things to do
We can’t wait for you to come visit! Here are a few of our favorite things to do in the area.
Attractions
Waynesville (15-20 minutes away):
Roubidoux Spring: Located on old Route 66, Waynesville is a quaint historic town, known for being the last battle ground of the civil war. There are antiques, shops, bars, and our favorite cafe, Drachenfutter Cafe, open until 2pm daily. Roubidoux Springs is a nice park to bring a lunch and enjoy the creek or a swim in the spring’s swimming hole. If you like frogs, check out Frog Rock just up the road!
Old Stagecoach Museum: In the town of Waynesville, there are several historical sites to explore, including the Old Stagecoach Stop — a former hotel built in 1854 that once welcomed weary westbound travelers. Now a museum, it features rooms furnished in the styles of different periods from its rich history. Located about 20 minutes from the cabin.
Frog Rock: A tourist attraction - a rock outcropping on the side of a hill (just outside the town of Waynesville) is painted to look like a Frog. There is no place to park or pull off the main road.
St. Robert/ Fort Leonard Wood (25 minutes away):
Chemical Corps Museum Gift Shop: Fort Leonard Wood is home to the US Army Corps of Engineers, Army Engineer Center and the US Army Engineer Museum. Many historic artifacts and photos are on display.
Uranus Fudge Factory And General Store: A quirky but fun store to explore! From their homemade Fudge in a variety of flavors to gifts, home decor, apparel, toys, gifts, candy, candles, wine, and much more!
Lebanon (West) (25-40 minutes away):
Route 66 Museum: Rich in Route 66 history, this museum offers a nostalgic glimpse into the Mother Road’s past, along with a well-stocked souvenir and gift shop filled with unique mementos and local finds. Located about 25 minutes from the cabin, it’s a fun stop for travelers looking to soak up a bit of Americana and take home a special keepsake.
Bennett Spring State Park: Bennett Spring State Park is a 3,338 acre recreation area located in Bennett Springs, Missouri, 45 minutes from the cabin. It offers ample opportunity for camping, hiking and nature appreciation.
Mansfield (West) (80 minutes away):
Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum: The former home of Laura Ingalls Wilder, author of the beloved Little House on the Prairie books that inspired the famous television series is located in Mansfield. The museum houses four of her handwritten manuscripts and showcases the life and work of both Laura and her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane. Laura and Rose are buried nearby in the Mansfield Cemetery. Located about 1 hour and 20 minutes from the cabin.
Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company: Tucked away in the Ozark Mountains near Mansfield, Missouri, Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company is a one-of-a-kind destination. Known as Bakersville, this pioneer-style village brings history to life with period-themed buildings, charming shops offering handmade goods and clothing, and the Ozark Hotel featuring a Farm-to-Table restaurant. At the heart of it all is the famous Seed Store, showcasing their incredible collection of rare and heirloom seeds. Founded in 1998 by Jere Gettle to preserve and share rare varieties, Baker Creek now offers more than 1,200 open-pollinated, non-GMO seeds gathered from over 70 countries—many collected firsthand. Whether you’re exploring the village, enjoying a meal, or browsing the extensive seed catalog, Baker Creek is both a step back in time and a celebration of agricultural heritage.
Springfield (West) (60-90 minutes away)
Wonders Of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium: A must see! Definitely worth the ticket price! Get inspired by hundreds of species in their unique habitats. Take yourself on this one-of-a-kind aquatic expedition expanding the globe's oceans, lakes and streams. Along the way, you'll lock eyes with some of the world's most interesting species.
Fantastic Caverns: Fantastic Caverns in Springfield, Missouri (1 hour 15 minutes from cabin), is the only North American cave offering a fully ride-through tour. Discovered in 1862, it was first explored in 1867 by the Springfield Women’s Athletic Club. Visitors ride a Jeep-drawn tram along an ancient riverbed during the 55-minute tour, enjoying a constant 60°F temperature. Open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, admission is $32 for adults, $17 for kids 6–12, and free for children under 5. Pet-friendly and rich in history, the cave once served as a Prohibition-era speakeasy and later hosted concerts.
Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden: Botanical Garden Serene, 7-acre garden featuring typical Japanese landscaping, a charming koi lake & a teahouse. Open daily from 10:00am to 7:00pm (1 hour 20 minutes from the cabin).
Camdenton (45-60 minutes away):
Ha Ha Tonka State Park and Castle Ruins: 45 minutes from the cabin, this park is a geologic wonderland featuring sinkholes, caves, a huge natural bridge, sheer bluffs and Missouri's 12th-largest spring.
Gasconade River: Located about 1.5 miles from the cabin, on our farm property, is access to the Gasconade River. The river surrounds our farm’s property on three sides. You can relax in chairs provided, borrow fishing gear and ice chest, skip rocks, and depending on the River’s water current at the time, you may swim or kayak down the River. Ask your host for more details and directions to the river bank locations.
Guided Fishing on the River: If you’re looking to experience Missouri fishing at its finest, we highly recommend booking a trip with Gasconade River Guide. Their friendly, experienced guides know this river like the back of their hand and will help you get one step closer to reeling in that trophy catch.
B&B Theatres Waynesville Patriot 12: Local Movie Theater with a Bar and Grille. Located on the top of the hill just off I-44 in Waynesville.
Farmers Quik Stop LLC: Grocery items, gluten- free, local honey, hay and farm supplies.
Shepherd Hills Factory Outlets: Factory outlet center featuring brand-name pottery, cutlery, home decor & glassware retailers.
Buffalo Wallow Antiques: Offering everything from vintage dishes to large armoire-sized furniture, this shop features General Store display pieces, antique scales, and even an old-fashioned soda shop.
Dutch Bakery and Bulk Food Store, LLC: This is a favorite stop, but is 1 hour and 40 minutes away, and is a great place to visit and shop for bulk ingredients, bakery items, outdoor Amish plywood furniture and more!
Grandpa Joe's Chocolates and Rosewood Farms: Grandpa Joe’s Chocolate and Rosewood Farms feature a wide variety of items throughout their store and silo buildings. A shabby chic, farmhouse and French country feel. From chocolates, candies, a coffee shop, clothes, to home decor, kitchen items, children’s clothing, and so much more.
Price Cutter of Waynesville: One of the closest grocery stores to the cabin that has practically everything you need, plus a Starbucks inside… but we would recommend Drachenfutter Cafe for a more local flavor coffee shop…about 1 mile away!
Town & Country Supermarket: Closest grocery store, The Town and Country Supermarket, is 10 miles from the cabin (20 minute drive through the country town of Richland.)
ALDI: Aldi Grocery Stores have affordable prices and most everything you need. Bring a quarter to get a grocery basket.
On-Site + Nearby Richland
Restaurants
Waynesville (East) (15-20 minutes away):
Hoppers Pub: A family friendly pub with activities throughout the week! Open Saturday with bottomless mimosas, and Sunday brunch. Monday is bingo night, Wednesday is trivia night, Thursday is Karaoke night, and Friday is DJ night. The MUG CLUB invites you to try their 66 beers on tap!
Piney River Taproom: Brew Pub Open 11:00pm to 9:00pm The Piney River Taproom on historic Route 66 on the square in Waynesville. The taproom is another place to enjoy Piney River beers in a family friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Also available: handmade pizza and pretzels, Andy’s Root Beer Growlers filled with packaged Piney River beer, and Andy’s Root Beer Piney River merchandise.
Drachenfutter Cafe: Open Daily from 7:00 am to 2 pm. We love this place for its delicious food, pastries, coffee, tea, friendly staff and little gift items. They have a bookshelf full of board games and offer indoor and outdoor dining. Located near the historic town of Waynesville, Route 66, and Roubidoux Springs. (Located about 24 minutes or 16 miles away from the cabin.)
St. Robert (East) (25 Minutes Away):
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store: Do you love country home cooked food? One of our chain favorites is Cracker Barrel. Great food, good service, and great gift shop finds!
Cafe Korea: Family-owned local restaurant serving Korean and Asian cuisine.
Agave Azteca Mexican Bar and Grill: An inviting fiesta atmosphere serving authentic, traditional Mexican cuisine, with superior customer service and a friendly atmosphere.
Ichiban Japanese Grill & Sushi Bar: brings a vibrant taste of Japan to Saint Robert with a lively hibachi and sushi dining experience. Guests can enjoy theatrically skilled hibachi chefs, fresh sushi rolls, and flavorful Japanese dishes in a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to both locals and visitors.
Ocean Buffet: in Saint Robert offers a wide variety of Chinese and Japanese favorites, including sushi, stir-fries, and hibachi options. With its all-you-can-eat setup and laid-back atmosphere, it’s an easy spot for families, groups, or anyone craving plenty of choices.
The Hub German Restaurant: Traditional German recipes with seafood, steak, and American fare with a splash of European flair - from schnitzel and brats to seafood and steaks.
Colton’s Steak House & Grill: on Marshall Drive keeps things cozy with mesquite-grilled USDA Choice steaks, slow-smoked ribs, and those famous homemade yeast rolls served in a fun, western-themed spot with complimentary peanuts at the table. The menu also includes burgers, seafood, salads, and hearty comfort food, and it’s all available for dine-in, curbside, or take-out if you’re on the go.
Lebanon (West) (20-25 Minutes Away):
Elm Street Eatery: A favorite among locals and visitors. New American cuisine from hearty pancakes to vibrant salads, catering to diverse palates and dietary needs. Great service, friendly staff, and clean facilities. Note that it is only open until 2pm.
DaVinci’s Italian Restaurant: A local highlight serving authentic, delicious Italian food. Enjoy favorites like fettuccine alfredo, chicken pomodoro, calzones, strombolis, soups, sandwiches, salads, pizza, and seafood entrees.
El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant: in Lebanon serves up hearty, authentic Mexican fare like sizzling fajitas, classic street tacos, and always-fresh chips and salsa. Locals rave about the generous portions, friendly staff, and warm, welcoming atmosphere—whether you’re dining in, picking up takeout, or ordering delivery.
Tokyo Hibachi (Grill & Sushi Bar): This restaurant mixes up Japanese favorites like hibachi, sushi, bento bowls, ramen, sashimi, and even burgers—with dine-in and take-out options.
Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant and Bar: It’s a sports bar for game-day enthusiasts, a whiskey bar for whiskey devotees, and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere for a family night out.
Ozark (90 Minutes Away)
Lambert's Café: Located 1 1/2 hours away this one is not nearby, but so worth it! The Famous Lambert’s Cafe has made a name for itself known as “home of the throwed rolls” where the staff will throw warm, large dinner rolls at you from across the room. The servers will also come by your table with fried okra or other country comfort foods for you to try. Be prepared to wait for a table, sometimes the wait can be up to 1 hour or more.
St. James (50 Minutes Away)
Sybill's Saint James: This restaurant offers fine dining in a charming Southern-style home, complete with a welcoming porch veranda for outdoor meals. The menu features steaks, seafood, pastas, and nightly specials, along with an extensive wine list highlighting local wineries and a full bar. Guests can also browse the adjoining gift shop filled with unique home décor, flowers, jewelry, and accessories. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, with brunch and daily desserts available—reservations are recommended.
Don’t forget to explore all the amazing things to do on our property and at each of our stays!
