Wednesday March 24, 2026
In keeping with our policy this entire trip we attempt to drive around 200 miles per travel day and today is no exception. Beaumont was a very interesting place for its past and now it’s just a quirky little settlement- but worth the stop. If we didn’t stop how would we have known about this place. We continue east, then south on US400, a very pleasant road to travel.
Most people think Kansas is flat. Not true, I counted at least one hill. The farther east in the state the more hills and the greener the landscape. We pass Fredonia (2151 souls) which is located just off US400 in southeast Kansas between Wichita and Joplin. Fredonia is located at the rim of the scenic Flint Hills, an area rich with recreational opportunities. The river valleys, range land, and wooded hills offer exceptional hunting, outdoor living, and trail riding. The town was based on the railroad, coal, and soy bean processing.
Springfield (169, 176 souls) is by known several nicknames- the Queen of the Ozarks, , the birthplace of Route 66 and the Buckle of the Bible Belt. It’s also home to Bass Pro Shops and O’Reilly Auto Parts. An airport large enough for jet planes is in town. I assume most passengers would be going to Branson MO which is less than 44 miles away.
We drop down to MO96 and take it to Springfield MO. We are staying at the Springfield/ Rout 66 KOA. I don’t usually like to stay at KOA’s as most are dated, and spacing of the sites are toonarrow. But this KOA breaks the mold. The sites are long and wide with deciduous trees in between. There are at least three pet areas and a giant multi-use grassy field for anyone’s enjoyment. There is a kiddy play area provided. The only drawback is the nearby rail had at least 6 trains go by while we were there- but we are used to that. It’s a very pretty park.
Springfield had four country western TV shows broadcast during the 1950’s and 1960’s. I remember one- the Eddie Arnold Show. Many of the biggest names in Country Western frequented the shows or lived in Springfield at the time.
It also has a unique cave, Cantastic Caverns, that has passenger cars that drive through it.
We’ll be heading down to Poplar Bluff for a couple of nights to let a weather system blow through. See you there.
Travel With Jil and Mike 