Strafford MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Strafford, Missouri.
1. Wild Animal Safari
DRIVE-THROUGH WILDLIFE ADVENTURE
Wild Animal Safari is a popular drive-through wildlife park in Strafford that allows visitors to observe exotic animals up close from the comfort of their vehicles. Guests can feed many of the animals, including zebras, bison, and various deer species, creating memorable interactive experiences. The safari also offers a walk-through area with additional animal exhibits and educational presentations.
2. Creation Ministries of the Ozarks
FAITH-BASED EDUCATIONAL CENTER
Creation Ministries of the Ozarks offers visitors a faith-based perspective on natural history and science. The center features various exhibits that present creationist interpretations of geological formations, fossils, and other natural phenomena. Visitors can participate in guided tours and educational programs that explore the relationship between faith and science.
3. Fellows Lake Trail
SCENIC LAKESIDE HIKING
Fellows Lake Trail provides outdoor enthusiasts with beautiful hiking paths around one of the area's most picturesque bodies of water. The trail system offers various difficulty levels, making it accessible for both casual walkers and more experienced hikers. Visitors can enjoy stunning lake views, abundant wildlife, and peaceful natural surroundings throughout their hiking experience.
4. Paintball Outpost
ACTION-PACKED OUTDOOR RECREATION
Paintball Outpost provides adrenaline-pumping recreational activities for groups seeking competitive outdoor fun. The facility features multiple playing fields with various obstacles, bunkers, and terrain to create diverse gameplay experiences. Equipment rentals and safety instruction are available for players of all experience levels.
5. Historic Delp Route 66 Park
MOTHER ROAD HERITAGE SITE
Historic Delp Route 66 Park celebrates Strafford's connection to the iconic highway with stylized replicas of historic buildings. The park features reconstructions of Baumgatner's station, the town's railway depot, and plans for Delp's Hotel, which served Route 66 travelers until 2008. Visitors can enjoy the pavilion for picnics and view the Route 66 mural painted on the City Hall wall facing the historic roadway.
6. Branson Landing
WATERFRONT SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Branson Landing is a premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination located along Lake Taneycomo's scenic waterfront. The complex features over 100 specialty shops, restaurants, and attractions in a beautiful outdoor setting with a boardwalk. Visitors can enjoy the spectacular $7.5 million water fountain show choreographed with fire, light, and music that performs regularly throughout the day.
7. Branson Cart Adventures
SELF-GUIDED CITY EXPLORATION
Branson Cart Adventures offers a unique way to explore the Branson area with self-guided cart tours. Visitors can navigate their own path through scenic routes and popular attractions at their own pace. The adventure combines the freedom of independent exploration with the convenience of a pre-planned itinerary highlighting the region's best sites.
8. Gateway Arch
ICONIC NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch stands as a towering 630-foot stainless steel monument symbolizing St. Louis' role as the gateway to the American West. Visitors can ride a unique tram system to the observation deck at the top, offering panoramic views extending up to 30 miles in each direction on clear days. The surrounding Jefferson National Expansion Memorial includes a museum documenting westward expansion and the Lewis and Clark expedition.
9. Baumgatner's Station
HISTORIC ROUTE 66 LANDMARK
Baumgatner's Station represents an important piece of Strafford's Route 66 heritage as a former roadside service station. The historic site has been commemorated with a replica in the Historic Delp Route 66 Park, preserving its legacy for modern visitors. During Route 66's heyday, the station served as a vital refueling point for travelers making their way across America's Mother Road.
10. Willis Hotel
CLASSIC ROADSIDE ACCOMMODATION
Willis Hotel once provided lodging for weary travelers along historic Route 66 in Strafford. The establishment represents the golden age of American road travel when family-owned motels and hotels lined the famous highway. Though the original building may no longer stand, it remains an important part of Strafford's transportation heritage and Route 66 history.
11. McDowell's Garage
VINTAGE AUTOMOTIVE LANDMARK
McDowell's Garage served as an essential service stop for motorists traveling Route 66 through Strafford. The historic garage provided mechanical repairs and automotive services during the highway's busiest decades. Located near the current Historic Delp Route 66 Park, the site represents the support infrastructure that made cross-country travel possible in the early to mid-20th century.
12. Route 66 Mural
COLORFUL ROADSIDE ART
The Route 66 Mural in Strafford adorns the City Hall wall facing the historic highway, creating a vibrant visual tribute to the town's transportation heritage. The artwork captures iconic imagery and symbols associated with America's most famous road. Visitors can view this colorful public art piece while exploring other Route 66 landmarks in the Historic Delp Route 66 Park area.
13. The Wildseed Restaurant & Bar
LOCAL DINING FAVORITE
The Wildseed Restaurant & Bar offers visitors and locals alike a taste of authentic Missouri cuisine in a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. The establishment serves hearty meals that reflect regional flavors and culinary traditions. Diners can enjoy both classic American favorites and specialty dishes that showcase local ingredients and recipes.
14. Joe's Route 66 Diner
NOSTALGIC ROADSIDE EATERY
Joe's Route 66 Diner captures the classic roadside dining experience that was once common along America's most famous highway. The restaurant features nostalgic decor celebrating the golden age of automobile travel and Route 66 culture. Visitors can enjoy traditional American diner fare while soaking in the atmospheric tribute to mid-20th century road trip dining.
15. Common Grounds Coffee Cafe & Bakery
COZY LOCAL COFFEEHOUSE
Common Grounds Coffee Cafe & Bakery welcomes visitors with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and house-made baked goods in a warm, inviting setting. The cafe serves a variety of specialty coffee drinks alongside sweet and savory pastries, making it a perfect stop for breakfast or an afternoon break. Local artwork often adorns the walls, contributing to the cafe's community-centered atmosphere.