Travel
Getaway to Lebanon, Missouri
Take a walk through historic parks large and small, do some boutique shopping, learn some Route 66 history and top things off with a perfectly cooked steak when you visit Lebanon.
By Taryn Shorr-Mckee, Jamie Thomas, Zachary Raines
Dec 2024
Photo courtesy Josh Beecher
If it’s been a while since you last visited Lebanon, it’s time to make another trip. The small town has seen major revitalization in the past couple of years, particularly downtown, and there’s more to explore than ever before. No matter how chilly it gets, Lebanon offers a perfect day trip from anywhere in 417-land, with plenty of opportunities for cozy fun.
Hike & Fish
Best known as a warm-weather trout fishing destination, the serene Bennett Spring State Park offers plenty of winter adventures, too. From November through February, the park allows catch-and-release fishing Friday through Monday. Its five hiking trails are accessible year-round. The 300-foot-long namesake feature on the long-ish but easygoing Natural Tunnel Trail showcases the Ozarks’ distinct karst topography—and keeps little ones entertained.
Grab a Bite
“Café” may be in its name, but don’t dismiss Café Jude’s as just a place to get a cup of coffee (while you’re here, though, try the Honey Cardamom Latte). After a recent move into a historic State Savings Bank building downtown, Jude’s expanded its food offerings to include breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can also enjoy a surprisingly well-curated selection of Missouri beers and wines, thanks to owner Matt Starnes’ background working at wineries. Playing even more on that experience, the cafe hosts free wine tastings on Mondays, monthly wine pairing dinners and out-of-the-box culinary workshops, as well as open mic nights, trivia and concerts.
Play a While
The popular Springfield-based restaurant Big Whiskey’s opened a location in Lebanon last summer, introducing “Whiskey’s Yard,” a concept that was several years in the making. The “yard” features cornhole and other outdoor games, plus fire pits, so you can enjoy some friendly competition even when it’s cold out. Inside, enjoy the elevated sports bar fare Big Whiskey’s is known for, plus weekday happy hour, weekend brunch and—what else?—whiskey flights.
Retail Therapy
Dozens of boutiques, bakeries, thrift stores, antique shops and unique, only-in-a-small-town businesses (we’re looking at you, Vintage Flower Market and Massey’s Comics) line Commercial Street, Lebanon’s main thoroughfare. You can easily spend an afternoon shopping, eating and drinking your way through downtown. Don’t miss First Friday, and off the main strip, check out the massive Heartland Antique Mall and Shepherd Hills Factory Outlets.
Boswell Park
51 Drury Lane, Lebanon, 417-532-2156
Boswell
Park sits off Route 66 and is decorated with three large murals
commemorating the Mother Road. Another unique feature of this particular
park is the last cabin of Camp Joy, the first tourist spot, built in
1927, between Springfield and St. Louis.
Route 66 Museum and Research Center
915 S. Jefferson Ave., Lebanon, 417-532-2148
For
some authentic, old-school Midwest Americana, the Route 66 Museum and
Research Center at the Lebanon-Laclede County Library is free for
self-guided walking tours. The center has a recreation of a ’50s gas
station and diner, along with a selection of classic cars and more.
Mother’s Garden
941-985 S. Jefferson Ave., Lebanon
Mother’s
Garden is a small park that’s packed with fountains, walkways, statues,
gazebos and greenery. This small, peaceful park is well worth a stop
for a stroll any time of year. And if you need a quick break from the
museums and shops, it’s a great spot to relax with a hot coffee.
June & Beyond Boutique
242 S. Jefferson Ave., Lebanon, 417-532-7467
June
& Beyond Boutique offers a variety of clothes, shoes and
accessories in an equally broad selection of styles. Combine that with
helpful customer service and a cozy atmosphere and you might just have a
new favorite boutique.
Madison Street Grill
201 West Commercial St., Lebanon, 417-532-0120
If
you need somewhere to stop for lunch or, better yet, finish off the day
with dinner, the Madison Street Grill offers up a substantial menu.
Steaks, seafood, salads and a full bar with a wide selection, all in a
laid-back neighborhood bar atmosphere.
Float the Niangua River
The Niangua River is a great destination for people wanting to explore the Ozarks from the water. Great for all skill levels, typical float trips down the river are anywhere from 4 to 14 miles and last 2 to 8 hours, depending on travel length. The Niangua River Oasis (171 Nro Rd., Lebanon; 417-532-6333) offers great canoe, raft and kayak rentals and lodging.
Try Nostalgic Eats
Swiss Inn Drive In (356 N Jefferson Ave., Lebanon; 417-532-7625) offers up delectable burgers and fried sides. Once known as Mr. Swiss (before their name change in the late ’70s) the building is essentially the same as it was 55 years ago, a quaint little antique. Just like the building, the food is still the same good quality and its fine service continues to this day.
Go Antiquing
Antiques in Lebanon are not in any short supply; you'll find all kinds of unique treasures, old and new. Walk along the antique trail and shop at unique stores, such as Route 66 Antique Mall & Marketplace and The Rusty Rooster Marketplace. Then grab a brown bag lunch special with a side of more antiques at Wrink’s Market.
Sleep on History
Make it a weekend with a stay at Manor House Inn (505 E. Elm St., Lebanon; 417-718-6200), formerly known as The Lenz HoMoTel, built in 1903. Today it has been renovated to keep it comfortable for guests, while it has still maintained its historic appeal. The house has six memorable rooms to stay in, a game room and a library.
