8 days in Springfield, Ozark & Eureka Springs Itinerary

Springfield is the capital of Illinois, but its real significance is as the hometown of Abraham Lincoln.

On the 1st (Fri), brush up on your military savvy at Air Combat Museum, look for gifts at Mr. Lincoln's Souvenirs & Gifts, and then pause for some serene contemplation at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. On the 2nd (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: see the interesting displays at Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Museum, then get engrossed in the history at The Lincoln Home Visitor Center, and then make a trip to Rees Memorial Carillon.

For more things to do, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Springfield online sightseeing planner.

Lansing to Springfield is an approximately 6-hour car ride. You can also fly; or do a combination of bus and train. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Central Standard Time (CST), which is usually a -1 hour difference. In July, daily temperatures in Springfield can reach 86°F, while at night they dip to 66°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Sun) to allow time to drive to Ozark.

Ozark is a city in Franklin County, Arkansas, United States and one of the county's two seats of government. Get some historical perspective at Lum and Abner Museum and St. Mary's Catholic Church. Get in touch with nature at Albert Pike Recreation Area and Pig Trail National Scenic Byway. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Ozark: Cove Lake Recreation Area (in Paris) and Glory Hole Trail and Waterfall (in Huntsville). There's much more to do: admire all the interesting features of Boston Mountains Scenic Loop, look for gifts at Turner Bend Outfitters, learn about winemaking at Post Winery, and get a sense of history and politics at Logan County Courthouse.

For ratings, photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Ozark holiday maker tool.

Traveling by car from Springfield to Ozark takes 8 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. In July, Ozark is somewhat warmer than Springfield - with highs of 93°F and lows of 73°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Wed) early enough to drive to Eureka Springs.

Nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, the whole town of Eureka Springs is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Start off your visit on the 7th (Thu): view the masterpieces at Quicksilver Gallery, get a taste of the local shopping with Zarks Fine Design Gallery, then stop by Fresh Harvest Tasting Room - Eureka Springs, then stroll around Basin Spring Park, and finally shop like a local with The Birdcage.

For ratings, reviews, photos, and other tourist information, use the Eureka Springs trip itinerary builder.

You can drive from Ozark to Eureka Springs in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. When traveling from Ozark in July, plan for a bit cooler days in Eureka Springs, with highs around 87°F, while nights are about the same with lows around 69°F. You'll have a few hours on the 8th (Fri) to wrap things up before traveling home.