The allure of #vanlife is sweeping the nation, and after seeing countless people embark on their own road trip adventures, we thought—why not us? After all, if you can rent an RV, the road is yours! So, off we went to Byerly RV Rentals to pick up our Thor Gemini RV, excited for a new kind of Thanksgiving.
Destination: Northwest Missouri
We chose Northwest Missouri for our adventure, mainly because it was close enough to home. If things didn’t go as planned (rookie RV mistake?), we could turn around and be home in 2-3 hours. Kevin, our logistics expert, worked out a five-day itinerary using the Missouri Travel Guide, making sure we had time to soak in a mix of history, nature, and quirky local spots. Let’s dive into the highlights of our trip!
Why Northwest Missouri?
We picked Northwest Missouri for its proximity—close enough that if our first RV trip didn’t go as planned, we could return home within a couple of hours. Kevin and I used the Missouri Travel Guide to map out must-see spots and a five-day itinerary that balanced both historical landmarks and outdoor activities. It’s the perfect destination for anyone looking for a weekend getaway with an RV!
RV Camping at Katy Roundhouse Campground
After packing the essentials (and more), we arrived at Katy Roundhouse Campground, our first stop. The campground offers 30 full hook-up sites right next to Katy Trail, one of Missouri’s most popular bike trails. We didn’t bring bikes this time, but the proximity to the trail makes it a great option for those who enjoy cycling.
Since this was our first time using an RV, we opted for a full hookup site, which included water, electric, and sewer connections. I was a little nervous about running out of water or having toilet troubles, so a full hook-up gave us peace of mind.
Pro Tip for First-Time RVers: If you're new to RV camping, full hook-up sites are the way to go. You may not need all the connections, but it’s comforting to have them on hand while you’re still figuring things out.
Not into RVing? Try some cozy cabins
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Our first meal in the RV was simple—pre-packed food we’d brought from home. We’re not big on campfire cooking, preferring to spend our time enjoying the surroundings rather than prepping meals. Georgia, our dog, wasn’t too thrilled about not getting a second dinner, but Kevin and I were more than happy with our easy meal.
Explore Boone’s Lick State Historic Site
The next morning, after a chilly night, we drove to Boone's Lick State Historic Site, about 30 minutes away from Katy Roundhouse. This site, nestled in the heart of Missouri, is where early settlers made salt—a valuable resource in the 19th century.
The area is part of the Boone’s Lick Trail, a route that played a significant role in Missouri’s westward expansion.
Walking the trail, you can almost picture the early pioneers trudging along, dreaming of their futures. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into frontier history, and its rustic charm makes it a peaceful stop for hiking and exploration.
Travel Tip: Boone’s Lick is free to visit and open year-round. It’s a quick stop with a lot of historical significance, making it perfect for travelers interested in Missouri’s heritage.
Arrow Rock State Historic Site
From Boone’s Lick, we made our way to Arrow Rock State Historic Site, hoping to enjoy the area’s famous walking tour. Unfortunately, it was Thanksgiving, so most of the historic buildings were closed. However, the surrounding area offered plenty of hiking trails, and we took advantage of the crisp weather for another walk with Georgia.
For those visiting when the buildings are open, Arrow Rock is a National Historic Landmark with well-preserved homes and structures from the early 1800s. The walking tour takes you through historic trading posts and even an 1830s theater.
Travel Tip: Arrow Rock is a must-see for history buffs. Check the schedule ahead of time, as the visitor center and buildings can close on holidays. Admission is free, but guided tours and special events may have a small fee.
Jim the Wonder Dog Memorial Garden
With Georgia being such a good sport throughout our hikes, we decided to reward her with a visit to Jim the Wonder Memorial Garden in Marshall, Missouri. Jim, a Llewellin Setter from the early 1900s, was known for his incredible intelligence. He could reportedly understand English, predict the weather, and even communicate with his owner. Jim became so famous that he performed in front of the Missouri Legislature, earning the title of Missouri’s Wonder Dog.
Jim's fame spread far and wide, and he was eventually invited to perform before the Missouri Legislature. He impressed the lawmakers with his skills, and they even passed a resolution declaring him Missouri's official wonder dog. Jim the Wonder Dog died in 1937, but his legacy lives on. He is remembered as one of the most extraordinary dogs that ever lived.
Georgia was not impressed and did not get what all the fuss was about.
Travel Tip: The garden is free and open year-round. It’s a fun, quick stop if you’re passing through Marshall.
Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park
Looking for one more outdoor adventure, we headed to Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park. This 1,100-acre park is a hidden gem in Saline County. It’s rich in Native American history, with remains of the Old Fort, built by the Missouria Indians. The park also houses the Missouri’s American Indian Cultural Center, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the region’s Native history.
We found a quiet spot to hook up the RV and enjoy a peaceful lunch. Afterward, we hit the trails for one last hike before heading to our final destination.
Travel Tip: The park is free to enter, and the Cultural Center is open seasonally. It’s a great place for hiking, camping, and learning about the area’s history.
Chillicothe, MO: The Home of Sliced Bread (and Murals)
Our final adventure took us to Chillicothe, Missouri, famous for being the birthplace of sliced bread. Naturally, Kevin hoped there’d be some free samples. There weren’t. But what Chillicothe lacks in free carbs, it more than makes up for with its vibrant mural scene.
The town is home to over two dozen murals, each telling a piece of Chillicothe’s rich history.
From depictions of railroad stations to agricultural scenes, the murals make for a colorful and educational tour. We spent the afternoon wandering the streets, snapping photos with these large-scale artworks.
Travel Tip: The murals are free to view, and you can grab a map from the Chillicothe Chamber of Commerce for a self-guided tour. Wear comfy shoes—there’s a lot to see!
Final Stop: Crowder State Park
Our last night was spent at Crowder State Park, a peaceful spot for RV camping. With rolling hills, lakes, and plenty of wildlife, it was the perfect way to end our Thanksgiving RV adventure. Georgia was worn out from the day’s excitement, and we enjoyed the calm of our final evening before heading home.
There you have it!
So, that was our Thanksgiving RV adventure in Northwest Missouri! From historic sites to quirky roadside attractions and scenic parks, this region offers a little bit of everything for RV travelers. If you’ve been thinking about skipping the traditional Thanksgiving routine in favor of something new, I highly recommend it. There’s nothing quite like experiencing Missouri’s hidden gems from the comfort of your RV.
Have you considered a camping trip for Thanksgiving?
Read the rest of our winter adventure here Surviving the Cold: Winter Camping in Northwest Missouri
Let us know if you have plans to camp for Thanksgiving.
TTYL
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