreational area known as Franklin Park. On the Conservatory grounds, families can enjoy exploring the John F. Wolfe House, a building that was constructed in 1895. There are also over 83,000 square feet of glasshouses on the property, an amazing sight to behold.

Among the botanical gardens found on the grounds is the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children's Garden.

Tuckered out from a day spent exploring the gardens? Consider an RV stay at Buckeye Lake/Columbus East KOA Holiday or Korbel North or East Campground.

Only a short drive of 29.9 miles takes RV campers to their next stop en route to Branson: Hagerstown City Park. This popular recreational facility is considered the most beautiful of all of the parks in the city.

This public park houses the Jonathan Hager House and Museum which is housed in the building that was originally the home of the city's founder, Mr. Jonathan Hager. Strewn throughout the park are a variety of manmade bodies of water as well as wooden walking paths, picnic areas, and outdoor activities for families to enjoy. Also found on the grounds are the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, the Hagerstown Railroad Museum and Engine 202, and the Mansion House Art Center.

Dogs are permitted to join their families at Hagerstown City Park but must remain leashed at all times and must stick to the areas designated for their use.

Among the amenities found on the grounds are picnic pavilions, playing fields, a bandshell, bathrooms, tennis courts, and walking trails.

Fishing is strictly prohibited at Hagerstown City Park.

After a day of fun in the sun at this beautiful recreational area, a good night's rest might be just what the doctor ordered. Why not park the RV for an overnight stay at Hagerstown/Antietam Battlefield KOA Holiday or Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park?

Just 132 miles from Dover International Speedway is the Monocacy National Battlefield. This historic property is an interesting spot for families to spend the day learning more about the events that occurred on the grounds.

The American Civil War was still in full swing during the heat of the summer of 1864. During this time, the Union and Confederate troops were dispersed throughout various regions, continuing to fight battles and amass a tremendous loss of lives. While the Union forces were engaged in a battle in Petersburg, Virginia, General Robert E. Lee devised a strategy to commandeer the Second Corps of the Northern Virginia army under General Jubal Early to connect with General John C. Breckenridge with the intent of reclaiming the Shenandoah Valley.

After this first invasion proved successful, the troops moved on to Maryland where they soon were able to surprise the Union forces who then had to attempt to rebound defensively against their attack. Major General Lew Wallace gathered together a force of 3,200 novice soldiers and moved towards Frederick to a spot known as the Monocacy Junction which rests along the Monocacy River.

In response to this movement, General Grant moved his force towards Maryland with the end goal being an offensive attack at Monocacy Junction. The battle occurred at 8:30 AM and culminated in a victory for the Confederate Army. Though this particular battle was not the biggest in the Civil War, it is very significant in many ways. Because this battle thwarted an attempt to overtake the nation's capital, Washington, D.C, it has also been referred to as "The Battle That Saved Washington."

Enjoyed your day exploring the battlefield and ready for some R&R? Consider an RV stay at Rock Run Campground or Brunswick Family Campground.

One of the most popular destinations in Dover is the Dover International Speedway. The racetrack is commonly referred to as the Monster Mile. The speedway is host to two NASCAR weekends in the spring and fall seasons each year.

The track itself consists of one mile laid out in an oval-shaped lap. Its affectionate nickname the "Monster Mile" was bestowed upon the track for its tight turns and tight straightaways, making it a challenge for drivers to navigate well.

RV campers taking in a race at the speedway can also enjoy an overnight stay at one of the on-site campgrounds. Also housed on the grounds is a "fanzone" which offers an abundance of fun things to do as well as the opportunity to meet some of the drivers.

The track at Dover International Speedway was first built of asphalt. It remained in use from 1969-1994 when the decision was made to re-pave it with concrete. The facility has played host to a total of 95 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series events over the years.

For more information about races and other events held on the premises, consult the speedway's website.