Heading down around the Branson area in a couple weeks. Looking at routes from Waterloo South. My thoughts are staying off the highway and taking 63/5/65.
Anyone familiar with the area and have an opinion?
Much appreciated.

 

I grew up in Southern Iowa on Highway 5 and live in Kansas City now. I frequently take Highway 5, Highway 65 and/or other routes between KC and Southern Iowa on my motorcycle when visiting family in Iowa. I-35 gets boring between KC and Iowa. You won't make good time taking the back road highways but I enjoy cycling through rural Missouri; most of the roads are in decent shape, you see real "rural America" and interesting small towns, and from Waterloo to Branson there aren't any interstates options anyway to choose from. While in Branson, be sure to explore down into Arkansas bit, towards Eureka Springs area if you have time. Interesting area.

 

Appreciate it man! After last night's research, I'm now considering heading to Cedar Rapids vs Waterloo and taking 151/63 down.
Then just shooting up 54/218 on the way back. And Arkansas is the plan. Have friends just South of Springfield in Galena and plan to ride South into Arkansas for a couple days.

 

Just make sure to check Iowa dot for road closures its ugly

 

I usually take 63/54/65 when going to Branson/Springfield area. Was down there first of April and roads were good then. Lots of flooding and storms down there recently though.

 

A lot of flooding in Ark currently around Little Rock and the Fort Smith area, possibly others I'm not aware of. Check your routes before heading out.

 

My wife and I just road to Branson for a quick getaway.

Highway 5 is a nice route if you don't want to take a major highway. You can make good time on that road and it usually has very little traffic.

Definitely visit Eureka Springs. The Rockin' Pig Saloon is an awesome place with great BBQ.

 

5 would be a good route. It is really pretty down near Lebanon last time I was on it.