St. Louis to Mountain View: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Did you know that the final segment of this route, from West Plains to Mountain View, follows the path of the former St. Louis–San Francisco Railway (Frisco), which once hauled timber and passengers through the Ozarks? Today, the drive from St. Louis, Missouri, to Mountain View, Arkansas, spans roughly 200 miles via US-67 S and US-63 S, taking about 3.5 hours without stops. This journey transitions from the Mississippi River bluffs to the rolling hills of the Ozark Plateau, offering a mix of urban energy and rustic tranquility.

Before diving into the details, learn how to uncover hidden gems along any route with our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. This trip is packed with worthwhile detours, from historic Route 167 to the spring-fed rivers of the Ozarks.

Speed limits vary: 65 mph on US-67, 55–60 on US-63, and 50 on AR-9. Watch for deer at dawn and dusk, especially near forested sections. Cell service is reliable on main highways but spotty in valleys; download offline maps before entering the Ozarks.

• Family stops: St. Louis Zoo (free admission) before departure; Mingo National Wildlife Refuge near Puxico for hiking; Ozark Folk Center State Park for hands-on crafts.
• Pet-friendly framework: Pets allowed at Elephant Rocks (on leash), Johnson's Shut-Ins (no water access for pets), and most outdoor areas. Rest stops have pet relief areas.
• Fatigue management: Plan breaks every 2 hours. Poplar Bluff (mile 110) and West Plains (mile 170) are ideal rest points with fast food and parks.

Hidden off-route spots: The town of Eminence, MO (20 miles west of US-63 on MO-106) offers the Current River, ideal for floating. Another gem: the town of Alton, MO, with its Oregon County Courthouse built in 1893.

The route passes through the Mark Twain National Forest, offering views of oak-hickory forests and limestone bluffs. Near Poplar Bluff, the Black River provides opportunities for canoeing and fishing. In Mountain View, the Ozark Folk Center State Park preserves traditional crafts and music.

• Elephant Rocks State Park (Graniteville, MO): Giant granite boulders formed 1.5 billion years ago. A short walk from the parking lot.
• Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park (Middle Brook, MO): Natural water slides and pools in the East Fork Black River. Check seasonal access.
• Blanchard Springs Caverns (near Mountain View): A living cave with guided tours. Temperature averages 60°F year-round.

Local commerce thrives in the small towns. Antique shops in Farmington and Arcadia Valley offer Ozark artifacts. In Mountain View, the downtown square features artisan galleries and the Ozark Mountain Music Makers performing traditional folk music.

Fuel efficiency and cost matter on any road trip. The total distance of 205 miles at 25 mpg requires about 8.2 gallons of gas. At $3.20 per gallon, expect to spend around $26 in fuel one-way. Gas stations are abundant along US-67, but become sparse west of Poplar Bluff; fill up there or in West Plains.

• Major fuel stops: Arnold (exit 186 on I-55), Festus, Bonne Terre, Farmington, Poplar Bluff, and West Plains.
• Rest areas: Rest Plaza near Bonne Terre (mile marker 130 on US-67) and West Plains Rest Area on US-63.
• Road quality: US-67 is a divided highway with some traffic lights near towns; US-63 is two-lane with occasional passing zones. AR-9 is winding but well-maintained.